The internet is great for certain things like really wrong hot takes and Mammoth frontman Wolfgang Van Halen gets to offer a five-years-in-the-making “told ya so” to one early critic.
Ever since taking a more prominent roll as the leader of his own band Mammoth, Wolf has had a pretty good handle on how to deal with the negativity and trolling that can come with social media, being one of the more interesting follows in the music industry. And earlier today, Aug. 24, Van Halen got to pay off a bet made five years prior.
How Did Wolfgang Van Halen Win a Bet Made 5 Years Ago?
As the son of Eddie Van Halen, Wolfgang was pretty aware early on that there would always be a shadow over his career and those ready to critique his every move, whether he paid homage to his father through his music or chose to follow his own path.
So it was no surprise back in 2021 when his first Mammoth WVH album came out, there were plenty critics ready to weigh in on what his career might look like. And Wolfgang actually engaged one of those commenters on social media.
“In 5 years, he’ll be playing all VH,” commented someone named Robert Taylor on his socials.
“I’ll take that bet. August 24, 2026. You can have a front row tickets,” Wolf responded. And now today (Aug. 24, 2026), that day has arrived.
What Did Wolfgang Say in Honor of the Bet Anniversary?
In a message accompanying the initial social media exchange, Wolfgang offered the following through his Instagram account:
August 24th 2021
The first Mammoth record just came out, we had just started touring, when this kind fella (along with many MANY others) said this. I jokingly responded, threw it in my calendar and forgot about it.
Today is that day.
5 years later. What a trip. And yeah, this guy is a dickhead, but I just wanted to say thanks for listening and sticking with me. I’m very proud of what we’ve built here and I intend to keep going until the wheels fall off.
I never planned on playing VH in any capacity when it came to Mammoth, and 5 years later I feel exactly the same.
As my dad once said, “I’d rather bomb on my own than succeed with someone else’s music.”
Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you’re capable of. That’s for you to decide ✌️
PS: If anyone knows Robert and where he’s from, let him know that a ticket is waiting for him at a show of his choice
Why Has Wolfgang Van Halen Resisted Playing Van Halen’s Music?
Wolfgang Van Halen let it be known pretty early on in his first album cycle that he would not be relying on his Van Halen legacy. In a Twitter exchange, he famously shared with one commenter, “”Y’all are never gonna fuckin stop are ya?. I honor my dad by existing and doing what I do every day. I’m not fuckin’ playing ‘Panama’ for you guys.”
READ MORE: Wolfgang Van Halen Reveals Most Bothersome Aspect of Social Media
He later bemoaned the two sides of the discussion where he would get criticized for riding his dad’s coattails if he did play Van Halen and likewise get hammered for not playing Van Halen by other fans.
Wolf has stayed true to his thoughts on not playing Van Halen, only choosing to do so during special occasions like the Taylor Hawkins tribute shows. He’s built up a solid start to his career relying on his own music.
Below, see our picks for 11 Rock Stars With the Nicest Reputations.
11 Rock Stars With the Nicest Reputations
The following rock and metal musicians have always been universally known by fans and other musicians for being very nice.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner