Wolfgang Van Halen Drops “WVH” Initials, Embraces Family Legacy with MAMMOTH
Event Overview
On May 11, Wolfgang Van Halen, son of the iconic Eddie Van Halen, participated in a Q&A session at WDHA’s “Mammoth For Ya’ Mama!” event held at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, New Jersey. During this session, he discussed the recent decision to drop the “WVH” initials from his band name, which is now known simply as MAMMOTH, ahead of the release of their latest single, “The End.”
A Nod to Family History
Wolfgang explained that the name MAMMOTH is a tribute to his family’s musical heritage. The original MAMMOTH band was formed by Eddie and Alex Van Halen in 1974 when David Lee Roth joined as the frontman. Wolfgang emphasized, “It’s what we wanted the whole time,” indicating that the name choice was a deliberate connection to his father’s legacy.
Seeking Approval from His Father
Wolfgang shared the story of how he sought his father’s blessing to use the MAMMOTH name for his solo project. “I was nervous,” he admitted, recalling that he had early demos for the song titled “Mammoth,” which he had written as early as 2013. It wasn’t until 2016, during VAN HALEN’s last tour, that he mustered the courage to ask his father, who enthusiastically responded, “Fuck, yeah.”
Striving for Individuality
In discussing the challenges of living up to his father’s legacy, Wolfgang remarked, “Man, is it a fucking tight rope to walk, with the shadow I’m under and the expectations.” He expressed a desire to honor his lineage without simply replicating it, stating, “I wanna be able to reference my lineage, but not copy it.” His goal is to carve out his own identity in the music world.
Upcoming Music and Artistic Evolution
As for what fans can expect from MAMMOTH’s upcoming third album, Wolfgang hinted at a shift in his artistic approach. “I was uncomfortable, and I thought that was a cool thing because I was starting to tread ground that I don’t think I would normally just be doing the same old thing,” he explained. This exploration of new sounds aims to reflect a more mature direction while still retaining the core MAMMOTH essence that fans have come to love.
Setlist from “Mammoth For Ya’ Mama!”
The setlist for the WDHA event included:
- Another Celebration At The End Of The World
- You’re To Blame
- Epiphany
- Distance
- Take A Bow
- Don’t Back Down
- Q&A Session
- The End
Release of “The End”
The new single “The End,” released earlier in May, was co-created by Wolfgang and longtime collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette. To accompany the single, they released a music video directed by renowned filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, featuring a modern twist on Rodriguez’s 1996 classic “From Dusk Till Dawn.” The video showcases a rock band facing ominous warnings from a dive bar owner, portrayed by Danny Trejo, leading to a thrilling climax.
Upcoming Tour Plans
Following a brief run of May dates, MAMMOTH is gearing up for a headline tour kicking off on October 31, running for five weeks. Myles Kennedy will join as a special guest. Additionally, Wolfgang will perform at BLACK SABBATH’s “Back To The Beginning” concert on July 5 in Birmingham.
Conclusion
Wolfgang Van Halen continues to honor his father’s legacy while forging his own path with MAMMOTH. As he prepares for the upcoming album and tour, fans can look forward to a blend of familiar sounds and new explorations from the talented musician.
FAQs
What inspired Wolfgang to drop the “WVH” initials from his band name?
Wolfgang wanted to create a direct connection to his father’s original band, MAMMOTH, and establish his own identity in the music industry.
When can fans expect the new MAMMOTH album?
The upcoming third album is expected to be released later in the year, featuring a mix of familiar MAMMOTH sounds and new artistic directions.
Who directed the music video for “The End”?
The music video for “The End” was directed by Robert Rodriguez, known for his work on films like “From Dusk Till Dawn.”
What can fans expect from MAMMOTH’s upcoming tour?
The tour will feature new music, fan-favorite tracks, and the energetic performance style that MAMMOTH is known for, with Myles Kennedy as a special guest.
