Wolfgang Van Halen Is Finding His Way on "Therapeutic" New Album: "I’m My Own Person" | PEOPLE
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 чер 2021
- In this exclusive interview with Wolfgang Van Halen, the musician opens up about his new solo album Mammoth WVH, how music helped him through the tragic loss of his father, and how his celebrity parents, Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli, made sure he stayed grounded growing up.
Subscribe to People ►► bit.ly/SubscribetoPeople
#WolfgangVanHalen #EddieVanHalen #PEOPLE
Catch up on the latest celebrity news, top stories and more:
• Pippa Middleton Welcom...
PEOPLE goes behind-the-scenes with our cover stars for exclusive stories and in-depth interviews:
• Michelle Obama on Love...
PEOPLE goes in-depth with your favorite stars and celebrities to bring you exclusive stories and features:
• Meet 3 Doctors Who Are...
Go inside the homes of your favorite celebrities with exclusive house tours: • NCIS’s Sean Murray Ope...
Get exclusive access into the biggest celebrity weddings. From the dresses and rings to dances and surprises, PEOPLE covers it all: • Inside Real Housewife ...
Watch as your favorite couples reveal the secrets to love and happiness in celebrity love stories:
• Ted Danson and Mary St...
Stay up to date with The Royal Family: • Prince William Respond...
Watch kids interview your favorite celebrities with the most adorable questions you'll ever hear:
• Jimmy Fallon Answers K...
ABOUT PEOPLE
PEOPLE remains the trusted authority at the center of pop culture. The PEOPLE brand features a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time.
CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
Web: people.com
Twitter: / people
Facebook: / peoplemag
Instagram: / people
Wolfgang Van Halen Is Finding His Way on "Therapeutic" New Album: "I’m My Own Person" | PEOPLE
/ people - Розваги
The way this dude talks and acts proves that Eddie was a great father and Valerie Bertinelli was a great mother.
And the music sounds superb.
Absolutely spot on
Man to say Wolfgang is a phenom is an understatement..such a gifted guy and even though he struggles internally with his dads passing, I’d say he’s pretty well grounded. Totally blown away by his album!!!
I totally agree!
Can you just imagine the amounts of pressure he’s felt through the course of his life? His music is amazing and bless him for persevering through it all.
I love this young man....his parents did a great job...
Awesome young man
He’s still with you Wolfie.
I’m so proud of this dude. He’s so fucking talented.
He is mediocre at best.
@@rhaastaa subjective. I am impressed.
@@rhaastaa well consider me easily impressed by your standards 😃
@@rhaastaa bs!
Plays all instruments, and on top of all that....he is an awesome vocalist,....so much talent, his Dad is watching with that famous EVH smile❤️🙏🎸.....Great job Val and Ed...a well grounded son so appreciative and kind!!
Valerie & Eddie are/were obviously amazing parents. Wolfie is a great guy! Will check out his music for sure. Wishing him the very best!!!
He is a humble dude.
Could this talented kid be any more likable? Go wolf.
It’s a great album. He’s an incredibly talented musician. He’s a good dude. He’s been raised well. I’m still depressed over Eddie’s death, I can only imagine how Wolfgang feels.
Agreed. I cried a bit today as I walked and listened to 316 and poundcake... RIP Eddie
It's such a great record! I'm so glad I've found and gave it a chance, it's the best rock record that I've Heard in hell a long time 💜
Kudos goes to Eddie and mom VALERIE!! Love her!!
well there's a lot of people that don't really like his music and think it's just a bunch of nepotism
We're in the Best generation aren't we? To see EVH's son excell like his dad wanted. Be glad he was here.
Wolfgang seems like a truly kind heart.
Very intelligent and articulate too.
his mom said "he has an old soul"
He seems like a really down to earth kid. I need to go pick this album up, get some new ear candy.
Wolfgang is probably stronger than he realizes, but having his great love and support from his family is definitely a blessing. For a 15 year old to be put in the bass slot of one of the biggest rock bands in history, that alone takes a brave and strong person. Many didn’t want him there, some even were claiming that it wasn’t really him playing and singing. Wolfgang proved them all wrong. Now he’s giving us an album that is just incredible and did everything musically himself. Talk about proving a point. Bravo Wolfgang 👏🏻
Well said! I couldnt agree with you more, he is such an amazing talent and to see jump into "Van Halen" at the age of 15 and filling in some very big shoes was truly awe inspiring! I want to see him make it HUGE!!!
