Alex Van Halen has revealed his first new music project following the sale of all his equipment. He announced a collaboration with Toto’s Steve Lukather in a recent interview with Modern Drummer Official.

The Van Halen drummer discussed his upcoming recording plans and his long-standing relationship with the renowned guitarist.

“I’m getting ready to do this record with Steve Lukather and a couple other people, it should be exciting,” Van Halen said. “We have a long history together. He sang on a couple of records with us.”

Van Halen elaborated on the collaborative approach behind the project. He emphasized the importance of creative relationships over contractual obligations.

“You know, ultimately when you’re in, I don’t want to use the word business, but if you’re in this line of work just like you and I, you know, we have a relationship,” he continued. “It goes beyond superficial contract and I want you to do this and do that. We do it because we like something or we want to do it because it’s creative. The moment you get into contracts that are very specific about what your what your role in the project is, it falls apart, you know, and that’s been our experience anyway. And we’ve known Lukather for a long time. So, yeah, he was one of real true best friends.”

This announcement marks Van Halen’s return to recording after a significant period away from the studio. It represents a new chapter in his musical journey following the loss of his brother Eddie in 2020.

The interview took place during a special episode that showcased Van Halen’s reflective approach to his musical legacy. Antimusic reported that the conversation was part of the season finale of Metal Sticks, hosted by Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain and David Frangioni. The podcast has become a platform for world-famous musicians to discuss their craft and experiences in the heavy metal world.

Van Halen’s decision to collaborate with Lukather comes at a time when he has been reassessing his musical direction and equipment choices. The drummer has been known for his innovative approach to recording and his philosophical views on drum setups that helped shape Van Halen’s distinctive sound throughout their career.

This new project represents Van Halen’s first major musical endeavor since dealing with personal and professional challenges in recent years. Paste Magazine noted that Alex Van Halen has been selective about his public appearances and interviews following his brother’s death. This makes the announcement particularly significant for fans of the legendary rock band.

The collaboration with Lukather promises to bring together decades of rock experience. Lukather is a Grammy-winning guitarist known for his work with Toto and numerous session recordings. Their long-standing friendship and previous musical collaborations provide a foundation for what Van Halen describes as a creative partnership built on mutual respect rather than contractual obligations.