Wolfgang Van Halen has a lot of cause for celebration, after his tribute song to his late dad Eddie Van Halen went to Number 1 on the charts. Just hours after its debut, the tune — titled “Distance” — landed at the #1 spot on the iTunes overall charts. Taking to Instagram, Van Halen commented on the epic achievement by saying that it had left him “speechless.”
“The response to Distance has been mind-blowing and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you,” he went on to say. “Know that the weight of this moment is not lost on me. Thank you.” Van Halen then added, “Wish you were here for this, Pop.” Over on Twitter, the singer/songwriter retweeted a post that reflected the video for “Distance” — which is made up of old home movie footage of the father and son duo — had quickly racked up 1.1 million views, as well as 5,000 comments. Scroll down to see what fans are saying about the song on Twitter and Instagram.
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https://t.co/dG3oaViGs3 pic.twitter.com/JLDypVM5dI
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) November 17, 2020
“Beautiful song! Your pops is smiling from Heaven.”
“Thank you for making things better. Love the song!!!”
I love it SOOO much!!! I put it on my Facebook page for all to listen!! ♥️♥️♥️. So incredible Wolf! pic.twitter.com/hw9oRWhDl5
— Rue5032 (@Rue5032) November 18, 2020
So happy for you @WolfVanHalen @MammothWVH That tribute video… the song lyrics, the vocals, EVERYTHING. ❤️ Nothing but love for you and yours.
— Star…Space 💫 (@nelah5150) November 18, 2020
Fave moment today in Distance video at 1:28/1:29 where you sing “oh”…your Pop bops his head in unison. Brilliant.❤️
Thank you.
“OMG!!! So excited for you Wolf! I feel your heart, soul & love for your dad in this song. Congratulations!! I couldn’t be happier for you!”
“Yes! Congrats. Enjoyed your interview today on Stern. What a humble, grounded young man you are.”
It’s a beautiful song, well-done, and I don’t think I’ll stop tearing up everytime I hear/see it. Keep making music, Wolf, the world needs people like you ❤️❤️❤️
— Pamm Durrell Whittaker 🇦🇺💗🇺🇸 (@PammWhittaker) November 17, 2020
The sweet sound of a VanHalen will continue.
— Russell ♏ Gaither (@russgaither) November 17, 2020
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/PljlIrEeDy
“Well deserved! Great track. I’m looking forward to hearing more.”
“You spoke so well on Stern, a well adjusted, wise,mature strong you man, grieving tremendously but feel the love around you and feel happy of how proud and how well your represented your dad. All the best in your own career.”
Man… you hit a home run with the debut single, Wolf! I thought it was amazing. Can’t wait to hear more. 👍
— The Wolfman (@dwl03) November 17, 2020
What you have in common with your dad – Oodles and Oodles of pure Talent!!! Please keep it coming! Did I hear the album is not out until 2021?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Heather Torbert (@Fudgieleigh1) November 18, 2020
“Never rocked out hard and cried at the same time…until today. Congratulations!!”
“Your pop is smiling down on you [Wolf]. Thank you for sharing and opening up on Stern today.”
It’s a good song man… and I fitting tribute that actually resonates with the times as well for everyone
— mike (@mike49849353) November 17, 2020
Your father may have taught you but you own your own sound. Your voice is incredible. What an amazing tribute. Congratulations ❤️
— eileen cronin (@auntshugs) November 19, 2020
“Well deserved. It’s a great song. I really enjoyed ‘You’re To Blame’ as well. I’m pumped to hear the rest of the album!”
“Congratulations Rocker! Let your music do the talking. Forward!”
Proud of you Brother! pic.twitter.com/sYAfhCroEh
— Tony Baloney 😎🤘 (@dasilto) November 17, 2020
Your first two songs are outstanding. If this is just the tip of the iceberg then… congratulations none the less.
— ⁉️Dinga 🇨🇦 🤔 (@Dinga555) November 17, 2020
“Cried like a baby. Thank you EVH for the soundtrack of my life, and thank you Wolf for sharing your Pop with us and keeping the music moving forward.”
“Duuuude… Congrats mate, it’s a beautiful song!!!”
It gets all of us in the “feels” bout cried when I saw your Dads guitar in the @rockhall last week when I was down there. He meant a lot to a lot of us budding guitar players over the years. Your tribute is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with the world.
— Ellie in Ohio (@ronile999) November 17, 2020
I love your voice, the song is amazing and I can’t wait to hear more from you!
— Mercyfirst0 (@Mercyfirst1) November 17, 2020
“This track is beautiful, man! Your pop is proud.”
“I LOVE THIS SONG!! I can’t wait to get the album. You are so very talented.”
Yo that video had me snd and the wife crying for 20mins after the v.mail.. rock on wolf!!! Very awesome song and video
— Huhking (@WuNothin) November 17, 2020