The highly-anticipated debut solo LP from Van Halen bassist Wolfgang Van Halen has been years in the making, and now we've finally been given our first taste of it.
Above, you can watch the music video for "Distance," a beautiful ballad described as an open letter to Wolfgang's late father, Eddie Van Halen. Credited to Mammoth WVH, it features Wolfgang on vocals and on every instrument.
“As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I’d miss him," Wolfgang said of the song. "While the song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their life.
"I never intended ‘Distance’ to be the very first piece of music people would hear from me, but I also thought my father would be here to celebrate its release. This is for him. I love and miss you, Pop.”
The song's tear-jerking video features home-camera footage of Wolfgang and Eddie together through the years – from Wolfgang's infancy to his time on tour with Van Halen – and ends with a loving voicemail from Eddie.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of "Distance" will go to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. Eddie's favorite charity, it helps provide musical instruments to underfunded schools.
Mammoth WVH’s as-yet-untitled debut album will be released via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records next year.
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