David Lee Roth’s Guitarist Says He Failed

Steve Vai reflected on his time playing with David Lee Roth, stating that the band was not as successful as Van Halen because it “didn’t have the songs that cross over at radio.” Before embarking on a solo career that would resonate in the rock scene for decades, Vai gained experience in mainstream rock ‘n’ roll showbiz as the first lead guitarist for David Lee Roth’s solo band.

He took on this role after leaving Frank Zappa’s ensemble, where he learned many invaluable lessons under the late prog icon’s guidance. Roth was fresh out of Van Halen and eager to establish himself as a solo artist.rable charisma and the guitarist’s mind-boggling expertise proved to be a match made in heaven, giving birth to many iconic moments, such as the “dialogue” between Roth and Vai’s guitar immortalized on “Yankee Rose.” Speaking to Billy Corgan in a new interview, Vai knew that the gig was fated to be his the moment he found out about it:

“When the word was out that David Lee Roth was putting a band together and he was looking for a guitarist, I mean, it was probably the most coveted rock guitar position.”

“I was in my little apartment on Fairfax Street in Hollywood, and as soon as I heard that news, I turned to my roommate and I said, ‘That’s my gig.'”

“It was just this intuitive, little voice that said, ‘No matter what you do, even if you don’t want it, it’s your gig.’ It’s just one of those things. The next day, the phone rings and it’s Dave.”

While the David Lee Roth band debuted to a stellar start, Corgan noted how “Dave didn’t do what he set out to do, which was beat Van Halen.” Vai went on:

“I just knew that I could make it work, because I had a rock and roll fire that I loved in me. I knew that I wasn’t going to try to sound like Edward or do anything like him, because people are very hip to that.”

As for why the DLR band never reached the same heights Van Halen did, Vai offered:

“We didn’t have the songs. Van Halen had the songs for that kind of success. They’re good songs, but Eddie, he’s got his whole ear for writing. That’s the secret. That’s the secret sauce. You can’t replace that.”

“We had great music. I love the music, but when I say we didn’t have the songs, I’m talking about those specific things that cross over at radio.”