While it’s not entirely surprising to learn that Steve Vai played guitar on a new rendition of Van Halen’s iconic song “Jump,” the offer still caught him off guard.
The legendary guitar virtuoso, who had an illustrious stint with David Lee Roth’s band in the 1980s, contributes the solo to a bold reimagining of the track, which was unveiled this week as Coca-Cola’s official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“You know, it just goes to show you that you never know what’s going to come across your desk,” Vai shared in a conversation with UCR. “After 46 years in the business, I receive a variety of fascinating side projects. Some are intriguing, while others don’t quite fit my style.”
“When this opportunity came for the World Cup, I was intrigued. It’s a monumental event, and every year they typically create a theme song. This time, they chose ‘Jump’ and asked if I would be interested in playing the solo. I thought, ‘World Cup, Coca-Cola, ‘Jump’ solo—it checks all the boxes!’ Once I heard the track, I realized it was ‘Jump,’ but it was transformed. They took bold steps with it, and I believe it turned out great,” he explained.
Steve Vai’s Unique Approach to ‘Jump’
Vai approached the project with a mindset of innovation, stating, “I thought, ‘It’s got to be different. What are you going to do?’ This is not the same song. I was very intrigued by their direction.” He elaborated on the creative process, noting, “The track underwent various iterations. I was involved from the stage where they had the basic rhythm tracks. I added my embellishments, and as they made adjustments, I returned to refine my contributions. I did this about three times until we reached the final version.”
Experience Steve Vai’s Work on the New Version of ‘Jump’
Where to Catch Steve Vai in 2026
Steve Vai has an exciting year ahead. He and his longtime friend Joe Satriani are gearing up for another leg of tour dates with the SatchVai band, which marks their first comprehensive tour across North America. The tour, which kicked off last year, includes a lineup featuring drummer Kenny Aronoff, guitarist Pete Thorn, and bassist Marco Mendoza. The progressive metal band Animals as Leaders will once again serve as the opening act for the 2026 tour.
In addition to this, Vai will be performing with the all-star ensemble BEAT, which celebrates the music of King Crimson and features guitarist and vocalist Adrian Belew. The lineup also includes bass legend Tony Levin and Tool drummer Danny Carey.
Vai anticipates that his touring commitments with Satriani and BEAT will keep him busy until Christmas, after which he plans to focus on a flurry of projects for 2027. He has also been actively working on the ongoing SatchVai album, having recently released “Dancing,” the latest single from the record.
“Joe’s a monster, you know. Working with him pushes me to delve deeper into my own style,” he remarked. “It’s a fantastic record. Fans will definitely hear that intertwining guitar elixir and the camaraderie in the melodies. I’m very excited about it.”
Watch the Video for ‘Dancing’ by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai
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Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening
Conclusion
Steve Vai’s collaboration on the new version of “Jump” not only highlights his enduring talent but also showcases the innovative spirit of reinterpreting classic songs for modern audiences. As he continues to tour and create new music, fans eagerly await the next chapter in his illustrious career.
FAQs
What is Steve Vai’s role in the new version of “Jump”?
Steve Vai plays the guitar solo in the new rendition of Van Halen’s classic “Jump,” which serves as Coca-Cola’s anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How involved was Steve Vai in the creative process of the new track?
Vai was actively involved throughout the creative process, contributing to multiple iterations and refinements of the track before arriving at the final version.
What other projects does Steve Vai have planned for 2026?
In 2026, Steve Vai will tour with Joe Satriani as part of the SatchVai band and will also perform with the all-star ensemble BEAT, featuring notable musicians like Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Danny Carey.
