Satchvai Band
Tour

Joe Satriani: The Alien Guitar God

Joe Satriani is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. Born in Westbury, New York, in 1956, he began playing guitar at 14 after being inspired by Jimi Hendrix. He went on to teach guitar to future stars including Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Larry LaLonde of Primus, and jazz fusion guitarist Charlie Hunter.

Satriani's solo career launched with the 1986 EP Not of This Earth, but it was 1987's Surfing with the Alien that made him a household name among guitar enthusiasts. The album went platinum and established the template for instrumental rock albums to follow. He has since released 19 studio albums, including 2022's The Elephants of Mars, earning 15 Grammy nominations along the way.

In 1996, Satriani founded the G3 Tour, an annual guitar extravaganza featuring rotating lineups of virtuoso players. The original 1996 lineup—Satriani, Vai, and Eric Johnson—reunited in 2024 for a celebrated run that spawned the live album G3 Reunion Live. Beyond G3, Satriani co-founded the supergroup Chickenfoot with Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Chad Smith, achieving gold and platinum certifications.

Steve Vai: The Virtuoso's Virtuoso

Steve Vai has spent over 45 years pushing the boundaries of what's possible on guitar. Born in 1960 in Carle Place, New York, he began studying with Satriani as a teenager before attending Berklee College of Music. His career launched when he was hired by Frank Zappa at age 18 to transcribe Zappa's complex compositions—earning him the nickname "Little Italian Virtuoso."

Vai's solo debut, Flex-Able (1984), showcased his technical wizardry and compositional ambition. His 1990 album Passion and Warfare is considered a landmark of instrumental rock, featuring the iconic track "For the Love of God." He has released 11 studio albums, sold over 15 million records, and won three Grammy Awards. Visit vai.com for his official site.

Beyond his solo work, Vai gained mainstream recognition as lead guitarist for David Lee Roth (1985-1989) and Whitesnake (1989-1990). His work on Roth's Eat 'Em and Smile and Whitesnake's Slip of the Tongue introduced his pyrotechnic style to millions. He also formed the supergroup Generation Axe with Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt, and Tosin Abasi.

Animals As Leaders: The Next Generation

Animals As Leaders joins the tour as special guests on most dates, adding a progressive metal dimension to the evening. Founded by guitarist Tosin Abasi in 2007, the instrumental trio blends djent, jazz fusion, and electronic elements into a technically demanding style that has earned them a devoted following. Their presence on the bill creates a multi-generational guitar showcase spanning decades of innovation.

The SatchVai Band Lineup

The SatchVai Band features an all-star rhythm section handpicked by Satriani and Vai:

• Joe Satriani – Guitar
• Steve Vai – Guitar
• Kenny Aronoff – Drums (John Mellencamp, John Fogerty)
• Marco Mendoza – Bass (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy)
• Pete Thorn – Guitar (Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cornell)

What to Expect at a SatchVai Band Concert

Based on their 2024 tour, fans can expect separate sets from each guitarist followed by collaborative jams. Vai typically opens the evening, showcasing tracks from across his catalog and unveiling The Hydra for his signature multi-instrument performance. Satriani follows with hits spanning his 40-year career. The night concludes with both legends sharing the stage for extended jams—including a show-stopping cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" featuring dueling solos.

VIP packages are available at select shows, offering premium seating, early entry, an intimate pre-show Q&A with both guitarists, exclusive group photos, signed posters, and commemorative merchandise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SatchVai Band?

The SatchVai Band is a supergroup formed by guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai in 2024. After nearly 50 years of friendship—beginning when Vai studied guitar under Satriani as a teenager—the two virtuosos officially joined forces as co-equal bandmates. The band features an all-star rhythm section including drummer Kenny Aronoff and bassist Marco Mendoza.

What does "Surfing with the Hydra" mean?

The tour title "Surfing with the Hydra" references two iconic elements: Joe Satriani's breakthrough 1987 album Surfing with the Alien and Steve Vai's legendary multi-neck instrument called The Hydra. The Hydra is a custom-built creation featuring a 6-string guitar, 7-string guitar, 4-string bass, and harp all combined into one massive instrument.