He is huge! At the top and going to keep cruising!
@@Tmac327 o
I lost my dad at 10 years old. That summer Van Halen hit the scene. The music helped me find my way in hard times. Mammoth is a great name. Your music rocks. And has real feeling.
I wish all celebrity sons where like Wolfgang. Such a good guy no bullshit.
This 💯
I agree what a great kid
Truth!
Thank you so much Keaton, your future is great no man can stop you.
Sounds like someone who was raised by Eddie van Halen
That clip with him going up the stairs and his dad saying he loves him makes me tear up every time I watch it.
Me too!!!
Purest love I ever seen between a Dad and his son
Amen brother.
Wow! So talented and humbled! Reminds of my son . . . 3 generation Dr always learning!! I am just a teacher
Phfew I love you
Valerie Bertinelli: You and Edward did an AMAZING job raising Wolf
I really admire Wolfgang. My biggest reason being because this kid can straight up play, much like his dad and uncle. From a skill standpoint he deserved to be up there with Eddie. Any famous dad can bring their kids into their endeavors, but Wolfgang has the skill to back it up. Rock on, WVH!
Very genuine. ❤
What a good guy he turned out to be! I dig his new stuff.
This guy is a true inspiration. He carries himself like a true gentleman. He's insanely talented. His voice is absolutely awesome. What a great job they did raising this humble, brilliant young man. It really does my heart good to see that he is channeling his pain into something that will touch others and hopefully be cathartic for him down the road as he goes to play all these songs live. One thing is for sure, there will be musicians lining up for miles to get into that live band. Were it 20 years ago? I would be one of them. Rock on WVH. You are your own man.
He's a GOOD guy who has been through a lot of sadness & he's a creative soul who deserves our support.
There has got to be millions of people rooting Wolf's success. In a time of the "me" generation, this young man seems so level headed and decent, unlike so many . His talent is genuine, and in a time where people think drum clicks and autotuning is the real thing, THIS man is the real thing. His father was one of the most beloved figures in rock music, and his absence is tough on fans, it's impossible to know how hard it is on Wolfgang, but he handles it with strength and grace.
WVH, I think the world adopted you after your dad passed. You are a special kind of man. Your talent is endless. I lost my dad too, and I just finished a Grief Recovery course that helped A LOT. Just a suggestion to help “empty your backpack “. Good luck as you move forward. ❤️🙏
Sorry to hear that ......My condolences ....Thanks for telling your story to help others.
Best to you friend. Will say a prayer for you.
My sincerest condolences. Lost my mom back in 2016. We can get through, friend.
I lost my dad in 2018 to cancer... my condolences to you...They we always be alive in our hearts, and the stories we tell...🙏💞
He won me over. The album is great. He seems pretty cool. And he's Eddies kid, so I'm in. Congrats Wolfie.
There is no doubt hearing Wolfgang talks why his legendary father, Eddie Van Halen, was so proud of him. Wolfgang deserves all the love and success as a fine and talented individual. Go Mammoth WVH.
Why can't more of the music business or Hollywood be more like this? This is the kind of person we should be making a "celebrity". Thank you for the awesome example and the music, Wolfgang!
Such a measured and thoughtful guy, you can tell he's quite the thinker.
He's already well on the way to stepping out from under the shadow.
Much love WVH.
How can you not like this young man? His dad was as humble as they come and it obviously passed right down.
You father gave you 2 good legs to stand up for yourself, and you are doing a damn fine job at it.👍 R.I.P. EDWARD
Sorry for your loss. Also lost my dad when I was 29….think of him every minute of every day…….
I was also 29 when I lost my precious dad to cancer. He lets me know he's still at my side.
I'm sorry to hear that dude. I lost my dad 5 years ago. Im 33 now. Sucks dude because afterwards I realized how me and him were so similar..
And I thought of him as my "dad" and not as "friend" .. In the end I wish I thought of him as a friend...
Anyway.. I know how you feel.
Take care buddy
can you imagine your first job is playing bass in van halen??
keep going, wolfie, stay strong. from personal experience, i know how tough it is, how you just want to lie down and do nothing, but you can make it! it's not easy at all but you will survive and that's just what your dad would want.👍💖
Nepotism has it's rewards,
He didn’t deserve that position whatsoever, all he’s doing, is riding his dads coattails. Take away that aspect of his life, and you wouldn’t even be giving him a second look.
