Eddie Van Halen Took 1,000 Steroid Pills: ‘If Two’s Good, 20's Better,’ Reveals Brother Alex

Eddie Van Halen was one of the most famous guitar players in the world. He is known for his amazing talent and unique style. Sadly, his life was also filled with problems related to addiction and health issues.

Eddie faced many challenges throughout his life. He struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol for a long time. Even when he became famous, these problems never went away. He often used drugs to help him feel better and to create music.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Eddie’s brother, Alex Van Halen, talked about Eddie's struggles. He said Eddie started taking steroid pills after doctors gave them to him to help with swelling. 

This happened after Eddie had surgery to remove a brain tumor. Alex realized one day that Eddie had taken a whole bottle of pills. Eddie thought the pills made him feel “like Superman.”

[Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen and Eddie's son, Wolfgang Van Halen, in 2007. Getty Images]

Alex said, “If two’s good, 20’s better. That was our motto.” This shows how Eddie often pushed things too far. It was a risky choice that hurt his health.

Eddie Van Halen died in October 2020 after having a massive stroke. This happened after he had been fighting throat cancer for a long time. Alex shared how hard Eddie fought until the very end.

 “He wouldn’t do traditional treatment. Some of the unusual stuff caused such a bad mix in his body,” Alex explained. He also mentioned that drinking alcohol while taking these medications was a big mistake.

Before he passed away, Eddie went to Switzerland for new treatments. Despite his health problems, he kept making music. Alex said, “Up to the very end, he was making music. To be honest, it wasn’t very good. But that wasn’t the point. That’s what he loved to do.” Eddie's passion for music drove him, even when things were tough.

[Eddie Van Halen's ex, Valerie Bertinelli, with their only son, Wolfgang Van Halen. Getty Images]

Alex also talked about how Eddie's death affected him. He described feeling “oceanic grief.” He said, “I shut down. I was yelling and screaming. I was beside myself.” This shows how much their brotherly bond meant to him.

In his upcoming book called "Brothers," Alex will share more about his life with Eddie. He talked about how their father struggled with drinking and gave Alex his first drink at a very young age. He remembered having his first drink when he was just six years old. Both brothers had their own battles with addiction, but Alex found help from his wife, Stine Schyberg, which helped him stop drinking.

Reflecting on his brother’s struggles, Alex said Eddie's biggest problem was his talent. Eddie was an incredible guitar player, but that talent came with a heavy burden. The pressure to be the best took a toll on his health. Alex said, “In the end, he paid for it with his health and his life.”

Red Hot Chili Peppers (Photo: Clara Balzary)

Eddie talked about his battles with addiction in a 2015 interview with Billboard. He said he did not drink to party like others did. While the rest of the band went out, Eddie stayed in his hotel room. He used alcohol and cocaine to help him focus on his music.

“Alcohol and cocaine were private things to me,” Eddie explained. He used them to feel less shy and to stay awake. Eddie believed that using these things helped him create music. He would play by himself while recording, losing track of time and thoughts.

His ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, also shared her feelings about Eddie. Earlier this year, she wrote on Instagram about how their relationship changed after they met. They fell in love when Eddie was 26 and she was 20. But soon, their relationship faced problems due to drugs, alcohol, and cheating.

In her 2022 book, "Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today," she expressed her deep love for Eddie. She wrote, “I loved Ed more than I know how to explain. I loved his soul.” Even with her love, she struggled with his addiction. “I hated the drugs and the alcohol, but I never hated him. I saw his pain.” This shows how complicated their relationship was and the difficulties they faced together.

Eddie Van Halen's story reminds us of the struggles many people face with addiction, even those who seem successful. His love for music was a big part of his life, but it also came with many challenges. Eddie fought hard through his problems, and his brother Alex continues to honor his memory. As fans remember Eddie, they also learn about the importance of support and understanding in tough times.

Eddie's life was filled with great music and big struggles. He will always be remembered as a guitar legend, but also as someone who faced many difficulties. His journey teaches us about the challenges of addiction and the power of love and support.