Steve Vai on 'Complete Breakdown' During Frank Zappa Tour

[@CassiusMorrisOfficial]

Stream the full Steve Vai podcast: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZLbqaZ8dp2bqJo

[@baronvontourettes]

Actually Al Kooper had a couple moments like this actually becoming catatonic for awhile, albeit some recreational drugs were involved too.

[@oughtssought1198]

your greatest spirituality is your own suffering the voice of experience

[@mhillaxeman]

Wow! I had no idea Steve was such a cool guy!

[@RootzRockBand]

When I was in college in 1996, I went to a concert with a few friends. One guy said at one time he wrote to Steve that he would like a guitar like his, and he said Steve sent him one of the custom Ibanez guitars with the cool fretboard and the carved out hand grip, and a letter to play it and enjoy it. Steve is a great human being and his guitar playing is beyond great.

[@joefox9765]

He's that kind of guy

[@Pointsbeingmade]

Wow

[@TheTargetedScapegoat]

I don’t have any good Steve Vai story, but I finished my undergrad in 1997. Took me 7 years because I transferred between 5 different Universities as I traveled California and kept taking classes outside of my major requirements. I wasn’t going to pass up a marine biology course from Dr Sumich at Grossmont in San Diego, nor was I going to pass up any computer classes that were using Macs in creative ways. Steve is not even close to the guy I had first imagined he would be when I saw him - of course I had no idea what his background was with Zappa - if I had, I would have been an immediate fan. (Adrian Belew has always been one of my favorites).

[@Pointsbeingmade]

@@TheTargetedScapegoat mind blown.

[@garyssimo]

Geeeze what a story. Love to jam witn him some day when his hand heals. Those guitars are so cool!

[@kagreen2k]

I love Steve as a guitar player and as a human being. It takes courage to share struggles with mental health.

[@usaslakt]

Spot on!

[@morbidmanmusic]

It would have been more useful years ago. It's easy when you're at the end of life to be open.

[@usaslakt]

Sure, but at least he is, some people live their whole life in suffer. Dont mean that everybody needs to be open with it though..@@morbidmanmusic

[@immortalobelisk6302]

@@usaslaktdude, don’t tell other people how to feel. I think it’s awesome that he’s doing this

[@usaslakt]

Dude? I wrote SOME people...@@immortalobelisk6302

[@sr.gateau]

A simplistic description of Steve's kind of breakdown might be 'overthinking'. Someone who can transcribe FZ's guitar solos must be inherently capable of incredibly intense thought and over-analysis. Glad you're still around, Steve! You've always seemed to be down-to-earth. I was at that show in Montreal, btw.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Or they are simply interested in typewriters.

[@josephesposito3499]

Good observation.

[@MichaelHenderson-c6d]

I am so happy Steve Vai is still around. God bless you Steve Vai. We love you very much as a person and musician. Be at peace

[@warthogA10]

When I first started seeing Steve's interviews over time, it was really a little bit of a shock to see and realize just how down to Earth and genuine he really is. He's completely open, relatable

[@yztrewq]

"Your greatest spiritual teacher is your own suffering." Spot on, Steve. So very true.

[@johnev1233]

The catch is for those that don't have support or internal structures or practices to put the suffering in to context and be able to intentionally, constructively be with, not in, the suffering, then you have the "chronic" cases that the pharmaceutical companies love to sell pills for, and that people rarely get free from. I'm not knocking the need for meds in real clinical situations. What I'm saying is a lot of what people experience is navigable without meds, but our system has us duped... for profit. I am an affiliate of Dr. Alan Watkins (physician and neurologist) who brilliantly said most of what we call "mental illness' is really emotional turbulence. That turbulence, again, can be worked with, and through, given the right practices, guidance and supportive community. Again, true mental illness is not what I'm speaking of, and can require medical and pharmaceutical treatment to manage. This is generally not the case for common depression and anxiety. We need to learn how to and practice regulating our emotions. It's really that simple. The problem is not the emotions, but an economic system that requires us to constantly go, go, go... perform... produce... more, more, more! and not have time and space to care for the complex and delicate creatures that we are. It's time for shift in values. 🙏❤

[@yztrewq]

@@johnev1233 Beautifully said, my friend. I couldn't agree more.

