Wolfgang Van Halen believes his well-known father, Eddie Van Halen, “ruined the musical landscape” of the ‘80s.

When Van Halen exploded to mainstream success, Eddie was quickly hailed as rock’s latest guitar god. His distinctive type of enjoying was quickly copied by musicians round the globe, as everybody appeared to emulate his ax-wielding exploits.

During an look on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Wolfgang defined why the countless array of Eddie Van Halen copycats had a adverse influence on music.

“In a approach, Dad variety of ruined the musical panorama [of ‘80s rock],” the Mammoth WVH frontman explained. “Because instead of everybody wanting to find out who they are, they just wanted to be [Eddie].”

READ MORE: The Best Song From Every Van Halen Album

Interestingly, Wolfgang also claimed that his father’s shredding overshadowed his greater contributions to Van Halen.

“I think people focus on the guitar playing, but overall it was the fact that Dad is a great songwriter,” the rocker defined. “And that’s what I shoot for too.”

Wolfgang Van Halen: ‘It Fucking Kills Me That Dad Can Never Come to a Mammoth Show’

Mammoth WVH has been enjoying large stadiums whereas opening for Metallica this summer time. It’s the newest achievement for Wolfgang, as his band continues to develop in recognition.

During the dialog with Maron, Wolfgang admitted success is bittersweet, since his father, who died in 2020, isn’t round to see it.

READ MORE: Van Halen Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide

“It fucking kills me that Dad can never come to a Mammoth show,” the rocker confessed. “I was having dinner after a Metallica show. They do like these dinners. And I was hanging out with James [Hetfield] and he was wearing his son’s band shirt. I saw that and I was like, fuck. Dad would be stoked to wear a Mammoth shirt.”