Wolfgang performs “Eruption” to celebrate Song’s 45th birthday
Today (September 8, 2022) marks a very special occasion, an occasion that Wolfgang Van Halen did not want to pass up without acknowledging it. It’s the 45th anniversary of one of Van Halen’s best-known songs, “Eruption,” and he’s shared a video of himself playing the track his dad made popular all those years ago.
Although the post is new to social media, the performance is not, with Van Halen saying, “In honor of recording Eruption 45 years ago today, here I am performing. playing part of it on guitar. It was recorded in 2015 while tracking some guitars for @MammothWVH’s debut album.”
The musician, who played bass in Van Halen’s later years, signed his message, “I love you, Pop.”
“Eruption” was recorded in 1977 for Van Halen’s self-titled debut album which arrived in February 1978. Although not one of the album’s radio singles, it became popular among fans with the instrumental providing a showcase for Eddie Van Halen’s guitar skills. The track itself is often considered one of the greatest guitar solos, inspiring many to embrace Eddie’s two-handed guitar style.
Wolfgang also revisited a pair of Van Halen classics over the weekend, performing “On Fire” and “Hot for Teacher” with Dave Grohl, Justin Hawkins and Josh Freese at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert.
Although there has been talk of a possible Van Halen tribute show, Wolfgang recently revealed that “some people” are making it “very difficult” to move forward with plans for the show.
That said, Wolfgang remains busy with Mammoth WVH. He revealed earlier this summer that he was using his spare time to start making demos for a new album, with the aim of the next chapter starting in 2023. Mammoth WVH will also be joining Alter Bridge on tour in early 2023. Get details about this tour here.