Wolfgang Van Halen Responds to Being Called a ‘Nepo Baby’

Wolfgang Van Halen, the frontman and multi-instrumentalist of hard rock project Mammoth, has shared his thoughts on the often-debated term “nepo baby.” As the only child of guitar icon Eddie Van Halen and actress Valerie Bertinelli, Wolfgang occupies a unique position in the conversation.

Speaking to Metal Hammer, he explained that while the label can sometimes apply, it often oversimplifies the challenges faced by children of famous parents pursuing their own artistic vision.

“I’m one to talk, but I think the term ‘nepo baby’ is a bit unfair,” he said. “I think it takes the individuality of the person away. People say Jack Quaid [star of The Boys and son of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid] is one of the ‘good ones,’ and it’s like, who decides that?”

He added:

“I’m not going to name names, but in some cases it does apply: the idea of people getting a leg up when they have no artistic merit or talent. All I’m trying to do is be myself and have my own artistic integrity and my own voice. I hope that people can see that.”

Growing Up in the Spotlight

Wolfgang’s early career was undeniably shaped by his father. At just 16, he joined Van Halen as the band’s bassist—a major opportunity that came with both perks and pitfalls.

“When it comes to high school, I was almost a loser,” Wolfgang admitted. “I had a tutor when I took off for the first Van Halen tour in 11th grade, and when I came back for senior year, it was almost a dig. People would be like, ‘Oh, look! It’s the bass player for Van Halen!’ It’s pretty funny how kids are.”

Following Van Halen’s retirement from touring and recording in 2015, Wolfgang struck out on his own with Mammoth (originally Mammoth WVH due to trademark issues). He has since forged a sound distinct from his father’s legacy, drawing inspiration from Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails.

“I’m certainly trying to forge my own legacy,” he said. “That’s my goal every day. The one way I’d be like, ‘You know what? We made it’ is if we’re able to sell out a show at the Hollywood Bowl, because that was the last place I ever played with my dad. If Mammoth are ever able to sell out a show at the Hollywood Bowl, I could die the next day and be like, ‘Job well done!’”

Mammoth Today: Honoring Legacy, Carving Identity

Mammoth released its self-titled debut album in 2021, and the band’s third album, The End, dropped on October 24. The record received strong reviews, with Classic Rock giving it four stars and calling it “anything but the end… three’s a charm, truly.”

Since Eddie Van Halen’s death in 2020, Wolfgang has rarely performed his father’s material, though he did play Hot For Teacher and On Fire in a 2022 tribute to the late Taylor Hawkins. Reflecting on performing Van Halen songs live, he told Metal Hammer, “Messing up a Van Halen song in public would ruin [my] life.”

With Mammoth, Wolfgang continues to navigate the balance between honoring his legendary lineage and carving out his own distinct place in rock music.