The Latest News & Info about The Mighty Van Halen
From Rolling Stone.com: Even Jeff Spicoli couldn’t have imagined a life this awesome: Wolfgang Van Halen, 17, spent last year on the road with his dad’s band Van Halen, playing bass on “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “Panama” to packed arenas — and he’s still on schedule to graduate from high school this June. “Wolfie [...]
From Guitar World:
Nov 19, 2008
Van Halen: Like Father, Like Son
By Chris Gill
Originally printed in Guitar World, April 2008
Eddie Van Halen put the fire in the group that bears his name. It took his
son, Wolfgang, to rekindle the passion and get the group on the road for
one of the most anticipated reunion tours in rock history. In this world
exclusive interview, the father-and-son duo talks about working and
performing together in Van Halen.
Is musical talent genetically inherited? If your test sample is the Van
Halen family, the answer undoubtedly would be yes and the proof would be
the current Van Halen tour, which features the Van Halen brothers–Alex
and Ed–on drums and guitar respectively, as well as Ed’s 16-year-old son
Wolfgang on bass. Although Wolfgang picked up the bass less than two years
ago, his comfort on arena stages in front of crowds of 20,000 fans
suggests that it was always in his DNA to be a performer.
Wolfgang’s membership in the band may now seem like fate, but Ed was
careful from the beginning to let Wolfgang’s musical interests and talents
develop naturally, even though Ed often hinted that he hoped his kid would
follow in his footsteps. “I’m going to let Wolfgang be whatever he wants
to be,” he stated in 1995 when Wolfgang was only four. “I don’t see how he
won’t somehow be into music, being exposed to it all the time. But I’m not
going to force him to play piano or take music lessons like my parents did
to me.”
For the full article, click the “read the rest” link, below.
David Lee Roth’s official website, davidleeroth.com, has been updated with a spectacular photo gallery from the last Van Halen tour. 85 amazing photos in all – onstage, backstage, on the tour bus, what have you. A must-see! Mad Props to the Van Halen frontman for going to all the trouble, time, and expense to do [...]
As most Van Halen fans are aware, Van Halen’s standard performance contract during their glory days in the late 70′s and early ’80s contained a provision calling for them to be provided with a bowl of M&Ms, but with all the brown candies removed. The presence of even a single brown M&M in that bowl [...]
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’re probably aware that Valerie Bertinelli—ex-wife of Eddie Van Halen and Mommy of Wolfgang Van Halen—has just released a new tell-all memoir.
Included below is the publisher’s description of the book, followed by several video clips of Val’s recent appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” during which she talks about, among other things, her relationship with Eddie.
(Those interested in picking up a copy of the book—hardcover or audio version—can grab one at VanHalenStore.com.)
From Simon & Schuster:
Losing It
Valerie Bertinelli, then: bubbly sitcom star and America’s Sweetheart turned tabloid headline and rock star wife. Now: actress, single working mother of teenage rock star, and weight-loss inspiration to millions.
We all knew and loved Valerie Bertinelli years ago when she played girl-next-door cutie Barbara Cooper in the hit TV show One Day at a Time, and then starred in numerous TV movies. From wholesome primetime in America’s living rooms, Valerie moved to late nights with the hardest-partying band of the decadent eighties when she became, at twenty, wife to rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Losing It is Valerie’s frank account of her life backstage and in the spotlight.
The latest communique from the Van Halen camp:
ED AND WOLFGANG VAN HALEN TALK SHOP WITH GUITAR WORLD
“I couldn’t wait for the day I’d be able to make music with my son.” – EDWARD VAN HALEN
(Los Angeles, CA) January 27, 2008 – As VAN HALEN prepared to kick off the second leg of their incredibly successful tour, EDDIE and WOLFGANG VAN HALEN recently sat down to talk to Guitar World in the magazine’s first ever father and son cover story.
Among the topics discussed are the ins and outs of playing VAN HALEN music live, how WOLFGANG came into the band, what it’s like for a 16-year old to play on some of the biggest stages in the world and much more!
Good news for everyone who thought having Wolfgang Van Halen replace Michael Anthony was a bad idea. From Blabbermouth.net: Wolfgang Van Halen, the 16-year-old son of VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen and the projected replacement for VH bassist Michael Anthony, has told People magazine that he isn’t disappointed there will be no VAN HALEN [...]
Photographer Ross Halfin has shot Van Halen numerous times over the years. His most recent shoot took place Wednesday (12/13), and his first-person account of that day—which he posted as a diary entry on his website—is definitely intriguing: Head off to meet up with Edward Van Halen. It is hot today and I’m in black [...]
From Blabbermouth.net: Eddie Van Halen spoke to Guitar World magazine about the current status of VAN HALEN following the departures of vocalist Sammy Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony. Rumors continue to swirl that original singer David Lee Roth, who was replaced by Hagar in the mid-1980s, will return to the fold, despite years of enmity. [...]
Well, gang, it’s time to open wide for what some might consider the worst spoonful of bad medicine that Ed and Al have served up yet: No more Michael Anthony. Janie Liszewski, Ed’s current squeeze/publicist is quoted in a report posted yesterday at G4TV.com as saying the following: “Yes, I can confirm this story in [...]
Though the writing’s been on the wall for some time, it appears that Michael Anthony’s ousting from Van Halen is officially complete, if a recent TMZ.com report is to be believed. From TMZ.com: TMZ is first to confirm that Van Halen has hired 15-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen — the son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen [...]
