Steve Vai returns for Part Two of this special conversation marking the 40th anniversary of Public Image Ltd’s Album.
Because we don’t have a licence to play the record in the episode itself, listeners are encouraged to line up their own copy of Album and press play at the countdowns as Steve and Fender listen through the tracks in real time.
Vai reflects on what he played, how the sessions unfolded from inside the control room, and why Album remains one of the most enjoyable and creatively free guest projects he ever jumped into - minimal direction, total space, and a sound that still feels unique forty years on.
Along the way, he recalls dinner with John Lydon, being asked about joining PiL, and the gear he used at the time:
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)
Play-along track cues and full notes are included below.
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
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.
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