Up Next

Album: Chickenfoot III (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Guitarist Joe Satriani told MusicRadar.com: "The song starts innocently, tied to where I wanted to see the record headed - very riff-heavy and bluesy, with lots of open spaces where Sam (Hagar) could tell a story. Of course, I had no idea what the story might be - that would come later. Chad (Smith, drums) and Mike (Anthony, bass) really took the riff and propelled it."
  • Satriani has recorded a series of mainly instrumental albums under his own name, which showcase his guitarist skills. However he had to adjust to writing more accessible material for Chickenfoot. He told MusicRadar: "This is another song where the chorus is just barre chords, and I thought somebody might say to me, 'Hey Joe, isn't that a little simple?' You know - 'Where's that fancy stuff you do on your solo records?' But again, it's what worked."
  • Satriani told MusicRadar: "For the solo, though, I went the other way, from the Ramones and White Stripes to something totally crazy, which somehow fit the mood of the song. On the whole album, I used the prototype for my signature JVM410 Marshall amp. All we had to do was change channels and modes on the amp, and we got everything we wanted."
  • Lyrically the song tackles mortality, inspired by the death of one of the band's managers, Carter, during the recording of the album. Hagar admitted to Billboard magazine he had to work hard on the words for Chickenfoot III, such was the quality of the music. Said the singer: "We got to know each other on the first album (in 2009) and then touring for it. Joe and I got to know each other as writers. I struggle my ass off on the lyrics, 'cause the music is so good. I can't just start talking about girls and cars, y'know? So I wrote 'Up Next' five different times. I wrote 'Different Devil' five different times...and once everything was done I could look at it and go, 'F--k, this is good.'"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.