Don’t Miss Steve Rosen’s Long-Awaited Eddie Van Halen Book, ‘Tonechaser’

Steve Rosen 'Tonechaser' book cover
(Image credit: Steve Rosen)

Veteran music journalist Steve Rosen has released his long-awaited book Tonechaser – Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen.

Chronicling the close friendship Rosen shared with the late, great guitarist from 1977 to 2003, Tonechaser appears as a 580-page hardcover book and features a collection of images by Van Halen photographer Neil Zlozower.

While Rosen has written several other books – including biographies on Jeff Beck, Free/Bad Company, Black Sabbath and Randy Rhoads – a press release says his most recent was “not an easy task to undertake.”

Some fans may recall talk of Rosen’s authorized biography as far back as the mid-‘80s. Now, having pored over many hours’ worth of interview recordings, this highly anticipated tome is finally available to order (see info below.)

Whether on the ground in Van Halen’s 5150 studio or thousands of feet up in an airplane, these conversations between two close friends tell an accurate story that “captures the heart and creativity” of a true rock and roll pioneer.

I chose that title, Tonechaser, because Edward once described himself in that way

Steve Rosen

“I chose that title, Tonechaser, because Edward once described himself in that way,” says Rosen. “I thought it was such a beautiful, fragile, and poignant word for him to use in his pursuit of the ever-elusive Brown Sound.

“I also thought it worked on another level in terms of the ‘tone’ of his life and being a guitar player, bandmember, husband, father, and icon.

“I had never heard Edward ever use that phrase anywhere else and in fact after interviewing hundreds and hundreds of guitar players, I've never heard one of them ever use that word to describe what they do.”

To purchase Tonechaser, send $47.00 to the link: paypal.me/Tonechaser. Send payment as FAMILY & FRIENDS and remember to include your address.

International buyers can contact the author for details about shipping here: scrosen@sbcglobal.net

Alternatively, you can order Tonechaser via Amazon here.

Rod Brakes

Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as GuitaristTotal Guitar, Guitar WorldGuitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.