Steve Vai: Living teh rockstar Dream with David Lee Roth
Even though Steve Vai had already made waves by collaborating with Frank Zappa, releasing his genre-defying solo album Flex-Able in 1984, and starring in the iconic film Crossroads in march 1986, he remained largely under the radar. However, everything changed when he joined the solo project of former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth, catapulting him into the spotlight.
“At 26, I experienced the ultimate fantasy of being a rock guitarist,” Vai reflects. “I wish every guitarist could have a taste of that era, especially the vibrant ’80s when everything was larger than life.”
The Glamorous World of Shred
The “fantasy” Vai refers to is the glitzy world of shred guitar, a style that gained immense popularity thanks to legends like Eddie Van Halen. Fans of Roth were fast to draw comparisons, but Vai took it all in stride.
“I think I fit well into the band as rock has been in my veins as my teenage years,” he explains. “I was able to express that authentically, with my own unique flair.”
Vai’s career has been marked by a series of fortunate opportunities, often stepping into the shoes of legendary guitarists. “I’ve been lucky in that regard,” he admits. “I replaced Warren Cuccurullo with zappa, Yngwie Malmsteen with Alcatrazz, and Eddie Van Halen with Dave. Somehow,fans welcomed me each time. Maybe they enjoy watching someone try to keep afloat!”
A Match Made in hair Metal Heaven
Looking back at Roth’s debut solo album, Eat ‘Em and Smile, released in 1986, it’s clear that Vai did more than just survive. Tracks like Yankee Rose, Tobacco Road, Shyboy, and his personal favorite, Big Trouble, showcase a collaboration that felt destined for greatness.
Eventually, Vai would embark on a solo career that would redefine the guitar landscape, but he credits his time with Roth as foundational. “I’m always searching for uncharted territory in music, something I haven’t heard from other guitarists,” he shares.
Working with the Charismatic Diamond Dave
Reflecting on his time with David Lee roth, known for his larger-than-life persona, Vai chuckles, “He was a handful in the best way possible. Collaborating with him felt like being strapped to a charisma-fueled rocket.”
How Did You Land the Gig with Dave?
“I was living in a small apartment on Fairfax in Hollywood when I learned he was searching for a guitarist. For some reason, I just felt it was meant to be. It wasn’t arrogance; it was more of an inner voice saying, ‘This is your chance.’”
The very next day, Roth called, having heard Vai’s name from bassist Billy Sheehan. “He told me he was assembling a band for an album, a tour, and even a movie, and invited me to jam. I knew they were auditioning other guitarists, but once we started playing, it just clicked.The chemistry was electric.”
Handling Comparisons to Eddie Van Halen
“I was aware that all eyes would be on me. It was arguably the most sought-after guitar position in rock at that time. I admired Eddie’s playing, so I understood the skepticism.Competing with him? That’s like trying to compete with Mount Everest; you simply admire it.”
“My goal was to contribute something genuine,to be myself,and let that shine through. Once the album dropped and we hit the road, the response was overwhelmingly positive. I didn’t feel the backlash that some had warned me about. fans understand that you can’t replace Eddie; you can only bring your own voice.”
What Did Dave Expect from You?
“Dave wanted a young virtuoso who could really deliver. He envisioned a supergroup with musicians who could truly shine, and he nailed it with Billy Sheehan, Gregg Bissonette, and me. The chemistry was wild. I knew I had to bring some riffs to the table, and the ones I contributed resonated with Dave.”
“He has an astonishing ear for what works for him. As a soloist, I was known for my shredding, which was in vogue at the time. But he also wanted solos that were musical statements, not just a flurry of notes.”
Studio Vibes and Gear Choices
When I joined Dave, I was somewhat inexperienced with what many would call “big rock guitar tone.” I didn’t even own a Marshall amp! I was using Carvin X-100B amps,which I brought into the studio for Eat ’Em and Smile.
I recorded a few tracks with my yellow and pink Jackson Soloists, along with my Charvel “Green Meanie.” However,the Carvins didn’t quite cut through on the more aggressive songs.
