Whatever tension exists between Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen does not include Eddie's son.
Hagar recently took to Instagram to publicly praise Wolfgang Van Halen for the way he is handling the immense pressure coming along with his forthcoming debut solo album.
Wolfgang, 29, has become increasingly active on social media this summer, dunking on trolls and fielding questions about the long-gestating album.
Earlier this month, the VH bassist (who performs every instrument, plus vocals, on his album) was asked whether he consider's his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bloodline to be a gift or a curse. He screen-captured his response and shared it in his feed.
"That's a great question. It's really equally both," Wolfie replied. "Being who I am, I think people at the least will be interested in what my work will sound like, which is very nice. But on the other hand if it's not exactly what they want to hear or if I don't try to sound 'Van Halen-y' enough for them, they'll hate me and won't give me the time of day. I'm fully prepared for a wave of hate when my music releases because it won't be what people think it'll be. I'm not trying to be my father I'm trying to be me."
Hagar saw the post and applauded Wolfgang for his perspective and his honesty.
"Wolfie, that's a great answer," Hagar began. "And the only way you will ever be happy and satisfied is doing your own thing that way you hear it in your head and feel it in your heart! You inherited genetically enough talent for 10 lifetimes; use it the way you want. P.S. I've heard a couple snippets and they are bad f---ing ass!!! Hope I run into you someplace once we all get out of prison haha, stay safe. Love to your mom & dad."
Wolfgang then thanked Hagar "for the kind words" and added the he looks forward to the day when his dad and uncle's former band mate can hear the album.
It's unclear if Hagar has heard anything beyond the clips of the album that Wolfgang has shared publicly, but those clips certainly suggest that the album is indeed "bad f---ing ass."
With the inability to tour during the pandemic, Wolfgang announced that his record's release has been postponed. But he has teased some special ideas to get people ready for it in the meantime.
One close friend of Wolfgang's who has heard more of his music, Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowery, also commented on the post.
"Dude listen, it's gonna sound exactly how you wanted, a mix of Dolly Parton, Cannibal Corpse, splash of Beatles first record, hint of Foghat with a slight overtone of Vin Diesel if he were in a metal band with Willie Nelson. Mission accomplished!"
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