Surfing with the Alien

Zoo Freaks, get ready to ride the cosmic waves with the Zoo Crew as we spin Joe Satriani’s “Surfing with the Alien” from his iconic album of the same name! This instrumental masterpiece, released in 1987, is a shredder’s delight, but its creation was anything but extravagant. Recorded on a tight budget of just $13,000, Satriani made magic with minimal gear—two Kramer Pacer guitars, a modified Stratocaster, and a mix of effects like a Roland JC-120 and a malfunctioning Eventide H949 for the title track’s solo. That glitchy gear gave the song its otherworldly vibe, proving sometimes happy accidents make history. The album’s cover, featuring Marvel’s Silver Surfer, wasn’t Satriani’s idea but came from Relativity Records’ production manager, Jim Kozlowski, a comic book fan who saw the character’s cosmic coolness as a perfect fit. Fun fact: Satriani didn’t even know who the Silver Surfer was when he named the track, originally planning to call the album “Lords of Karma” until a British journalist warned it might sound too serious.

The song’s impact was massive, propelling Satriani from a guitar teacher to a rock icon. In an interview with Guitar Player, Satriani shared that he aimed for a cinematic feel, wanting the album to rock like Queen or Van Halen while staying accessible. The title track’s bluesy, catchy melody paired with jaw-dropping solos made it a hit with both shred enthusiasts and casual rock fans. Posts on X from accounts like @ThisDayInMETAL highlight its chart success, noting the album hit number 29 on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for 75 weeks. Satriani himself recalled the whirlwind in a Ultimate Classic Rock interview, saying the album’s success was “meteoric,” landing him a full-page feature in Rolling Stone and a tour with Mick Jagger just weeks after its release. For Record Store Day 2019, a limited-edition vinyl reissue let fans play lead over backing tracks, a nod to the song’s enduring appeal for aspiring guitarists.

Joe Satriani, born July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager, inspired by Jimi Hendrix. After Hendrix’s death in 1970, a 14-year-old Satriani decided to master the guitar, practicing relentlessly while soaking up influences from Chuck Berry to Wes Montgomery. Before his solo career, he was a sought-after guitar teacher in Berkeley, California, mentoring future stars like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, and Alex Skolnick of Testament. His teaching gigs at places like Second Hand Guitars gave him a deep understanding of the instrument, but he was itching to create. In 1984, he self-funded a demo EP, followed by his debut album, Not of This Earth, in 1986. Though it flew under the radar, it caught the ear of Relativity Records, leading to the game-changing Surfing with the Alien. Satriani’s blend of technical prowess and melodic soul made him a standout, and by 1988, he was touring with Mick Jagger, cementing his place in rock history.

Want to dive deeper into Satch’s world? Check out his official website at www.satriani.com for tour dates, merch, and more. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and interacts with fans. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe, fan communities thrive online. The Joe Satriani Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot for swapping stories and setlists, while Satchzone offers fan-curated news and forums. Whether you’re shredding along or just vibing, “Surfing with the Alien” and Joe Satriani’s legacy are a cosmic trip worth taking!