[@j_freed]

There's a line from Laurence Sterne: "God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb…" This can be interpreted to mean that we are only sent what we can deal with in our life. Our difficulties are within our capacity. Ergo, it may be incorrect to help people at moments they can help themselves. There would be no value or learning in it.

[@jeanlundi2141]

I think that statement is total BS: And I've been knee deep into spirituality since 23 (38 now). A human doesn't need to suffer in order learn. Because if that were the case, when do you stop? If you created happiness for yourself with your wisdom, do you then open yourself to a bunch more trauma to learn? That's ridiculous. People make these statements totally unware of their implications. The thing I dislike most in spirituality it's how superficial people's thinking around it is. They just repeat what they heard a teacher say.......and I don't care if it's gospel in certain circles, it can still be a lie.

[@yztrewq]

@@jeanlundi2141 Suffering is part of life. Everyone's life. We learn from it, simple as that. You sound like a very unhappy, dare I say triggered person. Just what kind of spirituality have you been into for 15 years? Doesn't sound like it's brought you much peace.

[@patton303]

I'm a touring drummer and struggle with depression. It's comforting to know I'm not the only musician who deals with it. It seems to be extra prevalent with creative people. Being out of work during Covid was terrifying for a lot of us. I think a lot of musicians still have almost a kind of PTSD from it. And with depression on top of it all, it was a terrible time.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

My difficulties with depression and anxiety all went away as a result of getting rid of all caffeine and meditating every day. I won't swear those will work for someone else, but I'd certainly say it's worth trying. I've talked with others who began meditating and discovered that depression, panic and anxiety went away. Take it for what it might be worth. What Steve says here about spirituality seems to support this idea. I've certainly discovered what he says about the voice in the head being who we are is a lie is absolutely correct.

[@dantwomey4215]

Some depression is almost a prerequisite for all good players. In fact it's irrefutable!😅

[@dantwomey4215]

​@@augustusbetucius2931Ya. I noticed caffeine could be a real trigger for negative thoughts and general aggravation..

[@ghostwriter1415]

@@dantwomey4215 or thinkers! Do I like art, or science, or both? How can I proceed!

[@Followerofthekingofkings1969]

​​​@@dantwomey4215. God I need that but depression has kicked my ass for a few yrs now. I think I had a break down Dec 2022 Jan 2023.....I still having trouble even thinking about work. Going rehab Monday for mostly my health but also an addict meth ....pretty much anything to feel better than normal. I have abstained from alcohol since 2019 it's my killer beat myself up and do it again drug of choice for 30 something years . I've been self medicating on something since early teens. I write lyrics and try to play guitar helps alleviate the depression. I'm 53 may as well say beginner cause I've had guitars around since I was 15 but never played and practiced because really don't know where I need to begin. I'm hoping getting off dope and getting dopamine levels back up .Medication for anxiety, depression and what ever else they think is wrong.....I wasted most of my life to negative and drunk to get help. I have to get it done or the suicidal tendencies were getting more fathomable and schizophrenia symptoms building up scared me straight that and about to lose my job over it. Ding dong the functioning alcoholic is long gone now its just me a old lifetime drug addict n drunk trying to learn guitar and stay alive.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

I’m glad Steve is willing to talk about this.

[@troutvalleyguitars]

Steve has been a great source of inspiration for me for over 40 years. I find his creativity, courage and curiosity endlessly inspiring.

[@ScottMasson]

Wow! I was never a fan of his music, but after seeing this video, I really respect him so much. He’s a wise and spiritual human; and very sincere and tuned in.

[@saltpeter7429]

I am not a fan of his music either... but as a human being, I have been a big fan for a number of years. I first read an interview with him in Guitarworld magazine. An amazing man. I like Dave Grohl as well, but dont care if I ever hear another Foo Fighters song again.

[@kenduffy5397]

I really appreciate his music knowledge and his amazing skills. I don’t listen to his music. However, he’s a great human being! Dave Grohl is cool. But I think Steve is so down to earth! I have friends with bigger egos than Steve.

[@saltpeter7429]

@@kenduffy5397 as for friends with bigger ego's than Steve? Lol! That was great! I as well. And as far as I know most of em cant tune a guitar never mind master one...

