Wolfgang Van Halen, son of Eddie Van Halen, released his debut solo single as a tribute to his late father.
Wolfgang Van Halen spoke for the first time about the loss of his father in an interview with Howard Stern and a television interview on the Today show with Carson Daly.
“It’s really tough, some days are better than others,” said Wolfgang on the Today show with Carson Daly. “Some days it’s just really hard to get out of bed.” Eddie Van Halen died in early October at the age of 65 after his long battle with throat cancer.
His son shared a touching tribute on social media. “He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from his loss. I love you so much, Pop.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Wolfgang premiered the new song in his interview with Howard Stern. The single is part of his solo project Mammoth WVH, “the sounds of one man.” Wolfgang wrote the lyrics and composed every single bit of that track on his own.
Worried about the timing of the song’s release and Van Halen fans interpreting that as an attempt to “replace” his dad, Wolfgang made it clear that “it’s just an honest tribute to his father.” He told Stern, “I’ve spent my life making sure I’m not like him and I’m my own person.”
Proceeds from the tribute track will go to Eddie Van Halen’s favorite charity, Mr. Holland’s Opus. As for the music video, viewers get an intimate of their father-and-son relationship. Clips of Wolfgang’s childhood with his rock star father steal the show, watch below.
Wolfgang’s band Mammoth WVH will release their debut album in spring 2021.
Mammoth WVH – Distance (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Photo: YouTube/Mammoth WVH – Distance (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
