Wolfgang Van Halen Discusses the Evolution of Mammoth and His Musical Journey
Balancing Legacy and Individuality
“Man, it is a fucking tight rope to walk, with the shadow I’m under and the expectations,” Wolfgang Van Halen expressed during a recent Q&A session in New Jersey. This candid moment came as he addressed the decision to drop the ‘WVH’ from his band Mammoth’s name. Wolfgang emphasized the importance of honoring his lineage while carving out his own identity in the music world. “I wanna be able to reference my lineage, but not copy it and just put a flag in it and sit there and play ‘Panama’ for everybody every night. I wanna be able to be my own person.”
Behind the Name: A Tribute to Family
During the event titled “Mammoth For Ya Mama,” hosted by WDHA, Wolfgang opened up about the origins of his band name. The choice to name his band Mammoth was a direct nod to his father Eddie Van Halen and uncle Alex Van Halen’s first band that featured David Lee Roth. Wolfgang recounted the moment he asked for his father’s blessing, recalling, “I think we were on that last Van Halen tour. And I was like, ‘Hey, Pop, is that cool if I call my band Mammoth?’ And he was like, ‘Fuck, yeah.'” This exchange highlights the supportive foundation he had in his family as he embarked on his musical journey.
Finding His Voice: The Journey of Creation
Wolfgang revealed that he had the initial demo for Mammoth ready as early as 2013, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he felt confident enough to pursue the name. “I don’t know why I was so nervous to ask him because, God, he was the most supportive person other than my mom in my life,” he reflected. Now, with Mammoth on the verge of releasing their third record, Wolfgang is exploring new creative territories.
A Shift in Musical Direction
As he prepares for the upcoming album, Wolfgang acknowledges a significant change in his artistic approach. “I think what I recognized during this past recording for what may or may not be coming soon was I was uncomfortable, and I thought that was a cool thing,” he stated. This discomfort has pushed him to explore new sounds and themes, asking himself, “Is this what I would do? Or is this something new or something more mature?”
New Music and Upcoming Tours
Mammoth recently released their first single, “The End,” from their anticipated new record, generating excitement among fans. In conjunction with this release, the band has announced a new tour to promote the album. Below are the confirmed tour dates:
- 11/1 Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
- 11/4 Dallas, TX – House of Blues
- 11/5 Houston, TX – House of Blues
- 11/7 Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
- 11/8 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
- 11/9 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
- 11/11 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
- 11/14 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
- 11/15 Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
- 11/18 Cleveland, OH – The Agora
- 11/19 Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
- 11/20 Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
- 11/22 Onamia, MN – Grand Casino Mille Lacs Event Center
- 11/23 Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center
- 11/25 Chesterfield, MO – The Factory at The District
- 11/26 Chicago, IL – House of Blues
- 11/28 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
- 12/2 Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
- 12/3 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
- 12/6 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
Conclusion
Wolfgang Van Halen’s journey with Mammoth showcases his dedication to honoring his family’s legacy while pursuing his unique musical path. As he prepares to release new material and embark on a tour, fans eagerly anticipate the evolution of his artistry beyond the shadow of his father’s iconic career.
FAQs
What inspired Wolfgang to name his band Mammoth?
The name Mammoth was inspired by his father and uncle’s first band, which also bore the same name. Wolfgang sought his father’s permission before using it for his band.
What is the theme of Wolfgang’s upcoming album?
While specific details about the album’s theme are yet to be revealed, Wolfgang has indicated that he is exploring new sounds and pushing himself creatively, aiming for a more mature approach to his music.
When will Mammoth be touring?
Mammoth is set to embark on a new tour starting November 1, with dates spanning across various cities in the United States.
