Steve Stevens recently revealed details about turning down an opportunity to join David Lee Roth’s band. He shared his reasoning in an interview with Guitar Interactive Magazine.
The guitarist discussed his loyalty to Billy Idol when asked about offers he had to decline over the years.
Stevens explained his decision regarding David Lee Roth’s invitation when asked about offers he had to turn down.
“Well, David Lee Roth,” Stevens said. “But I was still in Billy Idol when he came calling. He flew to New York and we met where I was living. And I was three quarters away through the third Billy Idol record. And I said I’m not gonna bail on the record. I’m already committed to the record and the tour.”
Stevens also revealed an interesting connection to Roth’s project despite declining to join.
“[This for ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’]. Actually, it’s my gear on that album,” he continued. “When they came to New York to record it, Ted Templeman asked to borrow my amp. So my name’s on the record if you look.”
This loyalty came at a crucial time when Stevens was deeply involved in crafting some of Billy Idol’s most successful work.
MusicRadar reported that Stevens played a pivotal role in creating the sound for landmark albums including Rebel Yell (1983). The album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified double Platinum. The album became the best-selling record of Idol’s career. Stevens’ guitar work helped to define Idol’s unique blend of rock and pop.
Stevens’ distinctive guitar style contributed to the success of hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell” that dominated MTV during the 1980s. Guitar Player noted that these songs elevated both artists into the spotlight of the decade’s music scene. They established them as major forces in rock music.
The partnership between Stevens and Idol has proven remarkably enduring over the decades. Billy Idol’s official website documented that Stevens has contributed to multiple albums from their first collaboration in the early 1980s through to releases as recent as The Roadside in 2021. This spans over 40 years of musical collaboration.
Despite the tempting offer from David Lee Roth, Stevens’ commitment to his existing obligations with Idol remained steadfast. Wikipedia confirmed that this decision helped shape one of rock music’s most enduring partnerships. Stevens’ guitar work became a consistent and defining element of Idol’s sound throughout their lengthy career together.
