WOLFGANG VAN HALEN SAYS ONLINE RUMORS IMPLYING HE WILL BE REPLACING HIS FATHER IN VAN HALEN ARE “HURTING ME AND MY FAMILY”
Wolfgang Van Halen is very upset about online rumors that have implied that he will be the new guitarist in Van Halen.
The speculation, which started less than a month after his father, Eddie Van Halen passed away, imply that that “the VH camp” has been discussing a new lineup that would include the return of longtime bassist Michael Anthony and former singer Sammy Hagar, with Alex Van Halen on drums and Wolfgang serving as the band’s new guitarist.
“This is just a s–tty lie attempting to capitalize on these awful times,” Wolfgang wrote on Twitter. “Please stop with this. Anyone peddling this s–t is not only hurting the fans, but hurting me and my family.”
Born March 16th, 1991 to Eddie Van Halen and his then-wife, One Day at a Time actress Valerie Bertinelli, Wolfgang joined his father and uncle Alex as a member of Van Halen in 2007, replacing founding bassist Michael Anthony.
According to Bertinelli, Eddie never would have returned to the road or recorded 2012’s A Different Kind of Truth, the group’s first album in nearly 30 years to feature original singer David Lee Roth, if it weren’t for Wolfgang. “This brings joy to Ed, and that’s what he wants to do now, just have fun playing,” she said in 2012. “As great as Mike [Anthony] is, this wouldn’t be happening if Mike was still in the band.”
Wolfgang has been working for years on his first-ever solo album, on which he handles all instrumental and vocal duties. Earlier this year, he said he’s prepared for harsh reactions from longtime fans of Van Halen the band.
“Being who I am, I think people at the least will be interested in what my work will sound like, which is very nice. But on the other hand, if it’s not exactly what they want to hear or if I don’t try to sound ‘Van Halen-y’ enough for them they’ll hate me and won’t give me the time of day. I’m fully prepared for a wave of hate when my music releases because it won’t be what people think it’ll be. I’m not trying to be my father, I’m trying to be me.”
additional source: Ultimate Classic Rock
The fact that this baseless, cruel, and hurtful rumor was repeated by a metal/rock website and disguised as a “topic for discussion” is just rock tabloid “journalism” at its sludgiest (yeah, there’s a pun there).
I’m glad eddietrunk.com didn’t source the rumor and give them any additional, undeserved publicity.
I only posted about it because I wanted to give Wolfgang’s comment even more attention, as I found this rumor to be deeply offensive.
God bless the Van Halen family.
Cannot see why anyone would start this. The architect of the Van Halen sound is dead. With the exception of maybe some kind of one off tribute to Eddie, why should there be any other iteration of Van Halen.
I can see giving Wolgang’s music at least a listen to when and if it ever is released, but people should let the family have some peace for now.
I can only envision Wolfie stepping in as a guitarist as part of a tribute memorial or cancer fundraising event. No way can Van Halen continue without Eddie…..Nobody can replace EVH.
Still unbelievable that EVH is no longer with us…..
Metal Sludge used to be my favourite website. At times, the interviews were hysterical. But then it lost its way, and now they have to resort to this yellow journalism as a pathetic attempt to recapture attention.
I had no idea that is who started the rumor, yuck.
I loved their 20 Questions – fun stuff
That’s a shame such tripe would get started let alone given credence. I feel for Wolfie and hope he unplugs for a long while and tries to pick up the pieces of what he and his family are going through. Just turn away from that garbage.