Wolfgang Van Halen Releases New Song, 'Distance,' with Mammoth WVH

Wolfgang Van Halen Releases New Song, ‘Distance,’ with Mammoth WVH

2020-11-16

Wolfgang Van Halen – Story by Scarlett Hunter, photo by Travis Shinn

Listen to “Distance,” a heartfelt tribute from Wolfgang Van Halen to his father, Eddie Van Halen

Wolfgang Van Halen has been gearing up to unleash music from his solo band Mammoth WVH for some time, but he held off when his father, Eddie Van Halen, told him that his cancer had returned. Instead of releasing new music, Wolfgang took the time to be with his dad and help him fight cancer.

While helping his father, Wolfgang was also writing material for his upcoming solo album, due out via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records in 2021. Now, Wolfgang has released the album’s debut single, “Distance,” which is available today (Nov. 16) via all digital outlets.

“As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I’d miss him. While the song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their life,” Wolfgang said in a statement.

Wolfgang describes “Distance” as “an open letter to his father,” as he sings, “no matter what the distance is, I will be with you.” The music video for the song, which can be viewed below, wraps up with a heartfelt voicemail left from Eddie to his son.

“I never intended ‘Distance’ to be the very first piece of music people would hear from me, but I also thought my father would be here to celebrate its release,” Wolfgang said. “This is for him. I love and miss you, Pop.”

The Van Halen family is heavily involved with the charity organization Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a foundation that helps students from low-income circumstances have access to instruments. It was one of Eddie’s favorite charities. Wolfgang will donate his portion of all proceeds from “Distance” to the foundation.

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Scarlett Hunter

Meet the expert - Scarlett Hunter has written about alternative music for a variety of publications over the past 10 years. She covers alternative and rock for Audio Ink Radio. Hunter is a graduate of Ohio State University. Contact her at scarlett@audioinkradio.com.

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