Wolfgang Van Halen Releases New Single, “Distance”

After years of anticipation, Wolfgang Van Halen has finally released the first piece of music from his solo band, Mammoth WVH. The wait for the record, we now know, was for a good reason. The multi-instrumentalist put everything on hold to be with his father, Eddie Van Halen after he called and told his son his cancer had returned.

“Distance” is an emotional open letter Wolfgang wrote for his father. Luckily, he was able to play it for him before his passing earlier this year.

“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,” he wrote. “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 music video features family home movies from Wolfgang as a baby through his time as bassist for Van Halen. It ends with a voicemail Eddie left his son.

“Distance” is available now for streaming or as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3). A portion of sales from the single will benefit Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, which is an organization that Eddie donated to throughout his life.