When you think of Van Halen, you think of the electrifying riffs, the unforgettable vocals, and the thundering drums that defined a generation. But behind the music lies a fascinating history involving Gene Simmons.
Recently, Alex Van Halen sat down for an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air to promote his memoir, Brothers. In the conversation, Alex finally addressed a long-standing story involving none other than KISS’s Gene Simmons—a story that goes back to the very origins of Van Halen.
In mid-1970s, when Van Halen was still just a rising band in California. KISS frontman Gene Simmons discovered Van Halen and was instantly blown away by their talent. He saw something special in the group and decided to take them under his wing.
Gene wasn’t just impressed—he wanted to help. He took the band into the studio and financed a demo tape. This tape was a key stepping stone for Van Halen, showcasing their raw talent and helping them get noticed by the music industry.
But according to Alex Van Halen, there was a bit of tension right from the start. In his NPR interview, Alex revealed a surprising detail: Gene Simmons wasn’t a fan of the band’s name.
But the Van Halen brothers weren’t interested in rebranding. Ultimately, the band stuck to their guns, and as we all know, the name “Van Halen” became legendary. Still, Alex spoke highly of Gene Simmons during the interview.
Gene Simmons’s role in Van Halen’s early days is undeniable. He introduced them to the right people, helped them get into the studio, and even advocated for their signing with a major label. But according to Alex, Gene’s ambitions for the band only went so far.
