FASCINATING Conversation With The 80s Most Mysterious Guitar Player | Professor of Rock
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Up next one of rock premier guitar virtuosos tells us how he learned guitar from Joe Satriani as a teen and cut his teeth with Frank Zappa and then starting a band with David Lee Roth after he left Van Halen.. in 1986 it was Van Halen vs Diamond Dave, and his secret weapon Mr. Steve Vai… the story of that plus behind DLR’s smash album Eat ‘Em and Smile and Yankees Rose.
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Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s rock songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to become an Honorary Producer.
It’s time for another episode of our series Revelations where artists and bands give us unique insight into their greatest songs and albums .I am so PUMPED about today’s episode. We sit down with a true virtuoso of guitar, the chosen one, Mr Steve Vai and discuss his career from taking guitar lessons form Joe Satriani to starting out with Frank Zappa and zero in on the 86 competition when Van Halen’s 5160 starring Sammy Hagar went toe to toe with former VH singer David Lee Roth’s LP Eat and Smile. Steve van tells us about writing with Diamond Dave and keeping his eye on taking his playing to the next level. It’s a can’t miss. Now as we go into this interview I do want to thank our sponsor Zenni year. the glasses I wear everyday. Make sure to go directly to Zenni.com after this video to design the best pair of frames you’ll ever experience . Not only are you able to design your own pair of glasses, you also get to add amazing features like Blue Blokz that protect your eyes form Digital Blue Light that we come into contact every day. Order now at Zenni.com Heres’ Steve Vai
Man steve vai is just mind blowing..
Leave us a comment about Steve Vai what are your memories of David Lee Roth’s first full album? and the 80s hit Yankee Rose? Share your Memories of these songs. and comments below. Make sure to subscribe below and hit that bell. That way you’ll never miss out. We’re a daily channel, so there will always be something good coming your way. Until next time, three chords and the truth my friends. Talk to you soon.
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Poll: Let's have some fun... Van Halen with Sammy vs. David Lee Roth with Vai. What's your pick, 5150 or Eat 'em and Smile.
5150 time!
.....oohhhhhh, NO, ya don't! ***5150*** will BLAST that 'Smile' off Diamond Dave's FACE, no matter WHO'S behind him! ...VAN HAGAR for LIFE, Man! "🎸"...HA-HAA!!
Can't pick..was a Sammy fan for a while, excited about 5150 and loved it..however, I believe that Eat 'em and Smile could have been a Van Halen LP if Dave had not left the band.
5150
I love them both but Dave was a big part of why I loved VH, so I naturally navigate to "Eat "em and Smile". With Dave, he 'ain't talkin' 'bout love' and with Sammy, "love walks in" and it's two completely different vibes for me.
I love how gracious, grateful, and unpretentious Steve Vai is. First, he acknowledges his mentors with great reverence, and then he gives credit where credit is due (especially at the 19:04 mark, talking about Ted Templeton's suggestion, and the collaboration with everyone else in the band), and finally he seems to be genuinely engaged with the interviewer (The Professor), sharing his anecdotes with fondness and humor.
One thing that always strikes me about Mr. Vai, he always gives credit to others and highlights their contributions. The man is a virtuoso, but very humble as well. Nice to see for a change.
I saw Steve Vai two years ago in Portland and a couple of songs in, he introduced the band and then they went into the next song about 30 seconds and he flat-out stopped the song because he had forgotten to introduce Guitarist, Dave Weiner. He made a big deal about it! Gotta love Steve!
You can tell Steve is just a great person and really grateful for everything and everyone that has helped him in his career. 👍👍
Loved how Zappa's albums always credited Steve as being on "Stunt Guitar" .
Ha ha. I know right?
You are what you is! 😀🤟
Steve Vai. Credited on Frank Zappa's albums with providing "Stunt Guitar."
Yup and it’s crazy that Dale and Terry Bozzio from Missing Persons were also in the group at the time.
What an honor. Amazing.
