Stevie Ray Vaughan Once Revealed His Near-Death Experience with a Venomous Snake in His Home
via Dektopika / YouTube
Eric Clapton once said, “There was no one better than him on this planet.” Stevie Ray Vaughan’s talent was so extraordinary that he stood out even among other guitar heroes. His playing had a unique ease and confidence that felt natural. Every note carried a charm that was hard to ignore.
Vaughan started playing guitar in local bands at just 12, but his quiet self-assurance was evident from the beginning. He didn’t need years to build confidence; it was already there. Learning from legends like Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix, Vaughan developed his own style that blended power and precision, setting him apart from the start.
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Rising Star of the 1980s
By the 1980s, Vaughan’s skill caught the attention of some of the biggest names in music. One of them was David Bowie, who saw Stevie’s performance at the Montreaux Jazz Festival and chose him to contribute to his 1983 album Let’s Dance. Vaughan had a way of combining traditional blues roots with modern rock elements that struck a chord with both audiences and other guitarists.
Even Clapton admired him. “The worst thing for me was that Stevie Ray had been sober for three years and was at his peak,” he once shared. Vaughan’s ability to play with passion, precision, and authenticity earned him the admiration of peers and fans alike.
An Unforgettable Encounter
Despite his larger-than-life talent, Vaughan was known for his down-to-earth personality. He often shared amusing or unbelievable stories during interviews that added to his charm. One such story involved a shocking incident with a venomous snake in his home—a near-death experience he once shared during a conversation.
“I was reaching for a piece of paper, not a snake,” Vaughan explained, recalling the moment with surprising candidness. He added, “At least,” when an interviewer suggested the snake was five-and-a-half feet long. The copperhead rattler—the species he encountered—is known for its dangerous venom and fierce nature.
Watch interview below:
A Battle That Left Its Mark
The encounter didn’t end quickly. “We shot him at least four times with a .357 Magnum,” Vaughan revealed. But the snake wasn’t done. “He got mad. He stood up, [hissed], then split and went back under my house,” he said, painting a vivid picture of the frightening ordeal.
It’s hard to say how accurate or exaggerated Vaughan’s story may be, but his unique ability to tell it with flair made it memorable. Like his guitar playing, his storytelling contained layers of detail, a touch of danger, and genuine authenticity.
