Wolfgang Van Halen has seemingly reignited his long-running tension with former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth in Mammoth WVH’s latest music video for “I Really Wanna.” The video, recently uploaded to the band’s official YouTube channel, includes imagery and lyrics that fans believe point directly to Roth’s past criticisms of Wolfgang.
Lyrics That Sparked Speculation
The track includes a sharp line that caught immediate attention:
“This fckin’ kid is on the other side.”*
For many listeners, the lyric echoes Roth’s past comments about Wolfgang during their shared time on tour with Van Halen. Roth once expressed frustration publicly, saying:
“This fckin’ kid. He’s complaining the entire tour like I’m not paying enough attention to him on stage. He’s complaining to everybody around me — the business manager, the security guy, the clothing lady — ‘Dave’s not paying enough attention to me.’”*
The resemblance between Roth’s phrasing and the new Mammoth lyric has fueled speculation that Wolfgang is directly responding to his former bandmate.
Symbolism in the Video
The official “I Really Wanna” video reinforces this interpretation with subtle visual cues. At one point, Wolfgang plays a character in the background, dressed in a flashy red shirt and sunglasses. He uses a megaphone to deliver the pointed lyric, appearing both disinterested and dismissive — a style some fans believe mimics Roth’s flamboyant stage persona.
The combination of words and imagery makes the scene difficult to dismiss as coincidence, especially given the history between the two musicians.
A Feud Rooted in the Van Halen Legacy
The tension between Wolfgang Van Halen and David Lee Roth is not new. Their working relationship during Van Halen’s final years was marked by friction, with Roth openly critical of Wolfgang’s role in the band.
Since launching Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang has repeatedly emphasized his desire to build an independent career outside the towering shadow of Van Halen. However, Roth’s earlier remarks remain a recurring point of discussion in the media and among fans.
By weaving these references into his own music, Wolfgang seems to be reclaiming the narrative, turning past criticism into creative expression.
Fans React Online
Since the video dropped, fans have been quick to debate whether the lyric and visuals are a deliberate jab at Roth. Some believe Wolfgang is finally addressing long-held frustrations, while others argue the reference is more playful than hostile.
On YouTube and social media, comments range from supportive messages praising Wolfgang for speaking his truth to more skeptical takes suggesting the tension should be left in the past.
Establishing His Own Identity
For Wolfgang, the moment underscores his ongoing journey as a solo artist. Despite being the son of Eddie Van Halen and carrying one of rock’s most legendary last names, he has made a concerted effort to carve out his own identity with Mammoth WVH.
The “I Really Wanna” video not only offers a glimpse into his creative vision but also serves as a reminder that he’s unafraid to address uncomfortable aspects of his history — even if it means revisiting his complicated dynamic with David Lee Roth.