He’d be just another faceless musician, trying to make it.
@@rulerofomicronpersei8 I agree 100% He should doing weight loss commercials with his Mom instead.
@@domtanko7160 that comment was unnecessary. he's a guy who lost his dad less than a year ago. why be so rude?
@@lisabradford8180 Because the guy places getting a cheap laugh in front of his cruella de Vile mates over having empathy for another human being Lisa.
Grief is a difficult process. I wish Wolfie all the best going forward. You can tell he has such a warm soul and incredible talent. His album is fantastic.
Just still makes me cry knowing that Eddie’s gone.
Grow up . I only cry for people I actually Know. Don't waste your tears on your Hero.
@@domtanko7160 Folks are entitled to empathize for people who had a profound influence on their lives even if they never met them. After all, you are expressing the emotion of irritancy over Rob & you don't 'know' him personally.......So the presence of your own comment here makes you guilty of your own accusation & suject to its own misguidedly harsh criticism....There are people here who when being inspired by ED to pick up a guitar went on to become professional musicians themselves. And his playing moved them down to their boot heels while inspiring them to be creative themselves. They made life changing decisions based on his inspiration & influence.
@@walterevans2118 If you are still crying for your guitar mentor 8 months later after his passing , you need help
@@domtanko7160 Ladies and Jellyspoons DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS ......Do not provoke them into becoming an ABUNDANT SPECIES. Actually not so much a species , more a PESTILENCE .....Which 'help' did you have in mind ? .....Freudian psychoanalysis with its emphasis on ego/superego/Id resolution conflicts ? ...Cognitive Sledgehammer brainwas/ err I mean therapy ? ...Or the DSM brain/chemico social engineering while making a packet for drug companies ?
@@domtanko7160 speaking of growing up, maybe you should do that yourself.
Wolfgang is definitely one class act. A very humble individual. The world needs more Wolfgang’s.
yes
He is extremely talented because of heredity and very humble because of love.
Eddie was clearly just as good a dad as he was a musician -- and that's saying something. Go, Wolf!!
not by feeding him twinkees and cookies and lard
feeding him waffles while the parents did cocaine..
@@domtanko7160 Even Wolf had to beg David Lee Roth to come back into Van Halen for his father was a meth head. Roth saved Eddie's life
@@SteveBurk so glad you're making it about the music
@@domtanko7160 so glad you're making it about the music
What a nice young man. I hope he has success for many years to come.
Love his humility, intelligence, kindness, and talent. As someone who often turns to food when I'm dealing with tough struggles, I hope that his awesome memories and wonderful music starts to be more therapeutic for him than food.
He didn't talk about food, so why put that or your story in it. I agree he is an amazing person and musical talent.
How do you know it's even related?
Wolf's attitude is so heart warming. As a 52 yr old man that was inspired by Eddie to play guitar for a living, I am inspired to make my own album as well. I tear up every time I listen to Wolfs new songs. Thank you!
aww scooter trash has a heart............
@@domtanko7160 trash...wtf? Uncalled for
There was a dum shat called Dom Tacko....Whose horrible posts would sound wacko....Tourettes syndrome mean , like a wanker machine.....Shut his mouth with a joint or tobacco .
Don't mind Dom over here. While he's busy typing garbage in comments, we're also busy with having a life :D
@@Tenike8 My life is making fun of yours
I seen Van Halen in concert shortly after Wolf joined the band. I was amazed back then as I am now with his music. Wow crazy talented..Luv it💙 Keep rockin Wolf..ill be listening!!!
the honesty and intellect flowing out of this young man is pretty staggering. I really hope he's able to make a happy life for himself without any baggage. You go kid!!!!!
I'm not my dad, I'm my own person. The best "son of, daughter of" philosophy you must have. There's 1 Eddie, he was a guitar genius and Wolfgang has his own musical talents to explore and establish himself as...well himself,
Well said my brother 👍
Just went through the whole thing today. Wolf made a GREAT rock record. Might even be my fav this year so far
The song Distance is so good but,....I have a really hard time listening to it without completely balling. Good luck Wolf -- you're carrying the rock torch and doing it very well. You Pops would be proud.
Outstanding album proud moment son.
