WOLFGANG VAN HALEN On Playing VAN HALEN Songs At TAYLOR HAWKINS Tribute Concerts: ‘I Knew If I Messed Up, My Life Was Over’

Wolfgang Van Halen says performing his late father Eddie’s songs at the 2022 Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts was terrifying and deeply emotional. He had avoided playing Van Halen material without his father, but saw the tribute as a chance to honour both Eddie and Hawkins, whom he remembered as a kind friend.

At the Wembley concert, Wolfgang played three songs with Dave Grohl, Josh Freese and Justin Hawkins in front of about 80,000 people. He feared that any mistake would ruin his life, but later heard that some listeners were so impressed they doubted he was playing. He said the band’s complicated history had prevented a proper Eddie Van Halen tribute, making the performance a meaningful moment he could shape himself.