A Musical Revelation That Surprised Even
Metal Fans
For years, Wolfgang Van Halen has openly expressed his love for heavy metal, particularly his admiration for the pioneering Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. But in a revelation that has taken both rock and metal communities by surprise, Wolfgang recently shared that his late father, the legendary guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, was also a fan of the band.
Eddie Van Halen, best known for revolutionizing rock guitar with his innovative tapping technique and melodic sensibility, might not be the first name one would associate with the polyrhythmic brutality of Meshuggah. However, according to Wolfgang, Eddie was captivated by the band’s technical prowess and sheer musical intensity.
So, how did one of rock’s most iconic guitarists develop an appreciation for one of metal’s most extreme and complex acts? Let’s dive into the story.
Wolfgang’s Deep Love for Meshuggah
Wolfgang Van Halen, the multi-talented musician and former bassist of Van Halen, has never shied away from his love of heavy music. Even in his solo project, Mammoth WVH, one can hear subtle influences from modern metal and progressive music, although wrapped in a more radio-friendly rock sound.
Throughout the years, Wolfgang has often spoken about his admiration for Meshuggah, a band famous for their use of polyrhythms, downtuned guitars, and mind-bending time signatures. He has praised their technicality, innovation, and their ability to push the boundaries of metal as an art form.
But in a recent interview, he dropped a bombshell that no one saw coming—his father, Eddie Van Halen, was also quite taken with Meshuggah.
Eddie Van Halen’s Reaction to Meshuggah
According to Wolfgang, he introduced his father to Meshuggah’s music, and Eddie was immediately blown away.
“He was always really open-minded when it came to music,” Wolfgang explained. “A lot of people would assume that because he was one of the biggest names in rock and had a very specific style, he wouldn’t be into heavier, more extreme music. But that wasn’t the case at all. He loved it when musicians did things he’d never heard before, and Meshuggah absolutely fit that category.”
Wolfgang recalled a moment when he played Meshuggah for Eddie, expecting him to be either confused or disinterested. Instead, Eddie listened intently, focusing on the intricate rhythms and precision of the band.
“He was just sitting there, nodding his head, and after a few minutes, he looked at me and said, ‘These guys are insane.’ He was genuinely impressed by their ability to create such complex grooves while still making it sound musical. He kept saying, ‘How the hell do they do that?’”
For a musician of Eddie’s caliber—someone who had spent a lifetime redefining guitar playing—to be in awe of another band’s technical ability speaks volumes about Meshuggah’s musicianship.
Why Would Eddie Van Halen Appreciate Meshuggah?
To the casual listener, Van Halen and Meshuggah might seem like polar opposites in the musical spectrum. Van Halen’s music is known for its energetic, melodic, and fun-loving rock anthems, while Meshuggah delivers crushingly heavy, mathematical, and often dystopian-sounding metal.
However, when examined through a musician’s lens, there are clear reasons why Eddie might have been intrigued by Meshuggah:
- Technical Prowess – Eddie was always a fan of musicians who pushed their instruments to the limit. Just as he revolutionized rock guitar with his tapping technique and harmonic experimentation, Meshuggah’s Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström have redefined what’s possible with heavy, syncopated, and polyrhythmic riffing.
- Innovation in Sound – Much like Van Halen’s groundbreaking use of effects and amplification (including the legendary “Brown Sound”), Meshuggah has consistently been at the forefront of sonic innovation, particularly with their pioneering use of eight-string guitars and signature percussive chugging style.
- Rhythmic Complexity – Van Halen’s music, though catchy and melodic, often featured unexpected rhythmic shifts and syncopations. Meshuggah, on the other hand, takes rhythmic experimentation to an entirely new level, crafting songs that challenge traditional timing structures. Eddie, as someone with a deep understanding of groove and rhythm, likely found this aspect fascinating.
- Open-Minded Approach to Music – Despite being a rock icon, Eddie was never confined to one genre. He famously collaborated with Michael Jackson on “Beat It,” incorporating his signature guitar solo into a pop song. He appreciated musicians who were willing to break boundaries, and Meshuggah certainly fits that mold.
Reactions from the Rock and Metal Community
Following Wolfgang’s revelation, fans and musicians alike took to social media to express their amazement.
Many were surprised but delighted to learn that Eddie Van Halen had an appreciation for such an extreme band. Some musicians, particularly those from the metal world, took this as a badge of honor, confirming that even a legend like Eddie could recognize the brilliance of a band like Meshuggah.
Fredrik Thordendal, Meshuggah’s lead guitarist, even acknowledged the revelation, saying, “That’s incredibly humbling to hear. Eddie Van Halen was one of the greatest to ever do it, and to know he listened to us is beyond words.”
Others speculated on what a collaboration between Eddie Van Halen and Meshuggah might have sounded like. Would it have been a mix of intricate, groove-heavy metal with Eddie’s signature melodic solos? Or perhaps something entirely new and unclassifiable?
The Legacy of Open-Minded Musicianship
One of the most significant takeaways from this revelation is that true musical genius transcends genres. Eddie Van Halen was a musician first and foremost, and he appreciated talent, innovation, and technicality no matter where it came from.
Wolfgang’s story serves as a reminder that music isn’t about fitting into rigid categories. Whether it’s classic rock, pop, jazz, or extreme metal, great music resonates because of its creativity, skill, and emotional impact.
While we may never know how deep Eddie’s appreciation for Meshuggah went or whether he ever tried to incorporate any of their techniques into his own playing, the fact that he was interested enough to listen and be impressed speaks volumes.
Final Thoughts: A Newfound Connection Between Rock and Metal
Wolfgang Van Halen’s revelation about his father’s interest in Meshuggah adds yet another layer to Eddie Van Halen’s musical legacy. It also bridges a gap between two seemingly distant worlds—classic rock and extreme metal—showing that, at the core, music is about exploration and pushing boundaries.
For Meshuggah fans, knowing that one of rock’s greatest pioneers appreciated their music is a massive compliment. And for Van Halen fans, it’s an eye-opening insight into Eddie’s vast musical curiosity.
In the end, it’s a fitting tribute to Eddie Van Halen’s endless fascination with music, reminding us that true legends never stop learning, listening, and being inspired.
