“There was never a desire for drama. He just wanted to play guitar”: Wolfgang Van Halen believes his father hated the politics and arguments in Van Halen
In Alex Van Halen’s 2024 memoir, Brothers, he wrote that “when there was a disagreement within Van Halen, he was taking [his brother’s] side” – and the band certainly had its fair share of disagreements. From Sammy Hagar to David Lee Roth, there was seemingly always a drama in the Van Halen camp.
However, Wolfgang Van Halen argues that drama is the last thing his father ever wanted. In a new interview with Song Cake, Wolfgang explains how Eddie Van Halen always just wanted to rock out and have a good time. “He just wanted to play music,” he insists. “There was never a desire for drama.”
READ MORE: Sammy Hagar thinks Alex Van Halen is “angry” because he’s still “out doing it” – and Alex can’t
“He just wanted to play guitar,” he continues. “He just wanted to make music. Why can’t you just make music and have a good time with people you love?”
It’s possible that some of the older Van Halen dramas were a by-product of Eddie’s addictions. For example, in a 2016 interview with AXS TV, Hagar called Eddie’s behaviour “horrible” on Van Halen’s 2004 World Tour, adding that the guitarist “did horrible things to people”.
However, Wolfgang’s introduction to the lineup in 2006 helped keep Eddie in check. “I was just there for my dad,” Wolfgang reflects. “My dad was newly sober, had a noted, you know, problem with addiction, and he needed me there.”
However, even after Eddie cleaned up his act, ex-members have caused a stir countless times over the years. Notably, Hagar called Eddie a liar for implying Michael Anthony was a subpar bassist in 2015 – and he did so with a big “fuck you, Eddie Van Halen”. And, even since Eddie’s passing, David Lee Roth has had an ongoing drama with Wolfgang.
Last year, David Lee Roth posted a YouTube video titled This Crazy Kid, a fiery 5-minute verbal rampage aimed at the late Eddie’s son. “This fucking kid…” Roth said. “He’s complaining the entire tour like I’m not paying enough attention to him on stage.”
He also seemingly took another swipe at Wolfgang in another video entitled Family Therapy. “Son, commercially speaking, you got your ass handed to you,” he said, referring to Van Halen’s 2012 record A Different Kind Of Truth.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
