Wolfgang Van Halen Reflects on His Incredible Journey with MAMMOTH and the METALLICA Tour

An Unforgettable Experience

In a recent interview with Audacy Music, Wolfgang Van Halen, lead vocalist and guitarist of his band MAMMOTH (previously known as MAMMOTH WVH), shared his thoughts on the various tours he has experienced over the past five years. Having played alongside iconic bands such as GUNS N’ ROSES, METALLICA, ALTER BRIDGE, FOO FIGHTERS, and CREED, Wolfgang was asked to identify his favorite tour. While he expressed that he couldn’t choose a favorite, he highlighted the METALLICA tour as particularly memorable.

The METALLICA Tour: A Unique Opportunity

Wolfgang stated, “I wouldn’t necessarily pick, say, a favorite — I’m just blown away to be a part of all these tours — but I think the most insane one was for sure the METALLICA tour.” He elaborated on the significance of this experience, mentioning that MAMMOTH was the only band to accompany METALLICA for every show during their “No Repeat Weekend” across the 2023 to 2024 tour dates. METALLICA even honored them with a plaque acknowledging their “perfect attendance,” a gesture Wolfgang found both sweet and meaningful.

The Thrill of Playing Stadiums

Discussing what made the METALLICA tour so special, Wolfgang emphasized the grandeur of performing in stadiums. “To play not only stadiums, which is such an out-of-body experience, but then in the round, in that insane stage, it was certainly an out-of-body experience, and I can’t believe we did it,” he shared.

Adapting to the In-the-Round Experience

When asked how the in-the-round staging affected his performance, Wolfgang noted the challenges it presented. “It’s tough because I’ve got a [guitar] pedal board and I’m glued to the mic mainly, so I can’t really move around,” he explained. He found a workaround by repositioning his microphone to engage with the audience more effectively, although it took some time to adjust to this unique setup.

Support from METALLICA

During a conversation with Matt Pinfield of 95.5 KLOS’s “New & Approved” show, Wolfgang shared how supportive and kind the METALLICA crew has been throughout the tour. “The crew is so kind and wonderful, and the band, especially, they’ve been so supportive and kind,” he remarked. Their camaraderie extended beyond the stage, as the members of METALLICA frequently checked in on MAMMOTH, fostering a warm atmosphere.

How It All Began

Wolfgang revealed that the opportunity to open for METALLICA stemmed from a chance meeting with drummer Lars Ulrich at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in London in September 2022. “I had no idea that that would lead him asking us to take part in the tour,” he recalled, expressing his disbelief and excitement about the honor of being the only band to open for METALLICA on the entire tour.

The Extravagance of the “M72” Tour

The “M72” tour’s innovative in-the-round stage design, which relocates the famed METALLICA Snake Pit to the center, added to the spectacle of the experience. Wolfgang described stepping into the stadium for the first time, saying, “We were all just kind of shocked during even soundcheck. We were just, like, ‘This is really what we’re doing here?'” The reality of performing for a live audience in such a grand setting was a surreal experience for him and his bandmates.

First Concert with METALLICA

MAMMOTH kicked off their journey as the opening act for METALLICA on April 27, 2023, at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Leading up to this event, Wolfgang expressed his mixture of excitement and nerves about playing in the round, emphasizing the unique nature of the experience.

MAMMOTH’s Musical Journey

Wolfgang, who is the son of the legendary Eddie Van Halen and former bassist of VAN HALEN, has been steadily carving out his own path in the music industry. The band recently released their sophomore album, “Mammoth II,” in August 2023, showcasing Wolfgang’s talent as he wrote all the songs and performed all the instrumentation himself. The album, produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette, was recorded at the iconic 5150 studio.

New Music on the Horizon

Recently, MAMMOTH unveiled a new single titled “The End,” which is expected to appear on their third album set to drop later this year. The band’s growth and evolution continue to captivate audiences as they navigate the rock landscape.

Conclusion

Wolfgang Van Halen’s journey with MAMMOTH and his experiences touring with METALLICA reflect not only his dedication to music but also the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in the industry. As he continues to make his mark, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented musician and his band.

FAQs

What bands has MAMMOTH toured with?

MAMMOTH has shared the stage with several notable bands, including GUNS N’ ROSES, METALLICA, ALTER BRIDGE, FOO FIGHTERS, and CREED.

What is the significance of the METALLICA tour for Wolfgang Van Halen?

The METALLICA tour was particularly significant for Wolfgang because it was a unique opportunity to perform in stadiums and experience a grand in-the-round stage design. The tour also allowed him to connect with a legendary band and receive support from them.

What is MAMMOTH’s latest album?

MAMMOTH’s latest album, “Mammoth II,” was released in August 2023, showcasing Wolfgang’s talent as a songwriter and performer.

What is the upcoming single from MAMMOTH?

MAMMOTH recently released a new single titled “The End,” which is expected to be part of their upcoming third album.