Eddie Van Halen On New VAN HALEN Bassist, Son Wolfgang: "If I Excel At The Speed Of Sound, He Excels At The Speed Of Light"
November 9, 2006, 18 years ago
VAN HALEN recently announced that they had finally found it's new bassist, 15-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen and estranged wife Valerie Bertinelli, and nephew of drummer Alex Van Halen.
Wolfgang replaces longtime bassist Michael Anthony, who left the band earlier this year.
Eddie Van Halen's spokesperson Janie Liszewski told TMZ that Wolfgang, known as "Wolfie", has already joined his dad and uncle for rehearsals in the studio for a 2007 summer tour. Wolfie played dates with his father during the band's 2004 tour, and the song '316' on 1991's For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, was named for Wolfie's birth date that same year.
The band is still without a lead singer, despite rumors that DAVID LEE ROTH might rejoin.
Meanwhile, speaking to Billboard, a representative for the band passed along the following statement from Eddie Van Halen in regards to Wolfgang's "musical acumen": "If I excel at the speed of sound, he excels at the speed of light. This kid is just a natural."