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

Love his honesty, he has true soul.

[@sunlightevidence4359]

Everyone has a true soul. HE is just being more ‘human’. Throughout his life the man has expressed himself honestly and openly through his music and personal perspectives.

[@iv2sab512]

I'm impressed not only with Steve's guitar playing which is out of this world, but even more so with his honesty and humanity.

[@bumsharvest5493]

When I was 18 the girl I loved dumped me and I went down I to that black hole of depression. It took 5 years to somewhat come out of it. Looking back, it was the best learning experience. I know what Steve Vai is talking about and I appreciate his honesty. Much love.

[@archiekaybeetheguitarist7040]

Sorry you’ve been through. Things in the world can be temporary. I don’t know if you’re believer or not but By the grace of God, you are comforted.

[@darrencole1387]

So wonderful to have him speak about his struggles. Very important for so many young people to hear these days. Good on you Mr. Vai! ❤

[@ToneTraveler]

“Depression is like trial by fire.” A great analogy, it can be paralyzing. The music of Steve Vai has been/is great therapy:)

[@believethehype8936]

Steve Vai is the greatest. Hearing him speak on this is very humbling.

[@DavidCannales]

Wow Steve, thank you very much for this! I love you! 🙏

[@markpyne8354]

He shares a great perspective.

[@wolfgang4136]

This man is a musical genius.. we all know that. I’ve been playing guitar for over 30 years and I would much rather hear Mr. Vai talk about this stuff and his insights into existing than any guitar stuff hands down. He’s a beautiful deep soul and his honesty is overwhelming and uplifting. Something we all must strive for. I feel better about me every time I hear him when he conveys his outlook on the “search” we all go through and struggle with at times. Just awesome👍👍👍

[@LeftHandPanther]

It's incredible to me that Steve could feel that way..He's a phenomenal genius and loved world wide.. Rock on brother 💪

[@TuckFrump-r9h]

We are all human beings.

[@davidkiefer9875]

Wow, great interview - big thanks to Steve on sharing his personal mental health challenges. His ultimate view on spirituality and its importance is really great and very true...

[@michaelyolch79]

The most important takeaway here is for people to recognize that depression/suicidal tendencies are very often a SEASON. Yes, a horrific season I know all too well. BUT...like Steve and millions of others, you MUST just keep doing the next thing until you break through to the other side. PLEASE DON'T intentionally leave this world - you are here for a reason...a mission that ONLY YOU can accomplish.

[@Fred800]

Beautifully put and quite correct I'm sure. Thank you.

[@bevo65]

Vai is an exceptionally perceptive and intelligent guy. Let me say two things: (1) I and millions of other people are grateful that he pulled out of it, and (2) he's lucky to have had these revelations so early in life. It takes most of us far longer.

[@cliveburgess4128]

I had the same thing when younger, now at 66 i suffer from it again, Steve has always been very open, much appreciated!!

Steve is an extraordinary musician, everybody knows that for a fact. But I think he's an even more outstanding human being. Really. I've learned more with his talks about life than with his music.

[@CarlosVBCN]

Same!

[@AppleChef22]

Been struggling the past 8 years and I really needed to hear this. Means SO MUCH coming from a musician. Never was a big fan of Vai's music but man oh man do I have massive respect for the kindness and wholeheartedness he portrays. Very powerful video!

[@martindione386]

respect man, all the best for you!

[@toernebohmite]

Struggling with what? Being yet another stupid internet "guitarist"?

[@sforrester6481]

Steve Vai has been a constant source of inspiration in my musical and spiritual journey. Thank you Steve for your openness and integrity.

[@davidsant5729]

Fabulous as always, so wise, honest and loving. No wonder his guitars sing.

[@aft41]

I just became a great admirer of Steve Vai. Thanks for posting this.

[@helmutleschonski7717]

Depression doesn't pick the rich, the talented or the poor, it just comes. When I was 25 it simply came to me and I was at one of the best times of my personal life. Don't know how to explain. Just happened. I could never imagined Steve had been throught such an awful experience. One thing I think is for sure. We all have our inner power and it's just a matter of when we discover it and start knowing ourselves in full.

[@sixstringsensei6673]

Steve is one of the nicest musicians I've ever met . Class act all the way.

