WOLFGANG VAN HALEN has grown up around some of the most influential musicians in rock history. However, his understanding of greatness goes far beyond speed, flash, or technical spectacle. In a recent interview, the MAMMOTH frontman shared thoughtful insight into which guitarists he believes remain underrated—while also explaining how he continues to carve out his own creative identity.
Wolfgang Van Halen on underrated guitarists in rock and metal
During a recent appearance on The Cody Tucker Show, former VAN HALEN bassist and current MAMMOTH frontman Wolfgang Van Halen was asked to name guitarists he considers underrated in the rock and metal world.
Because of his background, the question carried unusual weight. Wolfgang shared the stage with his father, legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen, from 2006 until 2015. That experience gave him a rare, first-hand perspective on musical legacy.
Instead of pointing toward obscure names, Wolfgang began with a surprising choice—his own father.
Eddie Van Halen’s overlooked strength as a rhythm guitarist
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“I’ll throw you a different angle at something that I think is really obvious. I think my dad is an incredibly underrated rhythm guitar player and songwriter.”
Although EDDIE VAN HALEN is widely known for his innovative tapping technique, Wolfgang believes that reputation tells only part of the story.
“I think everybody looks at him as Mr. Tap and he’s Mr. Shred, but I think that’s just like a flavor to what he did.”
According to Wolfgang, Eddie’s songwriting and rhythm playing formed the foundation of his entire style.
“And I think it’s the fact that he was such a good songwriter and rhythm guitar player which allowed him to be the shredder guy on top of it.”
In contrast, Wolfgang explained that technical ability alone does not guarantee lasting impact.
“’Cause there are plenty of people who are just great shredders and they’re just running through scales and stuff, and that’s not as interesting.”
Why Malcolm Young remains rock’s greatest rhythm guitarist
After addressing his father’s legacy, Wolfgang shifted his focus to another guitarist he feels has never received enough credit.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“But I think in terms of guitar players that are maybe underrated, I’d say one of my favorite underrated guitar players would have to be Malcolm Young from AC/DC.”
While AC/DC lead guitarist Angus Young dominated the spotlight, Wolfgang emphasized the importance of what happened behind him onstage.
“Obviously, Angus is very in your face and dancing around while he was just in the back, but I think [Malcolm] is the greatest rhythm guitar player in history.”
For Wolfgang, Malcolm Young represented consistency, power, and restraint.
“He just had such a grit, and he’s absolutely one of my favorites.”
Finding success beyond the Van Halen name
Beyond discussing guitar heroes, Wolfgang also reflected on what it means to finally be recognized for his own work. His third MAMMOTH album, The End, was released on October 24 via BMG and marked a major step forward.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“It’s very fun. And to be able to carve my own sort of niche out, kind of outside of the family name and to be able to try and represent myself as my own person…”
While comparisons to his father remain unavoidable, Wolfgang views them with gratitude rather than frustration.
“I think there’s a lot of people out there who just kind of see me as a bag of my dad’s blood, and that’s a testament to how inspirational and incredible my father was.”
Still, personal recognition matters.
“But at the end of the day, I would love to be treated as my own person with my own personality and my own interests and my own artistic merit.”
Encouragingly, Wolfgang feels that shift is already happening.
“I think this time around, I’m really starting to see it with this record that people are really actually seeing me for my own person.”
Why Wolfgang Van Halen plays every instrument on MAMMOTH records
The positive response to The End has also reinforced Wolfgang’s creative choices.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“I think that’s maybe a big reason why I still play all the instruments on the MAMMOTH recordings.”
By handling every part himself, Wolfgang avoids direct comparisons to VAN HALEN.
“If I was just sitting there playing guitar and stuff, I would feel like there’s more comparisons there.”
That separation remains a point of pride.
“I think that I’m doing something completely different than my dad did is part of like a point of pride, I guess.”
Why nostalgia tours are not an option
Despite the demand, Wolfgang has no interest in building a career around revisiting the past.
“’Cause I could easily just shack up and be, like, ‘Hey, I’m the only place where you can hear ‘Panama’ being played by Van Halen.’ But I would never wanna do that.”
He then recalled a quote from his father that still guides his decisions.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“I would rather fail on my own than succeed with somebody else’s material.”
That philosophy continues to define Wolfgang’s path.
“I would rather fail doing MAMMOTH stuff than succeed playing ‘Panama’ every night. It’s not in the cards for me.”
