Stevie Salas: From Rock Legends to Iconic Soundtracks
Stevie Salas has had an illustrious career, collaborating with rock icons like Rod Stewart, igniting a guitar trend through Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and receiving invitations to join the bands of both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar. Yet, he maintains a light-hearted perspective on his journey.
“I thrive on being around exceptionally talented individuals,” he shares with guitar World. “I prefer to be the least skilled person in the room; it pushes me to learn and improve.”
A Transformative Experience with Joe Satriani
Reflecting on his early ’90s experience opening for Joe Satriani, Salas identifies it as a pivotal moment in his musical growth.
“I picked up a lot from Joe!” he confesses. “But my interpretation is uniquely mine. I couldn’t replicate his sound while I was there, but I learned by observing.”
Rediscovering Bill & Ted
As he promotes the reissue of his 1994 album, Back from the Living, Salas acknowledges the lasting impact of his work on Bill & Ted. Initially, he was not fond of the film, but his feelings have evolved over time.
“Just last year, I had a conversation with Keanu Reeves about the third installment,” Salas recalls. “I told him,’I’ve accomplished many incredible things,but when I pass,people will remember me as the guy from Bill & Ted!’ He laughed,and we all share that sentiment of wanting to be recognized for more. However, it’s been a remarkable blessing; younger fans often say, ‘You’re the one from Bill & Ted!’”
Early Days and Musical Influences
Salas’s journey began in the mid-80s, where he rubbed shoulders with legends like George Clinton and Bootsy Collins, eventually working with producer David Kirschenbaum.
“I left San Diego in ’85 after finishing school and spent a couple of years performing with my band. We were decent,but I didn’t see a future in it,so I moved to LA,” he explains.
“After being kicked out of my living situation with my band, I found myself homeless for a month. That’s when I met george Clinton in the studio, who, along with Terry Costa, offered me a place to stay in Beverly Hills. I was living the rock star dream, but I was broke!”
Breaking into Film Soundtracks
His entry into film soundtracks came through a connection with Motown arranger Gene Page, who introduced him to the West Coast Posse, a talented rap duo.
“They were working on a movie called big Shots, which followed two kids on a cross-country adventure after stealing a car. They needed rap music, and I jumped at the chance,” Salas recalls. “We created the track Put on the Brakes, which Atlantic Records released as a 12-inch single.”
This success led to another project, Action Jackson, where he produced the rap song Protect and Serve, further establishing his reputation in the hip-hop scene.
The Iconic Guitar Solo in Bill & Ted
Salas’s work on Bill & Ted began when David Kirschenbaum reached out for help with the film’s score, which lacked guitar elements.
“David explained that the movie was about two kids who wanted to form a rock band but didn’t know how to play.They needed me to redo the score with guitar,” he says. “Once the film was completed, I forgot about it until I got a call saying they needed a guitar solo for the ending.”
“I was clueless about what that meant! They called me to the set, and I ended up sharing a trailer with George Carlin, who shared incredible stories with me,” he adds.”When it was time to film, I was told to just play something wild. I wasn’t even plugged in, so I went for it, hitting the A chord like it was Eruption and just let my fingers go!”
Legacy and Influence
Despite his initial embarrassment over the film, Salas’s guitar solo became a defining moment in the franchise. “It’s funny how it turned into a rite of passage for guitarists. Steve Vai followed me in the next film, and then Tosin Abasi took the mantle,” he notes.
Opening for Joe Satriani: A Challenging Experience
In the early ’90s, Salas opened for Joe Satriani, a daunting task given the guitarist’s reputation.
“I was managed by Bill Graham and had just signed a major record deal. I was nervous as everyone who toured with Joe seemed to get booed off stage,” he admits. “But it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life, with standing ovations every night!”
Lessons Learned from Satriani
Salas reflects on the valuable lessons he learned from Satriani, notably regarding stage presence and sound management.
“Joe was meticulous about his sound. He would measure the volume of his amp and monitors to ensure consistency every night. He knew exactly how to create a moment that would resonate with the audience,” Salas explains.
The Cult Following of Back From the Living
In 1994, Salas released Back From the Living, which garnered a cult following, particularly outside the U.S.
“I transitioned from being a niche guitarist to attracting a diverse audience. The album didn’t take off in America, but it was a massive hit abroad, leading to a lucrative contract,” he shares. “I was blending influences from James Brown and Jimi Hendrix, and it changed my life.”
Opportunities with Rock Legends
Salas reveals that both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar reached out to him for band opportunities.
“Sammy called me shortly after he left Van Halen, and David reached out after Steve Vai departed. I might be the only guitarist approached by both singers!” he laughs.
“However, I was a huge Van Halen fan and had met Eddie, so when Roth called, I was skeptical. He had some wild ideas, and I didn’t feel aligned with his vision,” he explains. “With Hagar, I wanted to create a Montrose-style album, but he was leaning towards a sound I didn’t resonate with.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Salas is open to new opportunities. “I’m not getting any younger, but I’m exploring the idea of re-releasing my music. I’ve also ventured into producing television and film, but I’m always ready to engage in interesting music projects,” he concludes.
