In a remarkable encounter, guitarist Steve Vai reminisced about meeting Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May, at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles. At just 20 years old, Vai had recently relocated to the city when he unexpectedly ran into May, an idol from his teenage years.
Meeting a Guitar Legend
During their conversation, May extended an invitation to Vai to attend a Queen rehearsal. Excited yet anxious, Vai faced the challenge of playing May’s famous Red Special guitar. The iconic instrument, crafted by May and his father in his youth, holds significant importance in rock history.
Struggling with the Red Special
Reflecting on the experience, Vai described the moment as surreal. He had idolized May and Queen since his teenage years, with posters adorning his bedroom walls. “It was bizarre because I had just moved out to LA and there was Brian May standing at the bar,” he recalled.
- Age at the Encounter: 20 years old
- Location: Rainbow Bar and Grill, Los Angeles
- Instrument: May’s Red Special guitar
- Strings: Gauge .08
Despite his excitement, Vai struggled to play the legendary guitar. He described the neck of the Red Special as “like a bat” and admitted that he felt out of his depth. “I thought, ‘I can’t play this thing,’” he stated, sharing his mixed feelings of joy and inadequacy.
A Tribute with a Custom Guitar
In January, Vai received a custom-built version of the Red Special made by Andrew Guyton from Guyton Guitars. This reimagining includes updates while preserving the essence of May’s original creation.
- Features of the Custom Guitar:
- Quilted maple top
- Jumbo EVO-gold frets
- Mahogany neck
- Translucent green finish
Vai shared his thoughts on Instagram, describing the experience of holding the Red Special. He noted that, despite his expectations, he did not sound like May. Instead, he recognized his unique sound, humorously likening his playing to “a baby giraffe on roller skates.”
This encounter with Brian May and the opportunity to play the Red Special remain pivotal moments in Vai’s musical journey, reflecting a blend of admiration and personal growth.
