To summarise his work, Sony Music has come out with a two-CD anthology called The Electric Joe Satriani. Containing 28 songs culled from over the years, the previously unreleased track Slick and a tune called The Eight Steps which was released in select regions, the collection truly represents his talents. How did the idea of this anthology come about? I keep working on new material, and don't really believe in looking back. But the record label thought it was time for a slight wrap-up, and wanted to give me a surprise. When we sat down to select the songs, I realised that from 150 songs, we had to select 28 or so. So I had polls conducted in fan clubs. The songs Slick and The Eight Steps were originally created for the album Strange Beautiful Music. The former didn't find a place there, and the latter was used as a bonus track in some regions. Now that the anthology is out, I am awaiting the release of my next album Is There Love In Space', due next month. There are some interesting things I've done here. What are the challenges of being a solo guitarist, as against one who plays with a band? The challenges are more if you are young, as you have to work really hard to establish yourself and create your own identity. But since I?m an established artiste with a large catalogue, my challenge is different. I have to constantly compete with myself by writing better and playing better. How has your music evolved in all these years? I?m far more confident today. My songwriting, in particular, is better. Who have been your biggest guitar influences? That?s a long list. Jimi Hendrix, Alan Holdsworth, Brian May, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, so many of them.And among the younger guitarists, has anybody excited you in particular? Charlie Hunter. He?s a fabulous jazz guitarist. You?ve been active on the G3 tours, first with Steve Vai and Eric Johnson, and then with Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen. How do you change your approach while playing with other guitarists? In a three-guitarist format, you have to be very open-minded. You have to make compromises and give room for your fellow guitarists. That?s been a challenge in itself, and the concept has been hugely successful. You?ve also taught Vai and Metallica?s Kirk Hammett. What was that experience like? Fantastic. They were great students. Very gifted and quick to learn even the most complex passages. We had a lot of wonderful sessions together.You?ve toured with Mick Jagger in the late 80s and filled in with Deep Purple in 1994. Could you recollect those experiences? Also, why didn?t you accept Deep Purple?s invitation to be their permanent guitarist? Mick is a good friend and a great performer. Playing with him is something every guitarist wants. I?ve known the Deep Purple guys very closely, and fit very well into their scheme of things. Only three weeks ago I played with them at a San Francisco gig. When they invited me, I had already established myself as a solo artiste. And I wasn?t sure whether I could come in place of a great guitarist like Ritchie Blackmore.Any guitarists you?d like to collaborate with in particular? Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. That should be interesting.You were to visit India last year, but the tour got postponed. When do you plan to come now? We had planned to visit Japan, China, India and many other Asian countries. But with the outbreak of SARS, it became dangerous to travel. I am happy to know I have many fans in India, and I hope that something works out in the next 12 months.