Wolfgang Van Halen states that he lacks any insider knowledge regarding his uncle Alex’s plans for an archival Van Halen album, but he is eager to support the project in any way possible.
Earlier this month, Alex disclosed that he had enlisted Toto guitarist Steve Lukather as a co-producer to finalize what he referred to as “recordings that were intended to be the next [Van Halen] record” prior to the 2020 passing of Alex’s brother (and Wolfgang’s father), guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Alex further elaborated that his drums, Eddie’s guitar, and Wolfgang’s bass were all “already in there.” The primary remaining challenge appears to be finding a vocalist, as Paul Rodgers declined an invitation to participate, and former Van Halen singers David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar still seem to be out of favor.
In a conversation with Eddie Trunk on Sirius XM’s Faction Talk Tuesday afternoon, Wolfgang expressed some uncertainty about Alex’s plans but pledged his full support for the endeavor.
“I mean, I haven’t played anything yet, so I’m not sure what Al is referring to in that regard,” he began. “They could be older ideas that maybe we worked on, you know, 15 years ago or something. Because there were a couple of years where Dad, Al, and I were just jamming in the studio.”
“But I really do think it’s more of Al’s thing to discuss,” he adds. “I’m really just here in a position of assisting him with whatever he needs. If he requires bass on something, I’m there. If he needs anything else, I’m there. Whatever he needs, but it’s definitely his project to lead and I’m in a support role.”
Wolfgang joined his father and uncle as the new bassist in Van Halen in 2007, coinciding with the band’s reunion with founding lead singer Roth.
This lineup undertook three successful North American tours and also released what is currently recognized as Van Halen’s final album, 2012’s A Different Kind of Truth.
Wolfgang is presently touring in support of his band Mammoth’s third album, The End. Their upcoming tour dates commence on March 5 in sunny Buffalo, New York.
Below, discover where Van Halen ranks on our list of the best hard rock albums from each year since 1970.
The Best Hard Rock Album of Each Year Since 1970
Going year by year, examining the best albums in hard rock since 1970.
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
