Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang says ‘I wish Pop was here’ as his song Distance hits #1 five months after his dad’s death from cancer at 65
- The legendary guitarist passed away last October after years fighting cancer
- Wolfgang, 29, is Eddie’s only son with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli
- Wolf played bass in the last iteration of Van Halen prior to the band’s dissolution after his father’s death
- Van Halen said Distance was inspired by his loss, telling Today ‘I think it’s almost like a mantra when you lose someone that plays a large role in your life’
It looks like his first official single is truly going the ‘distance’.
Wolfgang Van Halen released a statement on Tuesday in gratitude and recognition of the fact that his new track Distance had reached number one on rock radio.
And the 29-year-old son of legendary late rocker Eddie Van Halen made sure to pay tribute to his father, who lost a years-long battle with cancer last October at the age of 65.
Thankful: Wolfgang Van Halen released a statement on Tuesday in gratitude and recognition of the fact that his new track Distance had reached number one on rock radio; seen in 2015
‘The response to “Distance” has been incredibly overwhelming.
‘The immense support from everyone at radio who played the song and all of the fans who called requesting it has been more than I could have imagined,’ Van Halen said in a press release, as seen in People.
‘Thank you to everyone who helped me get my first #1 song. I wish Pop was here to see it,’ he added.
Wolfgang is Eddie’s only son with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli.
‘Wish Pop was here to see it’: The son of legendary late rocker Eddie Van Halen made sure to pay tribute to his father, who lost a battle with cancer last October; seen together in 2015
A bassist, Wolf was the youngest member of Van Halen prior to the band’s dissolution after his father’s untimely death.
In November 2020, the younger Van Halen started a new band called Mammoth WVH, with its first album due this June.
And according to Wolfgang’s statement, the lead single off that record, titled Distance, reached No. 1 on both the MediaBase and BDS Active Radio Charts this week.
Performing: A bassist, Wolf was the youngest member of Van Halen prior to the band’s dissolution after his father’s untimely death
Last month, Van Halen talked about what the song means to him, during an appearance on the Today show.
‘I think it’s almost like a mantra when you lose someone that plays a large role in your life,’ he said.
‘No matter what the distance is, I will be with you. No matter what the distance is, I’ll be okay.’
The proceeds for the song are being donated to Mr. Holland’s Opus, one of Eddie’s favorite charities, People reports.
After dad’s passing: In November 2020, the younger Van Halen started a new band called Mammoth WVH, with its first album due this June; seen in 2015