I was so upset when the Roth man left Van Halen, and then he released his album and all was fine with the world again! I didn't know who Steve Vai was at the time, but I found out! I'm not a hater though, I loved Van Hagar too! :-) Such a different world then. Great video once again!
Well said!
Well said…is there an echo in here?
To me Van Hagar and The Yankee Rose Band were “the best of both worlds.” 86-91 were magical years for those who appreciated the classic and the crazy rock !
@@ProfessorofRock steve yes a genius but do NOT foegetbilly sheehan was easily just as responsible..check out the bass harmonics solo in goin crazy or the note for note madness in shyboy...did anyone else see this tour the solo these two did was the best ive seen eve...rdave got lucky and had 2 maestros play with him
The first time I really became aware of Steve Vai was through the movie Crossroads with Ralph Macchio. The guitar duel scene blew me away as a kid. Great interview as always, Prof.
We talked about that and I will release at a future date!
That was a great movie, but the duel always fell flat with me… there was absolutely no way that Ralph Macchio could outplay Steve Vai with some simple blues riffs!
Same here. And Steve Vai wrote all the guitar parts in the movie.
@@Japjongetje If I remember correctly Vai played both parts of the guitar duel and Macchio mimicked the fingering.
@@deastman2 He didn't. It was when he pulled his classical traininig & Paganini out of his trick bag that he finally defeted Jack Butler.
I am still amazed at the fact that he recorded "For the Love of God" in a single take. Legendary.
"For The Love of God" is one of the greatest guitar instrumentals EVER. On the right day, listening to it brings me to tears.
I went to a guitar seminar by Steve Via some years ago, he played "For the Love of God" and it was simply crystal clear and amazing. When he sat down and took questions from the audience, he said "you can ask me any question" and people did, how he started, practicing etc, an amazing event because he was very inspirational and clearly worked extremely hard to achieve what he has accomplished.
That doesn't sound like a mysterious person as the title suggests. He was always pretty open, its just that many didn't know who he was.
I could never really follow Steve Vai’s solo albums, I was just on another trip at that point in my life.
But I always knew he was a special soul. Music as living art. Music as spiritual enlightenment. Music as philosophy & mental exploration.
Great interview!
None finer or more down to earth than Mr. Vai. You need to start a series with Steve. He's a veritable goldmine of musical information and advice.
Steve can write books about popular music with his insight and experience. He is an American treasure whom the mainstream media wrote off as hair-guitar-shredder during the “ugly 90s.”
One of my favorite Steve Vai moments is his appearance in the 1986 Ralph machio movie crossroads the guitar showdown between Steve and Ralph is just spectacular and also love Steve's work with Frank Zappa and Whitesnake as well
He's a virtuoso for sure.
After watching Crossroads on VHS, four of my buddies formed a band. The first song we practiced : Vai’s version of Fool for Your Lovin.’
I saw Steve and the rest of the band during the Eat em and Smile tour in '86. I clearly remember standing up the entire concert in disbelief that they could pull off those songs live and while running all over the stage.
I never realized how well spoken Steve Vai is. Thanks for another outstanding interview. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada.
Oh, he's well spoken and very smart. Don't try to lie to him, he can sniff a liar out. LOL
@Sub if you are against Antifa and BLM Even rappers know how to use caps and punctuation I bet.
Cheers to the freedom fighters in Ottawa!
@@theflickman tell us your experience working with Vai!
@@Vibeagain Thank you very much.
Steve's such a cool dude. So articulate, both musically and verbally. Seeing him perform live is an amazing experience. He's a master showman!
This might just be my favorite interview yet. Steve Vai is one of my favorite guitar players and he’s a very eloquent speaker.
Steve's amazing. He was the very first artist I saw in concert, aged 13 and he blew my mind. 8 years later I saw him again and was lucky enough to meet him afterwards. Like a silly little fangirl I blurted out that he was my first gig all those years ago and he smiled and said "I guess I'll see you in another 8 years then!" Total class act.
That's a great first concert. He's a deep guy and so amazing to interview.
@@ProfessorofRock It really was, I'll never forget it! Seem him play a few times since (didn't wait 8 years again, haha) and he's always astounding. And such a kind, intelligent man.
