Wolfgang Van Halen Reveals His Onstage Ritual to Honor His Late Dad

Wolfgang Van Halen followed in his father's footsteps in the music business. Prior to Eddie Van Halen's death in 2020, Wolfgang played with him in his band, Van Halen. As he looked back on his father's legacy, Wolfgang revealed an endearing tribute and ritual he does to remember him whenever he's onstage.

Wolfgang Van Halen Ritual for Late Father Eddie Van Halen

Speaking to People magazine, Wolfgang revealed why he points towards the heavens at the end of every concert.

"The reason I do what I do is because of my dad. So if I didn't or at least think about him throughout the process, I'd be doing a disservice to my existence," Wolfgang revealed as to why he points to the sky at the end of every concert.

This gesture is meant as a salute to Eddie Van Halen, who died from a stroke in 2020.

"So I think it's very important to establish that to thank my dad every night, every time I'm on stage. Just to thank my father and to know that he's always there with me every night," he added.

After his father passed away, Wolfgang remained close to his mother, Valerie Bertinelli.

"A big thing is that she's the only parent I have, and so I think it's important to be close to your family and to make that time count because it doesn't last forever," he added. "It's very important to spend every chance you can get with your family. My parents raised me. I wish I could spend more time with my dad, but I can't, but I can spend time with my mom and it's the best. She's the best."

Eddie Van Halen's Death

Eddie Van Halen suffered a string of health complications before his death. Apart from struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction when he was young, he was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, underwent hip replacement surgery, and received treatment for tongue cancer in 2000 before being declared cancer-free in 2002.

Sadly, he passed away in October 2020 at the age of 65 due to a stroke. It was also revealed that he suffered from throat and lung cancer. Wolfgang confirmed his death on social media the day after his demise.

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Eddie van halen, Van Halen