Eddie Van Halen Took 1000 Steroid Pills Before Death, Reveals Brother: 'If Two's Good, 20's Better

Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen faced a lifelong battle with addiction, a struggle that intensified in his later years. According to his brother Alex in a recent Rolling Stone interview, Eddie began abusing steroid pills prescribed after surgery to remove a brain tumor.

Alex recalled a moment of realization when he discovered that Eddie had consumed an entire bottle of pills, which contained around a thousand. “If two’s good, 20's better,” he shared, highlighting the mantra that guided Eddie’s approach to substances.

Eddie passed away in October 2020 after suffering a massive stroke, following a long fight with throat cancer. "He fought until the end," Alex asserted, emphasizing Eddie's determination despite his unconventional treatment choices. He pursued experimental therapies in Switzerland, continuing to create music even in his final days. "I don’t know what was driving him," Alex admitted, noting that Eddie’s later music lacked quality but was a reflection of his enduring passion.

The loss of his brother left Alex devastated, leading him to experience what he described as "oceanic grief" and even PTSD. He revealed that their father’s struggles with alcoholism influenced both brothers, although Alex found sobriety with the support of his wife, Stine Schyberg, around the turn of the millennium.

Reflecting on Eddie's immense talent, Alex remarked that it was both a gift and a curse. "He paid for it with his health, paid for it with his life," he said, acknowledging the pressure of being labeled the greatest living guitarist.

In a 2015 Billboard interview, Eddie himself discussed his relationship with drugs and alcohol, revealing that his substance use was intertwined with his creative process. He admitted to using alcohol and cocaine not for partying, but to fuel his music, stating, "The blow keeps you awake, and the alcohol lowers your inhibitions."

Valerie Bertinelli, Eddie’s ex-wife, also shared insights about their tumultuous relationship, which was marred by addiction and infidelity. In her 2022 memoir, she expressed deep love for Eddie, stating, “I hated the drugs and the alcohol, but I never hated him. I saw his pain.”

Eddie Van Halen’s legacy is a complex tapestry of extraordinary talent, personal struggle, and the enduring impact of his music.

Eddie Van Halen Took 1000 Steroid Pills Before Death, Reveals Brother: 'If Two's Good, 20's Better