Steve Farris is best known as the lead guitarist who brought a distinctive blend of jazz sensibility and new wave energy to Mr. Mister, a band that soared to the top of the charts in the 1980s. However, his guitar journey extends far beyond the hits of “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie.” From laying down a blistering solo on Kiss’s “Creatures of the Night” to touring with Whitesnake and exploring diverse musical landscapes, Farris has carved out a unique and respected place in guitar history. This exploration of Steve Farris’s guitar work reveals the depth and versatility of a musician who seamlessly merged genres and left an indelible mark on the sound of an era.
Farris’s musical foundation wasn’t rooted in the hard rock scene one might expect given his later associations. Growing up in the Midwest, his early guitar influences were surprisingly diverse, starting with the spark ignited by none other than The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. He recalls the “magical” energy and the immediate pull to be part of that world. However, it was jazz that truly shaped his technical approach to the guitar.
“I grew up listening to jazz to a degree, because my dad was a drummer and he was into that stuff,” Farris explained. This early exposure led him to delve into jazz guitar studies, a path quite different from many of his rock contemporaries. He sought formal training from jazz instructor Curtis Robinson, a challenging experience that pushed him to master fundamentals like major scales, a stark contrast to his earlier blues and rock leanings. This dedication to jazz culminated in his enrollment at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, solidifying his commitment to the instrument and a sophisticated understanding of music theory. He even had the opportunity to learn from the legendary jazz guitarist Joe Pass during a summer in Los Angeles, a pivotal moment in his development. Pass, known for his incredible solo guitar work, imparted invaluable lessons on rhythm, soloing techniques, and maintaining composure, all for a modest $25 fee. This jazz education is crucial to understanding the nuances of Steve Farris’s guitar playing, setting him apart in a rock-dominated landscape.
Posed studio group portrait of Mister Mister L-R Steve Farris, Richard Page, Pat Mastelotto and Steve George
Mr. Mister in 1987 (L-R): Steve Farris, Richard Page, Pat Mastelotto and Steve George (Image credit: Ebet Roberts/Getty Images)
Before Mr. Mister’s chart-topping success, a significant chapter in Steve Farris’s guitar journey unfolded with Kiss. Auditioning for the iconic band while they were recording Creatures of the Night, Farris walked into a high-pressure situation and delivered a performance that stunned Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. He recounted, “I didn’t say much; I just went in and fucking played.” Armed with his Fender Stratocaster and plugged into a Marshall amp, he was asked to solo on the bridge of the title track. What followed was a first take so powerful that it made the final cut of the album. “That take is what you hear on the record. No second take – that was it. From top to bottom, I blew it away.” His solo on “Creatures of the Night” is a testament to his raw talent and ability to inject a heavy, almost metal edge into his playing, a departure from his jazz roots yet showcasing his adaptability. Although he didn’t join Kiss permanently due to vocal requirements, this experience solidified his reputation as a guitarist capable of delivering under pressure and contributing memorable guitar work to a major project.
The formation of Mr. Mister marked the true emergence of Steve Farris’s signature guitar sound. Moving away from the heavier vibe of Kiss, Mr. Mister leaned into a new wave and pop-rock sound, but Farris’s guitar work remained a defining element. He aimed for musicality and distinctiveness, consciously crafting guitar parts that were “very musical and different.” Even though Mr. Mister wasn’t categorized as a heavy band, Farris points out, “man, we had some heavy moments if you go back and listen.” His guitar playing provided depth and texture to their music, often injecting surprising moments of intensity within their polished pop sound. Tracks like “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie,” while known for their melodic vocals and songwriting, also feature Farris’s thoughtfully constructed guitar solos. These weren’t about shredding for shredding’s sake; instead, they were melodic journeys, reflecting his jazz-influenced approach to soloing, prioritizing phrasing, and musicality over sheer speed.
While the 1980s guitar scene was often dominated by shred guitar and virtuosity, Steve Farris carved his own path. He acknowledged and respected the technical prowess of shredders like Eddie Van Halen and Warren DeMartini, but his own guitar style remained distinct. “My versatility gave me a lot of depth,” he stated, emphasizing his ability to draw from his jazz background and infuse it into different genres. This versatility allowed him to create “colorful, interesting solos that take you on a ride and keep the surprises coming,” as he described his approach. He prioritized crafting solos that served the song, adding layers of interest and emotional depth rather than simply showcasing technical speed. This approach resonated with Mr. Mister’s audience and contributed significantly to the band’s unique sonic identity.
Beyond Mr. Mister, Steve Farris continued to explore diverse musical avenues. He engaged in session work, lending his guitar skills to various projects, and even toured with Whitesnake in 1997. This stint with Whitesnake demonstrated his ability to adapt to a more blues-rock oriented style, further highlighting his versatility as a guitarist. Despite stepping back from professional music to pursue other passions like wetland restoration, Farris still plays guitar regularly, and even reunited with Mr. Mister for a private performance in 2023. This reunion sparked interest in a potential larger comeback, leaving the door open for future musical endeavors.
Steve Farris’s legacy as a guitarist rests not just on his hit records with Mr. Mister or his brief stint with Kiss, but on his distinctive approach to the instrument. His jazz-infused sensibility, combined with his rock and new wave experiences, created a unique guitar voice that stands out. He prioritized musicality, melody, and serving the song, demonstrating that technicality and speed aren’t the only measures of guitar excellence. For guitar players and music fans alike, Steve Farris represents a compelling example of how diverse influences and a commitment to musicality can lead to a truly individual and impactful guitar style.
