Before there was Steve Vai, there was another Steve on David Lee Roth’s radar when it came to choosing a guitarist for his solo band.
During a recent podcast interview, former David Lee Roth bassist Billy Sheehan talked about the formation of the Eat ‘Em and Smile band and the guitarist Roth initially had in mind before hiring Vai. Below is an excerpt from Greg Prato’s article for Ultimate-Guitar:
The band that David Lee Roth assembled for his classic “Eat ‘Em and Smile” record has been described as sounding like “Van Halen on steroids” due to each member’s expertise on their respective instrument: Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Gregg Bissonette on drums.
But despite all the technical wizardry, the line-up also scored big-time commercially, as the album spawned two hit singles and videos, “Yankee Rose” and “Goin’ Crazy,” earned platinum certification Stateside, and is front to back Roth’s most consistent and inspired solo offering.
However, during an interview with Ryan Roxie, Sheehan explained how Roth originally had another “Steve” in mind to occupy the guitar slot in his solo band, Billy Idol’s shredder, Steve Stevens (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar).
“Steve [Stevens] was the guitarist Dave had his sights on. I think they spoke a little bit. But Steve was in solid with Billy Idol and wanted to stay where he was. I met Steve after the rock band… we almost did a band together. He’s an amazing guitarist and a wonderful guy.”
“But when it didn’t work out with Dave, I told Dave, ‘I know another Steve,’ because I had already spoken with Steve Vai about possibly working with him. So, when Steve Stevens wasn’t available, I had Dave contact Steve and he worked out great.”