Stevie Salas discusses joining David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar’s bands
Stevie Salas, a respected musician with an impressive list of collaborations and successes, was once presented with the opportunity to work with two celebrated former Van Halen frontmen, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar. Salas, a self-proclaimed “Van Halen nut,” had to make the difficult decision to decline both offers.
When Sammy Hagar approached Salas, it seemed like a dream come true for the musician. However, despite his admiration for Hagar and his ties to Montrose, Salas found it challenging to align creatively with Hagar’s vision. Hagar aimed to create music similar to the Eagles, a direction that did not resonate with Salas. Faced with differing artistic goals and personal preferences, Salas politely declined the collaboration, acknowledging that there was no point in pursuing a partnership that did not align creatively.
On a separate occasion, Salas received a surprising call from David Lee Roth, an encounter that initially left him taken aback. Roth, needing a guitarist for his band following Steve Vai’s departure, reached out to Salas. However, Salas was hesitant about Roth’s vision, which seemed to veer towards a blues album akin to B.B. King. Uncertain about the direction Roth intended to take, Salas found it challenging to commit to the project, especially given his existing recording contract and reservations about Roth’s musical direction post-Whitesnake.
Both encounters with Roth and Hagar shed light on Salas’ unwavering dedication to his artistic integrity and musical vision. Despite the allure of working with rock legends, Salas prioritized staying true to his creative instincts and personal preferences. His respect for artists like Montrose and his aversion to creative mismatches with potential collaborators demonstrated his commitment to authenticity and artistic expression.
In retrospect, Salas’ decisions to decline Roth and Hagar’s offers reflect a deep-seated commitment to his musical identity. By staying true to himself and his creative values, Salas forged a successful career marked by artistic integrity and a steadfast dedication to his craft. The full interview with Stevie Salas, set to be featured in Guitar World, offers further insight into his experiences and decisions regarding these memorable encounters with two renowned rock icons.