Guitarist Dweezil Zappa has spoken out in defense of Wolfgang Van Halen, calling out critics who, in his view, have unfairly targeted the Mammoth WVH frontman simply for carrying the Van Halen name.
In a new interview, Zappa, son of the late music icon Frank Zappa, praised Wolfgang’s work ethic and artistry while pushing back on the negativity the younger Van Halen has faced since stepping into the spotlight.
“A lot of people have given him a hard time for no reason,” Dweezil said. “He’s his own musician, doing his own thing, and he’s incredibly talented. But because of who his dad was, some people will never give him the credit he deserves. That’s not fair.”
Wolfgang, the son of the late Eddie Van Halen, has long dealt with the double-edged sword of his legendary surname. After joining Van Halen as bassist in 2006, he weathered criticism from fans loyal to original bassist Michael Anthony. More recently, while leading his own band Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang has been praised for his songwriting and multi-instrumental abilities but still faces occasional backlash from those who compare him to his father.
Zappa, who knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up in the shadow of a famous parent, said he empathizes with Wolfgang’s situation. “I understand what it’s like when people expect you to be a carbon copy of your dad,” he noted. “But Wolfgang has made it clear: he’s not trying to be Eddie Van Halen. He’s trying to be Wolfgang Van Halen, and that should be enough.”
Mammoth WVH has been steadily building momentum, with tours alongside Metallica, Alter Bridge, and Guns N’ Roses, as well as critical acclaim for the band’s two studio albums. For Zappa, Wolfgang’s success is proof that he’s already carved out his own identity.
“The guy writes great songs, sings, plays everything, what more do people want?” Zappa asked. “He’s proving himself every night on stage. That should silence the critics.”
For Wolfgang, the support from fellow second-generation musicians like Zappa is a reminder that, while the weight of legacy can be heavy, solidarity and artistry can always push through the noise.
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