Wolfgang Van Halen has cemented Mammoth as a powerhouse in the modern rock landscape, but despite the project’s massive touring lineup, the studio process remains a solitary—and deliberately challenging—endeavor. In a new interview, the multi-instrumentalist opened up about why he continues to perform every single note on his records, including his recently released third studio album, The End.
Speaking on the latest episode of “Cutter’s Rockcast,” Wolfgang explained that what began as a test of his own abilities has evolved into a vital part of his creative identity.
“It was initially just a challenge. ‘Cause I had these ideas I was writing on my own, and I wanted to see if I was capable of being able to cohesively play every instrument and have it sound like a band,” Wolfgang told (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “And so the two years I took to record the first record and kind of discover the process, I found that I really enjoyed it. And it’s just a lot of fun. And that’s kind of just what Mammoth has been. It’s been my escape and my own sort of creative thing.”
The recording process for Mammoth is a tight-knit affair, involving only Wolfgang and his longtime production team. He credited producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette as his primary creative partner in the studio.
“Between us two and then Jef [Moll], our engineer, and Josh [Saldate], Elvis‘ assistant, it’s, like, you just get the four of us in there and about maybe two and a half, three months later, you’ll have a Mammoth record,” Wolfgang said. “It’s a fun thing to attack the songwriting from every angle and to kind of put the guitarist hat on, put the singer hat on, put the drummer hat on. It’s a fun challenge. And I’ve done it three times now, and I really enjoy it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and how well it worked, which is why I think I’m still doing it.”
While the studio offers creative freedom, the physical demands of fronting the band on the road present a different set of challenges. Wolfgang admitted that maintaining his vocal health requires constant vigilance, especially during grueling tour schedules.
“It’s tough. It really is. It’s very delicate, ’cause you can’t restring your voice and go on stage. So you have to make sure that you’re hydrated and healthy,” he explained. “And I’m the healthiest I’ve been over the last few years on this tour. So I think it’s been a bit easier overall. I’ve noticed a big, big change in how much easier it is. It’s still a big effort.”
He noted that even off-stage moments can pose a risk to his performance. “Sometimes, when I think something’s funny, I laugh really loud and that ends up messing my voice up. So you just gotta be careful.”
Despite his commitment to Mammoth, Wolfgang confessed that the idea of stepping back into a supporting role—specifically behind the kit—still holds appeal.
“It would be fun to not wear all the hats and to just be a drummer for a tour or something. I would love to just focus on that,” he mused. “But I’m having such a good time being all in on Mammoth, that it’s been a really, really great time.”
Mammoth WVH is currently wrapping up a major U.S. headlining tour in support of The End, with the trek scheduled to conclude in early December.
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