Steve Stevens: A Guitar Virtuoso Paying Homage to Legends

Billy Idol’s lead guitarist, Steve Stevens, has been captivating audiences with his remarkable nylon-string guitar solo that subtly intertwines elements from iconic rock anthems, including Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Van Halen’s “Eruption.” This musical homage is particularly fitting, as the late Eddie Van Halen served as a significant inspiration for Stevens to explore classical guitar techniques.

The Birth of a Unique Guitar Solo

In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock (UCR), Stevens reminisced about the origins of his nylon-string guitar solo. His journey began while he was part of Vince Neil’s band during a six-week tour opening for Van Halen in 1993. “Vince said, ‘Hey, man, you’ve got to do a guitar solo,'” Stevens recalled. “I thought, ‘Well, I’m not going to do an electric solo, because in about an hour, this guy’s going to come out and play ‘Eruption,’ and that’s the definitive word.’

Determined to offer something unique, Stevens opted for a nylon guitar solo — an instrument he had been playing since the age of eight, influenced by a flamenco guitarist. “I thought, ‘Well, that’s something that I’ll do that is nothing like what Ed’s gonna do,'” he explained. This decision has led to the continued use of this distinctive style in his performances since the 1990s.

Remembering Eddie Van Halen’s Generosity

As Stevens continues his tour with Billy Idol across North America and Europe, he fondly recalls his interactions with Eddie Van Halen during the 1980s. Having forged a friendship with the legendary guitarist, Stevens shared a memorable experience that highlighted Van Halen’s generous spirit. “I remember when Billy Idol was touring and we played the Forum in L.A. — it must have been ’88 — we had Eddie come up during the encore,” he said.

Stevens reminisced about the time he struggled with his vintage Marshalls, which were not road-worthy. Van Halen noticed and offered his own Peavey 5150 equipment, sending a truck to deliver three heads and cabinets just three days later. “Guy couldn’t have been more generous,” Stevens remarked, emphasizing Van Halen’s willingness to share his resources with fellow musicians.

Innovative Guitar Technology: The Steve Stevens Signature Ascender

Beyond his live performances, Stevens is at the forefront of guitar innovation. He has collaborated with Ciari Guitars to create the Steve Stevens Signature Ascender series, which includes the Ascender Platinum and Ascender Premier models. Both guitars feature Stevens’ signature Bare Knuckle Ray Gun pickups and a patented foldable neck system, allowing for easy travel as personal items on planes.

“As a touring musician, I continue to write and I do demos and I’m sending ideas around while on tour,” Stevens shared with UCR. “Having this guitar has really been a godsend, because it’s enabled me to work and play anywhere.” He noted the practicality of the folding guitar for all-star shows, where transporting extensive gear is not feasible.

Conclusion

Steve Stevens’ blend of innovative guitar techniques and homage to rock legends like Eddie Van Halen showcases his unique position in the music world. As he continues to entertain fans with his captivating performances and pioneering guitar designs, Stevens remains a prominent figure in contemporary rock music.

FAQs

What inspired Steve Stevens to play a nylon-string guitar solo?

Steve Stevens was inspired to play a nylon-string guitar solo during a tour with Vince Neil’s band opening for Van Halen, where he wanted to create something unique that contrasted with Eddie Van Halen’s electric solos.

How did Eddie Van Halen influence Steve Stevens?

Eddie Van Halen inspired Steve Stevens to explore different guitar styles, specifically classical techniques, which led Stevens to incorporate nylon-string solos into his performances.

What are the key features of the Steve Stevens Signature Ascender guitars?

The Steve Stevens Signature Ascender guitars feature Bare Knuckle Ray Gun pickups and a patented foldable neck system, allowing musicians to easily travel with their instruments.

How long has Steve Stevens been performing nylon-string solos?

Steve Stevens has been performing nylon-string guitar solos since the 1990s, having developed this style during his early career.