Wolfgang Van Halen says dysfunction is to blame for no Eddie Van Halen tribute and the chances of if ever happening are slim.
“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 inter-personal relationships,” Wolfgang said in a new interview with Classic Rock. “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.”
Classic Rock‘s Dave Ling asked Wolfgang about Sammy Hagar’s recent comments to Rolling Stone, saying he’d love to be part of a tribute and split the setlist 50/50 with David Lee Roth.
“He said that, but he also said he wouldn’t,” Wolfgang said. “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.”
Wolfgang has garnered much praise for his performance of three Van Halen songs on lead guitar – “On Fire”, “Hot For Teacher” and “Panama” – alongside Dave Grohl on bass, Josh Freese on drums and The Darkness’s Justin Hawkins on vocals at Taylor Hawkins tribute shows in London and Los Angeles.
More of Wolfgang’s interview to come in the upcoming issue of Classic Rock magazine.