A very enjoyable interview. Steve is very down to earth when you just sit down and talk to him. I was a little surprised his performance in the movie, Crossroads, didn't come up but that's ok. I was also amused that Adam conducted this 'mystery guitarist's interview with a day's growth on this face. Now that's theater. Ha!
Great interview. Wow, the memories that this brought back. I had a friend at work turn me on to Steve Vai. Got a solo album. He seems so humble and down to earth, but he's taken his craft so seriously. Thanks for this insight.
I loved his appearance in Crossroads. Steve Vai needs to show up on an episode of Cobra Kai and have an actual guitar battle with Ralph Macchio!
damn
Awesome delicious interview! Please bring Steve back. He's a virtuoso of amazing talent heard & loved around the world. Thank you!
Steve Vai is the perfect example of loving your music over loving fame.
In '86, my garage band and I headed to Seattle to make it big. I was (and am) a HUGE metal fan (regardless of the subgenre) and Steve Vai was a god to me, and Eat 'Em and Smile was (and is) a POWERFUL inspiration. It's hard to pick one, but "Shy Boy" is probably my favorite track from the album, and one of my top favorite songs of all time. I'm just speechless about what to say, and am SO happy Adam got to interview him and give us this episode. Steve is not only an inspiration for playing guitar, but also for living life. His outlook and approach to life and universe are so....excellent.
Great interview, my 1st My 1st time being aware of Steve was at about 12 years old And watching Yankee Rose video on MTV, It saw a lot of air play on MTV in 1986 a lot. He was just over the top in that video just all the little antics he is up to From talking guitar to throwing the guitar in the air it was awesome. Plus it was just a great song it's own right. Still to this day one of my favorite songs.
I’m impressed. He comes across as being a very down-to-Earth guy.
It’s interesting how we see the “rockstar” on stage who has a persona, but the man is a quiet, appreciative, humble dude that seems easy to just hang-out.
Great interview, man. I saw Steve with Whitesnake. It was an awesome show. I was like 17, & I was in awe of what I was hearing, & seeing. I still remember, Steve hit a combination of notes, & I actually felt faint. That never happened to me before at a live show, & still hasn’t. Amazingly weird.
Talk about GOOSEBUMPS!, right?? That is awesome- totally immersed in the music for what IT IS- THAT is how it is supposed to be!!!
One of the best guitarists of all time to ever touch the instrument. One of just two guitarists I've seen live that literally dropped my jaw with their playing. The other was Jake E Lee. Just a true legend.
Bark at the Moon!
Love to hear Jake getting recognition. I remember him basically living with his guitar in high-school. When his garage band tried to start back in after one of Jake's solos people would boo, because we didn't want the solo to end.
Love also seeing Terry Bozzio on drums at 14:43 in Frank Zappa's band. Been a huge fan of both musicians for a long time (have Steve's original pressing of "Flex-Able" and the matching cover "Leftovers" 10" EP). Both are as humble and friendly human beings as they are amazing musicians.
Great interview! My son and I have been to see Vai many times over the years, and he never disappoints.
Dude, you always surprise me with who you interview! You always keep it interesting This one is so cool! I love Steve Vai!
What a positive human being in addition to being one of the best guitarists ever. He`s lived a blessed life & appreciates it. Great stories about his mentors. I especially enjoyed his recollections about Frank.
Great interview. I first listened to Steve Via on Zappa's The Man From Utopia. In the 08's Flex-Able was one of those albums that my friends and I loved to death. We even use to play Viv Woman in our band.
Happy Friday, Professor! My college roommate took guitar lessons the whole time we were in school and she is the reason I'm familiar with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai as she was a huge fan and studied with a guy who played in an SRV cover band. Nice pull!
That's awesome. Have a great weekend Allison!
When I first heard Eat em and Smile, I was about 16 and was truly amazed with the duo of Steve and Billy. Two absolute monsters that seemed to feed off each other to bring the songs to a whole new level. I think they overshadowed Dave on the album and made Eat em and Smile the Masterpiece that it is.
