"Your negative thoughts need food, and that food is your belief in them."

I like that he isn't preaching but just says it works for him.

Been a fan of Steve since 1990. I never knew he went through such a dark time. I stumbled upon this at a very important time in my life. Thank you!

Like all good musicians, Steve Vai is a truth seeker. He brings wisdom to his art and that's why he's magnificent. Thank you Ms Chandra for this fabulous interview!

I love this man. He is so multilayered.

It was through Steve that I was turned on to the writings of U.S. Andersen. I can't begin to tell you how much that book has changed my life. I was at one point a severely depressed drug addict. Now I'm getting ready to take a state certification test to work with and help other drug addicts find their liberation from addiction. We truly can overcome any adversity that life places in our path in life.

Steve is so grounded, genuine and a truly nice guy

This is certainly an enlightening conversation that resonates with me as an artistic human who has suffered emotionally at times in my life.

So great to have people I look up to talking about issues that many of us face, it really helps :)

For nearly 40 years I've known Steve Vai as a great talent, now I also see that he's a great human being. Nice to see that he's doing well.

Heard Steve Vai was a deep thinker so it's nice to see it manifest in this video

He’s such a beautiful person.

This has to be the best interviews of Steve Vai ever. Great interview on a human level vs the fluff generic interviews that we usually get to see. Awesome Job!! Very inspiring interview and the interview truly represents your youtube title.. fantastic!!

Bravo for Steve Vai for talking about his private life .I lost a godson due to bipolar, he took his own life.Stigmatism he did not want anyone to know.Of course I was deeply shocked to this day.So for this famous musician to openly talk about this is really good for everyone regardless if they are in state of depression or not.Who would think he as such who had everything at his finger tips be going through this.Thank you for posting this interview. Most beneficial to everyone.

DLR contributes to the great Vai's health. Well played, Dave.

I feel guilty. Years ago I was thinking Steve is virtuoso of the guitar, but with no inner light. I was blind. Sorry Steve. Thanx for posting.

I think it's Excellent! how Steve Val explains all to do with negative thoughts and not to give them power.

It's amazing how many people think artists have perfect life, while they struggle like everybody else.

What a neat guy. So grounded and introspective. Such great humility and openness and honesty.

Great to see someone with such a high profile being fearlessly honest and sharing. It really spoke to me and resonated with my own experiences, learning and development. The real sticky part for me is remembering that attitude, that openness, centre and aplocation of loving non attachment. I spend time there then slowly forget and suddenly I'm in a different universe of negative thoughts, negative attachment and I appear to be a long way from home. This video serves as a great reminder, seemingly out of the blue, which is why people sharing, often, is so important. It reminds us to be where we really are and who we really are.

I could listen to these types of conversations all day! Love the content here on Glow Living's channel. Hope to see more videos!

Many years ago i went out with a girl who also went out with Vai, pretty much near the same time. Yet i think he was touring with Roth etc at the time so i luckily got to spend time with her while he was travelling. She was gorgeous of course, young and thin with one of those perfect faces. We made out several times, she was a friend back then and i was good looking and young. Now i wonder if she ever sees Vai, certainly she'd be more interested in him success wise and not me - i'm still 'poor' though i still live a good fun life near the beach and i'm free. God bless my youth, i'd totally forgotten about her till i watched this and heard Vai talking it suddenly came back to me.

I love Steve so much, he's written so much beautiful, powerful music that I've listened to over the years.

Would it be weird to acknowledge that I "felt" everything he's talking about the first time I heard For the Love of God? Here I am 15 years later, on the same path he talks about, and I had no idea it was going to be like this, but I'm glad. Please post the whole thing when you have a chance, even the parts that are not so focused. I would be very grateful.

Many of great musicians, especially rock stars lost their creativity, wasted their talent, even life due to bad habits, lack of morality etc. Steve seems to be more intellectually oriented and aware that music is 1st for him, not drugs and so on. It's and illusion that drugs, alcohol, "easy&cool life" increases creativity - when you hear your "creativity" of singing or playing something the very next day being "healthy" you see it was not technically precise, without timing etc. As usual, very interesting interview with Steve, btw he has many almost philosophical insights.

