Wolfgang Van Halen speaks out: “I think it’d be really boring if I was just a carbon copy of my dad”

The core of Van Halen‘s rhythm section was Michael Anthony, whose booming basslines and distinctive harmonies contributed to the band’s iconic sound. However, a seismic transition in 2007 rocked the Van Halen lineup. When Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen’s son, was revealed as the band’s new bassist, it caused a stir among ardent supporters. Others accused Eddie Van Halen of putting family ties ahead of devotion to longstanding comrades, while others questioned Wolfgang’s readiness for such a significant role in one of rock’s most legendary bands. Finally, Wolfgang talks about his time with Van Halen, defends his position within the group, and reveals the people who really helped him through that difficult change. As transcribed by us, here’s a bit of a backstory.

My dad taught me how to do some power chords when I was, like, 13. He taught me the early stuff, and I just kind of took it in my own direction. He never wanted me to be him. He enjoyed playing with me. That was one of his favorite things. It was a big reason why the years of Van Halen where I was involved happened at all. It wasn’t just him, too. It was Al [Alex Van Halen]. It was Roth at the time. It was the whole crew. They all trusted me. And I know how ridiculous it sounds to trust a 15-year-old to do that.

There were difficulties when Wolfgang joined Van Halen. Supporters were outspoken in their criticism, arguing that a teenager couldn’t really replace an experienced performer like Michael Anthony. Eddie Van Halen, however, maintained his conviction that Wolfgang was the best option, highlighting his son’s skill and newfound vitality. Since then, Wolfgang has often shown his worth. One of his most memorable performances was at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert, where he paid homage to Hawkins and his father by performing two Van Halen classics.

It was a big moment for me because it was, one, proving that I could do it, and two, showing that I choose not to. My dad actually had a quote when they ended up doing a lot of cover songs on Diver Down. He said, ‘I’d rather bomb with my own material than succeed with someone else’s.’ And I feel very much that way.

In a different interview, he continued to maintain his position as a different identity from his dad’s band.

I think the main thing with this whole album and project and band is that I’m my own person. I think it’d be really boring if I was just a carbon copy of my dad. And I’m not. I’m my own musician. I’m my own person. And I hope people try to give it an unbiased glance.