The first time I heard the album eat em and smile, I new Steve was going to be my absolute favorite guitarist from that point on. I couldn't get enough of him and his playing.....and then when Passion and Warfare came out.....HO LEE SH*T!!
Steve Vai looks great for his age! His description of his love of music and the guitar is so awesome! Then Steve getting lessons from Joe Satriani?! Then Zappa! A charmed guitar life for sure. Thank you Professor of Rock for another great video! 💖
He's amazing. for sure.
For his age?? How insulting!
@@MsRmaclaren I didn’t mean it as an insult. My dad is 71 and looks like he’s in his mid to upper 50’s. My husband is in his late 50’s and looks a decade younger. Heck I get carded for cigarettes when I get the occasional urge to have a few. I always giggle and thank the cashier who looks at my driver’s license and does a double take on my birth year. So I don’t think it’s an insult at all. I’m sorry you read it that way, inflection doesn’t reflect in text very well and I’m not very tech savvy. I can’t do keyboard tricks to bold my words or italics them. I only know the Reddit trick of doing ^^this.
I was front row on the Eat ‘Em And Smile show. Steve stretched his wood grain guitar way out during his solo so I could touch the end of the neck with my finger tips. I knew I’d touched greatness at that point.
Great interview, I only wished it didn’t end. I could listen & watch Steve Vai talk music all day long.
Same here.
Steve Vai is one fantastic interview, I could listen all day listening to him talk about his music. One of the true American great guitarists, creative and talented. I wish he had told some of the stories of his experiences with Frank. Such a cool guy too. Great interview
He did talk about Frank. Did you see that part?
@@ProfessorofRock yes, it left me wanting more, lol, great interview professor. Loved every minute of it
My favorite solo guitarist. The man that brings it all together, to life, to, the, stage & beyond!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Prof! I love listening to Mr. Vai. His music and his insights. I switched to guitar from trumpet when I left high school. I always felt inferior due to my late start and my non rock n' roll background. I'd speak to other musicians about theory and the response was 'what's the matter witb you?'. Then I read a Steve Vai interview and he spoke about modes, harmony, melody and song structure. I immediately was inspired. Ive been playing for overf 30 yrs, made some cash playing and now I teach. If it wasn't for him I may be a drummer. 😂😂🤘🏼
I was slow to discover and appreciate Steve. But as I age and he ages, I realize that not only is he a virtuoso in every respect but he is also very thoughtful and respectful. He knows where he came from and he pays homage to those that brought him along. All the greats acknowledge that it is not talent alone that makes a person successful. There is always an element of right time and right place as well as persistence and just plain ol luck. I loved this interview Professor!
I saw a very young Steve Vai twice during Frank Zappa’s “You are what you is” tour. He was just out of school and brought on by Frank to play stunt guitar. What great shows. What professional bands. Anyone who’s seen Frank knows.
Steve Vai is a masterful genius. I remember watching him in crossroads and just loving his alter ego in that movie.
I went through a phase in my early thirties where poems and songs just started flowing out at an amazing rate. I was really getting into Steve's solo catalog at the time I naively thought, "I'll send one of these to Steve and let him know what an inspiration he is to me". Well, I did just that, and without much gap in time I received a letter back from him. He was delighted to have received my poem, and just gave me such strong feedback and words of encouragement. I will always remember that time and how he left such a powerful imprint on me with just a few moments of his time that I have, and will, carry with me for the rest of my life. Great interview, thanks!!
My first real introduction to Steve was seeing the video "The Audience is Listening". Not knowing I was ranking him with Diamond Dave till later. Then seeing "Crossroads" and always wondering who Jack Butler was. lol Oh to be young! Steve was all over, the great intro from Bill and Ted 2 for God Gave Rock and Roll to PCU doing the little odd bits. The man is a powerhouse!
Fascinating the insight to such a creative mind and how he just knew it when he saw it! Wow- great interview.
