Wolfgang Van Halen Urges Young Musicians to Protect Themselves

During a November 23, 2025, appearance on Whiplash, the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, MAMMOTH frontman Wolfgang Van Halen opened up about the lessons he’s learned from touring with rock icons like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Creed. When asked if he had picked up anything regarding stage production or treatment from these legendary acts, Van Halen focused on the importance of kindness and camaraderie.

“Maybe not so much stage production, but I think just the way that we’ve been treated,” he told Blabbermouth.net. “We’ve been treated so kindly by all of these incredibly historic artists, and I think it’s just so important that no matter what position you’re in, to just be nice. I know that’s a really simple thing, but you’d be surprised at how many people aren’t just nice. And so when Metallica just treats you so wonderfully and when every member comes to the dressing room to just say ‘hey’ and give you a hug and just be nice guys, that’s really fricking cool. So I think at the end of the day, just fostering a positive environment… Touring is tough. You’re away from family, you’re sleeping on a bus. There’s a lot that you have to mentally make sure you’re ready for every show and physically be able to do it. And so when you foster a positive environment, it’s a pretty fresh thing to be able to be in.”

Advice for Emerging Artists

Van Halen, who plays every instrument and handles all vocals on MAMMOTH recordings, also offered guidance for new artists seeking control over their music and careers. He emphasized the importance of passion as a driving force.

“It’s a very tough thing. I think at the end of the day, the thing that matters the most is that you enjoy the music and enjoy the playing and the creating of the music, because if your love for that overrides everything, you’ll be able to make it because that’s what counts the most. Everything else about it is very scary,” he said.

He also stressed the critical role of understanding contracts:

“I guess the one piece of advice I would make sure to reiterate is read every single contract that is put in front of you before you sign it. Read the whole thing and understand every word that’s being presented to you before you sign it. That’s one of the most important things, for sure.”

The Live Experience: MAMMOTH on Stage

MAMMOTH recently launched a headline tour in support of their third album, The End, kicking off on October 31 and set to wrap on December 7. Longtime friend Myles Kennedy joins as the special guest.

The touring lineup features Van Halen on guitar and lead vocals, Frank Sidoris (Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators) on guitar, Jon Jourdan on guitar and vocals, Garrett Whitlock (Tremonti) on drums, and Ronnie Ficarro on bass. Known for their high-energy performances and tight musicianship, the band continues to impress fans night after night, blending Van Halen’s multi-instrumental talents with the chemistry of a seasoned touring ensemble.

MAMMOTH’s Rise and Critical Acclaim

MAMMOTH’s trajectory has been meteoric. Their debut, Mammoth WVH (2021), debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and topped three Billboard charts: Top Hard Rock Albums, Top Independent Albums, and Top Rock Albums. The single “Distance” became a No. 1 rock radio hit and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song.

Mammoth II (2023) followed, debuting in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Album Sales chart and returning Van Halen to No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. Critics praised the album, with Classic Rock calling it “a solo second that betters his debut in every department” and American Songwriter highlighting it as “a closer representation of what MAMMOTH is now and Van Halen’s dynamism as a musician and as a writer.”

The band has shared stages with Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Creed, and has performed on NBC’s Today, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring Jon Bon Jovi. Van Halen also appeared at the 2024 Academy Awards, performing “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie with Ryan Gosling, Mark Ronson, and Slash, and joined Maynard James Keenan, Chad Smith, Robert Trujillo, and Andrew Watt for Ozzy Osbourne’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.