Wolfgang Van Halen Says His Surname Opens Doors But It Doesn’t Put Him Through Those Doors

Former Van Halen bassist and current Mammoth WVH founder Wolfgang Van Halen was asked about the key to success during a recent appearance on Mini Masterclass. The rocker stated that it’s all about dedication as well as luck. He also stated that his luck is his last name which opened doors for him, but that doesn’t mean the doors stay open just for the sake of his surname.

Wolfgang Van Halen’s music career started at an early age as a perk of being the son of the legendary Eddie Van Halen. He started working with Van Halen in 2006 as the band’s bassist at the age of 15. However, Wolfgang lost both his band and father last year following Eddie’s passing after his long battle with cancer.

Following Eddie’s death, the band decided that they couldn’t continue without him and disbanded in 2020. Since then, Wolfgang has been focusing on his solo career with the band he founded named Mammoth WVH. The rocker released his eponymous debut studio album on June 11, 2021, which received generally positive reviews from critics.

Wolfgang has been flourishing as a solo musician ever since. He performed as the opening act during the Guns N’ Roses tour, got nominated for a Grammy award, and is praised by numerous other rock stars, such as former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar.

Although he is considered to be a rock star outside of his career with Van Halen and proved himself to be more than his last name, Wolfgang Van Halen is still being exposed to criticism when it comes to his surname. He recently opened up about this issue during an interview and stated that he’s lucky to have his last name.

Wolfgang admitted that having his father’s last name opened some doors for him in his solo career for sure. However, being a Van Halen doesn’t keep doors open, or doesn’t help him to be successful at making music. His success comes from his own hard work and ability to make music just as everybody else.

About his last name, Wolfgang said:

“I think as long as you have dedication and love for the craft of performing, writing, and playing music, as long as that’s the core, I think you can’t go wrong. I do think, with anything, there’s always a dash of luck involved in terms of success.

For example, I think mine is out of my control, my last name. I’m aware of what that brings to the situation, and I’m aware that I’m very lucky in that respect, and how it may open doors for me. On that same conversation, it doesn’t keep the doors open, and it doesn’t put you through the doors.

I think, what does get you through those doors and keeps you there is being able to write music that resonates with people and being able to competently perform it as well. I think those are the things that keep you in that doorway or push you through.”

You can watch the entire interview below.