According to Alex Van Halen, there is a treasure trove of “three or four” albums’ worth of unreleased Eddie Van Halen music currently residing in the vaults. This staggering collection represents a significant part of the band’s legacy, and Alex is eager to explore it further. During his recent appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast, he shared insights into the meticulous process of reviewing this material. The aim is to determine which pieces possess the potential for release and which may remain unreleased for now.

He elaborated, stating, “On the one end of the spectrum is the fact that little licks don’t make a song.” This acknowledgment highlights the reality that not every musical idea translates into a complete track. Conversely, he noted that some of these licks are so incredibly powerful that it’s regrettable they ended up hidden away, rather than being celebrated as part of the band’s discography.

READ MORE: Top 20 Van Halen and Solo Songs From the ’90s

Alex Van Halen emphasized his commitment to maintaining a high standard for any potential releases, asserting that he will not simply release material for the sake of it. He stated, “They will stay there [in the vault] until we figure out how and why and what to do with them.” This underscores a thoughtful approach to the legacy of the music they created together. Alex also mentioned that any released material must meet the level of excellence they previously achieved. “We’re not just gonna shovel it in,” he added, highlighting the importance of preserving the integrity of their sound. With access to some of the greatest musicians in the industry, he expressed optimism that many are eager to collaborate on this previously unreleased material.

However, as he candidly remarked, “that takes time. And you wanna do it right. I wanna do it right.” This dedication to quality is indicative of the respect he holds for his brother’s work and their shared musical history.

Discover the Emotional Depth of Alex and Eddie Van Halen’s Last Collaboration, ‘Unfinished’

In October, Alex Van Halen unveiled the last song he co-wrote with his brother, aptly titled “Unfinished.” This poignant release serves as a touching tribute to their enduring bond and artistic collaboration. During the same month, Alex shared with Billboard that while there is a desire among fans to hear the unreleased Van Halen music, it may not resonate with everyone’s expectations. He stated, “I know people want to hear it,” but he also cautioned that “the other side of the coin is this doesn’t sound like Van Halen.” This awareness of the potential mixed reactions reflects the complex nature of their artistic legacy, as he acknowledged the challenge of balancing fan expectations with the authenticity of their sound.