Neal Schon - Star Spangled Banner (Live)

[TheMissi68]

Neals talent on the guitar and his love of playing does NOT get enough recognition. It's so unfortunate.

[bossman9628]

Excellent work by Neal.

[tommyo777]

Masturbatory; and a trem on LP? Ugh...

[JPMusiclife]

@tommyo777 Dont smack it before you try it. lol

[tommyo777]

Masturbatory

[sniper2896]

This version should be the real national anthem

[Dantallus9000]

Neal is THE MAN

[robertbicho]

HENDRIX HENDRIX HENDRIX HENDRIX ...........esto es pirotecnia sin autocritica !!

[SmashTaper]

Ross Valory bowing on the side like "WE ARE NOT WORTHY" was a nice touch.

[utexxas]

It's beautiful.

[Curlywashere]

simply incredible

[lastdaysguitar]

Neal's version of SSB is soooo much bettter than:

Nugent's

Slash's

Vai's

Satriani's

Mustane's

Wylde's

etc...

Keep on your rockin' JOURNEY Neal - we appreciate you!

[atrickpay11]

@lastdaysguitar lol, Mustaine can play SSB? i always thought he was a bit of a weak guitarist...doesn't seem to me like he has a very strong ear...plays mostly by finger maybe.

[lastdaysguitar]

@atrickpay11 LOL! 

[lukietemujin]

@lastdaysguitar agree with you man... i weep while watching this vid...

[Mockingbird5150]

and people often forget, neil paid his dues. he's been playing professionally since he was like 17.

[CorvetteCoonass]

@Mockingbird5150 I thought it was 15? :P

[Jesusfreak2112]

There is only one word to discribe Neal Schon on the Guitar, MONSTER!!!!!!!!!!

[jesskahl]

i think neal should play this with his right hand over his heart

[jonathanalfonzo3]

Neal Schon is so Great!!! Top two Guitarist Ever!!!

[justfine77777]

I never knew this guy was so good. I heard George Lynch giving him props, so I checked him out. He is a stud!  Way underrated. It would be a pleasure to see him live.

[crshlandin]

This guy is obviously very talented, but I've yet to hear anyone perform this song that depicts rockets flying, bombs exploding and people crying out oh no, like the original Hendrix version. During a time of war, Hendrix gave it to you all. No one has yet to even come close to the Hendrix version and can't believe when I read that this version is the best.

[gw90isback]

@crshlandin i have to agree with you on this. though neal schon is amazing! hendrix told it like it truly was. not something overly patriotic. ya know?

[tmgermann]

Neal Schon, Nothing but Class.

[slashnsmash1]

this is the only case were i can bare to listen to the star spangled banner, schon is not only a master but is the next generations hendrix

i cant think of words that can describe him so lets just say he is indescribable

[comicozy87]

This is the best Star Spangled Banner I ever heard!!! GO NEIL!!!!

[comicozy87]

Neil Schon can make his guitar speak

[alvie2]

I have seen a zillion guys try this, me included, but this version by neal and jonathan does it for me.

[mattnel3]

Neal Schon is a beast! enough said....

[hiawatha444]

The thing with Jimi hendrix is he was the first. But most importantly people dont relize the mess of noise has a lot to do with Sirens and he included the fox hunt riff in there. Not to mention bombs falling and explosions . So it may sound like shit to some people but if you were in vietnam , you would relate to it very well.

[michaeljamsmith]

It is amazing that any tries to do this.Hendrix' version transcends them all. Schon is a great guitarist, but where Jimi painted a picture for you in sound, this is no more than noodling.

[zeljko48]

jebo ti svoju svirku

[ichigaki0410]

he's better than hendrix...

[ricorreze]

LOL.... I guess you guys don't like Hendrix's version either.

[Shiranui115]

...You don't seem to get the point. I understand that this is how he plays, but when he puts out licks that make me forget what he's supposed to be playing, especially on our country's national anthem, it gets to me. He's a fantastic guitarist, taking nothing away from him, but I don't think he should have gone over the top on the national anthem, out of respect for his and our country.

[Mizati20]

@Shiranui115

You obviously haven't seen Zakk Wylde do a national anthem then, shut the fuck up and respect a guitar god you stupid Peon...

[Shiranui115]

@Mizati20 I have a right to post my opinion on something musical and say why I do or don't like it, so long as my criticism is valid. I won't repeat for the third time what I have said. I simply ask that you all stop jumping on my ass just because I don't particularly care for this; I have full rights to say I don't particularly like something. I've said numerous times I love Schon's work. Calling me a peon is hardly necessary, and telling me to shut the fuck up less so. Good day.