Who is opening for the SatchVai Band?

Animals As Leaders serves as special guest on most dates of the Surfing with the Hydra 2026 tour. The progressive metal trio, led by guitarist Tosin Abasi, adds a next-generation dimension to the guitar showcase. Some dates may have different or no opening acts—check individual event listings for details.

Did Steve Vai study guitar with Joe Satriani?

Yes, Steve Vai began taking guitar lessons from Joe Satriani in Long Island, New York, when Vai was a teenager in the late 1970s. This student-teacher relationship evolved into a lifelong friendship and mutual artistic respect. The SatchVai Band represents their first official collaboration as equal bandmates after decades of parallel careers.

How many Grammy nominations does Joe Satriani have?

Joe Satriani has received 15 Grammy nominations throughout his career, though he has not yet won. His nominations span categories including Best Rock Instrumental Performance and Best Pop Instrumental Album. He has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and released 19 studio albums.

How many Grammy Awards has Steve Vai won?

Steve Vai has won three Grammy Awards during his career. He has also sold over 15 million records worldwide and released 11 studio albums. His work spans solo recordings, collaborations with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, and various supergroup projects.

What songs will the SatchVai Band play?

While setlists vary, fans can expect to hear signature tracks from both artists. Satriani classics like "Surfing with the Alien," "Summer Song," and "Always with Me, Always with You" typically feature alongside Vai favorites like "For the Love of God," "Tender Surrender," and "Teeth of the Hydra." The show concludes with collaborative jams including a legendary rendition of Metallica's "Enter Sandman."

What is G3 and how does it relate to SatchVai?

G3 is an annual guitar tour founded by Joe Satriani in 1996, featuring rotating lineups of virtuoso players. The original G3 lineup included Satriani, Vai, and Eric Johnson, who reunited in 2024. While G3 features three separate headliners with brief collaborative jams, the SatchVai Band is a true partnership where Satriani and Vai perform as co-equal bandmates throughout the show.

Who else is in the SatchVai Band?

The SatchVai Band features Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on guitars, backed by legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (known for his work with John Mellencamp and John Fogerty), bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy), and guitarist Pete Thorn (Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cornell).

Are VIP packages available for SatchVai Band shows?

Yes, VIP packages are available at select venues. The Joe Satriani and Steve Vai VIP Package typically includes premium reserved seating, early venue entry, an intimate pre-show Q&A with both guitarists, an exclusive group photo in front of the stage, a signed collectible tour poster, a commemorative ticket, and a VIP laminate with lanyard.

How long is a SatchVai Band concert?

A typical SatchVai Band concert runs approximately three hours including the Animals As Leaders opening set. The format generally includes separate sets from Vai and Satriani, followed by an extended collaborative finale. Fans describe the experience as "guitar heaven" and well worth the runtime.

What venues will the SatchVai Band play?

The Surfing with the Hydra tour visits 37 cities at prestigious venues including The Chicago Theatre, Beacon Theatre in New York, Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Fox Theater in Oakland, and many more. The tour spans from Seattle to Atlantic City with stops across the West Coast, Southwest, South, Midwest, and East Coast.

Have Satriani and Vai released music together?

Yes, the SatchVai Band has released original music including "The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1" and "I Wanna Play My Guitar" in 2024. A new single, "Dancing," is scheduled for release on March 2, 2026, just before the tour begins. The collaborative tracks showcase their complementary playing styles.

Are SatchVai Band tickets refundable?

Refund policies vary by seller and event. BigStub provides buyer protection on all purchases, and we recommend reviewing the specific terms for your order at checkout. If an event is canceled and not rescheduled, refunds are typically issued automatically.

What should I expect at a SatchVai Band concert?

SatchVai Band concerts are immersive guitar experiences featuring two of rock's greatest instrumentalists. Expect jaw-dropping technical virtuosity, emotional melodic passages, extended improvisational jams, and the unveiling of Steve Vai's legendary Hydra instrument. Fans who attended the 2024 tour describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guitar enthusiasts.