When Van Halen started out, there was no path to fame. We just played what we liked. Even today it always comes down to the simplicity of rock and roll.

Rock stars come and go. Musicians play until they die.

To hell with the rules. If it sounds right, then it is.

If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that’s a wonderful thing.

My son, Wolfgang, plays drums, guitars and bass.

It's always about the music, never about anything else.

Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me.

You know, most people, they want to go to Hollywood. They want to be a star. They want to be a rock star. That thought never entered any of our minds, the Van Halen family.

Imagine if Beethoven had a tape recorder. Then you'd know exactly what he meant. Maybe he meant 'Da da da da' instead of 'Boom boom boom boom!' Who knows?

Sometimes I just want to lick David Lee Roth in the nuts

A guitar is a very personal extension of the person playing it. You have to be emotionally and spiritually connected to your instrument. I'm very brutal on my instruments, but not all the time.

It is impossible to experience a person’s life, or to be compassionate, if you do not listen to the person or if you do not ask questions.

I try not to be too plot-heavy and to balance the dramatic with the comedic.

If you are only an underling, don't dress too fine.

All men would be cowards if they only had the courage.

Over half the world menstruates at one time or another, but you'd never know it. Isn't that strange?

I was aware now, as ever, that between all people there were First Times You See Them and Last Times you See Them.

His whole aspect was that of a man who has unexpectedly been struck by lightning.

Was that amazing?” she demanded. “That was amazing,” I agreed. It’s hard to pull off a romantic kiss when you’re both drenched in muck, but we gave it our best shot.

To not want children or not be considerate of them is a very unwomanly thing to be, from a certain point of view.

I think I'm making music that's pretty universal.