Everybody has a name they are born with. Having one of the most recognizable names in entertainment, Wolfgang Van Halen has been preparing to release music from his solo band MAMMOTH WVH for some time. That plan was altered when his father and guitar icon Eddie Van Halen called him and told him his cancer had returned. Wolfgang decided to put everything on hold to be with his father through his battle. During that time, Wolfgang was writing material for his upcoming solo album (available via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records in 2021) for which the first single "Distance" would be born. The song is available via all digital service providers.
"As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I'd miss him. While the song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their life," explains Wolfgang Van Halen.
Writing the song and performing all of the instrumentation and vocals for MAMMOTH WVH, "Distance" is an open letter to his father — one Wolfgang was fortunate to play for his dad and would become a favorite of Eddie's — declaring "no matter what the distance is, I will be with you." The video for the song is created from a collection of family home movies through the years and offers an inside look in to one of music's most notable personalities. Chronicling the family through the years, the video ends with a touching voicemail left from Eddie to his son.
"I never intended 'Distance' to be the very first piece of music people would hear from me, but I also thought my father would be here to celebrate its release. This is for him. I love and miss you, Pop."
An organization that is very close to the Van Halen family is the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. Eddie was very supportive of the organization via numerous donations throughout his lifetime. Following in his father's footsteps in another way, Wolfgang is donating his portion of all proceeds from "Distance" to the foundation.
Felice Mancini, the president and CEO of The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, said: "Our connection with Eddie grew out of his generous nature, his delight in seeing kids learn and play music, and ultimately understanding what's important in life. Eddie lived out loud through his music, and I believe that he wanted to see that kind of expression ignite in the students. Music saved him and he loved giving back through what we do for kids through the power of music. Thank you, Eddie. We'll never forget you."
First impressions last a lifetime. Wolfgang Van Halen has prepared a lifetime to make his first impression with his solo band MAMMOTH WVH. The songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist worked tirelessly on material that would become his debut album — scheduled for release in 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records. Playing every instrument and singing each and every note, his music presents a personal and powerful perspective, balancing memorable hooks and tight technicality. As many times as audiences have experienced his talent alongside the likes of TREMONTI, Clint Lowery, and of course, VAN HALEN, Wolfgang prepares to step into the spotlight with his own brand — MAMMOTH WVH — for the very first time now.
EDDIE VAN HALEN Was Considering Reunion Tour Featuring DAVID LEE ROTH, SAMMY HAGAR And MICHAEL ANTHONY
During an appearance this morning (Monday, November 16) on SiriusXM's "The Howard Stern Show", Wolfgang Van Halen revealed that his father, Eddie Van Halen, had contemplated a "kitchen-sink tour" that would have included bassist Michael Anthony, as well as vocal turns from both Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth. There was even talk about bringing back Gary Cherone, who sang with the band on one poorly received album, 1998's "Van Halen III".
Unfortunately, Eddie's health setbacks, which included injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident as well as a brain tumor diagnosis, prevented the tour from ever taking place. "If only things had been better, it would have been amazing," Wolfgang said.
Wolfgang also said that his father left "a shit-ton of tapes" of unreleased material that "will take a very long time to go through" and decide if there is anything there that could eventually see the light of day. He added: "That's not the priority right now. I can't put a timeline on it. There will be a time we go through it. Not for the foreseeable future."
Wolfgang said that some of his father's unreleased material is "ideas that probably aren't out there for good reason," but added that "I'm sure there's amazing shit in there."
Hagar replaced Roth in VAN HALEN in 1985 and recorded four studio albums with the band — "5150", "OU812", "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance" — all of which topped the U.S. chart.
Sammy, Eddie, Alex and Michael last teamed up in 2004 for a U.S. summer tour. In exchange for taking part in the tour, Anthony reportedly had to agree to take a pay cut and sign away his rights to the band name and logo.
Early last year, rumors were rampant that the classic-era lineup of VAN HALEN would reunite for the first time since 1984.
Eddie died on October 6 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with Wolfgang and Alex, his brother and VAN HALEN drummer.
The iconic VAN HALEN axeman died from complications due to cancer, his son confirmed.
VAN HALEN was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked Eddie Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
Well done Wolfgang. Thank you very much. Peace be with you and your family.
Great tune! And the video, wow, a tear jerker...
The second tune, “You’re To Blame” that Stern played later in the interview flat out rocks. I love the groove and a nice tasty guitar solo too.
I’m quite surprised at Wolf’s vocal ability. He has a nice voice and some serious power and range in those pipes....
A great tribute and emotional video. Average tune. Too pop-rock for my taste
