Steve Vai has opened up on his early experiences in David Lee Roth’s band, recalling how he felt destined for the role – and how he navigated inevitable comparisons to the singer's former guitar foil, Eddie Van Halen. In 1985, Roth – fresh from leaving Van Halen – went about establishing his solo career. The next day, the phone rings and it's Dave.”Steve Vai | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan - YouTube Watch OnPlaying guitar for Roth, who had been working with Van Halen up until that point, naturally came with added pressure. Get The Pick Newsletter All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox! Van Halen had the songs for that kind of success,” Vai adds of the two group’s differing levels of success.