“I was like, ‘The dummy pickup in Frankenstein? You really think that’s sacrilege?’ I thought replacing it with something that worked was a good idea”: Joe Satriani on what it takes to play Van Halen live – custom amps, power tools, and, above all, guts

Few guitarists, let alone a virtuoso like Joe Satriani, would dare to touch on the legacy of Edward Van Halen. Insinuating as much usually gets fans hot and bothered – and that’s been the case since rumors of Satch paying homage to King Edward began to swirl in 2022. That was different, though, as it featured David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen.

But things changed when Satch’s old pal, Chickenfoot bandmate and former EVH cohort, Sammy Hagar, came calling with his version of Van Halen (and more) tribute-paying, The Best Of All Worlds Tour – alongside Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham. “The vibe on tour has been great,” Satriani tells Guitarist . “It’s a party, but everyone expects everybody to play their best each night.

There’s this beautiful anticipation before every show to celebrate the legacy. And the fans’ reaction has been heartwarming.” As Satriani is tasked with the impossible, to imitate EVH, the fan reaction is important.

“I’m just speaking for myself,” he says. “But I feel it. I’m not the guy who says, ‘I’m the only [one] that can do it.

’ None of that bullshit. 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.” Satriani’s mindset is also heartwarming. The idea that he’d set aside his iconic style and cache of songs to pay Eddie his due is the secret to why he’s the man for the job.

But in true Satch fashion, he’s managed to do .