Folks, buckle up because MAMMOTH (formerly known as the infinitely more metal MAMMOTH WVH, because initials are *so* last year) dropped a professionally filmed video of their latest single, “The End”, live from WDHA‘s “Mammoth For Ya’ Mama!” event. Yes, you read that right. “Mammoth For Ya’ Mama!” Because what says “I love you, Mom!” more than a slightly derivative hard rock band playing in a New Jersey dive bar? 🎸🤘
So, during this deeply profound “Mammoth For Ya’ Mama!” Q&A (sponsored by prune juice, probably), Wolfgang Van Halen – yes, *that* Van Halen’s kid, the one who bravely carries the torch of…well, we’re not entirely sure what torch, but it’s definitely burning – graced us with the story of why he lopped off the “WVH” from his band name. Apparently, it’s because MAMMOTH was the OG name of VAN HALEN back when David Lee Roth was still rocking spandex and questionable decisions. You know, back when music was *actually* good. 👴
Get this, though. Wolfgang, bless his heart, was *nervous* to ask his dad if he could use the name MAMMOTH. I mean, can you imagine the sheer terror? “Dad, can I…can I use the name you used before you were, like, the biggest guitar god ever?” Apparently, Eddie Van Halen, in a rare moment of clarity (probably between guitar solos and questionable hairspray choices), was all, “Fuck, yeah.” Profound. Just…profound. 😭 He even had early demos called “Mammoth I”! Groundbreaking stuff, folks. Like, Beethoven level. I bet he had to fight off groupies with a stick after that revelation.
Wolfgang, in a moment of earth-shattering self-awareness, acknowledged that being Eddie Van Halen‘s son is “a fucking tight rope to walk.” No kidding, buddy! It’s not like you’re trying to fill the shoes of, oh, I don’t know, *one of the most influential guitarists of all time* or anything. But hey, at least he doesn’t want to just “copy it and just put a flag in it and sit there and play ‘Panama’ for everybody every night.” Oh no, he wants to be his *own* person. By playing music that sounds vaguely similar to his dad’s, but, like, with fewer guitar solos and more existential angst. 🤔
But wait, there’s more! Wolfgang teased the upcoming third MAMMOTH album (because two just weren’t enough, apparently). He said he was “uncomfortable” during the recording process. Oh, the humanity! It’s not easy being a rock star, you know. All those screaming fans (probably just his mom and a few confused tourists), the mountains of cash (mostly from royalties), and the pressure to, like, create something original (good luck with that, buddy). He was “treading ground that I don’t think I would normally just be doing the same old thing.” Translation: He accidentally stumbled upon a slightly different chord progression. 🤯
But don’t worry, MAMMOTH fans! (Do those exist?) Wolfgang assures us that the new album will still have the “core MAMMOTH vibes that you’ve come to expect.” Because God forbid he actually try something *different*. I mean, we wouldn’t want to scare away the…uh…dozens of people who actually listen to his music. So, get ready for more generic hard rock riffs, angsty lyrics about being the son of a legend, and enough hair product to single-handedly deplete the ozone layer. 👨🎤
Here’s the setlist from the “Mammoth For Ya’ Mama!” gig. Prepare to be underwhelmed:
01. Another Celebration At The End Of The World (Because who doesn’t love a good apocalyptic party song? 🥳)
02. You’re To Blame (Someone’s always to blame, right? Probably his dad. 🤷♂️)
03. Epiphany (I bet it involved realizing he’s not Eddie Van Halen. 💡)
04. Distance (Probably about the emotional distance between him and his dad’s legacy. 💔)
05. Take A Bow (For what? Showing up? 🙇)
06. Don’t Back Down (From what? Expectations? The sheer weight of his last name? 🏋️)
07. Q&A Session (The highlight of the night, obviously. 🗣️)
08. The End (Finally! 🙏)
And yes, there’s a music video for “The End,” directed by the legendary Robert Rodriguez. Apparently, it’s a “modern-day interpretation” of “From Dusk Till Dawn.” So, expect vampires, werewolves, and maybe a cameo from Salma Hayek as a snake dancer (doubtful, but one can dream). Slash, Myles Kennedy, and Valerie Bertinelli (Wolfgang’s mom) all show up. Because nepotism is alive and well in the rock world. 👪
And guess what? MAMMOTH is going on tour! With Myles Kennedy! Because apparently, he’s not busy enough with SLASH. U.K. fans can catch Wolfgang at BLACK SABBATH‘s farewell concert. Wait, BLACK SABBATH is still doing farewell concerts? Didn’t they retire like, a decade ago? 🤔
MAMMOTH‘s second album, “Mammoth II,” is out now. Recorded at the legendary 5150 studio. Produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette. Because apparently, Wolfgang doesn’t have the balls to produce his own album. 🙄
The touring lineup includes a bunch of guys you’ve probably never heard of. Except for Frank Sidoris, who plays with SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS. Because everyone wants a piece of that Slash action. 🤑
Since the release of MAMMOTH‘s debut album, they’ve headlined shows, played with ALTER BRIDGE, and opened for GUNS N’ ROSES and METALLICA. So, basically, they’re living the dream. Or at least a slightly watered-down version of it. 😴
Here are the videos. Watch them at your own risk. You’ve been warned. ⚠️
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