In the spotlight, Wolfgang Van Halen shines brightly in Mammoth’s latest music video for “The End,” where viewers are treated to a thrilling experience filled with unexpected zombie-themed cameos. As you watch, you may recognize several familiar faces that add an exciting layer to the video’s storyline.
This captivating clip not only pays homage to the iconic 1980s but also intertwines with the band’s previous videos, creating a cohesive narrative. Additionally, the video showcases clever references to the renowned director Robert Rodriguez and the legendary horror effects artist Greg Nicotero. One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching is spotting all the surprise guest appearances that make this video a true delight.
Mammoth Presents “The End” – A Visual Spectacle
Exciting Guest Appearances in Mammoth’s “The End” Music Video
The video kicks off with a striking cameo from the versatile actor and entrepreneur Danny Trejo, who greets the Mammoth band members as they arrive at the venue for their performance. His presence adds an immediate sense of intrigue and excitement.
Trejo’s character raises eyebrows when he cautions the band with a peculiar request: “Do us a favor. Don’t play loud,” hinting at an underlying tension. He further jokes, “Some of our customers are sensitive to loud noises,” before advising the drummer Garrett Whitlock to use “brushes not sticks.” This cryptic advice foreshadows the chaos that unfolds as the band chooses to ignore his warning.
danny trejo in mammoth the end video
Next up is the iconic guitarist Slash, known for his legendary status in rock music. Mammoth WVH has previously shared the stage with Slash, and both he and Wolfgang contributed to the soundtrack of the Barbie movie, creating a unique connection between them.
Interestingly, throughout the pandemonium occurring within the club, which is filled with bizarre creatures of the night, Slash appears remarkably unfazed, adding a humorous touch to the unfolding drama.
slash in mammoth the end video
In stark contrast, Myles Kennedy, Slash’s bandmate, enters the club for what he expects to be an enjoyable evening but quickly finds himself battling the nightmarish creatures. Ultimately, he succumbs to the chaos, transforming into one of the very creatures he was trying to escape, a shocking twist that adds to the video’s thrilling narrative.
myles kennedy in mammoth the end video
Another notable appearance comes from Wolfgang’s mother, the talented actress Valerie Bertinelli, who showcases her fierce side as she bravely defends herself against the oncoming horde of creatures in the crowd, proving that she can hold her own in a thrilling scenario.
valerie bertinelli in mammoth the end video
Hidden References and Nostalgic Easter Eggs in “The End” Music Video
The video opens and concludes with a clever tribute to Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” music video, featuring the phrase, “Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult.” This line, originally credited to Jackson, is also shared by Wolfgang, bridging the past with the present.
As the video reaches its climax, Wolfgang seems to escape his perilous fate, or so it appears at first glance. He turns to the camera, revealing glowing yellow eyes reminiscent of Jackson’s character in “Thriller,” a chilling nod that ties the two iconic moments together.
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Another delightful nod to the 1980s occurs when the creatures form a makeshift stage out of tables in front of the band. Wolfgang seizes this opportunity to perform a solo, reminiscent of his father Eddie Van Halen in the classic “Hot for Teacher” video, making the homage even more poignant.
The direction of the video by the talented Robert Rodriguez adds an additional layer of nostalgia, as one of his early successes was the film From Dusk Till Dawn, which similarly revolves around a club haunted by nightmarish creatures that unsuspecting patrons encounter.
The renowned horror effects artist Greg Nicotero, known for his work in creating zombies, werewolves, and vampires, lent his expertise to bring the creatures in this video to life, enhancing the overall horror aesthetic.
Moreover, the video cleverly revisits themes from Wolfgang’s previous clips, where he portrayed himself playing all the instruments by surrounding himself with a group of “Wolfgangs.” In a twist, these Wolfgangs orchestrate the horrifying events to regain their status within the band, showcasing a unique narrative arc.
Unveiling “The End” + Future Plans for Mammoth
While the music video is undoubtedly entertaining, it’s essential to note that “The End” marks the debut of a fresh, exhilarating track from Mammoth’s upcoming album, now officially dropping the “WVH” from their name.
“The idea for the tapping intro of ‘The End’ has been in my mind since before the inception of Mammoth. I managed to incorporate it into this new musical realm. The sound is still ambitious and intricate, yet it maintains a melodic and controlled essence. Overall, I explored various styles on this album, and I viewed ‘The End’ as a significant milestone. Completing this track felt exceptionally rewarding for me,” shares Wolfgang Van Halen, providing insights into the creative process behind the song.
While details about the full album remain under wraps, the band has confirmed an exciting fall headline tour on the horizon. This tour will kick off with an eagerly anticipated Halloween show, followed by a series of performances starting on November 1 in Las Vegas and concluding on December 7. Fans can find all the tour stops and ticket information on the band’s official website.
Mammoth’s Highly Anticipated Fall 2025 Headline Tour Schedule
Oct. 31 – Show information to come soon
Nov. 1 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ House of Blues
Nov. 4 – Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
Nov. 5 – Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
Nov. 7 – Lake Buena Vista, Fla. @ House of Blues
Nov. 8 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Tabernacle
Nov. 9 – Charlotte, N.C. @ The Fillmore
Nov. 11 – Silver Spring, Md. @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
Nov. 12 – Show information to come soon
Nov. 14 – Montclair, N.J. @ The Wellmont Theater
Nov. 15 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Roxian Theatre
Nov. 18 – Cleveland, Ohio @ The Agora
Nov. 19 – Detroit, Mich. @ The Fillmore Detroit
Nov. 20 – Columbus, Ohio @ KEMBA Live!
Nov. 22 – Onamia, Minn. @ Grand Casino Mille Lacs Event Center
Nov. 23 – Green Bay, Wis. @ EPIC Event Center
Nov. 25 – Chesterfield, Mo. @ The Factory at The District
Nov. 26 – Chicago, Ill. @ House of Blues
Nov. 28 – Oklahoma City, Okla. @ Diamond Ballroom
Nov. 29 – Show information to come soon
Dec. 2 – Kansas City, Mo. @ Uptown Theater
Dec. 3 – Denver, Colo. @ Ogden Theatre
Dec. 6 – Tempe, Ariz. @ Marquee Theatre
Dec. 7 – Show information to come soon
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Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
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