Introduction
Though once a proud member of Van Halen alongside his father Eddie and uncle Alex, Wolfgang Van Halen has revealed that he rarely listens to the iconic band’s music these days. The reason? It’s deeply personal and emotional.
Now 34 and fronting his own band Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang served as the bassist for Van Halen between 2006 and 2015. During that time, he performed with what fans often refer to as the “classic” lineup—his father Eddie on guitar, his uncle Alex on drums, and original vocalist David Lee Roth. But ever since Eddie’s passing in October 2020 at the age of 65, due to complications from throat cancer, revisiting that chapter has become difficult for Wolfgang.
“I Just Don’t Listen to Van Halen Anymore”
In a recent conversation with Drumeo, as reported by Guitar.com, Wolfgang opened up about his current relationship with Van Halen’s music. “I just don’t listen to Van Halen anymore,” he said candidly. “I understand that it’s a powerful connection for so many people, but for me, it’s more complicated.”
He went on to explain that while fans associate the band with legendary music and high-energy performances, for him, it’s intertwined with memories that are both joyful and bittersweet. “I have the memories,” he continued. “I’m grateful for the time I got to spend playing with Dad and Uncle Al as a trio, but listening back now—it’s just not fun.”
Alex Van Halen Feels the Same
Wolfgang also hinted that his uncle, Alex Van Halen, shares a similar emotional distance from the band’s catalog. “Al was always a private person,” he noted. “And now, even more so. I’m sure he still plays drums from time to time, but the spark to go back and perform Van Halen songs just isn’t there anymore.”
The sense of loss goes beyond the music. For Wolfgang, playing those songs without Eddie feels incomplete—like something essential is missing.
Performing Van Halen Songs Without Eddie
Since his father’s death, Wolfgang has performed Van Halen tracks only a few times, most notably during the 2022 tribute concert honoring late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. That night, he played high-octane renditions of “Hot For Teacher” and “On Fire,” earning praise for honoring his father’s legacy with integrity.
Still, those moments are rare. “I’m really just not interested in playing it anymore without Dad,” he said. “And I know Alex feels the same way. Every now and then, if someone like Dave Grohl comes up and asks, I’ll say yes—because it means something. But overall, it’s tough. It really is.”
Focusing on the Future With Mammoth
Wolfgang has been pouring his energy into Mammoth WVH, where he serves as vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter. The band has released two albums to date, and Wolfgang confirmed last year that a third is in the works. In May, he released a new single titled The End, accompanied by a music video directed by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, From Dusk Till Dawn, Spy Kids).
Mammoth WVH is also set to embark on a major North American tour in 2025. The tour will include support from Myles Kennedy, the singer and guitarist for Alter Bridge, and promises to bring Wolfgang’s original music to fans in a powerful new way. Full tour dates and ticket information can be found on the official Mammoth WVH website.