206. Steve Vai: Guitarist - Part 2
3 February 2026
About This Episode
Steve Vai - Part 2
This episode forms part of a short series marking the 40th anniversary of Album by Public Image Ltd. Steve Vai’s contribution spans two episodes - this is Part Two.
Because we don’t have a licence to play the record in this episode, listeners are encouraged to line up Album and press play at the countdowns. We do a simple “3, 2, 1, go” and listen through the tracks in real time, with Steve explaining what he played, who played what (including Nicky Skopelitis), and how the sessions felt from inside the room.
Along the way, Vai remembers his dinner with John Lydon, being asked about joining PiL, and why he still considers Album one of the most enjoyable guest projects he ever jumped into - total freedom, minimal direction, and a sound that still feels unique forty years on.
Play-along track cues and gear notes are below.
The Ireland Podcast is an ongoing record of long-form conversations and is produced by Salthill Media.
Play-along instructions: At each timestamp, start the track on your own copy of Album when we count down.
00:40 - Track 1: FFF (countdown and play)
06:15 - Track 2: Rise
12:20 - Track 3: Fishing
17:39 - Track 4: Round
28:40 - Side Two begins - Bags (countdown and play)
34:11 - Track 6: Home
40:03 - Track 7: Ease
Gear mentioned (as recalled by Steve in the episode):
Guitar: Charvel Custom (“The Green Meanie”)
Amp: Carvin X100B (“ice pick” sharp tone)
Delay: Roland SDE-3000 rack delay
Setup: two SDE-3000s - one for mono delay, one used as chorus via chaining
Overdrive: amp set with drive + a kick-in pedal for solos
Sitar: Choral sitar (electric)
Thanks / credit:
Shout-out and thanks to Ned Evett for connecting the conversation and for the Galway link-up. Honourable mention to drummer, Colin McMahon.
Steve Vai
Steve Vai is an American guitarist, composer, and producer widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. A former collaborator of Frank Zappa, he has released a series of acclaimed solo albums including Passion and Warfare, and has worked with artists ranging from David Lee Roth to Public Image Ltd. Vai has sold millions of records worldwide and continues to tour, record, and compose across rock, orchestral, and experimental projects. With over 5 million followers to date on social media he is one of the most popular guitarists on the planet. We are honoured to have had him on The Ireland Podcast.