[@kellyklingbeil5802]

Joni Mitchell once said... "Depression is the Sand that Makes the Pearl"

[@WyattScott]

i like that

[@jonh2119]

Not all of us are mussels or oysters. Sometimes the sand just sits there until the machinery is worn out.

[@issamyoubi1047]

This is exactly what happened to me back 2017 and 2018 .. The fear of going insane... I'm fine now.. God bless ♥️

[@JR-ke9lm]

How did you get Better please be honest

[@FFFRoS]

@@JR-ke9lm Keep going bröther, listen to your heart, listen to your body.

[@JR-ke9lm]

@@FFFRoS my heart tells me to run away from my toxic household and never return

[@Wintermute0168]

Yet ye believe in God and Santa with NO Verifiable evidence.😮👹🙃👹🤔👹🧟

[@collinjamesguitar]

Yet again, came for Steve’s insights into music and stayed for his absolutely incredible knowledge of life and spirituality.

[@CassiusMorrisOfficial]

😎

[@MrShotthat]

It's nice to hear someone talk about their depression and not use it as an excuse for not changing. He actually learned from it.

[@DCSHacks]

WOW! Steve has spoken - 'That is the way' We need more of this great life lesson stuff from a legend!

[@margaretedwards1366]

I was in a car accident in the early 90's. Flipped the car on ice, ended up in a culvert. Crawled out , freezing cold water and I realized " Flexible" was playing in the tape deck. Went back in to get it. Thanks, Steve for all the great music.

[@usaslakt]

I really like Steve. He is intelligent, expressive, open-hearted, wise, honest and grounded. If you call yourself "just an Italian guy from Long Island" (other interview), then I think you know this guy is a good guy. Being a guitar virtuoso doesn't hurt either. Loved him since he was with Dave, bought the Eat 'Em and Smile album when it came out and listen to it on my tape recorder all summer long and thought “Who is this guy?" (I wasn't into Zappa back then so I had missed Steve there) All the best Steve. Great interview..Cheers from Sweden!

[@jimdartouzos2127]

Steve Vai....One of the best guitarists ever....he is Awesome.

[@CicadaMania]

I've been listening to Skyscraper all week. It's a such a unique album. It's not metal or hard rock. More like a happy party album. Steve's guitar playing is tasty and unique, complimenting the themes of the songs very well.

[@OnlyElshafto]

Eat em an smile is my fav for that dude🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✌️😎

[@cryptosecuritytools]

Perfect Timing!

[@JavierTijuana]

Thank you Steve Vai for sharing this. It resonates a lot. Not at all in my orbit musically speaking but always respected and admired. Much more with this honest conversation.

[@dinkeredwards5187]

REAL TALK FROM REAL PEOPLE...A MEGA STAR I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR NOT ONLY AS A MUSICIAN BUT AS A HUMAN TO BE OPEN ENOUGH TO LET PEOPLE KNOW IT'S OK TO TALK OPENLY ABOUT ANXIETY AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE'S...WE ALL NEED TO DO THIS MORE AND MORE NEED TO SEE THIS VIDEO...GREAT VIDEO..THANKS FOR SHARING ....✌

[@bluestate69]

Steve Vai is such a cerebral person. You can hear it in the way he speaks and the way he plays.

[@ptuli500]

"The study of spirituality is the only study that is worthwhile".... what a great point!!

[@ruhmreicherspeerkrieger9462]

Very truthfull talking from steve....He had a spiritual awakening...darknight of the soul.

[@DizGuys]

I fell into severe, debilitating, depression in my 20's and had no idea what was going on for some time. I thought I'd never escape the cocoon that was forming around me. I was so isolated and hopeless it took a long time to figure out...but as I realised what had happened I wanted to figure out a way back to myself, who I was beforehand. When it became obvious that that was an impossibility the only option was to fully enter into the experience instead of trying to escape it, as a chance to get to the root of the problem. It was a metamorphosis. Then I found the single most profound and life altering message in my life, it said "we must embrace pain and use it as fuel for our journey" Kenji Miyazawa. That changed my life, saved it even. Depression can be a very powerful trasformative and ultimately positive experience if embraced. No medication.

