Wolfgang Van Halen Opens Up: Anxiety, Feuds & the Raw Truth Behind the New Record

Wolfgang Van Halen has always been more than just the son of a rock legend. As the creative force behind Mammoth WVH, he continues to define his own legacy through songwriting, musicianship, and emotional honesty. His latest album, The End, serves as a deeply personal reflection on anxiety, pressure, and perseverance — themes shaped by both his musical journey and his life offstage.

Speaking on Rolling Stone Music Now, Wolfgang opened up about the making of The End, revealing intimate details about the events that shaped its songs. From panic attacks to family feuds, the conversation exposed the raw emotions behind one of hard rock’s most driven artists.

Despite the intensity of the topics, Wolfgang’s tone remains humble and self-aware. He balances vulnerability with humor, acknowledging his struggles while staying grounded in his passion for music. His candid reflections provide an inside look at an artist who continues to push forward — even when the past looms large.

The Panic That Inspired The End

The title track of The End was born out of one of Wolfgang’s most frightening experiences. While en route to a Metallica concert in Mexico, he suffered a severe panic attack mid-flight. Struggling to breathe and seeing his vision fade, Wolfgang described it as feeling like “his body betrayed him.” That intense moment became a defining influence on the album’s emotional depth and atmosphere.

He explained that the panic came from a mix of nerves, exhaustion, and the pressure of performing at high altitude. The experience made him more aware of how his anxiety impacts his creativity, transforming fear into fuel for his art. “It’s as live as it can be with one guy,” he said, describing the album’s stripped-down authenticity.

When he later came across artwork by collage artist Moon Patrol, it struck him as a visual representation of that panic. “That’s that feeling perfectly artistically represented,” Wolfgang said. What started as a terrifying ordeal eventually became a profound source of inspiration — proof that even the darkest moments can produce something powerful.

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Feuds, Frustration, and Finding Closure

For years, Wolfgang has been reluctant to engage in public disputes. However, he finally addressed his long-rumored feud with former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth. Without mentioning Roth by name, he referred to an old video in which he was insulted as “this f***ing kid.” According to Wolfgang, he never provoked the situation — it simply spiraled into one-sided hostility.

Rather than retaliate, he chose to channel the frustration into his song “I Really Wanna,” which touches on the experience indirectly. “No matter what you do, you’re gonna piss somebody off,” he said. The track marks a shift in confidence for Wolfgang — one where he no longer feels the need to prove himself or defend his place in rock history.

The topic also led him to discuss unfinished Van Halen matters, including his uncle Alex Van Halen’s proposed tribute tour for Eddie. Wolfgang confirmed he would’ve supported it wholeheartedly, but “some people just couldn’t get it working.” It’s a subtle acknowledgment of unresolved tensions that continue to shadow the band’s legacy, even as he forges his own path.

A Journey Toward Health and Self-Respect

Outside of music, Wolfgang has also made significant personal changes. Over the past two years, he’s lost roughly 60 pounds by focusing on healthy eating and balance rather than extreme fitness routines. “Touring is a very active job,” he said. “But the biggest difference came from diet — that’s the stuff people hate to hear.”

His transformation wasn’t just physical. It was about reclaiming confidence and well-being in an industry that often judges appearance harshly. After People magazine posted about his wedding, he was stunned by the volume of cruel comments online. “It was one of the happiest moments in my life, and people just tore into me,” he shared. “It wasn’t metal bros — it was moms.”

Despite the negativity, Wolfgang used the experience to reinforce his self-worth. Rather than lashing out, he focused on feeling good about himself and his achievements. It’s a recurring theme in his story — turning pain and criticism into motivation.

Legacy, Technology, and the Future of Van Halen

When it comes to preserving his father’s legacy, Wolfgang remains deeply protective. During the Los Angeles wildfires, he even kept Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “Frankenstrat” guitar in his car for three weeks, prioritizing it over his own possessions. That sense of duty and respect continues to guide his decisions as both a son and musician.

Recently, Alex Van Halen expressed interest in using artificial intelligence to finish Eddie’s unreleased material. Wolfgang, however, has made his stance clear. “Generative AI is f***ing stupid,” he said. “We should be using AI to put mufflers on cars, not make songs.” His view reinforces his belief that music should remain human and authentic — the very essence of The End.

As Mammoth WVH continues to evolve, Wolfgang’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He carries both his family’s legacy and his own ambitions, blending honesty, skill, and self-awareness. Through it all, he reminds fans that even rock’s loudest voices can come from quiet introspection.