Steve Rosen reflected on his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, describing years spent together during an era when cocaine use and heavy smoking were common parts of rock culture.
Rosen said Eddie’s chain smoking was constant and alarming. Despite migraines triggered by cigarette smoke, he never confronted him, believing it was not his place.
Most drug-related experiences seemed harmless and social to Rosen, but he recalled a few troubling moments when Eddie appeared unhealthy, exhausted, and visibly affected.
Their friendship eventually ended, leaving Rosen confused and hurt. He wondered whether sobriety or personal struggles caused the separation, but Eddie denied drugs were responsible.
For years, Rosen could not listen to Van Halen’s music without pain. Over time, he focused on positive memories, though he still regrets Eddie’s lifelong smoking habit.
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