Wolfgang Van Halen pays tribute to dad Eddie with poignant song 'Distance'
Watch the powerful video
Last updated 17th Nov 2020
Wolfgang Van Halen has paid poignant tribute to his late father Eddie Van Halen with his highly emotional new solo single ‘Distance.’
The Van Halen bassist had been planning to release material with his solo band Mammoth WVH for several years but put his plans on hold when Eddie Van Halen’s cancer returned.
While his dad was battling cancer, Wolfgang began penning material for Mammoth WVH’s debut album - and it was during this time that the song ‘Distance’ was born.
Essentially an open letter to his dad, ‘Distance’ is written, sung and performed entirely by Wolfgang and centres on the line: “no matter what the distance is, I will be with you.”
Wolfgang Van Halen explains: “As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I’d miss him. While the song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their life.”
The highly affecting video is a collection of deeply personal clips from home videos from over the years from Wolfgang’s birth in 1991 through to him sharing the stage with his dad as a member of Van Halen.
The ‘Distance’ video ends with a voice recording from Eddie Van Halen to his son, saying: “I’m so happy to have you as my son. I’m so proud of you. I love you so much.”
Watch Mammoth WVH's 'Distance' video:
Wolfgang adds: “I never intended ‘Distance’ to be the very first piece of music people would hear from me, but I also thought my father would be here to celebrate its release. This is for him. I love and miss you, Pop.”
A portion of proceeds from sales of ‘Distance’ will go to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation; a charity that was close to Eddie Van Halen’s heart that donates musical instruments to children.
Felice Mancini, President and CEO, The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, says: "Our connection with Eddie grew out of his generous nature, his delight in seeing kids learn and play music, and ultimately understanding what’s important in life.
“Eddie lived out loud through his music, and I believe that he wanted to see that kind of expression ignite in the students. Music saved him and he loved giving back through what we do for kids through the power of music. Thank you, Eddie. We’ll never forget you."
Eddie Van Halen died on 6th October 2020. He was 65 years old.
Eddie Van Halen - The legend in photos:
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen in 1978
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, and Alex Van Halen in 1978
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen striking a pose at the Kouseinennkinn-kaikan, Tokyo, June 1978
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen performs onstage at the Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, April 6, 1979.
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen doing a trademark jump on stage in 1980
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Michael Anthony, Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen in 1981
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen on stage in 1982
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen in his live element in 1984.
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen in the mid-1980s
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar in 1986
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen in 1991
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen during Van Halen III Live in Chicago at Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, 1998
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen in 2012
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen with his son Wolfgang Van Halen in 2012
Eddie Van Halen RIP
Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth in 2015