Recollections Belong to Me: Wolfgang Van Halen Admits Steering Clear of His Father's Tunes
Wolfgang Van Halen In His Own Words: An Intimate Look at His Musical Journey and Legacy
Wolfgang Van Halen, the highly-talented musician and son of the legendary Eddie Van Halen, has opened up about his connection to his dad's music. Following Eddie's unfortunate demise in October 2020, Wolfgang continues to navigate the weight of his absent mentor, affectionately referred to as a "black hole" in his life.
Musically, Wolfgang strives to maintain a personal and professional distance from Van Halen's legacy. He values the respect and acknowledgment of his own abilities, not just his family lineage. An instance of this intentional separation is evident in the songwriting process for his band, WVH, where he avoids replicating his dad's iconic style.
However, there are moments when the bond between father and son transcends the realm of music. For instance, Wolfgang's wife walked down the aisle to a track written by Eddie, a deeply emotional tribute that still resonates with him. Yet, since then, Wolfgang revealed he's not anymore a frequent listener of his father's music.
The emotional distance seems to extend to other family members as well. Alex Van Halen, Eddie's brother and Van Halen's drummer, appeared to have moved on too, selling all his drum gear last year, potentially signaling the end of any future tribute concerts.
Alex has since published a revealing autobiography focused on his relationship with Eddie and co-released their last collaboration, a poignant testament to their unbreakable bond. Wolfgang acknowledges Alex's reticence and understands why he might no longer wish to perform, commenting, "Why would you want to play? But I'm sure he probably keeps the chops up every now and then."
Despite putting distance between himself and his father's music, Wolfgang remains close to his dad's spirit, especially when it comes to recording. His new single, "The End," was partly recorded on his dad's famous Frankenstein Strat, granting him a sense of closeness every time he records.
The music video for the single is expected to leave a lasting impression: it features guest appearances from rock veterans such as Slash and Myles Kennedy, as well as a touching nod to Van Halen's iconic "Hot for Teacher" video.
In rare instances, Wolfgang still performs Van Halen classics, such as in a video displaying his drum skills, revisiting his father's legendary moments. However, he confessed that he is no longer interested in playing those songs without Eddie. He admitted, "I know [Alex] feels the exact same way."
While he cherishes the memories, Wolfgang remains focused on his own musical path, occasionally opening himself up to collaboration with musical icons like Dave Grohl. In the end, he is simply grateful for the moments he shared with his father and Alex while they had the chance.
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References:1. Wolfgang Van Halen plays Van Halen songs on drums2. Wolfgang Van Halen talks about no longer listening to his father's music3. Wolfgang Van Halen discusses naming his band Mammoth WVH after his father's early band4. Wolfgang Van Halen seeking his father's permission to use the Mammoth name5. Wolfgang Van Halen addressing the criticisms from former Van Halen band member, David Lee Roth
- Wolfgang Van Halen utilizes both a bass guitar and an electric guitar in his band, WVH, demonstrating his versatility as a musician similar to his father.
- During a performance, Wolfgang may occasionally play Van Halen classics on the drums, yet he expresses no interest in performing those songs without his father.
- Guitar enthusiasts can stay connected to the music world by subscribing to The Pick Newsletter, delivering the latest news on guitars, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals, and more.
- Guest appearances from celebrities like Slash and Myles Kennedy, as well as nods to iconic music videos, make the upcoming music video for Wolfgang's new single, "The End," a must-see for music entertainment fans.
