LOS ANGELES – Wolfgang Van Halen has pushed back against being labelled a “nepo baby,” saying it’s unfair to group all celebrity children under the same tag.
Speaking to Metal Hammer magazine, the 34-year-old musician — son of late guitar legend Eddie Van Halen and actress Valerie Bertinelli — said the term diminishes individual effort and talent. “I’m one to talk, but I think the term ‘nepo baby’ is a bit unfair,” he said. “It takes the individuality of the person away.”
Read More: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ revolution turns 40
Wolfgang, who toured with his father as part of Van Halen, insisted he has worked hard to carve his own path in the music industry. “I’m not going to name names, but in some cases, it does apply — the idea of people getting a leg up when they have no artistic merit or talent,” he said. “All I’m trying to do is be myself and have my own artistic integrity and my own voice. I hope people can see that.”
He also recalled being mocked during high school after joining Van Halen on tour. “When I came back for senior year, people would be like [mockingly], ‘Oh, look! It’s the bass player for Van Halen!’” he said, adding, “I’m certainly trying to forge my own legacy. That’s my goal every day.”