I will watch this over and over again from now on! Thank You Mr. Vai for connecting with us all. It's very helpful :)

He took the virtuosity of the guitar and then used that to be a better human being. I noticed that at the pre show and now here. Thanks Steve.

Vai always postures with his hands very artistically.

Greetings from Bangladesh. Very good interview. Steve is inspirational and the interviewer is very intelligent.

Awesome!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this interview coming into being!

She's so warm, love it

Steve is a model human being as far as I'm concerned... He has such a wonderful energy about him and he's very entertaining to listen to. Very comforting Inflections in his voice with which he carries much wisdom and knowledge. He was an inspiration to me 25 some odd years ago and I'm finding new inspiration in him in these present times. A truly remarkable human being. I hope to be a real life friend of his one day. And maybe, just maybe... The universe can assist in that! Thank you Chandra and Steve! I'm very thankful to have stumbled on these videos right now for multiple reasons. Thank you for being in service to humanity!

It's really nice to know that Mr. Vai is now also into healthy living! Like me, I also had some demons inside years ago and almost drowned in a sea of vices. Steve is my ultimate guitar hero! Thanks for sharing this, Chandra Lynn! Will be watching more of your videos!

I am glad to hear Steve open up like this. Depression was who i was in my youth. A horrid way to "live". I don`t know how .but i came upon the thought that to have peace....Which is what we all want.....Is to give peace. I became Vegan 32 years ago. Depression fear and anxiety has catalysts but also is rooted in our body chemistry. I found that removed me from my depression and my anxiety when i went vegan, I am sure much from body chemistry ,But also because of my newfound perspective in life...I was giving peace....and found it in return. My body transformed physically as well. One becomes more powerful and a mind of clarity when actually living peacefully and expressing that to other beings. They want peace like we do.

Steve Vai has been a constant source of inspiration for me ever since I was a teenage six-string acolyte. But it's especially meaningful for me to hear him open up about depression like this because there was a critical moment many years ago when I was in the throes of depression and on the precipice of suicide, and I was given a free ticket to a show that he was part of. He only played one 45 minute set but, in those 45 minutes, my life was completely transformed by the energy that he transmitted. It is absolutely the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. When I walked into the venue that night I was feeling the lowest I had ever been and hadn't smiled in weeks. By the time I left I was in the best mood of my life and smiling uncontrollably! And my entire perspective had shifted radically so it didn't just leave me feeling good for one night, I was in an amazing mood for quite a long time after that and my motivation to thrive had taken off! It is my hope that I'll someday get the opportunity to thank him personally for saving my life.

wow! thank you so much for this video/interview. I'm a huge fan of Steve Vai, he is one of my favorite guitar players and I love his music and playing. Yet, I still enjoy him talking at least as much as listening to his music. He is such a well-spoken and inspiring man, someone to really look up to, not only for his musicianship but IMO even more so for his personality.

He is for sure, a really nice being with high consciousness. Good words M.Vai

I was so depressed when Steve Vai came to my home town I couldn't go ... I hear this clear and loud ... I am - I want - I will...

Bless you, Steve. You are a unique artist. Be well with good health. We love you.

the more that sorrow carves into your sole the more joy it can contain.

Great video and I love his points starting at 9:41 about negative thinking. Very inspirational!

My grandmother has a saying "Were aw jock tamsons bairns" which is Scottish slang for "were all gods children". I looked at the cover of passion and warfare and though this guy is like a God to me I'd never get close. Now after the internet in a way a lot mystery in the world has been removed which is good and also bad. It does make you feel very differently about all being equal which makes me content.

What I don't want-responding to society or outside forces trying to get you to conform to what you don't really believe in. Finding out What I want-standing on your own truth regardless of any outside influence, be it people or books. The inner realization is called Gnosis. Great insight into the 'dark night of the soul'.

could listen to this man for hours; truly a man of profound insights

Liked especially the part about when you don't feed the negative thinking momentum, it dissolves and leaves an opening. I recognize this because it happened to me in my struggle with deep depression. Once you learn how to not give power to that momentum of negativity, you can always be on top of your condition even when things get momentarily gloomy every now and then. Can't wait to see your future content. Any hints on what's in store? :)

Not only a rockstar guitar player but more importantly a rockstar of a human being.

