Wolfgang Van Halen Discusses Underrated Guitarists and His Musical Journey
Underrated Guitarists in Rock and Metal
During a recent appearance on The Cody Tucker Show, Wolfgang Van Halen, the former bassist of VAN HALEN and current frontman of MAMMOTH, shared his insights on underrated guitarists in the rock and metal genres. Wolfgang, who played alongside his legendary father, Eddie Van Halen, from 2006 until 2015, reflected on the musical legacy they created together.
Eddie Van Halen: The Unsung Hero of Rhythm
When asked about underrated musicians, Wolfgang took a moment to highlight his father’s contributions beyond his famous guitar solos. “I think my dad is an incredibly underrated rhythm guitar player and songwriter,” he stated. “Everybody looks at him as Mr. Tap and he’s Mr. Shred, but I think that’s just a flavor of what he did.” Wolfgang emphasized that Eddie’s prowess as a rhythm guitarist and songwriter was what made his shredding so compelling. “There are plenty of people who are just great shredders running through scales, and that’s not as interesting,” he added.
Malcolm Young: The Backbone of AC/DC
Continuing the discussion, Wolfgang pointed out another guitarist he considers underrated: Malcolm Young of AC/DC. “I think Malcolm is the greatest rhythm guitar player in history,” he asserted. He acknowledged that while Angus Young is the more flamboyant performer, it is Malcolm’s gritty rhythm work that truly stands out in rock music.
Wolfgang’s Journey as an Artist
Embracing Individuality in Music
Wolfgang also reflected on his journey as a solo artist with MAMMOTH. Following the release of their third album, “The End,” on October 24 via BMG, he expressed his excitement about carving out his own identity in the music world. “It’s very fun… to be able to represent myself as my own person instead of just being seen as a bag of my dad’s blood,” he remarked. He noted the growing support from fans and the thrill of seeing them sing along to his new songs.
A Commitment to Originality
Wolfgang emphasized his desire to distinguish his music from his father’s legacy. “I feel like I need to be doing something different than my dad,” he explained. He acknowledged that while he could easily perform VAN HALEN songs, he prefers to create music that reflects his individuality. “I would rather fail doing MAMMOTH stuff than succeed playing ‘Panama’ every night,” he stated, echoing a sentiment his father once shared about the importance of artistic integrity.
Celebrating “The End” with a Fall Tour
To mark the release of “The End,” MAMMOTH embarked on a fall headline tour that began on October 31 and concluded on December 7. The tour featured special guest Myles Kennedy and showcased Wolfgang’s talent as a guitarist and vocalist alongside a talented band lineup.
MAMMOTH’s Acclaimed Journey
Since their debut, MAMMOTH has seen significant success. Their first album, “Mammoth WVH,” debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and topped three Billboard charts, including Top Hard Rock Albums. The follow-up, “Mammoth II,” continued this momentum, receiving critical acclaim and solidifying Wolfgang’s status as a formidable artist in his own right.
Conclusion
Wolfgang Van Halen’s journey as a musician is a testament to his dedication to carving out a unique identity in the rock world. By recognizing the contributions of underrated guitarists like his father and Malcolm Young, he not only honors their legacies but also inspires a new generation of musicians to embrace originality. As he continues to evolve with MAMMOTH, Wolfgang proves that he is more than just Eddie Van Halen’s son; he is a talented artist in his own right.
FAQs
Who is Wolfgang Van Halen?
Wolfgang Van Halen is the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen and is the frontman of the rock band MAMMOTH. He previously played bass for VAN HALEN.
What did Wolfgang say about his father’s guitar playing?
Wolfgang believes his father, Eddie Van Halen, is an underrated rhythm guitarist and songwriter, emphasizing that his father’s skills in these areas were crucial to his iconic shredding style.
Which underrated guitarists did Wolfgang mention?
In addition to his father, Wolfgang highlighted Malcolm Young from AC/DC as one of the greatest rhythm guitar players in history.
What is MAMMOTH’s latest album?
MAMMOTH’s latest album, “The End,” was released on October 24, 2023, and marks their third studio album.
What is the significance of Wolfgang’s solo work?
Wolfgang aims to establish his own identity in music, separate from his father’s legacy, and has expressed pride in creating original music that reflects his artistic vision.
