Wolfgang Van Halen recently opened up about his complicated relationship with David Lee Roth during an appearance on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast. The son of the legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen expressed his belief that Roth no longer holds him in high regard, despite previously thinking they were on good terms.
Wolfgang shared that Roth has released several YouTube videos in which he openly criticizes him. “Not really, at least as of recently,” Wolfgang stated when asked about their relationship. “I thought we were on good terms, and he actually made a couple YouTube videos about me, about how much he doesn’t like me, which was, like, ‘Okay, cool man.'”
The tension seems to stem from Roth’s comments regarding Wolfgang’s behavior during the band’s final tour. Roth claimed that Wolfgang had issues with him not paying enough attention on stage and recounted incidents where he allegedly had guests ejected from the venue. Wolfgang, however, dismissed Roth’s claims, suggesting that they were based on Roth’s perspective rather than the truth.
“He basically just said a bunch of stuff that was true to him, I guess,” Wolfgang explained. “It doesn’t matter if it’s not true because the people who are going to listen to it will believe it and use it to hate me anyway. So you’ve just gotta move forward.”
Wolfgang speculated that much of Roth’s animosity towards him could be linked to the absence of his father, Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in October 2020. “I think one of the bigger things is my dad isn’t around, so he just went for what’s still there to kind of point at,” Wolfgang said.
The relationship between Roth and Eddie Van Halen was famously tumultuous, with the two often clashing during their time together in Van Halen. Wolfgang acknowledged this history, noting that the difficulties between Roth and his father have likely contributed to the current situation. “I mean, throughout their history, I think, absolutely,” he said. “I don’t know what it is with ’80s bands. There’s always something.”
Wolfgang expressed his desire for a more positive atmosphere in the music industry, particularly in his own band, Mammoth WVH. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the creative process and making music without unnecessary drama. “I just want to have a good time and just be happy and make music,” he said.
Reflecting on the speculation surrounding Van Halen’s internal dynamics, Wolfgang pointed out that his father and uncle, Alex Van Halen, rarely discussed their issues publicly. This lack of communication left room for misinterpretation and allowed one-sided narratives to dominate the conversation. “I think the really tough thing with Van Halen is that my dad and my uncle never talked about it,” he explained. “They just pushed forward and kept doing what they were doing.”
In a previous interview, Wolfgang had hinted that Roth’s behavior may have played a role in the failure of a proposed tribute concert for his father. He expressed frustration over the challenges of working with certain individuals in the industry, suggesting that some personalities can complicate collaborative efforts. “There are some people that make it very difficult to do anything when it comes to Van Halen,” he said.
Despite the ongoing tension, Wolfgang remains respectful of Roth’s contributions to music. He acknowledged Roth’s unique persona and the impact he has had on the industry. “I mean, he’s fucking David Lee Roth,” Wolfgang said. “I’m so happy for him and for everything that he’s accomplished.”
Wolfgang’s relationship with Roth has evolved over the years. In earlier interviews, he described their interactions as cordial but primarily business-related. “We were always cool, but we really only ever saw each other onstage,” he noted.
As Wolfgang continues to navigate the complexities of his family’s legacy, he remains focused on his own musical journey. He has expressed a desire to honor his father’s memory through his work while also striving to create a positive environment for his band. “I would really like to do something for my father,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of organizing a tribute concert.
The Van Halen legacy is undoubtedly intertwined with the personal dynamics of its members. Wolfgang’s candid remarks shed light on the ongoing struggles within the band and the impact of his father’s absence on the relationships that remain. As he moves forward, Wolfgang aims to carve out his own path while honoring the legacy of his father and the music that has shaped his life.
Source: Blabbermouth, Loudwire