Wolf seems like a very nice person and definitely talented in his own right
He's right where he belongs. He's not just being a famous son. He sings and writes amazing! There's a place for him in music and he's already there!
We are all rooting for you and we are all so glad you are your own individual self. I don't think anything could make any of us more happy to see you succeed and to catch your dreams.
I tear up every time here wolf talk about his dad rip Eddie also you can tell Eddie and wolf are both genuinely nice people just by the way they talk and the album is amazing
Amazing Wolf. Can't wait to see what the future holds !
Indeed your are your own person love your music
Eddie must have been so proud of Wolfie. Great guy, like his dad was!
I'm 61 and have so much appreciation and love for this kid..any father would
I just hope hes still with us in 5 years 0r 10 even. Hope he finds happiness & health is the key to longevity.
I love this young Man.
He reminds Me of My own Son , all Heart .
Your awesome music is reflective of your dad, but I see your mother’s sweetness, intelligence, and genuineness in you too💜☮️ I think you will be more famous than either of your parents. Good job!
Wolfgang, you are truly an amazing young man :P
We’re all here wanting him to be ok and continue the great work he’s done so far! It’s got to be crushing to loose such a great father. Best of luck to you WVH! You have a great outlook on who you are and I can’t wait for the decades ahead!
He has so much compassion and very humble Love his music
Some days ago I walked into a CD shop and saw Wolfgangs cd on display. All he needs is good management and eventually with time and healing he will step out of the huge shadow of his dad. He has enough, way enough talent to become a well respected musician himself. Hats off, young man!
Loving his album Wolfgang deserves all the success coming his way such a down to earth humble guy!
I am obsessed with this album!!! I cannot stop playing it. I love that every song is uniquely different too. I have been telling people, which I truly believe, you have more talent than Van Halen and that's a mammoth statement 😊.
This means so much to me to see the son of my idol to be moving forward with his own music, i followed Eddie Van Halen sense i first heard him in 1978 i was an 18 year old guitar player that almost quit when i heard Eddie but his music was so interesting i just couldn't ignore it, a piece of me died when Eddie did and to see his son actually doing his own thing is really what id rather see him do than trying to copy his dad because that's not being who you need to be, im very proud to see him doing this as i know 100% his dad is looking down as proud as can be, keep moving forward wolfie and R.I.P to the greatest guitar player thats ever lived in my opinion, Mr. Eddie Van Halen.
Well said!
Man, I lost my dad at 30 too. My hero. Nothing but respect for Wolfie - I know how hard is to drag yourself out into the world while grieving - just not under the spotlight.
Thank you so much for your support i'm really amazed with your comment and i will give you the privilege to have a personal conversation with me. send me a private message on this page.
I love the album. Its so good. I caught the end of don't back down on the radio one day and immediately loved it and had to find the song. It was the best thing I'd heard on the radio in 10 years. I had no idea he was the son of Eddie at all.
Hell yeah! Be you man. That's it. From what I've heard so far on the radio "Don't Back Down" you got IT. Great song! Can't wait for more!
Ed was a true Father loved his son RIP EVH
He’s very good. He certainly inherited thr gift. He seems like a nice kid too.
Wolfgang is 100% his own man.Talented in his own right.His dads very proud,and yes he has alot of his father in him no matter what.His dad is around the Soul lives on.Bravo to Wolfgang I totally love his voice his music.
His stuff is really good. Great first effort. Cant wait to hear what he does.
His album is fantastic. I love it.
Such a fantastic freshman album. I hope he goes far!! He has such great talent, he really deserves great success.
🔥💗🎶🎶🎶
I totally understand Wolfgang's pain on losing a parent!! I lose my mother to cancer , For years I smiled and laughed with others like I was over my mother's death when really I was in a mental and emotional pain 24/7. We keep going like our parents would want us to
🙏🙏
You’re awesome Wolf, and everything will be ok. God bless you always man.
Best album of the year, hands down! And hearing this interview makes me love it even more. I miss EVH, like so many others…but honestly, I empathetically miss him for Wolfie. He was a father and an absolute hero to this young man. That, to me, is greater than all of his accomplishments as a musician…combined. Wolfgang, if you read this, you are inspiring dads everywhere to be better fathers simply by the way you genuinely honor yours.
Agree 💯
This kid is as real as it gets. Good for him.
Such a great guy. Your dad and mom raised you right👍. Tears flowing with Eddie's pics-such a talent...
