From the moment Wolfgang Van Halen launched what is proving to be a much-acclaimed solo career with Mammoth WVH, certain vocal sections of the Van Halen online community have been relentlessly, and rudely, badgering the 31-year-old musician to include one or more Van Halen originals in his live sets to honour his late father Eddie.
Understandably, being on the receiving end of these incessant entitled demands have grown tiresome for the Californian musician, who has patiently explained that in following his own, unique, singular artistic vision he is doing what his father always strived to do, namely to create a distinctive voice of his own, rather than repeating the past.
Last weekend however, appearing onstage at a sold-out Wembley Stadium to pay his respects to late, loved Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, a huge Van Halen fan, Wolfgang teamed up with Dave Grohl, Justin Hawkins and Vandals drummer Josh Freese to joyously smash two Van Halen classics - On Fire and Hot For Teacher - right out of the park. Truthfully, it was special.
And yesterday, September 8, Wolfgang threw out another unexpected curveball, by sharing a cover of his father's signature game-changing, brain-melting guitar showcase, Eruption, recorded during studio sessions for the Mammoth WVH album back in 2015. This, he explained on social media, was his way of marking 45 years since the iconic instrumental was laid to tape at Sunset Sound studio during the sessions for Van Halen's extraordinary 1978 debut album.
Watch the magic unfold below:
In honor of Eruption being recorded 45 years ago today, here’s me playing part of it on the guitar it was recorded on in 2015 while tracking some guitars for the first @MammothWVH album.Love you, Pop ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TpjqUQGW3SSeptember 8, 2022
Mammoth WVH will be joining Alter Bridge on a lengthy North American tour in early 2023.