Alex Van Halen has revealed that he’s nonetheless bitter over his brother’s resolution to play on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”

It was 1982 when Eddie Van Halen, guitar god for the largest band on the earth, was approached by producer Quincy Jones to play on Jackson’s music. Eddie knew that doing so would break a Van Halen band rule relating to outdoors work, however he determined to take the gig anyway, a lot to the dismay of Alex.

“Why would you lend your talents to Michael Jackson?” the drummer declared throughout a latest interview with Rolling Stone, his first since Eddie’s dying. “I just don’t fucking get it.”

READ MORE: Eddie Van Halen Broke a Band Rule to Play on ‘Beat It’

Eddie’s solo on “Beat It” turned one of the crucial identifiable guitar riffs of the ‘80s, rivaling anything he recorded with his own band. Alex saw it as treason.

“And the funny part was that Ed fibbed his way out of it by saying, ‘Oh, who knows that kid anyway?’” the drummer recalled. “You made the mistake! Fess up. Don’t add insult to injury by acting stupid.”

The affect of Eddie’s “Beat It” cameo resonated past harm emotions. Seeing the guitarist stretch past Van Halen, singer David Lee Roth determined to enterprise into solo work as nicely. Cracks inside the band had been rising. Meanwhile, Jackson’s Thriller turned the largest album on the earth, and its reputation saved Van Halen’s 1984 from ever reaching No. 1 on the Billboard chart.

When Does Alex Van Halen’s Memoir Come Out?

Alex’s new memoir, Brothers, shall be launched on Oct. 22. The e book particulars the drummer’s shut, but sophisticated relationship with Eddie. It covers all the things from their childhood and immigration to America, by enjoying yard events and their ascent to stardom. It culminates with the unique Van Halen lineup’s breakup in 1984.