Mitch Malloy recently talked about Van Halen’s internal dynamics, discussing the band’s leadership structure in an interview on Harmless Dave.
Mitch Malloy talks about Alex Van Halen
When asked who is primarily calling the shots within Van Halen, Malloy listed multiple key figures in the band’s decision-making process. He explained that drummer Alex Van Halen has historically held significant influence over the group’s direction.
“Alex, I think was always quietly running things,” Malloy said. “That’s the vibe I got when I was there. He’s the older brother, and the older brother is always the older brother. I mean, it’s just always that way. And he’s really smart. He really is, especially for a drummer.”
Malloy recalled witnessing the creative dynamic between the Van Halen brothers while at the band’s 5150 studio. He reflected on a moment where Eddie Van Halen brought a musical idea to his brother. The two engaged in a collaborative and sometimes contentious songwriting process.
“I mean there was a moment when Eddie had an idea when we were there. He had a riff and he was like, ‘Al, I got this idea.’ And he and Al started playing and I was sitting, you know, in the chair at 5150 as they were constructing, you know, a song and Al had definite opinions about things, you know, that Ed was playing. I mean, he went up against him. It was cool to watch. Kind of kind of scary, actually, too.”
According to Malloy, the current leadership extends beyond Alex. Wolfgang Van Halen and David Lee Roth also play significant roles in the band’s operations.
“Al, I think really at this point especially, would be running things but also Wolfie has a big play in it as well. I mean, Ed really kind of handed the the keys to him, you know, and so I think it’s really those two guys, but then they have David Lee Roth as well in the mix and I think he has a say in things. In fact, I know that to a degree. I still have some insider information there, but I don’t know. I mean, they’re not calling me and that’s fine.”
