Billie Eilish is only 17 and, by her own admission, does not know who Van Halen is. At least, she didn’t when Jimmy Kimmel asked her if she “knew any Van Halens” during an appearance that aired in November.
While it’s safe to assume that by now someone has informed her about the iconic rock band, her previous lack of knowledge was enough to stir up quite a debate about generational gaps on Twitter — resulting in Van Halen and Billie Eilish becoming trending topics together on Monday.
Enter Wolf Van Halen, son of Van Halen founder Eddie Van Halen and member of said band, who tweeted Monday in support of Eilish.
“If you haven’t heard of [Billie Eilish], go check her out. She’s cool. If you haven’t heard of [Van Halen], go check them out. They’re cool too,” said the 28-year-old. “Music is supposed to bring us together, not divide us. Listen to what you want and don’t shame others for not knowing what you like.”
Eilish, who was born in 2001 and is currently nominated for six Grammy awards, has also never heard of Huey Lewis, Run D.M.C., or Cabbage Patch Kids. Other shocking admissions Kimmel cornered her into admitting include never having seen the movie “Ghost Busters.” You can watch the full interview below.
If you haven’t heard of @billieeilish, go check her out. She’s cool. If you haven’t heard of @VanHalen, go check them out. They’re cool too.
Music is supposed to bring us together, not divide us. Listen to what you want and don’t shame others for not knowing what you like.
— Wolfgang Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) December 2, 2019