Fresh Air Podcast Summary
Episode: Alex Van Halen / Selena Gomez
Host: Tonya Moseley
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Fresh Air, host Tonya Moseley delves into two compelling interviews from 2024, featuring rock legend Alex Van Halen and multifaceted artist Selena Gomez. The discussions explore Alex’s journey with the iconic band Van Halen and his memoir Brothers, as well as Selena’s experiences in her latest film and television projects, highlighting her evolution as an actress and musician.
Interview with Alex Van Halen
Background and Early Years
Alex Van Halen opens the conversation by reflecting on his early life and the formation of Van Halen. Growing up with a Dutch jazz musician father, Alex and his brother Eddie were immersed in music from a young age.
Formation of Van Halen
“At the first thing we wanted to do was put a band together. We started with the Broken Combs, playing sax and piano,” Alex shares (02:30). This initial experience laid the foundation for what would become one of rock’s most influential bands.
Influences and Musical Evolution
Alex discusses the impact of the British Invasion on their musical direction, particularly citing The Beatles and less-known groups like the Dave Clark Five as major inspirations (03:04). He emphasizes how these influences shaped Van Halen's distinctive sound.
Alex's Transition to Drums
Originally a guitarist, Alex explains how he transitioned to drums, highlighting Eddie’s unparalleled guitar skills. “When Ed played the guitar, he made it sing. I wanted drums because Dave Clark Five was my idol” (04:13).
Van Halen's Performance Style
The conversation shifts to Van Halen’s high-energy performances and theatrical elements. Alex recounts the band's decision to incorporate fire into their act, symbolizing the transient nature of life and adding an element of danger (10:15). He vividly describes an incident where his arm caught fire during a performance (11:44).
Band Dynamics and Challenges
Alex provides insight into the band's dynamics, particularly the role of David Lee Roth as the charismatic frontman. He quotes, “We needed someone to get us off our ass because we knew we had to do it” (09:08), illustrating the necessity of Roth’s showmanship in complementing the brothers' musical talents.
The "Beat It" Incident and Band Fracture
A pivotal moment discussed is Eddie Van Halen's collaboration on Michael Jackson's "Beat It," which Alex believes marked the beginning of the band’s internal tensions. “Ed violated our model of exclusivity with Led Zeppelin, and it started a cascade of bad vibes” (17:07).
Memoir Brothers and Legacy
Alex talks about his memoir, Brothers, portraying his and Eddie’s life and the legacy of Van Halen. He reflects on Eddie’s genius and the difficulty in defining the band’s genre, rejecting the heavy metal label despite widespread association (14:55).
Conclusion of Van Halen’s Journey
Ending the segment, Alex touches on the disbandment of Van Halen following Eddie’s passing in 2020 and the enduring impact they left on the rock music landscape. “Van Halen was on the cusp of something really, really big” (17:48).
Notable Quote:
“When Ed played the guitar, he made it sing, and that was his way of communicating or finding peace with himself on the earth.” – Alex Van Halen (06:22)
Interview with Selena Gomez
Overview of Projects
Selena Gomez discusses her roles in the Netflix Spanish-language film Amelia Perez and the Hulu comedy series Only Murders in the Building, both of which garnered multiple Golden Globe nominations (25:15).
Themes in Amelia Perez
The film centers on Emilia Perez, a woman seeking freedom from her life as a drug cartel leader. Selena elaborates on the themes of transformation and liberation, relating them to her personal growth (25:40). She describes the song "Mi Camino" as a "liberation song" that resonates deeply with her own journey (27:23).
Early Acting Experiences
Reflecting on her beginnings, Selena recounts auditioning for Barney & Friends at age seven and how those early roles ignited her passion for acting (30:21). She emphasizes the influence of her family, particularly her mother, in fostering her love for the arts (29:25).
Working with Co-stars in Only Murders in the Building
Selena highlights the supportive and collaborative environment created by her co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short. She shares how their mentorship and genuine kindness made the working experience feel like home (34:14). Her admiration for their professionalism and humor contributes to the show's success.
Personal Reflections on Fame and Disney
Discussing her time with Disney, Selena expresses a nuanced perspective. While grateful for the platform Disney provided, she acknowledges the challenges of being a child actor and the lack of personal privacy (41:20). She emphasizes the importance of her family’s protective role during her early years in the spotlight (47:58).
Navigating Dual Careers in Acting and Music
Selena clarifies her relationship with music, stating that it remains an integral part of her soul despite being labeled as a hobby that "got out of control" (32:02). She credits her diverse musical influences, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Dolly Parton, for her versatile artistry.
Impact of Only Murders in the Building
The series not only showcases Selena’s acting prowess but also reinforces her ability to build meaningful relationships on set. Her interactions with established legends like Steve Martin and Martin Short have enriched her professional and personal growth (36:09).
Notable Quotes:
“When I do make mistakes, I don't feel like I should or necessarily need to be punished for them. It’s something that I need to grow and learn from.” – Selena Gomez (27:52)
“These are gentlemen that want nothing from me but to have a great experience at work and create bonds with everybody on set.” – Selena Gomez (37:20)
Conclusion
This episode of Fresh Air offers an intimate look into the lives of two prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Alex Van Halen reflects on the legacy of Van Halen and his brother Eddie, providing deep insights into the band’s dynamics and his personal journey. Selena Gomez shares her experiences navigating the challenges of early fame, her artistic evolution, and the meaningful relationships she has cultivated in her current projects. Both interviews highlight themes of transformation, resilience, and the enduring impact of music and acting on personal identity.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Alex Van Halen
- “The first thing we wanted to do was put a band together... It was a good lesson for us as well.” (02:30)
- “When Ed played the guitar, he made it sing... I want drums.” (04:13)
- “We needed someone to get us off our ass because we knew we had to do it.” (09:08)
- “Van Halen was on the cusp of something really, really big.” (17:48)
- “When Bub played the guitar, he made it sing, and that was his way of communicating or finding peace with himself on the earth.” (06:22)
-
Selena Gomez
- “This could have been my song... it's so well said, and it feels very true to who I am.” (27:23)
- “These are gentlemen that want nothing from me but to have a great experience at work and create bonds with everybody on set.” (37:20)
- “When I do make mistakes, I don't feel like I should or necessarily need to be punished for them.” (27:52)
- “They made me feel incredibly included. If they wanted to change a joke, they would always incorporate me into the conversation.” (37:20)
Timestamps Reference
- 02:30
- 03:04
- 04:13
- 06:22
- 09:08
- 10:15
- 11:44
- 14:55
- 17:07
- 17:48
- 25:15
- 25:40
- 27:23
- 29:25
- 30:21
- 32:02
- 34:14
- 36:09
- 37:20
- 41:20
- 47:58
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key themes and insights from the interviews with Alex Van Halen and Selena Gomez, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of their discussions without needing to listen to the full episode.