Wolfgang Van Halen Opens Up About the Chances of a New Van Halen Album

Wolfgang Van Halen says he remains unsure about the exact status of his uncle Alex Van Halen’s plans to release an archival Van Halen album, but he is unequivocal about one thing: he will support the effort in any way possible.

Earlier this month, Alex Van Halen revealed that he had brought in Steve Lukather as a co-producer to help complete what he described as recordings originally intended to become the next Van Halen album. The material dates back to sessions that took place before the 2020 death of Alex’s brother, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, whose passing effectively brought the band’s recording career to an end.

According to Alex, much of the instrumental foundation is already in place, including his drum tracks, Eddie’s guitar parts, and Wolfgang’s bass. Vocals remain the primary unresolved element. Paul Rodgers has reportedly declined an invitation to participate, while former Van Halen frontmen David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar appear unlikely to be involved.

“I Haven’t Played Anything Yet”

Speaking with Eddie Trunk on Sirius XM Faction Talk, Wolfgang acknowledged that he was somewhat confused by the recent discussion surrounding the recordings, particularly any implication that he had already worked on new material.

“I mean, I haven’t played anything yet, so I’m not sure what Al is talking about in that respect,” he said. “They could be older ideas that maybe we worked on, you know 15 years ago or something. Because there were a couple of years where Dad, Al, and I were just jamming in the studio.”

Wolfgang suggested that the recordings Alex referenced may stem from those informal sessions rather than a clearly defined, unfinished album. Still, he made a point of deferring to his uncle when it comes to specifics, emphasizing that Alex is best positioned to speak about the project’s direction and intent.

A Support Role, Not the Spotlight

While Wolfgang’s name is inevitably tied to any posthumous Van Halen project, he was careful to frame his involvement as secondary rather than central.

“But I really do think it’s more of Al’s thing to talk about,” he said. “I’m really just here in a position of helping him with whatever he needs. If he needs bass on something, I’m there. If he needs anything else, I’m there. Whatever he needs, but it’s definitely his thing to spearhead and I’m in a support position.”

Wolfgang joined Van Halen as bassist in 2007, alongside the return of Roth, and that lineup went on to complete three successful North American tours. It also delivered A Different Kind of Truth in 2012, which stands as the band’s final studio album. Since then, the Van Halen catalog has remained untouched by new releases, adding weight to any discussion of unreleased material.

Looking Forward While Honoring the Past

At present, Wolfgang’s primary focus remains his own band, Mammoth, which is touring in support of its third album, The End. The project has allowed him to continue carving out an identity distinct from his famous surname, even as interest in the Van Halen legacy remains constant.

Any future release tied to his father’s final recordings would carry enormous emotional and historical significance, both for fans and for the surviving members of the band. For Wolfgang, the balance appears deliberate: honoring the past without forcing closure, and supporting his uncle’s vision without attempting to reshape it. Whether the recordings ultimately see the light of day or remain private, his stance suggests patience, respect, and an understanding that some chapters of rock history unfold on their own time.