Steve Stevens: Exploring Flamenco and Beyond in Music Evolution
After being deeply impacted by Eddie Van Halen's virtuosity, Steve Stevens took a break from rock guitar and delved into flamenco music. This shift led him to create his most experimental album, Flamenco A Go-Go, in 1999. Stevens, known for his work with Billy Idol, decided to step away from the electric guitar for a year and traveled the world with his nylon-string guitar, exploring new creative avenues.
Stevens drew inspiration from flamenco rhythms, early synthesizers, film scores, and classical music to infuse his unique style into his music. He emphasized the importance of creating guitar parts that enhance the song rather than just duplicating the bass line. His journey into flamenco music and experimentation with different influences allowed him to evolve as a guitarist and expand his musical horizons.
In a recent interview with Guitar World magazine, Stevens shared insights into his musical journey, including his custom-made pedalboard by Dave Friedman, his admiration for Hamer guitars inspired by Paul Stanley, and his experiences working with iconic artists like Michael Jackson and David Lee Roth. Stevens' diverse musical background and willingness to explore new genres have shaped his distinctive sound and contributed to his successful career in the music industry.