He's been a very interesting role model for hundreds of thousands of guitarists and musicians (lol!) for 30 years now. His guitar workouts and attitude to practice have given me a way to find a bit of peace in tough times. Vegetarianism is something I am considering - a way to live in harmony with the universe according to natural law.

This interview is just a scratch when it comes to Steve's spiritual side. Find a book online called Zen of Steve Vai. It was blessed by Steve himself. The author has collected all these quotes from him throughout the years into the same document where he discusses spirituality and meditation in detail. Steve mentions this side of him and his art, all the time, literally, but the vast majority of his fans just focus on his playing technique and guitar technology. He has made it clear that spirituality always was more central to his music than technicalities, although they of course have a role. Any great composer or musician tells you that, though not all of them systematically meditate in their daily life, like Steve does. I remember once, in his master class, he started answering to someone's question about his way of creating music. He quickly went to receptivity, presence and spirituality again, and lead people to sit quitly in meditation for half a minute. The whole auditorium of 500 people sat there quietly for that amount of time. And the moment it stopped, people started asking about his pedals again... Thanks for Glow Living for this short interview and hope that other interviewers really start asking him question about his actual spritual practices, so that all those millions of people who want to become as good as Steve, realise that there is this whole different aspect to music and creativity that music schools never talk about.

Vai is a great person in my book. Hes definitely got the "Universe" on his side. Glad he made it through that rough period. People with destiny on thier side always do. Then you have the ones like me...

Long live to a real King ... damn !!!!!

Thanks a million steve that makes alot of sense. thanks for your effort

Steve Vai is such an advanced soul. He speaks from a perspective of having and it all but that’s not the driving force. Talented though he is, his humanity is what impresses me. Also learned a new thing that he’s a vegetarian. Great interview.

Great video and info. I've always been inspired by steve would love to hear more about how he took that darkness and took to create beautiful music and kept himself out of the darkness.

2:38 Swami Vishnu-Devananada and Swami Sivananda are amazing. There are Sivanada Yoga Vedanta centers across parts of the world. Sometimes people need something and their soul asks for it and it finds them.

he demonstrated some wisdom there at the last minute. I'm glad he was able to convey it.

Nice interview with one of the all-time greats. Thanks for posting.

best interviewer well done

this interviewer ... is GLOWING.beautiful person inside out .

Steve via is my guru, I never new he played guitar

Yes , many people are trying to build a business or a living.... but ones with a positive message are ......Positive! thanks

A master not only of guitar! Thank you, Steve. Regards

This is coming at a moment in my life when I'm just starting the journey of turning a major corner.... very, very helpful, thank you both :)

Steve Vai inspires me as a person/drummer to become better every day at everything....Thanks Steve!!!! I,ve read deep books for 18 years, but knowledge is the tip of the Iceberg still....:)

Interviewer was great

Thanks Steve, what you said works on many levels, many creative pursuits. Not just guitar players, but artists across the board. But it still would be cool to be a rockstar for 15 minutes. Nope, forgettaboutit. take it back. Happy to enjoy porch playing with the neighbors. So, little voice in my head says, keep working wood. Bring joy to people for producing best quality I can. An instrument, a piece of furniture, volunteer to build a tiny house for homeless. We are here to do what we do. Unless we can make a change for an even higher calling. what might it be?

The Bodhi Tree, what an amazing place!

I heard a similar interview done by a SEAL officer. Maybe more of a motivational presentation, but this reminded me of his lecture.

Oh my god! Thank you Steve!

Thank you sooooooo much Chandra for these talks with Steve Vai 😊 it's always wonderful listening to him talk about the whole subject of wellbeing, meditation, creativity and flow - living that way allows one to live with purpose, direction and peace which is beautiful! Thanks and have an awesome and inspired day 🙏

Thank you for your message Mr. Vai.

Thank you Steve. Truth is good.

Vai is a wise dude, always interesting to hear him speak.

Thank you Steve!

This was very enjoyable hearing about his struggles and sharing his insights. Thank you for posting this video!

I started with The Key Master book, then Eckart Tolle's book.

Nice. Really nice. Steve is the man. And she actually let him talk. Not like alot of other interviewers. 8)))

I just bought both books. Let the healing begin!

