Equal parts ethereal musician and sonic magician, the Grammy award winning Steve Vai is regarded by fans of the guitar as one of the foremost players in the world.
    From the depths of his sonic laboratory Vai uses music as his tool to explore the human spirit. Anyone who appreciates the talents of a true six-string desperado knows that this guy kicks serious ass.
    While on the road to promote his latest effort, the Grammy nominated "The Ultra Zone," Screamin' Steve checked in briefly with the DLR Army to discuss the Dave Years, Van Halen and the possibility of a future Vai-Roth collaboration.  
     Look for more from Steve at the DLR Army in the near future. Until then, buy "The Ultra Zone" and catch him on tour in your town, mofo!

DLR ARMY: Describe that first tour with Dave. Going out with the Eat Em and Smile Band must have been a blast for you as a musician and a 20-something guy ready to see the world. What are your most fond touring memories from that period?

VAI: "It was a special time with amazing people. Remember, I was 24- or 25-years-old when I joined up with Dave. I was basically famous overnight because of his legacy."
    "Things were very different back then. We used to put on a show that involved tons of lights, cool heavy music... we could wear whatever wanted. And we could play the hell out of our instruments."
    "Dave knew how to throw a party. Every night after the show the party usually held interesting surprises..."

DLR ARMY: What was your first impression of Dave? Has it changed at all over the years?

VAI: "The first time I saw Dave was when Van Halen played the L.A. Forum in 1984. I could not take my eyes off of him, I was totally mesmerized. He was the quintessential front man with a complete command over the audience.
    "When we toured together I saw the same thing every night we performed. He was always 'on' and that was inspiring."

DLR ARMY: Do you guys still talk?

VAI: "I haven't talked to Dave recently, but we have always been on good terms as far as I could tell."

DLR ARMY:  Do you ever expect to work with Dave again? Would you if he asked?

VAI: "It's a small world and you can never tell what will happen. I keep all my options open. If it seems like it could work at a particular time then maybe we can. It's a matter of logistics."

DLR ARMY: Your thoughts on the Van Halen reunion rumors. Everybody has heard them and seems to have an opinion. Would you like to see the fellas work together again? Good idea or bad idea?

VAI: "I have always been a big fan of the original band. I hope they do it and that it works."

    There you have it... for now! Be sure to check out what  Steve is up to at www.vai.com (an incredible web site).
    Steve has also started his own record label, Favored Nations, and demos are now being accepted. For more information and submission guidelines visit the Favored Nations website at www.favorednations.com.
    Gregg Bissonette's second solo release "Submarine" was just released through the label. It features Matt Bissonette ( Gregg's brother and former DLR touring player) Gary Hoey, Joe Satriani and others as well as Vai on the track "Noah's Ark".
    Also check out the Make A Noise Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization founded by Vai and Richard Pike. The foundation provides musical instruments and instruction to young musicians who can't afford them.
  Members of the organization disburse funds, instruments and accessories, donations of music lessons or tickets to events, recorded music such as compact discs and cassettes, instructional recordings, sheet music and other music related education materials  to schools and young musicians who will most greatly benefit from them.
    If you'd like to make a donation (tax-deductible if you live in the USA!) and boost your karma at the same time, please click here for info on how you can make a donation to the Make A Noise Foundation.
    You can also join the group's mailing list by emailing MakeANoise@aol.com and asking to be added. Visit www.makeanoise.com for more