The toughest-working guitarist in present enterprise, Joe Satriani lately wrapped up a profitable Van Halen tour, a G3 Reunion tour, a reside album, a residency in Las Vegas with Sammy Hagar, and is now supporting an album co-written with Steve Vai. Does Satch ever relaxation?

The G3 Reunion Tour despatched everybody again to the guitar woodshed.
It was such an unbelievable flip of occasions that led us to have the ability to do this (laughs). Everybody modified all the pieces they have been doing on the final minute so this might come collectively. Everybody preferred the thought of merely re-doing precisely what we did again in 1996. Steve opened the present, Eric could be second, after which we picked loopy cowl songs to jam to. It was intense, however we pulled it off. It was a good looking reunion.

“Large Unhealthy Moon” is a wonderful selection for the one.
We weren’t considering of doing a reside album. We have been concentrating on the tour. Then, EarMusic mentioned “We’d like to have a reside album!” I assumed it could be a enjoyable alternative to launch “Large Unhealthy Moon.” One thing I don’t do fairly often is sing, should you can name it that (laughs). Bassist Bryan Beller mentioned that individual efficiency of “Large Unhealthy Moon” had swagger to it. It was one thing we did as a unit; fairly often, individuals overlook that and see solely the technical or manufacturing parts. On that music, the band got here collectively in a really rock-and-roll means. I used to be pleased with the band and the way they performed with me. I don’t know the way they comply with me generally, however they did an incredible job (laughs).

What resonates for you after performing so many Van Halen songs?
What a pleasure it was to play nothing however hit songs for 2 and a half hours (laughs). It was mind-blowing! It was rhythm guitar with a few 16-bar solos – the polar reverse of my present, which is melodies and solos continuous. A part of it was a reduction, bodily. I had a giant stage and actually loved being part of a band and never having to entrance.
And, it’s good-time music. I can solely consider one music that was barely moody – “The Seventh Seal.” The remaining was upbeat. We performed outdoors, and the viewers beloved listening to the music. The Van Halen OGs beloved listening to Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar doing their stuff.

Was it difficult to seek out the correct rig?
It was a loopy journey, determining what gear to play so I might correctly signify the many years of Eddie and his growth. The guitar sounds from “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” to “Panama” to “Summer season Nights” or “Judgement Day” are so utterly completely different. You wouldn’t need to stroll onstage and step on some modeling factor the place you alter your sound. It will drive you nuts.

What did you give you?
I wound up specializing in Reside With out a Internet, from 1986. That was Eddie taking part in Marshalls with a little bit of stereo refrain. They have been nonetheless doing plenty of Roth-era materials. I assumed, “That’s the best way to do it. Go onstage with one actually large sound and have a celebration!” I labored with Dylana Scott at third Energy Amplification to cowl that – chimey for the rhythms, sufficient acquire however nonetheless with that slinky, attractive, thrilling type of single-note sound that Eddie was at all times getting.

It was significantly onerous as a result of I don’t play like Eddie. The extra I bought into it, the extra I noticed how a lot I don’t play like Eddie and how a lot I prevented studying his type as a result of I didn’t need to copy him. If I study the start of “Imply Avenue,” I’ll write songs that sound like that. So, I had higher simply be a fan and simply hearken to it. By the point we performed, the viewers was so appreciative. They noticed Sammy and Mike giving their all each evening. We did all the pieces we might to signify this physique of labor as greatest we might.

Edward performed in a really distinctive means. Typically, I might discover myself standing nonetheless onstage, forgetting to run round, observing my hand, and going, “That is actually cool (laughs)!” Eddie had a means of at all times making it sound enjoyable. I used to be at all times amazed at that.

What can followers anticipate from you and Steve Vai on the Browsing With The Hydra Tour?
We’re writing and recording our album. It’s progressing, it’s loopy, and it’s in every single place with lovely, loopy songs. We’ll begin rehearsing with a brand new band and hit the highway. We’ve by no means performed something like this earlier than. – Oscar Jordan

This text initially appeared in VG’s April 2025 difficulty. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.