[@bryanhill3710]

I can't believe that the interviewer didn't ask what books Steve read that helped him so much. There was a golden opportunity lost. 🙁

[@alanhaynes418]

The books which resonated with Steve may not be the ones which resonate with YOU. Everyone's mind is different and you have to make your own search, not duplicate someone else's experiences.

[@SingleMalt77005]

@alanhaynes418 True, but I am still wanting to know what books worked for him. They might help me too.

[@inkompliet]

​@@alanhaynes418some people like to have a specific starting point of reference.

[@alanhaynes418]

What I'm saying is that there is no 'specific starting point' as it will be different for every individual. What works for one person may mean nothing to another. Steve didn't ask anyone where to look, and it would probably have been a waste of time if he had.@@inkompliet

[@nealandrus6666]

I had the EXACT thought! How can you not ask??

[@ChuckMarteau]

Love Steve Vai. His style is not really my cup of tea yet I've always found the man to be well-grounded and inspiring. Plus he played for Zappa - enough said...

[@usaslakt]

True, and you look like Zappa in your profile picture... :)

[@ChuckMarteau]

🤣😂🤣😂@@usaslakt

[@HillcrestGames]

I agree 100%. Though there's one recording of Tender Surrender live that I keep going back to. It's my favorite thing he's done.

[@60secondsofhope]

Yes!

[@ronaelf]

Wow! Valuable interview. I experienced similar thinghs in my 20's and also lead me on a path of better self knowledge and spirituality. Thanks for sharing openly and honestly!

[@RafaPalou]

I'm a big fan of Steve.. great musician as well as a human being. Thanks for opening your heart at this matter.

[@kokomanation]

this interview just helped me a lot

[@dt90891]

So glad you overcame it. Look at you now!! Legendary status. Love, all of us.

[@nitrokyosho]

I met steve in 1999 in manchester Ct at the guitar center, He was such a nice man

[@tigerlikeswater]

This is probably one of the most important and saliently enlightening interviews of all time. SV nails the truth of "Why are we here and how should I be? down very simply - and eloquently. It really is that simple - 'We are here to co-create and expand consciousness with other human beings' - and with all living things I would add - SV points out the way to do that is to understand what ego is and to control - it - not have it control you -I would also add - being always compassionate - and willing to share - ie 'co-create with others' - is the way.

[@pierrelaurier6631]

Thank you very much for that piece of interview. It helped me a lot to understand myself in some phases of my life !

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

You truly nailed the ending Steve, the younger one can realize this the better 😁🎶🎸🎶Play On

[@helmerkappert5152]

Fantastic Steve that you have discovered this and open up completely and honestly. The role model you have been fullfilling is obviously not limited to being an excellent guitar player, but also make others realise that what we think that we are is nothing but a thought that happens within THAT which we truly are, Namaste!

[@user-sg2vv3gw2e]

"Your greatest spiritual teacher is your own suffering." Thank you, Steve.

[@hardywatkins7737]

I was playing guitar in several local bands from age 16 to 26, then i was abused in relationship with a narcissist and i had a breakdown ...lost my sense of who i was. And just like Steve here my suffering drove me to find answers, and curiously came to the same understanding as Mr. Vai. - namely that my ego wasn't what i really was and that i was indeed the underlying self. I did stop playing guitar though which is really a shame. Never really took it up again.

[@larryflanagan8799]

It's not too late. The guitar is always there for you.

[@nightly522]

Steve Vai - great person, musician. We need more people like him

[@Multidimensionaltravel]

Holy smoke, how did I happen on this most beautiful honest video of a beautiful soul Steve,……manny and many other soul brother! One doesn’t hear this open honesty about the really difficult stuff, so beautifully described This is stuff that helps other people it’s beautiful And Mr interviewer, thank you! ❤ bill

[@Seeklip6T]

I saw the G3 tour sometime in the mid to late 90s...this was a concert with Satriani, Eric Johnson and Vai. And the opener was Adrian Legg. What a time. I'll never forget that.

[@frombeginnertoband7973]

Fantastic interview and very insightful and helpful for a lot of people with pressing challenges x

[@tvendor]

Great of him to share this.

[@AlexDemaree777ShreddDredd]

Steve you are the man always have and always will be deep in our hearts and minds through the creativity you've brought to us and the measures of sound and bliss. God bless you forever and keep making more material make the most outta life has to offer dont ever give up no matter what the outcome is whether it be having anxiety or anything. you know all of this but we care and all you gotta do is talk to us more power to you (keep on keepin on) \m/

[@handsomerube]

The book Steve is referring to is “The Magic in Your Mind” by U.S. Andersen. He first mentioned this in an interview back in 1990 for Musician magazine. It mysteriously showed up on his doorstep during this very dark period of his life. It apparently made a profound impact on him and helped him turn his life around. Being a huge fan of Steve’s, I of course went out and bought this book. I bought it at the Bodhi Tree bookstore in L.A., which I read later was a frequent stomping ground of Steve’s. This book also made a significant impact on me in my formative years. It gave me the courage and insight to achieve things in my life that I would have otherwise not attempted. So I am very grateful to Steve not only for his incredible influence on me musically but also personally.

[@eggscrambled2282]

Thx 4 this.

[@gking407]

Mind-blowing creativity like Steve’s comes at a price, but it’s wonderful how mental health today is handled more honestly than in decades ago.

[@Teleman01]

I had this exact same thing happened to me 20 years ago. No real reason, all of a sudden one night I was scared of being anxious. So it was like a perpetual circle or something. I finally got rid of it after about a year. It was only really intense for a month or two. Then I read up on it. Never took any medication. Once you realize it's nothing to worry about, it goes away.

[@J1283-s1k]

Very comforting to hear one of my childhood heroes relating aloud, an aspect of his journey identical to mine: Taking time to find the answers to the struggle. In both our cases a big part of this was through the study of different books on the spirit or, simultaneously, the power of the subconscious.

[@jasonl1942]

God bless you for sharing this steve.

[@rifosi]

Yeah, one more time I got amazed by how interesting is Steve Vai. It’s good to hear that even a guitar giant like him can suffer from anxiety and panic at some circumstances. It helps to indulge ourselves. Keep pickin’, Steve!

[@wjamyers]

This was so great to hear, Steve Vai expanding consciousness... indeed we are, Steve, some more than anothers :D

[@carlosclaptrix]

Thanks so much for these honest statements. Suffering as spiritual teacher - I can relate to that. Suffering and my dog, these are my two spiritual teachers. Very interesting to differentiate between the EGO and the SELF, sounds very Jungian, also very Buddhistic. Suzanne Segal writes about her experience of loosing her ego in: Collision With the Infinite.

[@fantasticnosetube]

So happy to hear Steve talking about spiritually as the quiet observer inside us, we are not our mental. I remember one time in front of my mirror the lyrics before "Animal" ("when you look deep into the mirror...") and said to myself that Steve have probably found that dimension inside him to wrote this kind of thing.

[@Susanms-vc7fg]

Thanks for sharing steve..

[@TJ_775]

What an amazing man, what a beautiful human being. He said so many things since the 80s that helped me so much. Bless him 🙏

[@bigchriscooks1371]

Steve is the man! I have dealt with depression and PTSD since childhood. My Dad thought it was funny, and would say" what's wrong boy you shell shocked already?" He made me that way

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

I appreciate his insight. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

I needed to hear this.....thanks !

[@TerryFlynn-df2gy]

I saw Zappa first in the mid 70S, and in the early 80s with Steve Vai and you were Great!

[@Demystifiedvessel]

When we overcome our fear of the dark, the magic begins- and it’s 100% accomplished in the inner landscape.’.

[@Boomsterblak]

Wow..that was cool..Thanks Steve..Cassius..important for people to share these feelings..

[@DJBre]

I feel ya Steve. Amazing interview❤

[@aliensporebomb]

Saw Steve with Frank Zappa in 1981 and he was playing a natural colored strat with maple board strat at the time. Great player.

[@SteveEarle-q9n]

I like you right off the bat, young man. Nice work!

