WOLFGANG VAN HALEN explains why EDDIE VAN HALEN tribute concert can’t take place
23-05-2023
Wolfgang Van Halen has once again weighed in on the proposed all-star VAN HALEN tribute project, saying that “drama” in the band’s camp has prevented such an event from materializing.
In a brand new interview with Barbara Caserta of Linea Rock, the son of Eddie Van Halen, who played three VAN HALEN songs over the course of two Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts in September alongside FOO FIGHTERS members Dave Grohl on bass, Josh Freese on drums and THE DARKNESS‘s Justin Hawkins on vocals, was asked if he thinks an Eddie Van Halen tribute concert will ever become a reality. He responded: “No, no, no. I think with the FOO FIGHTERS, they have a lot less drama involved in their camp. And unfortunately, with VAN HALEN there’s many pieces that don’t operate as they should, unfortunately. But that’s neither here nor there; it’s just how reality is, unfortunately, sometimes.”
Wolfgang, who played “On Fire”, “Hot For Teacher” and “Panama” at the Hawkins tribute concerts, told Classic Rock magazine that he was no longer actively interested in pursuing the idea of a standalone Eddie Van Halen tribute event. “I think I already did it with the Taylor Hawkins tributes,” he explained. “I feel a lot of closure because my part of the show was a tribute to my father.”
“When it comes to VAN HALEN and entities surrounding the band it’s unfortunate, certainly compared to FOO FIGHTERS who have their shit together with interpersonal relationships,” Wolfgang added.
“I don’t know what it is with some bands but certain personalities just can’t get over themselves to work collectively for one purpose. That’s been the curse of VAN HALEN for its entire career. So my playing at the Taylor shows delivered that catharsis without the stresses of dealing with the VAN HALEN camp, and the players involved. Their camp is very dysfunctional — everyone! Hell, it was difficult to make plans even when the band was active.”
When Classic Rock‘s Dave Ling asked Wolfgang about Hagar‘s comment that he would “love to play those songs again,” Wolfgang said: “He said that, but he also said he wouldn’t. Sammy said two different things. No… I feel that I’ve said my piece, and if the Taylor concerts are all that happens then I’m happy with that.”
In June 2021, Wolfgang, who joined his father in VAN HALEN for the band’s 2007 reunion tour with Roth, replacing Anthony, told SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” it would be “great” to eventually organize an Eddie Van Halen tribute show. “It’s not in the immediate plans, ’cause that’s a lot of moving parts that you’ve gotta corral to get that to happen. But I definitely think it should happen. Absolutely,” he said.
Asked how he envisioned the tribute concert taking place in terms of which musicians should be involved, Wolfgang said: “I have no idea. All I know is that the focus should a hundred percent be on Pop. While it could be a celebration of VAN HALEN and the band’s history, I think more than anything, it should be focused on him… It’s a tall ask and a big thing to figure out. But I do think it should happen at some point.”
In November 2020, Wolfgang told Entertainment Tonight that proceeds from any tribute show in honor of his father would go toward Eddie‘s favorite charity, Mr. Holland’s Opus, which helps underprivileged students access musical instruments. Proceeds from the debut solo single from Wolfgang‘s solo band MAMMOTH WVH, “Distance”, are also benefiting Mr. Holland’s Opus.
MAMMOTH WVH will release its second album on BMG on August 4th.
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