Fortunately, Steve Stevens was recording next door. I mentioned my tone issues, and he generously lent me one of his favorite Marshall heads and cabinets. It was instant magic! I ended up using his rig for most of the album. Thanks, Steve; you saved my sonic bacon!
Working with Producer Ted Templeman
Ted Templeman, who produced both Van Halen and Roth, was brilliant. I learned so much from him. He provided total freedom, but his suggestions were so insightful that you wanted to follow them. Coming from a background with Frank Zappa, where precision was key, Ted taught me how to capture raw energy.He had a knack for bottling the chaos of young musicians like us and making it sound big, tight, and alive. We respected him as the Yoda of production.
Memorable Tracks from the Album
“I knew this record would be scrutinized, so I leaned into my quirks. I’ve always had a playful, slightly mischievous streak in my playing,” Vai recalls. “For instance, I introduced my ‘guitar talking’ technique at the album’s opening to grab listeners’ attention.”
That’s Life was quintessential Dave-full of swagger, humor, and showbiz, and I was thrilled to support it. As for Tobacco Road? That was a blast. Dave suggested it, and I went home and crafted a guitar arrangement filled with quirky twists. I remember thinking, “Ther’s no way they’ll let me get away with this,” but they did.that freedom made the entire session magical.
Handling Horn Arrangements
“I started writing horn charts in high school and really delved into it at Berklee. I’ve always loved big band arrangements; it’s like sculpting sound with brass. Writing the horns for I’m Easy was a breeze.”
Favorite Guitar Moments
“My solo on Big Trouble stands out as a favorite. I had complete creative freedom, and it turned out exactly as I envisioned-melodic, bold, and unmistakably ‘Vai.’ It didn’t sound like Eddie or anyone else, which is usually a sign that I hit the mark I set for myself.”
“And the riffing with Billy on Shyboy? Total chaos. Imagine two electric eels wrestling inside a transformer-that’s what it felt like.”
Reflecting on the Album’s Success
“Listening to that record from start to finish felt gloriously surreal, and I still feel that way today. I often wonder, ‘How did we pull that off?’”
“We spent about a year in Dave’s basement crafting this project, entirely under wraps. I couldn’t share what we were doing, so I had no idea how it would be received. but I loved it. It had energy, humor, and attitude-it felt alive.”
Were You Ready for the Fame That Followed?
“One funny moment stands out-I was at the gym, walking through the parking lot when a car nearly hit me.The driver slammed on the brakes and yelled, ’Hey, you dumbass-watch where you’re going!’ All the while, he was blasting Bump and Grind at full volume while headbanging.I just smiled and thought, ‘At least he bought the record!’ [Laughs] Soon, we were playing to 20,000 people a night.”
Would You Change Anything?
“That gig was a gift for many reasons. it opened up a whole new world for me and taught me how to command a stage. I can’t think of anything I would have done differently. It was financially rewarding, too, but after 45 years in the industry, I’ve learned that while success is great-money, fame, respect-it comes with its own set of challenges.”
“What truly matters are the people you meet, the experiences you share, and the bonds you create. That’s the real reward, and when I reflect on Eat ’Em and Smile, those are the moments I cherish the most.”
“To this day, Billy, Gregg, and I are incredibly close. They’re like brothers to me.There’s no way to quantify our friendship against worldly success. I could even call Dave; we were genuinely good friends back then.”
“He was a mentor to me in many ways. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate. The entire experience feels exceptional-touring, the videos, the massive stages, outrageous outfits, wild hair, backstage parties, and the chaos-it was unforgettable.”
What Does Eat ‘Em and Smile Mean to You?
“Throughout my career, whether with Frank Zappa, Alcatrazz, Roth, Whitesnake, or others, I always felt a unique sound bubbling up inside me that I needed to express. Those eccentric ideas have been with me for as long as I can remember.”
“When I left those bands to create [1990’s] Passion and Warfare, I feared it might end my career, but it was an easy choice. If you don’t allow your true creative impulses to flourish, it frequently enough leads to unhappiness.”
“I was fortunate that Passion and Warfare and my style of music found an audience that has supported me throughout my journey. When I think of Eat ‘Em and Smile, it feels like a wild, stunning chapter in a fairytale. somehow, I got to be one of the characters.”
