Thursday, October 6, 2022

Wolfgang Van Halen starts recording second Mammoth WVH album

Wolfgang Van Halen started recording his second Mammoth WVH album this week, which also marks the second anniversary of the passing of his father, Eddie Van Halen.

Wolfgang will record all the parts on the new project – as he did with the 2021 self-titled debut – at the famed 5150 studio, which Eddie had built on his Los Angeles property.

Wolfgang took to social media on October 3 to share some photos from a jam the two had in 2014 as he was preparing to begin his debut record, telling fans, “I can’t stop thinking about this moment and how he won’t be around for it this time. I’m still not used to it. I don’t know when or if I’ll ever get used to it. It’ll be 2 years in 3 days and I don’t feel any different. All of these emotions just kinda sitting in me at all times. Sometimes it’s easier to carry, other times (like right now) it isn’t. His pride is what keeps me going, but without him here it’s easy to get lost. Easy to get stuck in my head. Easy to fall into that familiar cycle of doubt and self-loathing.

“Somehow, I’ve figured out how to keep going. Music is all I have left when it comes to feeling close to him anymore. But knowing he won’t be here this time to laugh, jam and hang throughout the whole process is tough now that I’ve gotten here. All I can do is try my best and continue to be the son he was proud of. I just miss my dad.”


Produced by Michael Baskette, “Mammoth WVH” topped a number of US Rock charts upon its release last year; it opened at No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums, Hard Rock Albums and Independent Albums charts, at No. 2 on the Top Album Sales and Current Album Sales lists, and at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, while also picking up a Grammy nomination for the lead single “Distance,” for Best Rock Song – a songwriters category – at the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas earlier this year.

Wolfgang took his Mammoth WVH project on the road this past year with a live lineup that included guitarists Jon Jourdan and Frank Sidoris, bassist Ronnie Ficarro and drummer Garret Whitlock; they’ll join Alter Bridge on a European tour next month.

Wolfgang will release an expanded deluxe digital edition of his debut album on November 11.

See also:

Wolfgang Van Halen rocks Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in Los Angeles
David Lee Roth streams live studio version of Van Halen classic Dance The Night Away
Red Hot Chili Peppers stream Eddie Van Halen tribute song
Pasadena hosts Van Halen Stage dedication ceremony
Search Van Halen at hennemusic