Move over, Nepo Babies – there’s a new breed of rock star offspring in town, and they’re not just riding their parents’ coattails. These seven up-and-coming bands, fronted by the children of rock and metal legends, are making waves in the music scene, and trust me, they’re not just getting by on their last names.
As a Gen X music nerd who cut my teeth on U2, Guns N’ Roses, and Green Day, I’ve got to say – in some cases, I might even prefer these kids’ tunes to their more famous parents’ hits. (Don’t tell Bono I said that.)
Grace McKagan: Synth-Punk Prodigy
Born in 1997 to Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan and model Susan Holmes, Grace McKagan (also known as “Grave”) has music in her blood. She began her career fronting the American synth-punk band The Pink Slips in 2013, gaining attention with tracks like “Gimme” and “I’m Ready.” Now pursuing a solo career, Grace’s music, exemplified by songs like “Checkmate,” showcases her evolution as an artist and her ability to carve out her own niche in the industry.
Elijah Hewson: Inhaler’s FrontMan
As the son of U2’s Bono (Paul Hewson) and activist Ali Hewson, Elijah Hewson had big shoes to fill. However, as the frontman of Inhaler, he’s proving to be a formidable talent in his own right. Formed in 2012 while Elijah was attending St. Andrew’s College in Dublin, Inhaler has garnered critical acclaim with their EP “I Want You” and their recent hit album “Cuts + Bruises.” Elijah cites Echo & the Bunnymen as a significant influence, demonstrating his own musical tastes distinct from his father’s iconic sound.
Wolfgang Van Halen: Carrying on the Legacy
The son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen and actress Valerie Bertinelli, Wolfgang Van Halen has music deeply ingrained in his DNA. After joining Van Halen as bassist in 2006, Wolfgang has since stepped out on his own with Mammoth WVH. The band name pays homage to both his initials and his father’s pre-Van Halen group. With multiple number-one albums and hit singles like “Distance” and “Don’t Back Down,” Wolfgang is successfully balancing honoring his father’s legacy while establishing his own musical identity.
Jakob Danger: Ultra Q’s Frontman
Born to Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and screenwriter Adrienne Armstrong, Jakob Danger (aka Jakob Armstrong) is the frontman of the rock band Ultra Q. Growing up in a musical household, Jakob has cited influences like The Strokes and Beach Fossils, indicating a musical direction distinct from his father’s punk rock roots. Ultra Q’s 2024 hit “Waiting” from their sophomore album “Empty Eddy” showcases Jakob’s evolving sound and songwriting prowess.
Noah Weiland: Forging His Own Path
The son of Stone Temple Pilots’ late frontman Scott Weiland and author Mary Forsberg, Noah Weiland is carving out his own niche in the music world. After a brief stint with Suspect208, a band that included other children of rock legends, Noah is now pursuing a solo career. Describing his music as “gritty alternative pop,” Noah’s work, such as his track “Yesterday,” demonstrates his commitment to developing his own sound while navigating the challenges of following in his revered father’s footsteps.
The Effect: A Collaboration of Rock Legacies
The Effect, a four-piece band, brings together two scions of rock royalty: Trev Lukather, son of Toto’s Steve Lukather and musician Marie Currie, and Nic Collins, son of Genesis drummer Phil Collins and jewelry designer Orianne Cevey. Formed in 2023, The Effect has quickly gained attention with singles like “Unwanted” and “High Life.” The band’s sound reflects both their heritage and their desire to create something uniquely their own.
Aimee Osbourne: The Artistic ARO
Daughter of metal maven Ozzy and celebrity Sharon Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne has taken a different path from her more publically visible siblings. Performing under the name ARO (her initials), Aimee creates synth-pop music influenced by artists like Kate Bush and Portishead. Her approach to music and performance, as seen in tracks like “Against Mine,” demonstrates her commitment to artistic expression over celebrity, aiming to create immersive, multi-sensory musical experiences.
Whether it’s nature, nurture, or just good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll magic, these seven acts are proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the Marshall stack. Who knows? In a few years, we might be writing about the grandkids of rock royalty. Until then, keep your ears open and your playlists ready – the next generation of rock stars is here, and they’re ready to blow your minds (and possibly your speakers).
-Staci Layne Wilson
Photo: Wolfgang Van Halen, 2021 (Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons)
It all started with Dino, Desi and Billy many years ago. 😏
Very good point!
That may be the first reference, ever, to Dino, Desi and Billy on Culture Sonar. Their album “I’m a Fool” was my very first LP. And while we’re deeply mining in that era, let’s not forget Nancy Sinatra and her walkin’ boots.
Nancy’s albums would be great in no small part because of both Lee Hazelwood, and the Wrecking Crew musicians, who knew just how to lay down a Top 40 groove. Now, I assume that the Wrecking Crew also played on Dino, Desi, and Billy’s album, but can anyone verify or refute that?