During a recent performance by Mammoth, Wolfgang Van Halen found himself facing an unexpected challenge: zombies. This unusual occurrence took place when the talented guitarist and vocalist received an intriguing invitation to play at a mysterious venue. While it’s not uncommon for club owners to have specific requests, the circumstances surrounding this particular show were quite unique. The owner made a peculiar request, saying, “Do us a favor, don’t play loud,” as they had some customers who were sensitive to loud noises. Additionally, he instructed, “There will be no frickin’ solos,” emphasizing the need for softer, more melodic performances. This amusing situation adds to the comedic elements found in the music video for “The End,” which is the latest single from Mammoth and the first preview of an upcoming album.

In this lively music video, Van Halen collaborated with the legendary director Robert Rodriguez to create a storyline that pays tribute to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” video while also serving as a nod to Rodriguez’s 1996 action-horror classic, From Dusk till Dawn. Fans will be delighted to spot several cameos, including renowned guitarist Slash and Van Halen’s mother, Valerie Bertinelli, adding a personal touch to the project. The blend of humor and nostalgia makes this video a must-watch for fans of Mammoth and storytelling in music.

Experience the Excitement of Mammoth’s ‘The End’ Video

Van Halen expressed his long-held desire to collaborate with Rodriguez, stating, “I always had it in the back of my mind that if we ever did a video with Robert, I would want to do a light homage to From Dusk till Dawn.” The concept of a bar filled with zombies, vampires, and other creatures stemmed from this creative vision. He noted the inclusion of Danny Trejo as the bar owner is a clever Easter egg, referencing his role as the bartender in the original film. Van Halen further shared that Rodriguez contributed the idea to connect the storyline back to the previous Mammoth videos, featuring the character Wolfies who humorously despise him. Working with his creative team, including Gordy, who has collaborated on previous videos, created a joyful atmosphere during the two-day shoot.

Discover More: Explore the Cast of ‘From Dusk till Dawn’

Interestingly, Rodriguez is a fan of Van Halen and his band, having met them after attending one of their concerts in Austin. Wolfgang takes great pleasure in the continuity established by connecting the clip for “The End” to earlier Mammoth videos for tracks like “Don’t Back Down” and “Another Celebration at the End of the World.” He humorously remarked, “We’ve got our own Mammoth Cinematic Universe going on,” showcasing his pride in the band’s creative evolution and interconnected storytelling.

Catch the Vibrancy of Mammoth’s ‘Another Celebration at the End of the World’ Video

Embrace the New Era: Just Mammoth

Fans who are attentive will notice that with the release of “The End,” Van Halen has officially simplified the band’s name by dropping the “WVH” moniker, thus rebranding as simply “Mammoth.” He explains, “We got the trademark eventually, which is what I wanted it to be from the beginning.” This change serves as a heartfelt homage to his father while allowing him the creative freedom to steer the band in his unique direction. He likens this evolution to how Ghost transitioned from Ghost B.C. to Ghost due to copyright issues. Van Halen relishes the opportunity to officially embrace this new identity, stating, “At every show, I say, ‘Hey, we’re Mammoth,’ so now it’s just fun to officially be living it.”

The Creative Journey Behind ‘The End’

As Van Halen embarked on the songwriting process for the third Mammoth album, the idea that ultimately became “The End” had been lingering in his mind for an extended period. He explained, “It was actually an idea I had a while ago that I always just felt was too much for me.” This particular concept revolves around an intricate solo that features impressive tapping techniques. Revisiting this idea while sifting through his older concepts, he realized, “What feels good that I haven’t really taken advantage of?” With his growth as a songwriter over the past few years, he was eager to explore uncharted creative territories. Rediscovering this idea sparked excitement, leading him to think, “Wow, it would be really fun to try and palette this idea and make it more comfortable instead of it being so jarring.”

He further emphasized the importance of personal growth in his artistry, noting, “I think it’s important for me to evolve and take more chances.” Reflecting on the creative process, he recognized that experiencing discomfort can be a sign of progress. “If I’m unsure and a little uncomfortable doing it, it means I’m doing something that I wouldn’t normally do and I’m in a new area.” Embracing that uncertainty has been a significant part of his artistic journey.

Mammoth is set to hit the road throughout the year, including a series of performances this summer alongside notable acts such as Creed, 3 Doors Down, Daughtry, and Big Wreck. Additionally, the band has just revealed plans for a fall headlining tour, which will feature support from their longtime friend Myles Kennedy.

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