I love watching this interview, The audio is pretty good aswell

He speaks like satriani you can tell they grew up together

One of the best Guitarists on the planet. Student of Joe Sach

Thanks Steve, I love the picture of a 'back door' into your mind, that is such an insight into so many things from pride to problems that affect so many innocent people, you could write a song about that, a pop song to hit a larger part of society especially kids. Thanks again Tony. Ps I absolutely drool at the Music Zoo stint just before your interview with Alan Aledort, whoa whee awesome playing.

This is great. Great enlightening interview with 1 of the all time greats.

Thank you both for this interview. It is wonderful.

Great interview, Steve is definitely one of the most switched on people in music... along with guys like Sting, and Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears... thanks!

Chandra ROCKS!

Great interview. Thanks so much.

Steve I grew up listening to you especially the good work you did with the Karate Kid "Crossroads" Yankee Rose with David Lee Roth, and my dear friend Billy Shean, phenomenal rock bass player and I saw you very beautiful female friend of mine that was Filipino and Mi concert in Hollywood, I think we walked up to you and shut your hand and everything that's when you had your longer hair I love the fact that you are carvin believer, I think they make phenomenal guitars and amps in the US but where you and I crossed two different passes you're rich you're famous, I'm a plebeian businessman, unsung hero musician oh I've been accused of being one of the most prolific blues guitar players on the planet but never really pursued music I guess I'm the unsung hero without stars in my eyes bottom line when you say you're looking for truth unbelievable bro right in front of your face you probably have it sitting on your coffee table collecting dust basic instructions before leaving Earth God's holy word the Bible where you can take the promises of God and Defi circumstances by faith be washed and cleansed of all your sins through the blood of Jesus the holy Son of God and on your way to heaven when you take your last breath I know there a million religions out there man that confuse people but if you do a study on the resurrection of Christ you will walk away a very changed individual Mel Gibson did a phenomenal job on The Passion of the Christ Lee Strobel has a movie out about his lifestyle I recommend you go see it it's about a journalist that was an atheist it was seeking to disprove the resurrection of Christ now he's a pastor I believe teaching at churches so all I can tell you it's 35 years ago God change my life walking down the same street where I saw you at Mi walking on Hollywood Boulevard with my guitar God save me as a teenager it's been the best journey in my entire life I'll be 52 in August as far as musical accomplishments I've done some studio stuff with professional artists that have been on the radio I'm working on a pop song right now that could be a Disney movie if this stuff happens fantastic if it doesn't happen I still have my faith in Christ and I'm telling you the perfect cutians afflictions and tribulations and everything that goes with this world I would not leave home without the Lord I encourage you a truth-seeker Jesus is referred to Jesus is referred to as Grace and Truth just the lineage of Christ going back to King David unbelievable Grace and Truth if you do an arduous study on the resurrection of Christ I believe you will find all the truth you need brother for this life and the next life shalom

I like your channel! Steve Vai is awesome! Thanks for posting!

Such an inspirational talk with a true legend THANKYOU

Steve Vai is such an amazing person! Apart from being one the greatest rock guitarists that has ever lived, he is not afraid to show himself for who he really is. His understanding of who he is this life is awesome. To have the success that he has had would have destroyed most people. They would be swallowed up in their ego! Yet Steve remains real and humble. To me, he one of the brightest lights in the world! A true example for all musically and spiritually.👍

Deep suffering led me back as well.. I surrendered the same way and prayed for truth. I totally agree with your choices.. wish I could go vegetarian but don't know that I actually will ;) I'm on board with everything else! The book that first changed me was Power vs Force. Cheers

Fantastic. THANKS!!!!

Today I am convinced about sprituality, yoga, meditation, consciousness, nothingness, and zeroness.

Very inspiring interview. ;) And God sure took his time creating you. :)

Really fantastic interview and a ​great interviewer.

We all want real love. We were made for it. God is love.

Thank You! Right On!

Never knew...can only wish you a happy life

Wow, thanks for putting this out in that beautiful way, really nicely explained end expressed. Love, Peace, Freedom

good ol Papa Steve.. I just agape him!! (Agape is a child like unconditional love)