Steve Vai Explains Why He Left Zappa's Band, Recalls How Frank Reacted to Eddie Van Halen

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Raindog
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Steve Vai Explains Why He Left Zappa's Band, Recalls How Frank Reacted to Eddie Van Halen

During a conversation with UG's Justin Beckner, Steve Vai looked back on his 1980-1983 tenure in Frank Zappa's band, which he joined after working as Zappa's transcriptionist for about two years.

Steve is gearing up to host a special live stream on Facebook for his upcoming 60th birthday on June 6. When asked why he left the group to make his first solo album, 1984's "Flex-Able," Steve replied:

"Well, I was making 'Flex-Able' while I was working with Frank. And while I was working with Frank, I knew it wasn't going to be a lifelong career because Frank doesn't do that and I couldn't see myself being a sideman for the rest of my life, with Frank. I loved it when I was there with him. It was quite an unbelievable experience."

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toomanycats
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I'm trying to wrap my mind around the concept of Steve Via and Eddie casually jamming on guitar around 1982 at Frank Zappa's house. It's totally blowing my mind.
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Rollin Hand
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...and Eddie seeing the Eat 'Em and Smile lineup and saying "Hey! I jammed with him! That f%$@er!"

And then going on a vodka bender after he saw Billy had signed on.
"I'm not a sore loser. It's just that I prefer to win, and when I don't, I get furious."
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