😍rock on Wolfgang 🤩🤟
We’re rooting for you, Wolfie.
Wolf is so much a part of both his parents. When he speaks I can hear his Mom's wisdom but he definitely has his Dad's talent. I'm sure his Dad is looking down with pride and I know his Mom is beaming with it.
I’ve been blown away with how good Wolfie’s stuff is all on it’s own. Great sound, great player, and he seems like such a nice kid. I hope he has years of success and more importantly happiness.
Great for you Wolfgang! I've listened/loved your father's work and the work of ALL the Van Halen team since I first heard them, when I was 10 in 1984.
Wolfgang might be 30 but he's still a kid to those of us who grew up listening to his dad and uncle Alex. He sounds like a good kid, I'm glad he got to play with his dads band. I like his music. 👍🏻
So glad that Wolf is carrying on with his musical gift. Such a talented young man.
I do worry about his weight. I would love to see him get on a health kick so that he can have decades of playing great music for the world.
He’s so humble and I want him to have a great life!
Love him and he is so modest, his new album is better than anything out there now !! Amazing love every song on it
Congratulations Wolf!!!! Been looking forward to this for a long time!!!
What a trooper! Hope he marches on into the musical future! Stay sober and he will be a winner every time! Thanks EVH I have enjoyed playing every one of your songs on my guitar!
I cannot imagine the stresses you have to deal with.. all famous children are treated so unfairly, as if yoy aren't you...a combo of 2 famous parents, but still you're forever judged, but have faith that you'll Make it all by your efforts. Got a fan right here and I'm 52, and you ROCK. Finally, you will make your name in that fact, you Wolfgang, all you. Love and prayers
He has such a kind and humble vibe.
Great interview and rock and hard rock is what i love the most
Wolfgang! You're an amazing person and a great musician! Your Pops was the best guitar player and changed the rules on playing guitar! Your talents as a musician is far beyond excellent! I mean when you play music, I feel it all over, and the music these days aren't that good, until you came along and saved Hard Rock! Thanks man! You're awesome!!!! ✌😎🎸🎶🎶
I know I'm going to sound like everyone else, but Eddie was the reason why I started to play guitar. I remember getting the 1984 cassette as a kid and wearing it out. Also I remember the release party or the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album with Eddie saying "I love you Wolfie". Looking back, I had no idea until Wolf was in the band. Rock on Wolf and keep on what you are doing. EVH will live on forever!!!
Wolf, you are a beautiful soul and awesomely talented musician/vocalist. My husband Sean passed January of 21 and he idolized your dad. VH was definitely one of his most favorite bands all through our high school years until he passed away. He was a drummer, my son a keyboardist and our youngest daughter started playing bass at 9. Your music really touched me then I saw this interview and you stated something I swear I just said to my friend yesterday. I told her I cannot keep on pretending I am fine because I'm not. I finally realized it myself. Exactly word for word. Music is therapy and it is an escape for me. Unfortunately I cannot play any instrument, my hands and fingers are too small on the bass and keys but I constantly ask my kids to play songs and thank the Lord for UA-cam videos. Will love to see you perform one day! Best to you and your family!
I am so sorry for your loss...🙏♥
Very well spoken. Keep doing what you’re doing, Wolf!
The CD is amazingly good from beginning to end, arrived the other day, well written well produced,
You’re good Wolf 👍🏻
Thank you
His SMILE lights up a room! ❤️🔥❤️
I fucking love this record. Wolf also comes across as the sweetest guy.
Anyone who doesn't wish for him to succeed is an freaking idiot. He's a prodigy just as his father was. The album kicks ass!!!!
@undcvr fnt people who comment like this comment are sad
Thank you so much for your support i'm really amazed with your comment and i will give you the privilege to have a personal conversation with me. send me a private message on this page.
HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF HON. YOU ARE YOUR OWN PERSON. YOU DO YOU!!!!!
Wolfgang seems like such a wonderful dude. Great attitude and talent. Respect. Keep up the beautiful musical journey man, you deserve it.
Thank you so much for your support i'm really amazed with your comment and i will give you the privilege to have a personal conversation with me. send me a private message on this page.
Wolf u are your own man your music is defining you...so impressive how u play everything but your voice blows me away I can see u are a genuine guy and that is what attracts people to you not just who u came from. Genuine people will see that. Go get em Wolf!