[@JunkRemovalPro]

Steve is right about depression.... My name is Eddie, my depression started when those around me were always undermining me behind my back unknowingly. My family life is one of the worst anyone would ever want to witness or experience. Never met my father officially...But there is more to that story. I also let depression set in further and further than Steve could ever experience thankfully for him. Not so good for me. I have been reaching for the light for long time , then in 2020 my only connection to this world besides my mother passed away. My mother is still here thankfully....Though I never met him 'my father", we all watched him through out the years since 1977. I took on his name yet sheltered from his lifestyle. I couldn't escape the talents hidden within my blood, yet my depression is hiding me from the world. I am also afraid of living under the shadow of a legend simply because he left his seed in a back yard party. My mother hid all of this from me. For good reasons. Most of the world worships my father while i despise the man. familiarity breeds contempt. also do not push my brother into replacing your idol... We are only his children, we are not Eddie Van Halen himself. Like Led Zepplin Van Halen is over. History. Only one super famous man almost figured out who I was at the 2014 NAMM show. I visited Nuno at his booth, as I just wanted to meet a player I liked. I told Nuno he and I had almost everything in common about how we want are guitars to be made and perform. He couldn't get over my resemblance to EVH and didn't hear a word i said.

[@TheBlackSpiral]

I used to think Steve Vai had to be a real twat, but he's such a fascinating person. And even though not all of his music works for me, I will always be in awe of his genius and skill.

[@kokomanation]

That happened to me when I was 26 years old and I am still struggling

[@FFFRoS]

Keep going bröther

[@kokomanation]

@@FFFRoS thank you my friend

[@TheGiantMidget]

If you're feeling brave, get into philosophy

[@randyarman5978]

​@@kokomanationi experienced like you 3 years ago. Now im fine. Just keep going and find positive friends.

[@dantwomey4215]

Steve Vai was the first Rock Star to ,upon hearing him for the first time in an interview, gave me the complete opposite of what I expected. In a good way! Especially when he said he liked Led Zep ( of course Jimmy Page being constantly pummelled by critics about technique ). It reflected in Vai's playing..There was dynamics and feel in his virtuosity that attracted my , not at all virtuosic ears and playing when the whole monotonous finger tapping road race started in the 80's. Authentic guy with a sense of humor. I used to play "Chicken'; on the.Railroad tracks , in second grade😂, behind his drummer Mike Mangini's house. Mike was always practicing. He was in third grade. Another humble guy from our funny little neighborhood right outside of Boston. He was a good baseball player but at that young an age while we were becomimg derelicts down "the park" Mike was already focused. Extraordinary talent who always seemed very humble when I bumped into him.

[@RusticSpirit]

Steve always has great advice...

[@graemehumfrey3955]

I was at that show in Montréal , he played great , sorry to hear he was having a rough time .

[@bluecollar825]

Was it from 1980? Do you remember the set lol? Had to be an all timer.👍

[@gradhd4359]

@@bluecollar825 I dont remember the set list but I do remember Frank stopping the show and calling people in the front row animals , and telling them to calm down.

[@Hassan_Omer]

I really like it that when celebrities take time to share there are experiences other than their work. Through music he has already made a connection to his listeners and then the next thing after that is to share what is beyond music. Like Steve said in one of his interviews "Music is not my life, music is what I do in life and life is bigger than music" I believe that too. The main objective in our life is not to fulfil our desires and then one day pass away, it is to become a better version of your self and constantly work on it. Keep educating yourself and build tolerance for one another.

[@peterwynberg]

Seen Steve with Frank- 12/09/1980, San Diego And with Zappa plays Zappa 12/11/2006 😊

[@beaudeeley]

I’m convinced that Steve will be remembered for being one of the greatest guitar shredders of all time and also for being one of the nicest people ever.

[@ZPDSurvival]

Zappa actually Brought me to the brink of insanity until I realized what it was all About. He pushed me to the limits. Once I broke through it all. So much really made sense that most people don't understand. I am fine with that and been just moving right along with what I do. Very Cool interview.

[@PaulSavoie-ir5nz]

Hey Steve...totally spot on!

[@danmoord375]

What I found interesting is how he didn't disclose too much about how he overcame his difficulties. It's as if his awareness knew just how much to reveal. No one needs to be spoon fed what he has been provided. It is available to anyone ready to be relieved of their suffering.

[@monnig73]

another proof of the greatness of this man

[@hififlipper]

Thanks for upload. Wise man to say that every trouble in the world is from the false belief, that the inner voice were to be the inner self.

[@axemanfishing2703]

WOW, A supreme Wise person that happens to also be one of the most influencial and incredible guitarists of our time.