Eat em and smile got day one and
the interplay b/w Vai and Roth on the beginning of Yankee Rose... still gets me to this day
For sure. It's an intellectual conversation because Vai has so much wisdom. I could listen for hours.
I discovered Mr Vai when he was on tour with Whitesnake. Man what a machine.
I follow Steve Vai to this day. His guitar virtuosity is beyond belief.
Saw DLR at the LA Forum for the Eat'm and Smile tour. Blew me away!
I read an article, back in the 90's, from Guitar World magazine. Vai tells the story of goin backstage at a Nugent show and asking a tech if he could check out Ted's rack (effects units). The tech simply smiled and said "Yeah, Ted doesn't have a rack. What you hear, is Ted." Apparently, it blew his mind. Probably, yet another influence without even thinking about it.
Well done POR & Steve! My early memories of Steve start with him in Zappa's band, & early solo records (loved The Attitude Song). The Eat 'Em & Smile record was certainly a hi-lite. His playing and transcribing for Frank early on made him seem like an all encompassing musician who can do great musical feats... which he has gone on to do. Peace
The Attitude Song and Blue Powder still stand as my favourite Vai tracks. There is a lot of fun stuff on Flex-able.
My first concert... Love that album. I loved it so much I painted my goalie mask like the cover of Eat"em and Smile. Steve is one of my top 5 guitarist of all time!
Steve Vai is the perfect example of what can be achieved with a lot of hard work and dedication.
One day in the early '80s I got an issue of Guitar Player magazine with a floppy 45 record of The Attitude Song. Hoo Boy! Just about the most crazy-fun energetic song I had ever heard. That was my introduction to Steve Vai.
Steve is just fantastic! Always!
You should've asked him about EVH and how he called Steve the day after he left DLR's band, how EVH would come over to Vai's studio to hang out. Only read one interview where Vai ever talked about it, but I would love to have been a fly on the wall while those 2 hung out!
My fav quote of that interview was Steve said that Eddie turned to him one day and said "you know, I didn't think I was going to like you." 😅 But everyone loves Steve cause he's so down to earth.
Man, for the amount of talent he man has, Steve is such a humble human being.
Great to see Alcatrazz get a mention! check them out, Graham Bonnett formerly of Rainbow is the singer
I was a huge VH fan as a kid and I was devastated when DLR left. When Eat 'em and Smile was released I said to myself "Now I have 2 amazing bands to listen to!" I have loved Steve Vai ever since.
I now want to see Steve Vai and Al Yankovic in an accordion battle.
That was great to watch. Such grace for a rock star like him, to have little to say other than how great everyone else was around him, who helped him, and who he worked with. I'm a bigger fan now.
I was working in a furniture shop in 1987 when I first heard Yankee Road, that's when I knew David Lee Roth was a great entertainer. Thanks for interviewing the Great Guitarist Steve Vai, wow what a true down to earth story
This deserves a 2 -3 hour podcast format. 20 minutes is not enough.
Vai is a unique individual. I grew up on Long Island the same time as Steve. Music was everywhere. It’s hard to keep track of all the talent that came from Long Island around that time. I’m thankful for every moment. This was one of your best interviews.
Totally mind blowing conversation. Your leading questions opened his mind & spilled his memories all over me. I’m 75 & this rings my memories of then. THANK YOU!
I saw Steve Vai on your with David Lee Roth. Steve and Billy Sheehan live on stage was worth the price of admission. They did a bass/ guitar duel that was awesome to watch and hear.
I've always thought of Steve Vai as being the best guitarist ever. His amazing style of playing and imagination just can't be equalled by anyone out there today. I first heard of him when Eat 'Em and Smile came out and I was blown away. I saw them on that tour and loved the moment in the concert when Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan did a guitar duel. Steve would play something on his guitar and Billy would play it back on the bass. There just isn't a show like that anywhere and it was such a great show. It was raining most of the night and the power even went out briefly on the sound system, but Diamond Dave refused to stop the show. Those were the days when showmanship was king! I covered Yankee Rose on my Karaoke channel for the 4th of July a couple of years ago and it's one of my most watched videos. There's just something about that song that makes you feel good when you hear it. My favorite piece from Steve Vai is The Audience Is Listening. It has a very Zappa kind of feel to it and a great sense of humor. I miss the days when musicians really took their craft seriously instead of just trying to make a buck. The 70's and 80's had some of the best real musicians and entertainers that have ever existed or ever will again!
