“I thought it was the worst film I’d seen in my life! I was super-embarrassed. But that solo became part of the franchise’”: Stevie Salas on Bill & Ted, playing arenas with Rod Stewart then opening for Joe Satriani, and turning down both Van Halen singers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Guitarist Stevie Salas performs onstage during the 7th Annual Adopt the Arts Benefit Gala at The Wiltern on March 07, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images).

Stevie Salas has backed up Rod Stewart, started a guitar trend via Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and was asked to join both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar’s bands. But he doesn’t take any of it too seriously.

“I like to surround myself with super talent,” he tells Guitar World. “I always like to be the shittiest guy in the room – that makes me learn more and become better.”