Crossroads creator talks potential reboot, guitar duel
John Fusco wrote the 1986 film, Crossroads, which tells the coming of age story of a young musician (Ralph Macchio) who travels the Mississippi Delta chasing a lost song written by blues legend Robert Johnson. Over the years, the film has become a cult classic with musicians.
The film is known for its epic guitar duel between Jack Butler (Steve Vai) and Lightning Boy (Ralph Macchio). When asked who could be recast in a potential reboot on the Blues Rock Show, Fusco mentioned Gary Clark Jr. and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. “Get Kingfish on the road. I think that would be the right twist on it,” said Fusco.
Fusco also revealed which famous musicians were up for the role of Jack Butler played by Stevie Vai. “When we were casting the role of Jack Butler, Ry (Cooder) had called me and he said, OK, so the script has gone out, we got it out to different guitar players and here’s who wants to do the role, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Johnny Winter, and Frank Zappa,” said Fusco. “Those were the guys that were on the short list and then he said, Steve Vai. Ry wisely pushed for Steve and he said because Steve, he’s killer, he’s a shredder, and he’s got a diabolical quality.”
