I first really learned of Steve Vai when he became David Lee Roth’s guitarist after Dave left Van Halen to go solo. And Diamond Dave had a superstar band backing him, too. With Vai, Billy Sheehan who some may know from Mr. Big (but he’s one of the most well-renowned bass players to ever play), and Gregg Bissonette on drums, they released Eat ‘Em And Smile in 1986 that sold 2 million copies and reached #4, and Skyscraper in 1988 that hit #6. I vividly remember watching the video for Yankee Rose and hearing Steve make his guitar talk, literally. What Bon Jovi sang about in Livin’ On A Prayer, Steve was doing in David Lee Roth Video. If you don’t remember that iconic opening, you should really remind yourself here. Plus...whether this is a bonus or not I’ll leave up to you, you get to see a BUNCH of Steve’s one-of-a-kind guitars...and Diamond Dave in new spandex outfits with plenty of butt-shots. If you were there, then you’ll remember the extended intro in a random convenience store with crazy characters...many of whom I’m sure are probably problematic these days.
They also released That’s Life from that album, which is a good showing of Dave’s lounge skills. But next was one of my favorites, Skyscraper, with Just Like Paradise. A song that, to me, has just a perfect chorus.
But ENOUGH about Dave, Steve Vai also recorded the guitar parts for Whitesnake’s Slip Of The Tongue record and tour. And he’s done tons of solo stuff too. Now he’s taking his virtuosity on tour with his Inviolate Tour on these dates in a city near you: