Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar has explained why he believes Joe Satriani is equipped to play Eddie Van Halen material without simply imitating the late guitarist.
Speaking about Satriani’s role in the Best of All Worlds shows, Hagar said the guitarist had closely studied Eddie Van Halen’s work while retaining his own understanding of the instrument.
“Joe knows exactly what Eddie was playing. He studied it. He watched live tapes, he saw him live, he listens to the records and knows exactly what Eddie was doing,” Hagar said. “That’s the difference between him and some kid in a music store playing ‘Eruption’ exactly like Eddie. Joe knows what he’s doing, and he knows what Eddie was doing, and that’s different from simply emulating somebody.”
Hagar also praised Satriani’s intellect and his ability to communicate melodically through the guitar.
“He’s a genius, honest to God. I’m not joking about his intelligence. He’s super smart. When you interview him, his answers are so thoughtful and so deep. I love the guy,” he said.
He compared Satriani’s touch, vibrato and whammy-bar work to Jeff Beck’s, highlighting songs including “Summer Song” and “Surfing With the Alien.” “He can make the guitar sing,” Hagar said, adding that Satriani’s instrumental melodies register like vocals to him.
Hagar also pointed to Satriani’s history as a teacher, noting his connection with Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett. “I think Joe could be one of the best guitar players on the planet right now,” he said.
Still, Hagar had one joking criticism for his bandmate: volume. “Lemme say one bad thing about him so you don’t think I’m kissing his ass too much: He plays too f*ckin’ loud,” he said. “But he’s used to not having a singer, so he thinks, ‘I gotta be the loudest thing!’ We’re still working that out.”
Hagar and Satriani’s musical partnership has continued to evolve through the Best of All Worlds project, with the two musicians bringing their shared appreciation for Van Halen’s legacy to the stage.
Their collaboration gives Hagar the chance to perform the songs he helped create alongside a guitarist he considers uniquely capable of capturing Eddie Van Halen’s spirit while still bringing his own voice to the material.
Source: Guitar Player
