Wolfgang Van Halen and his band Mammoth captivated fans with a powerful performance at the Fillmore Detroit on November 19, 2023. During the concert, Van Halen took a moment to emphasize the authenticity of the night’s music, declaring, “everything you hear tonight is generated by an actual (expletive) person, not some AI bull…” His words set the tone for an evening dedicated to genuine hard rock.
The concert featured two impressive supporting acts: Myles Kennedy and Los Angeles-based Return To Dust. Each brought their unique flair, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic rock with a modern twist. Return To Dust delivered a gritty, energetic set that evoked the spirit of late 80s and early 90s Seattle grunge. Their 25-minute performance stood out with solid songwriting, making them more than just a typical opening act.
Kennedy, known for his remarkable vocal range from his work with Alter Bridge and Slash, led his trio through seven songs, primarily drawn from his latest album, The Art of Letting Go. His set included the rootsy “In Stride,” where he showcased his guitar skills by playing a resonator.
Mammoth has a strong connection to the Detroit area, marking their seventh performance in the region. This show was particularly significant as it was their largest headlining event to date, following two previous performances at the Fillmore. The band has released three albums in the past four years, including their latest, The End, which provided a rich array of material for the evening.
Dynamic Set List and Emotional Moments
The concert spanned 110 minutes and featured 17 songs, with seven tracks from The End. Accompanied by a series of animations on a large video screen, the setlist maintained a dynamic flow. High-energy tracks like “The Spell” and “I Really Wanna” energized the audience, while more intricate arrangements such as “Epiphany” and “Stone” showcased the band’s musical depth.
A highlight of the evening occurred just past the halfway mark, following a powerful rendition of the song “Mammoth.” Van Halen performed “Resolve” on acoustic guitar, leading into a heartfelt tribute, “Distance,” dedicated to his late father, Eddie Van Halen. This emotional moment was enhanced by a display of home movie clips featuring the two, capturing their bond throughout the years. The mood shifted back to celebration with the near-poppy “All In Good Time.”
Confident Performance and Future Plans
By the time Mammoth hit the stage, Wolfgang Van Halen had already established himself as a seasoned performer. His confidence was evident as he navigated the stage, engaging with the audience and delivering impressive guitar solos that echoed his family legacy. The band, consisting of guitarists Frank Sidoris and Jonathan Jourdan, bassist Ronnie Ficarro, and drummer Garrett Whitlock, played with a precision that reflected their time together.
Van Halen acknowledged the strong connection Mammoth has developed with Detroit audiences, hinting at future performances in the area. The enthusiastic reception from fans on Wednesday night indicated that Mammoth’s return would be eagerly anticipated.