Wow!!!!
One of the best interviews I have ever heard..
So spot on, that era was so much apart of and influence. Some of the best memories for me and my circle of family. Times that you never forget...
...mjm...
Joe and Steve are so kind humble and respectful of their fans no super Inflated egos! Very classy guys!
YEARS ago, I was at a music conn and I was out watching several acts play at a bar near the conference center. I sat at the bar and struck up a conversation with the guy next to me. Talked for nearly half an hour. I got up to leave after the band finished their set and said to the guy, "great talking with you, man. By the way, my name is Denis Weimer." He replied, "Steve. Steve Vai." I think my response was something like, "no sh*t" followed by a laugh. I remember the guy just being so grounded and respectful that you'd NEVER guess he was a rock star if you didn't know his face, which I didn't at the time. Brilliant person who makes YOU feel like you're the coolest person in the room - you don't find that often. He deserves every accolade he's earned.
Joe Satriani deserves a few episodes here as well…he just released a new album too!
Going to get an interview. It will happen.
U landed a sit down with Steve Vai? Wow. The sky is the limit for your channel! Nice work :)
Booked Vai at a club I worked at - every Christmas afterwards, I would get a Christmas card from him and his family.
I booked a LOT of shows, and that was the only time something that crazy and cool ever happened. Good dude right there.
i just watched the whole thing, so interestin' to hear all the little stories, Dave and Steve goin' to the gym together, man, they must have had such a gr8 time. How come that collaboration didn't last? thx 4 da upload.
I didn't have a clue who Steve was when DLR created his new band. To be honest, I loved his playing but didn't like his attitude. His first real interview changed my opinion on his attitude. I realized that it was an act and was encouraged by DLR. I have been a fan of Steve's since Passion and Warfare. I picked the guitar up at 12 after dreaming about learning to play ever since 1984 came out. At 13 or maybe 14, I discovered Joe Satriani by chance. Me and a friend went with his mom to a discount store and they had music cd's. I saw the cover of Flying in a Blue Dream and bought it hoping it was good. I was steamrolled by it. I listened to it everyday for hours after I got home. I tried to copy it but could only pick out a phrase on one or two songs. I would play those phrases for hours. Then Passion and Warfare came out and I did the same. My guitar teacher heard both albums and said "these guys are on a whole different level of anyone else". He actually taught me For the Love of God and Into the Light. After my mid 20's, I put the guitar down. I got into a bad marriage and fell into a deep depression. After my marriage ended, I just couldn't bring myself to play. My ex-wife had either sold or give away all my equipment that was visible. Some years later, I met my new wife and she heard me play with a couple of people for just a second and asked me why I don't play. I explained to her what happened and that I would probably be more frustrated now. I didn't have an amp for the only electric I owned and couldn't afford one that I would actually like and want to use. I ended up buying a new acoustic and haven't looked back sense. I am writing and playing better than I did when I was in a band and had a writing partner. I'm still nowhere near Steve or Joe's level but I taught myself advanced music theory to understand what they play and where it comes from. All I can do is say thank you to Steve, Joe, Randy Rhodes, and so many others putting the flame back in my heart and in my fingers.
Hey Professor, how about an episode on Paul Reynolds, the guitarist behind the awesome guitar sound of A Flock of Seagulls? He gets little credit and his talent is overlooked because everyone thinks they’re just a synthesizer band. But he also walked away from music because of the dark side of fame and success and vanished into the shadows. That’s a mysterious guitarist I’d love to hear about (or from).
Amazing interview! I loved this one, I've always been a fan of Steve Vai. I am curious, is there going to be a part two? I would love to hear him talk about his Skyscraper, Passion And Warfare and Whitesnake days. Thanks and keep up the great work!
