By Steve Newton
I did my eighth interview with Joe Satriani a couple years ago, and finally got to ask him about something that his former G3 tourmate Yngwie Malmsteen once said to me.
Back in 2014 I had interviewed Yngwie in advance of his Guitar Gods show in Vancouver, and that was when he declared that Ibanez guitars–the brand preferred by primo pickers like Satch and Steve Vai–were “a bad copy” of the model he holds dear, the Fender Stratocaster.
Then the famously opinionated Swede went on to describe the esteemed Gibson Les Paul as “furniture”.
Well, the ensuing blog I posted caused quite a stir among guitar freaks, many of whom seemed outraged by the audacity of Malmsteen’s comments. I mean, the nerve of that guy to insult the axe that launched a million killer riffs!
So when I got the chance this week to see what Satriani’s take on the controversy would be, I went for it.
Have a listen:
To hear my full 34-minute interview with Satch, subscribe to my Patreon page, where you can also enjoy my vintage interviews with:
Dave Martone, 2020
Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, 2006
Joss Stone, 2012
Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, 2005
Jack Blades of Night Ranger, 1984
Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard, 1992
Colin James, 1995
Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown, 1998
Tom Cochrane of Red Rider, 1983
Ed Roland of Collective Soul, 1995
Taj Mahal, 2001
Tom Wilson of Junkhouse, 1995
David Lindley, 2002
Marty Friedman of Megadeth, 1991
John Hiatt, 2010
Nancy Wilson of Heart, 2006
Jeff Golub, 1989
Moe Berg of the Pursuit of Happiness, 1990
Todd Rundgren, 2006
Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, 2001
Steve Earle, 1987
Gabby Gaborno of the Cadillac Tramps, 1991
Terry Bozzio, 2003
Roger Glover of Deep Purple, 1985
Matthew Sweet, 1995
Jim McCarty of the Yardbirds, 2003
Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars, 2001
John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, 1995
Steve Hackett from Genesis, 1993
Grace Potter, 2008
Buddy Guy, 1993
Steve Lynch of Autograph, 1985
Don Wilson of the Ventures, 1997
Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar, 1998
Trevor Rabin of Yes, 1984
Albert Lee, 1986
Yngwie Malmsteen, 1985
Robert Cray, 1996
Tony Carey, 1984
Ian Hunter, 1988
Jeff Healey, 1988
Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip, 1996
Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, 1993
Colin Linden, 1993
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, 1995
Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, 1986
Elliot Easton from the Cars, 1996
Wayne Kramer from the MC5, 2004
Bob Rock, 1992
Nick Gilder, 1985
Roy Buchanan, 1988
Klaus Meine of Scorpions, 1988
Jason Bonham, 1989
Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers, 1991
Joey Spampinato of NRBQ, 1985
Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers, 2003
Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash, 2003
Steve Kilbey of the Church, 1990
Edgar Winter, 2005
Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, 1990
Randy Hansen, 2001
Dan McCafferty of Nazareth, 1984
Davy Knowles of Back Door Slam, 2007
Jimmy Barnes from Cold Chisel, 1986
Steve Stevens of Atomic Playboys, 1989
Billy Idol, 1984
Stuart Adamson of Big Country, 1993
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, 1992
Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule, 1998
John Bell of Widespread Panic, 1992
Robben Ford, 1993
Barry Hay of Golden Earring, 1984
Jason Isbell, 2007
Joe Satriani, 1990
Brad Delp of Boston, 1988
John Sykes of Blue Murder, 1989
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, 1998
Alice Cooper, 1986
Lars Ulrich of Metallica, 1985
Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon, 1992
Myles Goodwyn of April Wine, 2001
John Mellencamp, 1999
Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, 1999
Kenny Aronoff, 1999
Jon Bon Jovi, 1986
Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers, 1992
Little Steven, 1987
Stevie Salas, 1990
Joe Bonamassa, 2011
Rob Baker of the Tragically Hip, 1997
Tommy Emmanuel, 1994
John Petrucci of Dream Theater, 2010
Eric Johnson, 2001
Stu Hamm, 1991
Gene Simmons of Kiss, 1992
Ace Frehley from Kiss, 2008
David Lee Roth, 1994
Allan Holdsworth, 1983
John Mayall of the Bluesbreakers, 1988
I wish I could play guitar like Malmsteen or Satriani.
However, if I had there riches I would play dozens of different makes and models.
Imagine the range of sounds Malmsteen could have with different guitars.
I went to a show that Randy Bachman put on with just him on stage with about 10 different guitars lined up across the stage. He would grab one, talk about the hostory of it and play songs by artists famous for using that guitar.
It was one of the best shows I ever saw, and I was front row.
Yngvie should know when to keep his mouth shut. Maybe he needs a kokinit….
Joe answers as the truly absolutely classy and very humble man that he is. He is the most genuine guy! As a player, monster player! Have top notch respect for Joe and his answer demonstrates his character.
Malmsteen just has no tact at all. Doesn’t understand that anything outside his choices don’t have to be wrong for him to be right. I believe narcissism is appropriate, but I’m sure he suffers from a condition known as Cranius likus Penisius…
And who doesn’t like donuts asshole? Hint… Play your guitar. That’s all. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.