Guitar World published a brand new interview with Wolfgang Van Halen, the leader of Mammoth WVH and son of guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. There, Wolf discussed his professional career and how he has to deal with ‘dickheads’ on the internet.
Wolf has felt a need to live up to the high expectations set by his father’s success. He may have felt pressure to establish his own identity and career in the music industry. It can be difficult for anyone to succeed in the music industry, but it can be especially challenging for those who are related to successful musicians and are trying to forge their own path in the industry.
In the interview, he discussed the ‘pressure of upholding the family name’ and the bullies he has to go through. Wolfgang replied,
“I won’t lie. I don’t think my emotional and mental wellbeing have been any lower. It’s a thing that is incredibly tough to fight. In the absence of Dad, and everything that has happened, it’s very difficult.”
“The lucky thing is I have a wonderful support system surrounding me. I have my mother, my uncle Patrick, my fiancée Andraia, so many wonderful people I can lean toward, because I certainly don’t have the emotional strength. There’s many times when I don’t have the strength to do anything, and more than not, that seems to be the case.”
“But you’ve got to find the things that give you life. For me, that’s music and being able to wake up every day and think about how I’m going to create this second album. It’s stressful, but it’s also very exciting, and it’s what I put all my thinking into.”
Wolf has proven himself as a great musician these past years. His own songs are also one of the best best. Also, the tribute concerts of Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins proved Wolf is a proficient musician.
However, even then, internet trolls refused to let go and continued to harass the young musician on a daily basis. Something he still must contend with today. Adding to what he has to say,
“When it comes to dickheads on the internet, that’s always there. Everyone deals with it. Sure, it hurts a lot when it’s directed toward you, but you’ve got to realize the place it’s coming from.”
“I like to pick my battles. I like to find the right time to chirp and say something funny, but sometimes you do feel that need to be like, ‘Fuck off.’ And you can do that every now and then.”
“But all in all, it says so much more about them than it does about you that they go out of their way. You can point them out, too, because you’ll see their profile and you can almost always predict what’s going to be filling their timeline.”
“When it comes to people who feel the same way I do, dealing with depression and anxiety, you never really are alone. Unfortunately, it’s like we’re all alone together, because so many of us feel this way…” He concluded with,
“I work through a lot of it through music, and I have a lot to work through this time around. I’m cautiously optimistic and also dreading it at the same time, because I have to go to a lot of places emotionally and mentally to get to the other side of this album and have a finished, complete thing. But I think it will be good for me because that’s the same thing that happened with the first album. It was a very therapeutic, cathartic experience.”
It’s quite sad Wolf has to go through this every day. Being trolled on the internet can be really difficult and stressful experience for anyone, including Wolf Van Halen. It’s important for people to remember that online interactions are still real. And can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being. We hope Wolf will get the respect he deserves very soon as he is one hell of a talented individual.
P.S.
It’s crucial to be mindful of the words and actions we take online and to treat others with respect and kindness.
