It’s been over four months since the world lost real-life guitar hero Eddie Van Halen to a stroke at the age of 65. On Thursday, Eddie’s son and bandmate Wolfgang Van Halen delivered a tribute to his late father with a performance of “Distance” on Jimmy Kimmel Live with his solo outfit Mammoth WVH.
“Distance” comes as a touching remembrance from son to father that finds Wolfgang taking his first steps on his solo path. Don’t expect to hear any two-handed tapping or overt references to Eddie’s iconic guitar playing. Rather WVH honors his father by carrying on his own musical legacy, instead of just riding his father’s coattails. While Mammoth WVH performs “Distance”, home movies of Eddie flash on a screen behind the band. These aren’t merely archival videos taken from rowdy concerts, but instead are a document of the quiet, everyday dad life that the guitarist enjoyed while off the road.
The song is set to appear on the band’s forthcoming, self-titled album due out on June 11th. Proceeds from the single will go to benefit Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, Eddie’s favorite charity. Watch Mammoth WVH’s performance of “Distance” on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Mammoth WVH – “Distance”
[Video: Jimmy Kimmel Live]