Wolfgang Van Halen On Working Metallica’s Huge Stage “It’s Really Crazy”
On a recent Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown episode, Wolfgang Van Halen told me what it was like to navigate the huge Metallica stage. “I think we’ve just now finally understood how to move around, and even set up on that stage. It’s a very unique stage. I’ve never done anything like it, so it’s really crazy.”
He thinks by time that tour comes through Detroit on November 10th, he’ll have it down pat. “I’m unable to move around the stage as much as I’d like to, because I need to stay by my peddle board, and my microphone. Luckily, my guitar player and bass player can get a couple laps in.”
There are bigger bands who have their guitar techs work their peddles so they can roam the stage. Wolfgang says that is a thing, but he “Likes to do his stuff.”
He’s a very hands-on musician, which shows throughout the first two Mammoth WVH albums, where he recorded everything himself.
You can watch that interview here.
-Meltdown-
Nickelback Rocks Pine Knob For A Fun Summertime Show
Another fun show checked off the list at Pine Knob for this summer.
The show started at 6:30 with opener, Josh Ross. Brantley Gilbert went on around 7:30 and ripped through his set. He blasted through a set of his country/rock songs, even covering Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue On Black” and Hank Jr’s “A Country Boy Can Survive”. I loved his performance.
Nickelback took the stage shortly after 9pm. Opening with “San Quentin” and ripping through hit after hit. “Animals”, “Figured You Out”, “Photograph”, and a cover of “Copperhead Road” with openers Josh and Brantley. WRIF Rockstar winner, Kendall joined the band on stage to do that song. She killed it and did Detroit Rock City proud!
Great show, great guys!
-Meltdown
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