[Shiranui115]

Schon's great, a fantastic showman and excellent guitarist, but I don't think our national anthem is the time for him to really shred it like he does at 1:03, 1:37, 2:05, 2:28, 3:13, etc. Just play the song, and if you want, you can play around with it a bit. But don't start shredding so much that I forget what you're even supposed to be playing.

[housemandoc23]

Are you seriously picking that out from all the love and playing going through his body and his amps? Honestly? You're going to be that one guy who goes "Yea...this is fucked up, he messed it up by PLAYING."

Your comment really got to me man, Schon is up there playing the same stuff almost every day for 7 or 8 months at a time, and sometimes longer. Let him hit a million notes per minute, ESPECIALLY on the National Anthem, once in a while.

[brenbaus]

@Shiranui115 music is all about expression man, if that's what he is feeling when he plays it, then that is what's gonna come out. Let him rip it up and just appreciate it for what it is. One of the worlds best guitar players playing the national anthem!

[samborac46]

Sustainer holds your note or tone. it does not fade away. It some sort of feedback. Can somebody from uk or usa explain to him?

[msuman91]

looks like bruce springsteen... he has a sustainer on his guitar too

[222131313222]

whats a sustainer?

[IamGuitars]

its basically a pick up that, when engaged allows a note to ring forever.

[EaFoTre21]

yeah it has magnets in the pickup that actually shake the string to keep it ringing

[agore001]

Anyone know where to get this MP3?

[agore001]

He is a monster!

[MICKJAC08]

Even though they kicked me off thier fan page for telling it as it is about how they abuse thier singers.I still must say that Neal is a God on the Guitar.The Greatest American One......No Doubt !!!!!!!

[seantyler]

What do you mean they abust their singers??

[JayZee23]

@MICKJAC08 ....Abuse their singers? What are you talking about? You might want to look into that. There are reasons why Perry couldn't continue, as well as why Augieri had to leave. Any other fill-ins they had were just that.... fill-ins. Regardless, they have decided to go on with their careers as a band.

[bartolo5150]

Wow, sustain...and tone....thick and good.

[dntblvu]

If he were as tactful in relationships as he is at mastering the guitar, he might be all right.

[DarkTwilightGuitar]

so he was just improvising...

but is a good guitarrrrrrist

[omgsk8]

His solos are kindda dirty, I m not amazed, sry the fans but the solo could be far more touchful. Some Fast licks didnt fit the song.

[hermione066]

oh gosh.. Neal is my only favorite guitarist!

[frolov94]

Lol wow Neal is a beast. This band is Journey im not sure when but wow amazing solo

[RONDOC68]

The fast shit fucked it up.

[cville57]

I don't know exactly when, but the band is Journey

[RaisedOnRadio92]

Sturgis Festival in South Dakota, 2005.

[singfortheday]

Guitar God!

[schremp0dangla]

listen to that sound, i wish my guitar would sound like that

Neal Schon #1

[hermione066]

i can play this!

[OperationFreedomCSS]

If it doesn't sound like this, you can't.

[Kristiankakk]

Hm....Neal and Jimi. Same song different statement....Schon forgot the bombs :)

[whitedress01]

Thank you for sharing!! He is awesome!

[mynamesjimmyg]

just a jimi hendrix recyclable

[screamingcheeto]

I love Neal Schon's playing. I wish he was used just a little bit more in Journey.

[jongreek]

I'm a big Neal Schon fan, but this is not his best stuff. His work with Santana on Santana I-III and the first few Journey records remain his best work, IMHO. Rock on!

[hermione066]

dang hes good

[kroyster21]

that is fukin magical

[mackys101]

yeah Steve Vai and Neil Schon my vote for the best guitarist in the world ever...

1st neil

2nd vai

[hermione066]

HE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[lastdaysguitar]

With all due respect to the very capable and artistic Mr. Vai - Neal was there first, and IMHO the fact is this...

Steve Vai "sounds a little like Schon".

[RONDOC68]

Sounds a little like Vai.

[tromboneblowmaster]

Neal Schon is my favorite guitar player of all time. He is in the top 3 of best guitar players of all time ever period., (lead guitar with santana when he was 15yrs old, then eric clapton tried to hire him the next week as lead with derek and the dominos!, come on!!!!!!) seriously! He will get the respect he he has earned one day. Don't Stop Believing!!!!!!!!!!!

