Andrew Daly of Guitar Player spoke with guitarist Steve Lukather excerpts from the interview appear below.
Guitar Player: What did you think about the initial rumors that you were taking over as guitarist of Van Halen?
Steve Lukather: Well, first off, that’s the most ridiculous and humorous thing I’ve ever heard. I am no more qualified to try and play like Ed Van Halen than I am to be the first man to tug my dick on the planet. [laughs] I don’t know how anybody could think that would even be a reality. Honestly, it’s laughable. I don’t play… I couldn’t… I don’t play like Ed. It’s crazy…I’m not qualified Call Dweezil [Zappa] — he plays that s–t. Call Nuno [Bettencourt]. I can name 10 guys, like [Steve] Vai or Satch. I’m nowhere near qualified to start dabbling in the Van Halen world.
GP: How far back do you and Alex go?
SL: We’ve been friends for 45 years. I mean, I was close friends with the Van Halens, but I really love all the guys. The only guy I don’t know is David Lee Roth. I met him once or twice, but very briefly. I’ve just always been a fan since the beginning, you know? What can I say?
GP: What are you and Alex actually working on?
SL: Well, being a fan isn’t what it’s about. Alex needs some help. He came to me and said, “Look, I need some help with this.” I went, “How can I help?” But there’s no need for another guitar player.
GP: Meaning you’re not playing guitar on this?
SL: First off, Eddie played some of the most amazing s–t I’ve ever heard. And it’s not pieces on the floor that have to be snapped back together and try to Mickey Mouse something together that might be sellable. These are f–king finished tracks with Ed and Al, and Ed’s playing bass on a lot of it. That’s all I can say right now because it’s a much bigger picture, and it’s Alex’s story to tell.
GP: You can’t reveal the nature of the music, but can you expand on your role?
SL: I am there 100 percent to be his co-producer and help him through the technical aspects. I’m not gonna play. There’s not gonna be any Lukather or Toto fingerprints on a Van Halen thing. I can f–king promise you that. I’m there to be Al’s wingman, and go, “How can I help you do this?” I’m there to go, “Want me to help you do some vocals? How do we do these mixes?” It’s about making sure that there’s quality control from somebody he trusts.
GP: Is Wolfgang [Van Halen] involved?
SL: I’m hoping that Al is gonna ask Wolf to be involved on some level. I haven’t talked to Wolf in a long time. It’s sad, actually. I’d like to, you know? We sort of just got busy, and we haven’t. But I think what he’s doing is wonderful. I think he’s an incredible musician. I think if anybody is gonna play anything that’s needed, he would be qualified to do so. But there really isn’t a need for other players to come in at this point.
Read more at Guitar Player.