During the late 1980s, Steve Stevens had a hectic schedule. While he was working on Whiplash Smile alongside Billy Idol in 1985, he was also chosen to play on the “Top Gun Anthem,” composed by Whiplash Smile’s keyboardist Harold Faltermeyer for the popular 1986 film Top Gun featuring Tom Cruise.
“All of it belonged to the same lineage,” the guitarist remarks regarding the two endeavors.
Steve Stevens’ Busy Schedule
His innovative electric guitar performances on the song earned him a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. This also marked the beginning of a new phase in his career after he and Billy Idol separated for almost twenty years. In the subsequent years, he collaborated with artists such as Ric Ocasek from the Cars, Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Michael Jackson, Robert Palmer, Sebastian Bach, Steve Lukather, Thompson Twins, and many more.
“I used to receive numerous requests to collaborate with others,” he remarks.
On April 12, 1987, Steve Stevens and Billy Idol took the stage during the Whiplash Smile tour at RPI Fieldhouse located in Troy, New York. (Photo credit: Ebet Roberts/Redferns)
Collaborations with Iconic Artists
He remembers a particularly unforgettable day when he tried out for David Lee Roth’s band, only to come back home and discover a message from Mick Jagger waiting for him.
“It was the epitome of Mick Jagger,” Stevens remarks, mimicking an accent. “‘Greetings, Steve, it’s Mick Jagger, reaching out from the Caribbean. I’d be thrilled to discuss this solo tour I’m embarking on.’
“I had prior commitments, so I was unable to participate. However, I held onto that recording.”
Grammy Award Recognition
Subscribe to The Pick Newsletter for the latest updates on guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, special offers, and more, delivered straight to your inbox! I may reach out with news and promotions from other Future brands. You may also receive emails from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors.
According to Stevens, he had previously encountered Jagger while working on Whiplash Smile at Right Track Studios in New York City. At that time, the singer was in another studio recording his solo album, Primitive Cool, and took a moment to chat with Stevens about Staccato, a new guitar brand established by his brother Chris. Staccato guitars were distinctive for their construction from magnesium alloy and were endorsed by Mick and Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman.
In 1974, Chris Jagger appeared on American Bandstand in the United States to promote his first solo album. His brand, Staccato Guitar, produced guitars made from magnesium alloy. (Image credit: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Impact on Music Career
Regrettably, Jagger picked a particularly busy day for his visit.
“While working on Whiplash Smile, we were searching for bass players to join us on a track,” recalls Stevens. “Then Mick Jagger walked in with a guitar case in hand.
“Mick mentions, ‘Hey, my sibling crafts guitars. Perhaps you all would be interested in checking it out.’
(Photo credit: Michael Putland/Getty Images)
“Just as expected, our producer Keith Forsey enters the room and, without missing a beat, says, ‘Alright, the bass amp is over there. Connect it — we’ll be with you shortly.’
“And Mick says, ‘No … I’m Mick Jagger.’”
He chuckles at the thought of rock’s most iconic frontman being overlooked.
“That was truly amazing.”
Stevens is in the process of creating music for what he hopes will become a new solo album. He and Idol are also in talks about a sequel to Dream Into It. Meanwhile, Idol is actively promoting his documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, which premiered on February 27.