For Wolfgang Van Halen, carving out space beyond his surname has never been about shortcuts, it’s been about work, and finally that work is landing.
Speaking recently with Matilda Svensson on Chile’s Radio Futuro, the Mammoth frontman opened up about being recognised for his own creative identity, rather than existing as a footnote to his father, the late Eddie Van Halen.
“It’s pretty great,” Wolfgang said.
“I’m very lucky and happy that people are beginning to take me seriously as my own artist and separate me from my family history.”
That distinction isn’t accidental, Wolfgang has been deliberate about keeping Van Halen material out of his live sets, even when it might be the easier path.
“I don’t play Van Halen music at my shows. I would rather fail on my own than succeed by playing Van Halen music.”
It’s a line that cuts to the core of what Mammoth has become, a project built on autonomy, not legacy, still, Wolfgang doesn’t deny the musical throughline between himself and his father.
Instead, he reframes it.
“We both started on the drums… we both attack guitar playing from a rhythmic perspective.”
That grounding has helped fuel Mammoth’s steady rise, the band recently wrapped a five week fall headline run in support of their third album, ‘The End’, with Myles Kennedy joining as special guest.
The tour closed on December 7th, capping off another chapter in a career that’s grown louder and more confident with each release.
High praise for women in rock
Wolfgang also used the interview to call out outdated attitudes toward gender in rock, praising artists who continue to dismantle those barriers.
“Women can do anything and be better than any man.”
He specifically highlighted Lzzy Hale, calling her “one of the best singers out there,” and praised drummer Anika Nilles, now performing with Rush, as well as Linkin Park’s Emily Armstrong.
Mammoth’s momentum backs up the sentiment, from the Billboard success of ‘Mammoth WVH’ and ‘Mammoth II’ to global touring with Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Creed, Wolfgang Van Halen has built something real and on his own terms.
RELATED
MORE IN News