The more I see of Steve Vai, the more I like him. Every time...pure class and grace.
I remember seeing Steve in the movie, Crossroads! And needless to say, he was absolutely phenomenal!
Jack Butler
Wow. Great interview, Mr. Professor! I was lucky to see Steve Vai with DLR, in 1988.
Such a humble and down to earth guy for a legend. I still remember the day I first heard his album Passion and Warfare as a kid and it blew me away. Alien Water Kiss and For the Love of God specifically still stand out in my mind to this day.
I was lucky enough to have had great seats to the eat em and smile tour when they came to town. It was a fantastic show. 1 of my favorite events to have witnessed.
Saw Vai and DLR in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺, 1988. I'll never forget DLR going through the crowd on a raised surfboard. Good memories....PS great interview, thanks.
His best work was with Zappa. Frank had this way of bringing out the best in his musicians. The stuff he did with Zappa is awesome
So cool hearing Steve make note of how important the music of West Side Story was to him in his youth. Then in 1995, he participated in that pop tribute album (which incidentally also featured the last material recorded by Selina).
Great album produced by David Pack. I'll have to do a segment on that sometime.
That would hit the spot, Professor!
Passion & Warfare is still one of my most played albums. SV is a true master of the instrument & writing.
Van Halen, David Lee Roth & Steve Vai all get regular rotation on my playlists. I even have them together on a playlist named "David Vai Halen"
Don't miss the 25th anniversary edition, bonus tracks & Modern Primitive. Amazing stuff!
I use to see Frank Zappa every Halloween at Chicago's Uptown Theater, (All 4 shows over 2 days). The first time I saw Steve he was crawling out the back doors of a white van parked right in front of the venue. He was followed by a pretty young girl. Steve smiled at the crowd waiting to enter the Uptown, & turned red. I know he was embarrassed being caught giving lessons right up to show time, what a humble dedicated guitar teacher. Right on Steve!
I have watched plenty Professor of Rock episodes without subscribing. I've watched all the U2 episodes, my life long favorite band. This interview with Steve Vai compelled me to finally give in. Lol. Love your channel. Helps me get through the task of washing the dishes every evening. 😁
I saw Steve live at First Avenue on his passion and warfare tour. Mike Mangini on Drums. I will never forget that show. I was right up front and just memorized by the talent, fun and infectious enjoyment of the night.
I thought that was Vai in the thumbnail! He's been one of my favorite guitar players since the 80s.
The people that you get to sit and talk to... I'm sooo jelly!
Excellent job, as always! Keep up the good work.
Steve is in a class by himself.Forgets more than most will ever know about music!Just listen to his first album flexible he literally makes his guitar talk!Those long fingers were made for the guitar!
What timing - I've just found Steve's "Under it all" series on RUclips where he talks about aspects of life outside of music (his spiritual journey, handling criticism, etc.). Wow, not only was he one of my favorite guitar players since "Flex-able" but such an impressive and freely-giving soul. Thank you for highlighting Steve, Prof!
Loved Vai with DLR. Billy Sheehan is such a showman. Between them it was great music, & even better concerts. Loved Vai with Whitesnake as well. I love his solo work. I guess I just love Vai
Vai is the nicest dude in the rock world. Great interview!
THanks!
Steve talking about Frank, Joe, & Dave.
Priceless. 🎸
Like many, Steve Vai made a huge impression on me when I heard Passion and Warefare and Fire Garden, but even more than that I love listening to him speak about his perspective on music and creativity. :-). PS: the guitar duel in Crossroads with Jack Butler is the best movie villain/boss showdown in cinema! ;-)
I started playing in guitar in 1985 and soon discovered Vai. There just wasn't anyone like him, so over the top in a cool and talented way. It's hard to be that outrageous and massively respectable too but he pulled that off like no one else. Tender Surrender is an incredible song if you haven't heard it give it a try.
One of the most mesmerizing concerts which i attended was Satriani, Vai, and Johnson in mid-90s. Three guitars = mind blown.