I Would Love To

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into some wild trivia about "I Would Love To" from Steve Vai's iconic album Passion And Warfare, spinning on THE ZOO! This track, a fiery instrumental showcase, has a sneaky nod to another guitar legend. In a 2016 Guitar World interview, Vai revealed that a journalist pointed out a riff in "I Would Love To" that echoes Jeff Beck’s "Blue Wind" from the album Wired. Vai admitted he didn’t consciously intend it, but Beck’s albums Wired and Blow By Blow were huge influences, calling them "monoliths" in his musical world. It’s like the song’s riff was a subconscious high-five to Beck’s genius, blending into Vai’s own virtuosic style.

Another cool tidbit about "I Would Love To" comes from its music video, which Vai shared on X in June 2021, posting about an upscaled version that brings its vibrant visuals to life. The video captures the song’s high-energy vibe, with Vai shredding in a surreal, colorful setting that matches the track’s intense, dreamlike quality. Fans on Facebook often rave about how this song, with its blistering solos and dynamic shifts, feels like a journey through Vai’s creative mind, inspired by the dream sequences that shaped the entire Passion And Warfare album. Vai himself described the album as “Jimi Hendrix meets Jesus Christ at a party that Ben Hur threw for Mel Blanc,” and “I Would Love To” embodies that wild, eclectic spirit.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steve Vai kicked off his incredible career. Born on June 6, 1960, in Carle Place, New York, Vai’s love for music sparked early. At age six, his mom bought him a spinet organ, and he started plucking out melodies, including the haunting theme from the horror flick Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte. By seven, he was hooked on vinyl, moving from a Yogi Bear record to Frank Zappa’s Freak Out. At 12, Vai picked up the guitar and took lessons from none other than Joe Satriani, who became a mentor and later a touring partner. Vai’s dedication was intense—practicing up to nine hours a day, focusing not just on technique but also ear training, rhythm, and theory.

Vai’s big break came at 18 when he started transcribing music for Frank Zappa, a role that led to playing in Zappa’s band from 1980 to 1983. Zappa called him his “little Italian virtuoso,” and Vai’s time with him shaped his quirky, experimental style. After leaving Zappa, Vai released his debut solo album Flex-Able in 1984, a zany, eclectic record that showed his creative freedom. He then joined Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth’s band, and Whitesnake, solidifying his rep as a guitar god. His 1990 release, Passion And Warfare, cemented his legacy, with tracks like “I Would Love To” showcasing his technical mastery and emotional depth.

Stay connected with Steve Vai through his official website, where you can find tour dates, merch, and more. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, behind-the-scenes clips, and posts like the 2025 Satch/Vai tour announcement with Joe Satriani. Fans can join the vibrant community on the Steve Vai Universe Facebook group, a hub for Zoo Freaks and guitar nerds to share their love for Vai’s music. Check out fan sites like Vai.com for deep dives into his discography and legacy. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!