During a new appearance on the Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz podcast, Steve Vai revealed he learned swimming thanks to David Lee Roth.
The guitarist said working with DLR could be difficult sometimes, but overall it was also a fun experience:
“Well, Dave was a special character in my life. He was intense, and I learned so much from him. I don’t really have bad relationships with people I [have worked with]. I refuse. It’s a bit difficult at times. I mean, there’s people you choose not to hang around with, but Dave was always fun. He was always interested in doing something extraordinary, like rock climbing.”
Vai Didn’t Know How To Swim
Then he shared what Roth taught him:
“He taught me how to work out and swim. We used to go running, and bicycle riding. And we were friends, as much as I think that’s possible with somebody who’s as famous as that, and, you know, eccentric. But we just remained in touch, and occasionally there were quasi-opportunities to do things. But we never actually got together again; it was just that very close call at the Lucky Strike.”
Possibility Of Teaming Up With DLR Again
Vai and Dave worked together in Roth’s supergroup. Vai played guitar on albums like ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’ and ‘Skyscraper.’ After their first solo album, they toured extensively to promote it. Vai has mentioned several times that this collaboration made him famous ‘overnight,’ and he’s thankful to Roth. In a 2022 interview with Eddie Trunk, he was asked if he’d work with Diamond Dave again. The rocker replied:
“How did I know that you were going to ask that question, Eddie Trunk? It’s one of those things that I don’t really entertain in my mind unless something is actually there. But, you know, Eddie, these days, I’m just really content doing the music; I’ve just kind of come to this inner decision that for the rest of the time I have here, I gotta crank out as much as the weird music that I do for those people that like it.”
Vai just wrapped up his tour with Joe Satriani. The guitarist’s upcoming shows are scheduled for September of this year. He will perform with San Jose on September 12. Steve’s gigs will continue until the mid-November.
You can watch his full interview below.