Albums That Shaped Wolfgang Van Halen
Wolfgang Van Halen named Karnivool’s Sound Awake, the Foo Fighters’ debut album and Nine Inch Nails’ With Teeth as three influential records in his life during an appearance on The Garza Podcast. His choices also point to other records that mattered to him, including albums by Tool and Blink-182.
- Top three: Van Halen’s choices were Sound Awake, the first Foo Fighters album and With Teeth.
- Lasting influence: Van Halen described Sound Awake as a masterpiece and one of his favorite records.
- Drumming roots: Enema of the State helped start Van Halen’s drum journey, and he praised Travis Barker’s playing.
- Other contenders: Van Halen also discussed Ænima and The Fragile during the interview.
The Garza Podcast discussion offers a look at the albums Wolfgang Van Halen considers influential and the musical paths they represent.
Mammoth’s Wolfgang Van Halen had to think about it, but eventually narrowed his list down to three specific albums that inspired him.
Why did Wolfgang Van Halen choose Karnivool’s Sound Awake?
Van Halen named Sound Awake by Karnivool without hesitation, calling it one of his favorite records of all time. The 2009 album by the Australian alternative and progressive metal band holds a special place for him.
Van Halen identifies Sound Awake as a particularly meaningful album.
“Sound Awake from Karnivool for sure,” he said. He later reaffirmed his choice: “The one I’m absolutely sure of is Sound Awake just because it’s one of my favorite records of all time.”
“That record is very special to me,” he continued. “I don’t know if it shows too much in my writing, but it’s just a masterpiece.”
Karnivool, Sound Awake
What made the first Foo Fighters album influential to Van Halen?
Van Halen said the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut was the reason he wanted to [play all the instruments] and distinguished its influence from his personal favorite Foo Fighters album, Wasting Light. He also recalled joking with Dave Grohl about borrowing from his music.
The Foo Fighters’ debut influenced Van Halen, while Wasting Light is his favorite Foo Fighters album.
“It’s not my favorite record by them, but it is the reason why I wanted to [play all the instruments] and that is the first Foo Fighters record. It’s not my favorite. There are some great songs on there, but I would pick like Wasting Light is my favorite Foo Fighters album … it’s really fun how messy that album is.”
Van Halen told Garza that he had spoken to Dave Grohl about being inspired by him, though he described the exchange as humorous. “When he called me to do the Taylor Hawkins tribute, he was super nice. He was like, ‘I listened to your stuff. It’s cool. You’re doing everything?’ And I just said, ‘I’m ripping you off,’ and he laughed.”
Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters
READ MORE: Wolfgang Van Halen Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Favorite Album
Which Nine Inch Nails album completed Van Halen’s three picks?
After considering other possibilities, Van Halen chose With Teeth by Nine Inch Nails as the third influential album on his list. He had initially mentioned The Fragile as another possibility.
With Teeth was Van Halen’s final selection from Nine Inch Nails.
Van Halen cycled through other options before settling on With Teeth as his third album.
Nine Inch Nails, With Teeth
What other albums influenced Wolfgang Van Halen?
Van Halen also mentioned Ænima by Tool and Enema of the State by Blink-182. He connected the Blink-182 record to the beginning of his interest in playing drums.
Van Halen linked Enema of the State to his early development as a drummer.
“Ænima from Tool is a really big record for me,” Van Halen said. “You could say [Blink-182’s] Enema of the State cause that’s where I started my drum journey I guess.”
Van Halen also praised Travis Barker as a drummer and said Barker’s playing taught him a lot. “Travis [Barker] is just a fantastic drummer,” Van Halen enthused. “I learned a lot from his playing. He’s awesome. What I love about him is that he plays parts. He just adds just a little bit of spice into everything.”
Van Halen explained that a Van Halen album would be an inherent part of his background, rather than a separate influence he would name. He considered The Fragile before choosing With Teeth.
Mammoth’s Wolfgang Van Halen Appears on The Garza Podcast
See Mammoth in the Best Rock Songs of Each Year Since 1970 below.
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Rock music continues to roll.
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
What should listeners know about Van Halen’s album choices?
Van Halen’s three selections span progressive metal, alternative rock and industrial rock, while his additional mentions connect his album choices to drumming and musical influences.
Van Halen’s list combines albums he admires with records tied to his musical development.
- Which album did Van Halen call a masterpiece? He called Karnivool’s Sound Awake a masterpiece and one of his favorite records.
- Which Foo Fighters album is his favorite? Van Halen said Wasting Light is his favorite Foo Fighters album.
- Which Blink-182 album influenced his drumming? Van Halen said Enema of the State marked the start of his drum journey.
- Which Nine Inch Nails album did he select? He chose With Teeth after also mentioning The Fragile.
