(hennemusic) The Eddie Van Halen tribute track, "Distance", has earned Wolfgang Van Halen his first Grammy Award nomination. Released a month after his father passed away last fall at 65 following a long battle with cancer, the tune is now a finalist in the songwriters category, Best Rock Song, at the 64th Grammy Awards next January.
To be nominated is an honor in and of itself, but to be in the same category for my songwriting as Dave Grohl and Sir Paul McCartney is absolutely surreal," shared Wolfgang on social media. "I don't even know what to say. Thanks to @recordingacademy for the nod, and as always thanks to everyone for listening. This wouldn't be happening without you. Thank you."
"Distance" is a very personal track for the rocker, who wrote all the songs and performed all of the instrumentation and vocals for his Mammoth WVH album debut.
"As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I'd miss him," explained Wolfgang upon its 2020 release. "While the song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their life."
The companion video features a collection of family home movies through the years and ends with a voicemail left from Eddie to his son. "I never intended 'Distance' to be the very first piece of music people would hear from me," he added, "but I also thought my father would be here to celebrate its release. This is for him. I love and miss you, Pop." Watch the tribute video for the song here.
Wolfgang Van Halen Took High Road Over David Lee Roth Attack (2024 In Review)
Van Halen Taught Wolfgang What Not To Do (2024 In Review)
Wolfgang Van Halen Addresses Claim That He Died
Wolfgang Van Halen Forced To Change Mammoth WVH Tour Dates
Caught In The Act: Cheap Trick Rocks Chicagoland On July 4th
Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise, Part 2: Dave, Dave, Dave!
Sites and Sounds: Montana Folk Festival Coming to Butte (And It's Free!)
Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise, Part 1: Sax Man and Pals Set Sail in Europe
5 Star: Styx - Circling from Above
Paul McCartney Launching First North American Tour Since 2022
Eagles Legend Bernie Leadon Releasing First New Music In Over Two Decades
FILTER Releasing 'The Algorithm: Ultra Edition' Next Month
Of Mice & Men Share 'Wake Up' To Announce New Album
Visit 'The Great Unknown' With Ice Nine Kills
Gibson Celebrates Black Sabbath's Historic Final Reunion Show
Mike Tramp Announces New Album 'Songs of White Lion - Vol. III'
Winona Fighter Expand 'My Apologies To The Chef'