How Vai brought energy to the final rock album of the ’80s

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The addition of Steve Vai to Whitesnake’s lineup during the making of their album Slip Of The Tongue in 1989 was an unexpected but pivotal moment for the band. David Coverdale, Whitesnake’s lead singer, compared Vai to Jimi Hendrix, praising his guitar skills and the impact he had on the band’s sound. Vai’s arrival marked a shift in Whitesnake’s style, introducing a new era of high-energy guitar performance that left a lasting impression on their music.

Rudy Sarzo, the bassist who played alongside Vai on Slip Of The Tongue, described the experience as challenging but ultimately rewarding. Playing with someone as talented as Vai pushed Sarzo to improve his own skills and rise to the occasion. Despite Vai not being originally planned to be part of the album, his contribution brought a fresh, progressive direction to the band’s music, blending elements of blues rock with modern layers for a unique sound.

The circumstances that led to Vai joining Whitesnake were unexpected, as the band’s guitarist Adrian Vandenberg suffered a wrist injury, leaving him unable to play. With most of the album’s songs already written, Coverdale turned to Vai to fill the void and add his signature style to the music. Despite the challenges faced during this period, the band maintained a sense of maturity and determination, ensuring that the album would be completed with the right person joining the band.

Sarzo reflected on the time spent with Vai in Whitesnake, highlighting the positivity and creativity that Vai brought to the group. Drawing parallels between Vai and other legendary guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Sarzo emphasized the integrity and musicality that Vai contributed to the band. The collaboration between Vai and the rest of Whitesnake resulted in a successful album that showcased Vai’s virtuosity and the band’s ability to adapt and evolve their music.

The influence of Vai on Slip Of The Tongue was undeniable, with his innovative guitar playing weaving through the album’s tracks, injecting a new energy and dynamism into Whitesnake’s sound. While Vai’s addition may have been unexpected, it ultimately became an integral part of the band’s history and legacy, leaving a lasting impact on their music and solidifying his reputation as a virtuoso guitarist.

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