Photos and review by: Alan Welding
Let’s get a few things out of the way first. Yes, Wolfgang is Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli’s child. Yes, he arguably had the best guitar teacher in the world. And yes, he has taken a ton of grief for those things of which he had no control. What is not discussed enough is that the guy has an amazing voice, is a great songwriter, and can play other instruments just as proficiently as guitar. There is a reason he has opened for the likes of Metallica, played with the Foo Fighters, and is respected among the best rock musicians.
Which brings us to why Wolfgang and his band are playing to a sold-out crowd in McKees Rocks (Pittsburgh). Mammoth WVH is here to stay and will continue to be a strong presence in the world of rock n roll for as long as Wolfie wants to be. After two successful records (Mammoth WVH and Mammoth II) and very successful opening and headlining tours the future only looks brighter. This is why the entire band brought the goods and crushed a 15-song set to a very raucous and grateful crowd full of die-hard VH fans who probably saw them in their heyday and the way to a younger generation who could are being turned on for the first time.
Starting off with “Mammoth” and “Right?” the band was super tight. What really sets Wolfie apart is that he does not rely on his dad’s ‘brown sound’ at all and has truly created his own style of playing. Sure, he throws in a finger tap here and there but what rock guitarist doesn’t? He is paying homage without being a copycat which is not only commendable but admirable. And when he took a second to address the audience clarifying whether to call us McKees Rocks or Pittsburgh…he was nothing but smiles and gratitude. He truly seemed taken aback at the packed house and a little bit amazed that the last time he played in this very space it was as an opening act. It was a genuine moment that endeared him to the Steel City crowd even more.
Continuing with a “song about a taking horse”, “Mr. Ed” and launching into “Like a Pastime”, “Optimist” and “Better Than You” the entire band was reveling in the moment and showing their individual talents also. Touring members Frank Sidoris on rhythm and lead guitar, Jon Jourdan on rhythm guitar, backing vocals, Ronnie Ficarro on bass, backing vocals, and Garrett Whitlock on drums, percussion have all been with Wolfie since 2021 and their cohesiveness and showmanship are a well-oiled machine. The band wasted no time with a lot of words, but let the music do the talking with “Distance”, “Think it Over”, “Epiphany”, “I’m Alright”, “You’re to Blame”, and “Take a Bow”. They ended the evening with an encore of “Don’t Back Down” and “Another Celebration at the End of the World”. As a life-long VH fan and Eddie Van Halen enthusiast, I would be lying if my bias of the song “Distance” released by Wolfie after his father’s passing was not my favorite moment. The entire set was fantastic, and Pittsburgh ate it up like a Primanti’s sandwich.
Opening band Brkn Love was a very pleasant surprise. With a blend of bands like Royal Blood and Highly Suspect, the band was a pure throwback to straight ahead rock n roll. Lead singer and guitarist Justin Benlolo has a voice you will not soon forget, it’s that powerful. As the main force behind the band, Justin is immensely talented, and it won’t be long before these guys are headlining small clubs themselves. Other members Kyle Duke on guitar, Nick Katz on bass, and Russel Holzman on drums were a great compliment to the new yet nostalgic sound which equated to excellent chemistry. Do yourself a favor, check them out on Spotify and you will become a fan. Hopefully they will be back in Pittsburgh soon.
