The Guitarist Who Surpassed Eddie van Halen: Insights from Steve Vai
“I could never replicate his style. Competing with Eddie Van Halen would be foolish,” Steve Vai shared with Rolling Stone in 2020,reflecting on his bond with the legendary guitarist. As david Lee Roth’s guitarist after Van halen, Vai understood the importance of forging his own identity to avoid being overshadowed by Eddie’s monumental legacy.
“Joining David Lee Roth’s band was an amazing chance to perform some truly well-crafted rock anthems,” Vai remarked. “While no one can match Edward’s brilliance, I always strive to give my best.”
Eddie was well aware of the guitarist who had stepped into his shoes alongside Roth. Despite his immense talent, he remained grounded adn recognized that other musicians had valuable lessons to impart. For instance, he was a grate admirer of Allan Holdsworth and actively supported him in securing a recording deal. For Eddie, it was never about rivalry; it was about the love of guitar and the pursuit of betterment.
As he listened to Vai,he was genuinely impressed. Unlike the many who tried to imitate EVH, Vai blended innovative guitar techniques with melodic sensibilities. Joe satriani, who filled in for Eddie on last year’s Best of All Worlds tour, showcased his bluesy fusion style, while Yngwie Malmsteen dazzled with his neoclassical prowess. However, Vai brought an operatic elegance combined with the avant-garde flair reminiscent of his former mentor, Frank Zappa.
When Eddie heard Vai infuse his unique style into his own songs during Roth’s performances, he was taken aback.
(Image credit: Niels van Iperen/getty Images)
“I thought to myself, ‘This guy excels at what I do,’” Eddie confessed to Shaun Baxter in a 1995 interview.
“However,” he continued, “he sometimes lacked the groove… the essence. technically, he was incredibly skilled, but there was a certain stiffness. It made me wonder,’Is that how people see me?’”
vai remained with roth from 1985 to 1989,contributing to albums like Eat ‘Em and Smile and Skyscraper. Once he departed, Eddie felt it was the right moment to reach out.
“the day after I left David Lee Roth’s band – somehow Edward found out – he called me,” Vai recounted. “That marked the beginning of a fantastic friendship.”
Over the next six months, they spent considerable time together, with Vai visiting Eddie’s 5150 Studios and enjoying exclusive previews of his unreleased tracks. “He shared some incredible material with me,” Vai recalled. “I suggested he should consider a solo album, but he always believed that the Van Halen records were his solo endeavors.”
“The music he played for me was truly remarkable, encapsulating everything we loved about his guitar work.”
(Image credit: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
While Eddie regarded Vai as the one guitarist who could outshine him, Vai believes Eddie was a revolutionary force in rock music, with only one true peer.
“If I had to trust my instincts,” he stated, “it’s Hendrix and Van Halen who stand out in rock guitar. Countless talented guitarists have emerged, but these two reshaped not only our approach to playing but also how we compose music, present ourselves, and perform live. Their influence runs deep, making Eddie one of those monumental figures.”
Vai has his own legion of admirers who see him as a transformative artist. Tosin Abasi recently shared how he worked tirelessly in a salmon processing plant in Alaska to afford his Steve Vai signature guitar.
For those eager to tap into steve’s guitar wisdom, his top three guitar tips are invaluable.
