Tune In Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Some rock bands may be gone but will never be forgotten; the legendary Van Halen is in that very limited category.
Although the hard rock band known for such hits as “Panama,” “Jump,” “Dance The Night Away,” “Hot For Teacher” and more, last performed live in 2015 at The Hollywood Bowl – five years before guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s death from throat cancer in 2020, several former members of Van Halen have continued performing until the present, including “The Red Rocker” Sammy Hagar, and former lead vocalist David Lee Roth, who in fact, will perform at Hard Rock Live in AC on Aug. 8. Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, who makes a special appearance at Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City this Thursday, May 15, performs under the band name Mammoth. Doors open at 5; show starts at 6 p.m.
“The name Mammoth is really special to me,” said Wolfgang, 34, in an interview. “Not only was it the name of Van Halen before it became Van Halen, but my father (Eddie Van Halen) was also the lead singer. Ever since my dad told me this, I always thought that when I grew up, I’d call my own band Mammoth, because I loved the name so much. I’m so thankful that my father was able to listen to and enjoy the music I made. Nothing made me happier than seeing how proud he was that I was continuing the family legacy.”
Wolfgang Van Halen is a talented multi-instrumentalist who is proficient on bass, guitar, drums and vocals. Wolfgang joined his father’s band as the bassist in 2006 at just 15 years of age, replacing longtime member Michael Anthony (which resulted in a bit of a kerfuffle amongst Van Halen fans; more on that shortly).
Wolfgang performed on Van Halen’s 2012 final studio album, “A Different Kind of Truth,” and toured with the band until their final performances before Eddie’s death.
After his father’s passing, Wolfgang launched his own solo project called Mammoth, WVH, in which he performs all the instruments and sings vocals. “Mammoth, WVH” was released in June 2021 to surprisingly good critical acclaim. Noteworthy songs on the debut include “Distance” (a tribute to his father), “Don’t Back Down,” and “You’re to Blame.” Wolfgang has also played in other bands, including being a touring member of Tremonti, the solo band of Alter Bridge guitarist, Mark Tremonti.
As to the issue over Wolfgang replacing Michael Anthony, Eddie Van Halen’s reasons for replacing Anthony were said to be influenced by personal dynamics within the band, particularly Eddie’s less-than-amicable relationship with Anthony due to the latter’s renewed friendship with the aforementioned Sammy Hagar. Eddie’s desire to have his son in the band may have also played a role in the decision.
For his part, Wolfgang has no animosity toward Anthony. Indeed, he has consistently expressed admiration and warmth toward Michael Anthony, emphasizing their strong personal connection and dispelling any notions of animosity.
In a 2023 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Wolfgang described their reunion after 20 years as “wonderful,” highlighting the joy of reconnecting and the absence of any ill feelings between them. He stated, “People try to make it seem like there’s some animosity, hatred or competition between us, but it’s never been that way. I’ve literally always loved Mike. He’s a wonderful person, wonderful guy and a wonderful musician.”
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