From 2008: Eddie and Wolfgang Van Halen discuss the evolution and future of the band.

Related Content

• April 2012 Guitar World Out Now: 50 Greatest Van Halen Songs, Randy Rhoads and 50 Chords You Need to Know
• Concert Review: Van Halen's Van-Sanity at Madison Square Garden
• Reader Reviews: Van Halen's 'A Different Kind of Truth'
• Photo Gallery: Van Halen at New York's Cafe Wha?
• Video: David Lee Roth Interviews Eddie and Alex Van Halen

GW What basses are you playing?

WOLFGANG I’m playing a Franken-bass, if you want to call it that. It’s based on my dad’s Frankenstein guitar…

ED Except it has four strings instead of six.

WOLFGANG I got the red one for Christmas last year. Chip Ellis built it, and he told me he was going to make a backup, so I asked him to paint it blue. Ever since I was little I wanted my own stripes. Blue is my favorite color, so we tried it and I think it looks pretty cool.

GW Do you eventually see yourself having a solo segment onstage?

WOLFGANG I don’t. I like having my own moment for five seconds, like the “So This Is Love?” intro and the tapping part in “Romeo Delight.” That’s enough for me. I’m more than fulfilled being a team player.

GW What was your best personal moment so far on this tour?

WOLFGANG When we did the rehearsal show for friends and family in L.A., it was just the beginning and I didn’t feel I had ripened. When we came back to L.A. and did the first Staples Center show, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I was much a better player. I felt like a member of the band.

ED For me it’s the fact that I get to play with my son, my brother and Dave. Every night is special. Doing an interview with my son right now is special. It’s all special.

Related