Wolfgang Van Halen’s Thoughts on His Father’s Legacy
Eddie Van Halen’s Impact on the ’80s Music Scene
Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, has spoken out about his father’s influence on the music scene of the 1980s. In a recent appearance on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Wolfgang shared his thoughts on how his father’s playing style and popularity had a profound impact on the musical landscape of the decade.
The Copycat Effect
According to Wolfgang, Eddie’s distinctive playing style and showmanship led to a proliferation of copycats. Many musicians attempted to emulate his ax-wielding exploits, which Wolfgang believes had a negative impact on the music scene. "In a way, Dad kind of ruined the musical landscape [of ’80s rock]," Wolfgang explained. "Because instead of everybody wanting to find out who they are, they just wanted to be [Eddie]."
Eddie’s Songwriting Contributions
Wolfgang also emphasized the importance of his father’s songwriting skills, which he believes often get overshadowed by his guitar playing. "I think people focus on the guitar playing, but overall it was the fact that Dad is a great songwriter," Wolfgang said. "And that’s what I shoot for too."
Mammoth WVH’s Success and Wolfgang’s Bittersweet Feelings
Wolfgang’s band, Mammoth WVH, has been enjoying success, playing massive stadiums and opening for Metallica this summer. However, Wolfgang’s success is bittersweet, as his father is no longer around to see it. "It fucking kills me that Dad can never come to a Mammoth show," Wolfgang confessed. "I was having dinner after a Metallica show. They do like these dinners. And I was hanging out with James [Hetfield] and he was wearing his son’s band shirt. I saw that and I was like, fuck. Dad would be stoked to wear a Mammoth shirt."
Conclusion
Wolfgang Van Halen’s thoughts on his father’s legacy offer a unique perspective on the impact of Eddie’s playing style and popularity on the music scene of the 1980s. While Eddie’s contributions to Van Halen’s music are undeniable, Wolfgang’s comments highlight the importance of considering the broader implications of his father’s influence.
FAQs
Q: What did Wolfgang Van Halen say about his father’s impact on the ’80s music scene?
A: Wolfgang believes that his father’s playing style and popularity led to a proliferation of copycats, which had a negative impact on the musical landscape of the decade.
Q: What does Wolfgang think about his father’s songwriting skills?
A: Wolfgang emphasizes the importance of his father’s songwriting skills, which he believes often get overshadowed by his guitar playing.
Q: How is Wolfgang’s band, Mammoth WVH, doing?
A: Mammoth WVH has been enjoying success, playing massive stadiums and opening for Metallica this summer.
Q: How does Wolfgang feel about his father not being able to attend Mammoth WVH shows?
A: Wolfgang’s success is bittersweet, as his father is no longer around to see it. He confessed that it "kills him" that his father can never come to a Mammoth show.
