The Guitar World’s Chickenfoot issue just arrived at Van Halen Store. It’s got a huge, 8-page cover story on “Rock and roll’s most unlikely–but most talked about–supergroup.”
Guitar World loved the album, and had this to say about the guitarist: “Satriani, who has, over the years, established a personality on the guitar that is instantly recognizable, doesn’t quite sound like himself. He sounds like another guitarist entirely, one still blessed with ungodly chops, but not the same Joe Satriani we’ve come to know since 1986. His playing is grittier, dirtier, less “fussed over” and, in effect, more soulful than ever.
A few random quotes from the band:
Sammy Hagar: “We’ve already got the money, and we have enough fame. This band is about being part of something again. Something great.”
“Dude, the music is SO there. It’s dirty, it’s greasy, it’s swampy, it grooves. It’s as tripped out as a fucking chicken foot!” [laughs]
“This isn’t the Sammy show. This isn’t the Cabos. No siree. I’m tired of being the boss. I just want to sing and be part of something great.”
“The reason why Mike doesn’t get the kind of credit he deserves is that he’s played with Eddie Van Halen. A bass player is never going to get the kind of respect he deserves next to Eddie Van Halen. Hell, Jack Bruce didn’t get much credit compared to Eric Clapton. It’s just the nature of things.”
Chad Smith: “When I think of the word “supergroup,” I think of those bands that were kind of artificially put together, where guys auditioned and record company guys got involved and all that. We came together very naturally. Everything was fun, it felt good, there was nothing preconceived about it.”
Michael Anthony, when asked about his background harmonies: “In the early Van Halen days, Eddie and I would sing together, and it was as much a part of the sound as Eddie’s guitar playing. Then when Sammy joined, it increased. You hear it and you’re like, Whoa, that’s Van Halen!” Our fans know the sound. They grew up on it.”
Joe Satriani: “I’ve wanted this since I was a kid.”