Joe Satriani Reveals His Decision to Decline Van Halen’s "Kitchen Sink" Tour
In a recent interview with Guitar.com, legendary guitarist Joe Satriani shared his experience of being approached by Van Halen’s Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth to join their proposed "kitchen sink" tour. Satriani revealed that he was persuaded multiple times to sign up for the tour, but ultimately declined every offer.
The Initial Offer
According to Satriani, he initially accepted the offer to join the tour, but three weeks later, he called Alex Van Halen and Roth to express his reservations. "No way. I can’t do this. This is too hard," he said. Satriani explained that he was concerned about the musical direction of the tour, as it would involve playing a wide range of Van Halen’s songs, including some of the band’s most popular hits.
The Shift in Eddie Van Halen’s Playing Style
Satriani noted that Van Halen’s playing style had changed significantly when Sammy Hagar joined the band. "Eddie went through a real shift. He became far more progressive – a different world for me to jump into," he said. Satriani felt that this shift made it challenging for him to adapt to the tour, as his own playing style was vastly different from Eddie’s.
Joining Sammy Hagar’s Tour Instead
Satriani eventually decided to join Sammy Hagar’s tour, which featured a mix of Hagar’s solo material and Van Halen songs. This decision was motivated by his desire to celebrate Hagar’s legacy and the music of Van Halen, rather than trying to replicate the exact sound of the band. "I want to do it right. I spent all this money on gear and want to make it a great night to celebrate these songs. And I think everybody gets it," he said.
Tribute vs. Replication
Satriani emphasized the importance of maintaining his own unique identity as a musician, rather than trying to copy the sound of another band. "I’m not copying the parts; that’s not me – I’m not in a tribute band," he said. Instead, he focused on adding his own flair to the setlist, incorporating his signature style and incorporating some of his own material.
How Eddie Van Halen’s Playing Changed in the Van Hagar Era
In the Van Hagar era, Eddie Van Halen’s playing style became more progressive and experimental. This shift was marked by the use of new instruments, such as the EVH Wolfgang guitar, and the incorporation of new musical elements, such as jazz and fusion influences. This change in direction was evident in albums like "5150" and "OU812," which featured more complex song structures and longer solos.
FAQs
Q: Why did Joe Satriani decline the offer to join Van Halen’s "kitchen sink" tour?
A: Satriani declined the offer because he was concerned about the musical direction of the tour, as well as the difficulty of replicating Eddie Van Halen’s playing style.
Q: What motivated Joe Satriani to join Sammy Hagar’s tour instead?
A: Satriani was motivated by his desire to celebrate Hagar’s legacy and the music of Van Halen, rather than trying to replicate the exact sound of the band.
Q: How did Eddie Van Halen’s playing style change in the Van Hagar era?
A: Eddie Van Halen’s playing style became more progressive and experimental in the Van Hagar era, marked by the use of new instruments and the incorporation of new musical elements.
Conclusion
Joe Satriani’s experience with Van Halen’s "kitchen sink" tour serves as a testament to the challenges of adapting to a new musical environment. By staying true to his own identity as a musician and focusing on celebrating the music of others, Satriani was able to deliver a unique and memorable performance on Sammy Hagar’s tour. As a guitar legend, Satriani’s insights into the creative process and the importance of maintaining one’s own style are invaluable, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of rock music.
