Steve Vai recently reflected on his time with David Lee Roth’s band in an interview with Music Radar, discussing how he approached replacing Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar work.
“With David Lee Roth, you are always reaching for the absurd—things that live on the cusp of cool and crazy,” Vai explained. He treated the gig similarly to his experience with Frank Zappa’s band, aiming to bring his own voice rather than imitating what came before.
Vai acknowledged Van Halen’s deep connection to Roth’s music: “Whenever you hear Dave’s voice, you immediately hear Edward’s guitar playing.” However, rather than mimic Eddie’s style, Vai focused on bringing something original: “Of course, there’s a wheelhouse you play in, but my goal was to always bring something new.”
Vai’s approach was shaped by his technical background, including years transcribing and performing Frank Zappa’s intricate compositions. Research from Get My Guitar highlights his use of advanced techniques such as two-handed tapping and sweep picking, which contributed to his unique sound.
His innovative playing on Eat ‘Em and Smile gave Roth’s solo band a fresh sonic identity while still respecting Van Halen’s legacy. Insights from Dinosaur Rock Guitar emphasize how Vai’s creative choices helped expand the band’s musical horizons, ensuring his time with Roth stood apart rather than serving as a mere continuation of Van Halen’s signature style.
