Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang William Van Halen (born March 16, 1991) is an American guitarist and bassist. He is the current bassist for Van Halen, replacing Michael Anthony in 2006. His parents, who named him after the classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, are Van Halen lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen and actress Valerie Bertinelli. His uncle is Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen. Despite his earlier non-participation in the band itself, Wolfgang was a part of his father's vision for it for some time. The instrumental "316" was named in his honour, after Wolfgang's birthday. Later, his father named a custom guitar after him (the EVH Wolfgang). Eddie stated that Wolfgang is new to the bass guitar but claims that he mastered it within a few months. Wolfgang later began actively participating in the band. He also made guest appearances during some dates of Van Halen's 2004 tour, appearing during his father's extended guitar solo spot and playing "316" with him. Although Wolfgang began working on new material with his father and uncle in late 2006, it is unclear if or when any of it will be released. A fall 2007 Van Halen tour was announced during a press conference on August 13, 2007. The plan is for a world tour and a new album following this.^[1]. As a new member of the group, Wolfgang's age and the exit of Anthony has made fan reception mixed. He has been the band's first new member since Gary Cherone in 1996, and first new bassist since Anthony joined in 1974. He made his official debut with Van Halen at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena on September 27, 2007. Like his father, Wolfgang is a multi-instrumentalist; in addition to bass, he also plays drums (his first instrument), guitar, and keyboard.

References

External links

• Official Van Halen Website