"I've been talking with Alex and Dave for about a year about doing something…a tour, something like that…that was gonna be a true tribute to Eddie and the Van Halen legacy,” Satriani tells the "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen" podcast. "For me, it was a terrifying prospect of doing something like that, but I realized that it was something that would be a real labor of love for me. I was just so honored to take on the challenge.
"It's very complicated. And all I can really say about it is that if it does happen, I know we'll make it the greatest thing ever for the fans and we'll all celebrate together not only the great Eddie Van Halen but the legacy that that band created, the amazing amount of music and the goodwill and good vibes they created as a band."
Satriani acknowledged his involvement just days after former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted revealed to The Palm Beach Post that he jammed with the guitarist and the Van Halen drummer six months ago before deciding the project wasn’t something he felt comfortable doing based on the challenge of living up the California band’s legacy.
Satriani admits he was surprised that Newsted leaked the news.
"These things are always happening in the music industry, and you're supposed to keep very quiet about it, because sometimes they don't work out," he explained. "There's usually about 10 crazy ideas that float around and musicians are always, like, 'Okay, I won't say anything about this 'cause it may not work out. I don't wanna hurt this person's feelings or disrupt any other business plans.' So, yeah, we were all pretty shocked that Jason wanted to go public with it 'cause we were all sworn to silence."
"Like I said before, if it ever does happen, it will be a great honor and a terrifying challenge," Satriani added. "Eddie, you can't reproduce what he did – you can't. You can learn the notes and you can be taught all the fingerings and get the gear and everything, but there was only one Eddie and he was the epitome of an original genius. But if it does happen, I know that Alex will make sure that it's the right way to do it."
Eddie Van Halen passed away in October 2020 at the age of 65 from a stroke following a lengthy battle with cancer. See also:
Van Halen tribute performed by Ohio State Athletic Band
Alex Van Halen recently attempted to organize Van Halen tour
Mammoth WVH cancels Young Guns tour dates due to Covid
Pasadena pays tribute to Van Halen with public performance stage
Search Van Halen at hennemusic
