Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani Reveals The Hardest Guitar Riff In Van Halen’s Catalog
via The Howard Stern Show / Youtube
In a recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show on SiriusXM, Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani, joined by bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Jason Bonham, spilled the beans on the most challenging Van Halen riff. The revelation came as the quartet discussed their upcoming tour dedicated to performing Van Halen classics.
During the show, Hagar expressed the need for Satriani’s guitar prowess when delving deep into the Van Halen catalog, praising him as a virtuoso capable of tackling the band’s iconic and demanding guitar parts.
“We’re going to go deep into the Van Halen catalog. If you’re gonna go deep into the Van Halen catalog, you need Joe Satriani,” Hagar informs Stern, commending the virtuoso for his ability to master both iconic and challenging guitar segments.
While discussing favorites, Hagar highlighted tracks like the “5150” intro and “Summer Nights” from his 1986 debut with the band. However, the conversation took a turn when Stern asked about the most challenging riff, prompting Hagar to recall a moment from the early days that left everyone in awe.
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“But there’s something else from the early days that he did that we all just go… every time Eddie would play it and Joe plays it, I…,” Hagar said, trailing off, still captivated by its complexity.
The spotlight then shifted to Satriani, who, warming up his fingers, declared, “This is impossible to play,” before taking on the challenge. The chosen song? “Mean Street,” the opening track from 1981’s ‘Fair Warning.’
“That’s just lunatic [stuff],” marveled Hagar as Satriani tackled the intricate riff.
The revealing moment showcased the technical prowess required to master some of Van Halen’s most intricate compositions.
As Satriani attempted the formidable “Mean Street” riff, it underscored the extraordinary skill of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen.
The upcoming tour promises a deep dive into the Van Halen catalog, and with Satriani’s expertise, fans can anticipate a mesmerizing tribute to the band’s iconic sound. For those eager to witness the magic, Sammy Hagar’s upcoming tour dates are available for exploration.
As the quartet prepares to hit the road, the revelation of the “Mean Street” challenge adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans who will get to experience the timeless magic of Van Halen through the hands of these rock legends.
