Regarding guitar legends, few names shine brighter than Eddie Van Halen. Known for his groundbreaking techniques and genre-defining style, Eddie was the force behind many of rock’s greatest hits.
Yet, when Sammy Hagar had the chance to form a new supergroup, he chose Joe Satriani as his guitarist over Eddie Van Halen.
Hagar had a deep history with Eddie, having spent years as the frontman of Van Halen. Together, they created some of rock’s most iconic tracks. But as much as Hagar respected Eddie’s unmatched talent, he saw something different in Satriani.
Already a guitar virtuoso in his own right, Satriani had earned a reputation for his lightning-fast playing and innovative approach. His influence was evident in the students he taught, including future Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.
When the opportunity came to form Chickenfoot with Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Michael Anthony of Van Halen, Hagar knew Satriani was the perfect fit.
Despite the fun, lighthearted name, the band was serious about their music, and Satriani’s unique blend of skill and creativity added a fresh dimension. His solos were fiery, precise, and effortless—exactly what the group needed.
Hagar had worked with Eddie Van Halen, one of rock’s greatest guitarists, but in his own words, Satriani might just be the best guitarist in the world. He praised Satriani’s ability to consistently deliver unforgettable tracks, even without the megastar status of Eddie or Hagar backing him.
While Satriani acknowledges Eddie’s tremendous influence on his playing, his work with Chickenfoot shows why Hagar made the bold decision to choose him. Songs like “Midnight” highlight his individuality, expanding on Eddie’s innovations while bringing something entirely new to the table.
Ultimately, Hagar’s choice to go with Satriani was not a slight against Eddie Van Halen but rather an acknowledgment of Satriani’s incredible talent and versatility.
With Chickenfoot, Hagar found a guitarist who could match his vision, while still paying respect to the giants who came before him.
