About Distance

In a new interview with Barbara Caserta of Italy's Linea Rock, Wolfgang Van Halen spoke about his decision to use the MAMMOTH WVH band name for his solo project. MAMMOTH WVH is a nod to family history — Wolfgang's father, legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen, and Eddie's brother Alex Van Halen called their band MAMMOTH when David Lee Roth first joined it in 1974.

Asked if it's a "double-edged sword" calling his band MAMMOTH WVH while also having the Van Halen last name, Wolfgang said: "It certainly is, just in general, 'cause people will expect things from me and put a lot on me. I think it's important to go into it with an open mind and not expecting to hear a continuation of VAN HALEN, if you will, 'cause this is all just me. I'm not trying to tread the same ground my father did — I'm trying to carve my own path.

"I really like the MAMMOTH name, because I think only super die-hard VAN HALEN fans are familiar with the name and I think overall, most people don't really know the connection," he explained. "So in a way, it's a subtle homage without kind of treading the same ground, if you will."