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Drumming News
Get ready to rock ‘n’ roll, because drumming legend Alex Van Halen is set to make music history once again with the auction of his personal gear and instrument collection. Dubbed “The Alex Van Halen Collection,” this event, organized by Backstage Auctions, Inc., promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans and collectors alike to own a piece of rock royalty.
With over 350 lots up for grabs, the collection spans the illustrious career of one of rock’s greatest drummers. From drum kit parts to record awards, personal items to road cases, and everything in between, each item is infused with the magic that made Alex Van Halen a household name.
Backstage Auctions, Inc. expressed their excitement, stating, “It is an unbelievable honor to represent one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, and we could not be any more excited. Alex is the reason why so many people picked up a pair of drumsticks, and this auction is a fantastic opportunity to see so many of his instruments and gear go to new homes.”
What makes this auction even more special is that each lot comes with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Alex Van Halen himself. Speaking about the sale, Alex remarked, “I hope that passing on all these pieces will inspire current and next generations to be the best they can be. Now, let’s have some fun – Van Halen style!”
Among the highlights of the collection are iconic pieces such as the legendary “5150” tour kit, vintage Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) record awards, his last tour kit ever used in concert, rosewood snare drums, and the iconic gongs. These items not only represent milestones in Alex’s career but also hold sentimental value for fans worldwide.
But the auction isn’t just about acquiring rock memorabilia; it’s also about giving back. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship charity, a cause close to Alex’s heart. “A portion of the proceeds will go to the Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship charity to further support the services they provide to those in need,” Alex stated. This gesture underscores his commitment to using his influence for good and supporting causes that make a difference in people’s lives.
For fans of Van Halen and rock music enthusiasts, this auction is a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history and contribute to a worthy cause. The auction will run from June 1 to June 9, so mark your calendars and get ready to bid on some legendary pieces of rock ‘n’ roll history. For more information and to participate in the auction, visit Backstage Auctions’ website.
Alex Van Halex Auction: HERE
All images are courtesy of Backstage Auction, the images shown are only a small preview of what is in this auction.
On October 4, 2015, with the final notes of “Jump” fading away over the crowd at the Hollywood Bowl in California, Alex Van Halen – and by association this Ludwig kit – took their final bow.
A captivating and complete Ludwig drum kit, extensively and exclusively used by Alex Van Halen as the ‘house kit’ inside his brother’s legendary 5150 Studio. This unfinished wood kit was used between 2010 and 2012 to record the entire “A Different Kind Of Truth” album with. Further, it was used by Alex during the January 5, 2012, performance at Cafe Wha? In New York City.
Wrapped up, nice and tight, we have the complete drum kit as used by Alex Van Halen in Van Halen’s 1991 video for the song ‘Poundcake.’ This visual standout set of Ludwig drums sports black wrapped shells that are hand painted by Alex in an electric blue. Included in this lot are four toms: 13 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, and 18 inches; along with one 22 inch kick drum.
An absolutely stunning black and copper drum kit that was exclusively
designed to be the next kit for Alex Van Halen, to be used on the 2017 –
2018 Van Halen Tour. This kit was in the process of being ordered and
built but was not completed.
One of Alex Van Halen’s earliest drums!!! A highly collectible Ludwig 14 x 22 inch Hollywood kick drum in silver sparkle with a blank blue and olive badge, placing its date of manufacture to 1971 – 1972. It was part of his early 1970s silver sparkle kit and was used at early club gigs and the infamous backyard parties.
The original drum kit from the 1984 Van Halen tour is on display at a Hard Rock Cafe. However, two vari-pitch toms remained at Alex Van Halen’s warehouse and up for auction in this lot is one of those instantly recognizable pieces of vintage Van Halen touring history.
The kit was used in 101 shows on the 1984 tour, as well as in the legendary video for “Jump.” Featured here is a 14 and 16 inch vari-pitch tom, signed by Alex.
A set of custom painted Latin Percussion yellow congas with black graphics that were stage and 5150 studio used by Alex Van Halen and were part of the touring kit for the Van Halen III tour complete with custom designed rolling road case.
A historic, and massive Paiste 50 inch symphonic gong, used on all 41 shows during Van Halen’s final tour in 2015.
A 24-inch Paiste 2002 Reverend Al’s Big Ride cymbal, printed with a red caricature giving the finger and a red Van Halen logo, exclusively for the final Van Halen tour in 2015. The cymbal is unused and was signed by Alex van Halen in 2023.
40 inch Paiste symphonic gong complete with striped stand that was matched to part of the 1980 ‘Invasion’ tour kit. It was prominently on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for five years beginning in 2011.
A collectible red road case used on tour from the early 1990s through the final Van Halen tour in 2015. It is stenciled with “D-11” and houses a Tascam CD-RW900SL CD player and an unmounted ddrum 4SE Drum System, serial number DA5396 along with 2 rack ears.
This Alex Van Halen snare drum road case has seen life on the road for many years. It held Alex’s snare drums for many tours and now you have the opportunity to own it. This road case is stenciled with “D4” along with “CENTER STAGE” and “SNARES” and features the classic Van Halen logo.