[jspartacus]

Unfortunately, people tend to forget why Neal was forgotten so quickly. His early- to mid-70s interviews with guitar magazines pretty much showed an arrogant "I'm the greatest ever" attitude. But when Eddie Van Halen showed up and seriously humbled him, Schon became yesterday's news. Schon is a decent player, but his early stuff was much better and far more melodic.

[sixstringglory]

Interesting perspective. I think Neal is a phenomenal player, but to say EVH is "better" I would not agree with. EVH was unorthodox to the ear of the music fan, thus sticking out more.

Add that Neil did not come from the tradition of the iconic riff, there was no "Whole Lotta Love", of "Ain't talkin' about love" in Journey per se, which limited his impact. I truly don't know if Neal just doesn't have those in him or not.

Check out Neal's solo albums for some truly great playing.

[jspartacus]

Neal is hardly phenomenal. He's very typical for his era, which includes pre-Van Halen players such as Frank Marino, Michael Schenker, Gary Moore, and Ronnie Montrose. Schon is not really innovative at all, since his style based primarily in the blues, unlike EVH, who literally rewrote the book on guitar techniques. Having said that, Schon and others of his early 1970s era developed feel and phrasing that few have equaled since. Read the recent GP mag interview with Schon: EVH terrified him.

[rockfan2k8]

Ignorance Is Bliss. He Is One Of The Greatest Guitarist Of All Time

[NastyNole1]

Neal is more than a "decent player", you dillhole, and as great as Eddie was, Neal could smoke him on a good day. Hell, for that matter, Dave Meniketti could outplay Eddie.........believe it or not....

[jspartacus]

Whatever. Schon himself says playing with Van Halen is like "getting your ass kicked every night by the best sword-swinging sushi chef in the land." Schon's words, not mine.

[Sektor8819]

This brought tears to my eyes. Go Schon, go Journey, and GO AMERICA!!!

[whitedress01]

Thank you for posting. It sounded beautiful!

[jgtube]

you know I saw the one hhim and the keyboard guy played at a basketball game that was cleaner than this one, too bad they took it off youtube. It was really good

[RaisedOnRadio92]

Was this at the Sturgis Festival in South Dakota? I have "Faith In The Heartland" on video from that, and it looks like the same venue as this one.

[Anteraan]

I think Schon is amazing (Beyond the Thunder is in my top 5 CD's), but this version is too over the top, too dressed up. BOSTON's version (avail on GH album) is far better for a rock interpretation.

[deeej86]

There's only one Neal Schon! Doesn't get any better than this!!!

[Kerjo123]

deeej86: He is the best, doesn't get ant better then Neal...

[davidrobinsonmagic]

If you want to hear great emotion played on a guitar, you should get Neal Schon's "Beyond the Thunder". Great cd!

[nealkang]

If you don't think this man is the best all around guitar player ever, move to somewhere in outer space. You may not have human senses after all!

[moodypammy]

So, they are divorced. Yeah I know, but they have beautiful children together like he has with other previous wives. And besides she herself was very warm and wonderful to me the few times I had the opportunity to talk to her.

[nealkang]

Well, I don't know if there is any guitarist out there who could outplay this guy. Neal Schon is Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix all in one! I think the only other guy who comes even close to him would be Joe Satriani, who also has a voice-like tone.

[q2w3bn876]

Try typing in "Santana BLues for Salvador" and watch a true master of tone and emotion that once and for all proves that you don't have to be a guitar shredder with 1000 notes per minute to convey emotion and true feeling when playing guitar - quite the contrary. Phrasing is everything and Carlos puts more emotion and feel into every note than most guitar players and makes the guitar sing and weep and by God he doen't need a Fernandez sustauner nor any other fancy tech pedals to get the notes.

[n2motocross]

Have any of you ever considered that Neal is getting into the song emotionally, If you listen to how much Neal loves his country as a patriot should, you might think differently.

[ricorreze]

Lukather is there too.

[ricorreze]

F*cking extra-terrestrial. The man is light-years ahead of any guitarist _ever_ in terms of tone, emotion and technique. Jeff Beck is at this level, but I suspect he is an alien as well.

[q2w3bn876]

Uhhhh, think you forgot Joe Satriani and Steve Vai - they outperform Neal any day and have more refined technique than Neal Schon, who is a great guitar player, but not in the same league as Satch and Vai. As for emotion there is not much emotion in this clip - but a lot of shredding. If you want to talk emotion in every note look a Neal's old mate, Carlos Santana - he may not be able to shred and play lightning fast. But he will outperform Neal any day one shere tone and feel.

[ricorreze]

Satch and Vai emote more beautifully than Neal? I do not agree AT ALL. Enjoy your universe.

[matt84756328569]

agreed! neal i the best, again, BEST soulfull guitarist ever. i had the pleasure of meeting him in 2005 at the monsters of rock concert :) i have the t-shirt he signed on my bedroom wall lol neal schon and journey forever!

[fishinmagician89]

you put emotion, vai, and satch in the same sentence? impossible

[q2w3bn876]

Yes, I dare put emotion in the same sentence as vai and satch because there is not much emotion Neal's performance here but a hell of a lot of shredding. There are so many shredders out there who can play 1000 notes a minute but where is the emotion. Steve and Joe could easily match this performance no sweat.Just type in G# Denver and see Steve do an emotional guitar solo on a triple guitar. Neal was good in the Santana days when he didnt shred but played with emotion just like Carlos still does

[fishinmagician89]

I did and his tone was terrible.

[nealkang]

Hey q2w3bn876: It's obvious you and I are "wired" differently. I honestly don't get emotionally moved by Steve Vai's guitar sound. Yes, he's fast, nimble, innovative and all that, but he doesn't move or touch me nearly as much as Neal Schon does. Well, you don't seem to have that much respect for Schon and that's your prerogative, but I'm definitely positive that YOUR boys - Satch and Vai - have much more respect for Schon than you. In fact, they're supposed to be very good friends.

[drfunk444]

If your looking for emotion, try Gary Moore

[deltaechoromeo515]

EPIC!!!

[1higherground]

If it was supposed to be an exact version it would have been pretty boring now wouldn't it. You go NEAL! There are those that will never understand! Just like the "HD's" you hear in the background revving. If WE have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand!

[kevinashadi]

NEAL SCHON! THE BEST

[AndyMcDandy]

Beautiful feedback on this one....beautiful.

[n2motocross]

Also, NEAL PLAYED AT WOODSTOCK!! when he was with Santana and only 16 years old!!

[n2motocross]

I agree with jspartacus on the fact that Hendrixs' damn cool playing of the Star Spangled Banner was definitely Beautiful for the times he was in. But I have to disagree with the statement Neal "Butchered" the song. C'mon man, THAT GUITAR SINGS!!!!!!

[jspartacus]

I don't think Neal Schon does this song justice. He showboats too much. Go watch 'The Simpsons' episode with Bleeding Gums Murphy's overbaked version. Schon's version is just as awful. Neal's one of my favorite, if not my all-time favorite player, but he just ruins this song. He approached the Welsh national anthem with far more respect; THAT one is cool.

[saugusg16]

Are you for real ispartacus?? You do not have an ear at all. This is a great solo even with the showboating, he makes that guitar sing, I go by my gut and this version kicks! If you can find a better version (besides Hendrix) than this one, that please post the link.

[jspartacus]

This is just showboating. Go by your gut, fool. Look up Eric Johnson's version, which is pretty much perfect. Blows this one out of the water.

[saugusg16]

I don't think so... Neal Schon's is much better. Neal's playing has more balls

[jspartacus]

Whatever. You are obviously such a poser, you can't tell showboating from real playing. When you grow up and figure out what real playing is, maybe you'll shut your worthless yap and listen instead of talking crap.

[saugusg16]

What???? Your opinion means shit!! Compared to the other positive opinions here, you're's is just drop in the bucket. You shut your worthless yap! Neal is all heart and soul and to me that says alot more, than playing scales and arppegios all day. Since you are not that much of fan of Neal's, go back where you came from listen to Yngwie.

[jspartacus]

Whatever, you worthless turd. You obviously are too immature to tell the difference between someone who is showboating and someone who is doing a sincere version of the National Anthem. It's your opinion that's crap, and totally worthless. Grow up, you pathetic loser. Go listen to some REAL music for a change. You are too easily impressed by showboating, obviously.

[deltaechoromeo515]

You wanna talk about showboating? How many times does Eric have to chance effects and shit? He looks like he's just out there to perform, not to honor a country.....not to mention the total lack of flow in his version. People LOOK bored as he's playing it. If nothing else, Neal Schon keeps this song moving and does it with nothing but respect.

[saugusg16]

Exactly right deltaechoromeo515, this is all heart... I think ispartacus is the one who can't tell the difference here... I believe he's confused.

