979 GRDs Tommy Catches Up With Wolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH

979 GRDs Tommy Carroll spoke with Mammoth WVHs Wolfgang Van Halen about their sold-out performance coming to Grand Rapids, his famous parents, and much more.

Get our free mobile app

Wolfgang Van Halen

His last name is legendary in the rock world. Wolfgang is the son of the late great guitarist of Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen, and nephew of Alex Van Halen.

At the age of 15, Wolfgang Van Halen joined his dad and uncle to tour with one of the biggest rock bands of all time, and this young man killed it on bass and background vocals. I love the picture above because it shows three family members sharing something and loving every minute.

Wolfgang went on to be the touring bassist for Mark Tremonti's (Creed/Alter Bridge) solo band Tremonti. He even appeared on the Tremonti albums Cauterize and Dust.

Wolfie moved on from Tremonti because he had his sights on a solo career with his own band Mammoth WVH.

Mammoth WVH

After sitting on his first record for two years to spend all his time with his dad who was battling cancer and spend every last moment he could with him, Eddie Van Halen passed away. One year later, Wolfgang's Mammoth WVH released the track Distance which went on to get nominated for a Grammy for best rock song of the year. It's a great song, but if you watch the video above, you better have a box of tissues handy because these home videos of Wolfie and his dad Eddie, and mother Valerie will have you in tears.

Mammoth WVH has released two albums, Mammoth WVH, and Mammoth WVH II. They have toured the world with bands like Guns N' Roses, and Metallica, and Wolfgang even performed with the Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkings tribute shows and paid tribute to his dad as well by performing Van Halen songs at both events.

I was lucky enough to get a call from Wolfgang and we discussed why it has taken so long to come to Grand Rapids, his undeniable talent as a musician on multiple instruments, the possibility of producing other artists, touring, his fiancee, and his parents. Check out the conversation below.

Check Out Wolfgang's Favorite 10 Albums When He Was a Teenager Below: