Whether it’s with Santana, Journey or his own solo material, Neal Schon has spent over 50 years delivering some of the most melodic guitar playing on planet Earth - and it’s fair to say he’s amassed a fair few famous friends along the way, many of whom have lined up to wish the guitarist a very happy birthday.
But you’ve never seen a birthday message quite like this one. To celebrate his 66th (which takes place on February 27), some of the very biggest names in guitar - and music in general - have banded together to send their best wishes to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, including the likes of Slash, Rick Nielsen, Steve Vai, and even Dolly Parton.
- Video credit: Dean ONeal
Particular six-string highlights include a funky performance from John McLaughlin; KISS’s Paul Stanley revealing what he loves about Schon’s playing; Joe Satriani playing a very Joe Satriani take on happy birthday; and Chris Jericho, who generously donates a song he believes will be bigger than Don’t Stop Believin’ (good luck with that).
The full list of birthday well-wishers includes:
- Michaele Schon
- Mario Andretti
- John McLaughlin
- Steve Miller
- Paul Stanley
- Slash
- Chris Jericho
- Rick Nielsen
- Steve Vai
- Joe Satriani
- Tony Stewart
- Narada Michael Walden
- Dolly Parton
Genuinely heart-warming. As Michaele Schon puts it, “My husband Neal is my heart, and all his friends who love him so much respond with genuine joy and love of Neal!”