[jspartacus]

You're both immature idiots. Neither of you can tell the difference between a sincere, honest performance, and someone who is just SHOWBOATING. But that just goes to show how shallow and inexperienced both of you are.

[deltaechoromeo515]

Again I ask you to explain what makes you think he's showboating?

[deltaechoromeo515]

Watch this performed live some time ispartacus! I saw this live TWICE and I can tell you there is no showboating about it. Neal is not jumping around the stage and making ridiculous facial expressions. He's not trying to draw attention to his playing or anything like that.....he's playing the national anthem straight from his heart and letting his guitar sing the lyrics for us.

[jspartacus]

He's showboating, and if you can't tell the difference between playing from the heart and showboating, you don't deserve to post here. 'Nuff said.

[deltaechoromeo515]

Then why do I see you continuing to post? Explain to me what it is that makes it showboating compared to EJ's vid?

[TAZ8593]

too bad my guitar doesn't have a sustainer or i would play it just like him

I got another new favorite guitarist

[n2motocross]

The most Beautiful of all Star Spangled Banner guitar solos!!

[saleens3514me]

WOW

[moodypammy]

He will always be The God of all guitar players. You rock Neal and my dedication and support for you will never die. I am so proud to see your son Miles following in your footsteps!!! Thanks also for all the many memories since 1980 when we first met. It always means a lot to me that you take the time to talk to me. Love to Amber and the rest of the family. Merry Christmas.ROCK ON!!!!! Luv Ya Always.

[cjshoey]

Just an FYI...Amber and Neal have been divorced for some time:)

[n2motocross]

Neal Schon is so damn great!!! Been seeing him ever since the early 80's. Beautiful live sounding guitar!!! Neal Schon signature Les Paul w/Fernandes sustainer system in this vid

[Enographer]

I like Eric Johnson's version a lot better: A lot less histrionics and Eric actually adds his own chording/accompaniment with nice bass movements and resolve. More musical, IMHO.

[jspartacus]

I agree. Schon has his moments and I love his playing, but he butcherd this song. He's using too many cliched whammy dips that EVH did 30 years ago, and those stupid slides into notes just sound ridiculous. It's as bad and overblown as "Bleeding Gums" Murphy's version on "The Simpsons". He did a much better version of the Welsh National Anthem.

[n2motocross]

Yeah, I can certainly understand that! Eric Johnson is my #1 player for sure. Been seeing Eric evry year in concert since 1988. Although, i like Neals version better, This is the ONLY!! time Neal would edge out Eric in playing!

[cadle11]

Great Anthem.. I though Neil`s God Save The Queen on their last tour of the U.K was better...

[jimirules01]

does anyone know if there is a tab for this?

[piratebri]

Started off good but turned to crap at 1:10.  Too much showboating in the Star Spangled Banner can abruptly ruin it. Keep it true, and emphasize the key points of the piece.

[jspartacus]

Hell yeah. Don't showboat. Hendrix didn't showboat, he threw in all the bombs and machine guns and agonizing cries to protest the ugliness of the Vietnam war. The ugliness made it beautiful.

[jimirules01]

i went to the journey/def leppard concert in 2006 and when he started playin this i couldnt believe how awesome it sounded and its one of the best versions of this song i have ever heard

[saugusg16]

Solo was from the Sturgis Biker rally/show back in Aug or Sept of 05 hosted by Dee Snider. Of course Journey was the best band there.

[dandan321]

Amazing. Best version I say!

[HBK026]

who the fuck are those preppy ass girls!!!

[7upyoursstang]

I seen him play this live at dte music theatre and this guys fucking incredible. Journey opened for Def leppard HA!! Journey stole the show and neal blows phil away on guitar!!!

[AxerJk]

This version gives me the chills when I hear it, something that the Hendrix version never did for me. I also love the different chords that are played in the background, absolutely gorgeous!

[zakkwylde34]

i was at this concert!!!!!!!... i remember this!!!.. finally some concert i went to.!

[laddieola101]

when was this??

[laddieola101]

when the hell is this?

[lilabevilaqua]

the best

[n2motocross]

The greatest Guitar National Anthem ever played!!! Rock on Neal!!

[joeyo321]

holy shit is that a floyd rose on his Les paul?!looks like shit but sounds like a dream haha/

awsome tone and player!

[GShellac]

queef

[link4959]

best guitaris ever

[Rimong]

Still going steady, lads! Just give us more.

[guitarpharm83]

just as smooth as ever

[americanguru]

this is a heart tweeker regardless of his guitar wizardy.

[DSBBJ727]

Neil Schon is still a beast