After the shows opening act (more on them later), Joe and Steve came out accompanied by their aforementioned super sidemen, kicking off the show their recent single release "Dancing."
Sticking with their latest material, the next song was another single "I Wanna Play My Guitar." Co-written by Joe, Steve and legendary vocalist Glenn Hughes (who sings on the studio version) the initial lyrical idea was Joe's. Bassist/Vocalist Marco Mendoza steps up to handle the singing here on the tour.
Choosing one more original composition specifically written for this historic Satch/Vai collaboration, "The Sea of Emotion, Pt.1" rounds out the opening 3-song arc. Inspired by a field outside their mutually attended high school they called this song's title, this heavy chord progression includes sequences they used to jam over when they worked on guitar lessons together.
The next two songs were Steve compositions from his 2022 studio album "Inviolate." First up was "Zeus in Chains" which was released as a single at the beginning of that year.
That made way for the next Inviolate song, the fusion-funk track "Little Pretty."
Choosing to play this one on a Gretsch hollowbody guitar instead of his signature Ibanez solid-body model, this sound complimented his complex shifting chord changes.
Shifting over to Joe's catalogue, a four song set of his beloved classics got under way.
Playing the title track to his third album, "Flying in a Blue Dream" had Joe out front and solo, with Steve and rhythm guitarist Pete Thorn laying down support. Like most of Joe's songs, it's a gorgeous blend of blues, jazz phrasing and soaring melodies.
The signature and album title song from Joe's 1987 breakthrough album "Surfing with the Alien" is everything you could want from this brilliant musician. Chugging rock rhythms, pitch bended accent notes and high-speed shredding all over the fretboard.
Jumping way ahead to Joe's 2022 19th studio album "The Elephants of Mars," it's cinematic, Middle-Eastern influenced opening track "Sahara" was given the full live show treatment. Steve comes back into the spotlight to play intertwined melodic lines together, with the projected visuals behind once again coming from son ZZ's video of the song.
Alternating the set once more, a two song Steve arc was up next.
Going back to his 1995 EP "Alien Love Secrets," Steve presented his emotional ballad "Tender Surrender." Against a backdrop featuring his "V A Eye" graphic symbol, this image serves to depict his spiritual journey of inner enlightenment, and higher consciousness.
Reaching the most "showy" portion of the night, Steve stood in front of what looked like a magicians table with a heavy tarp over it. Slowly the covering was lifted off, revealing a massive multi-guitar structure. It was The Hydra - a custom-built triple-neck guitar on a stand. Built in collaboration with Ibanez, the instrument features a 12-string neck, 7-string neck, 4-string fretless bass and a 13 harp strings. Vai plays this composition titled "Teeth of the Hydra" by rapidly switching between the instruments. He taps the 7-string fretboard, alternates open A-strings on the bass and 12-string necks, and frequently flicks the built-in harp strings for eerie, synth-like dissonances. The track is another from his tenth studio album, 2022's Inviolate.
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First up was one of his most famous pieces, the high-energy rocker "Satch Boogie." The fifth track from his breakthrough album "Surfing with the Alien" is quick paced rocker that blends blues with virtuoso guitar techniques, highlighted by his signature two-handed tapping.
That was followed by the much-beloved, somewhat controversial "If I Could Fly." One of Joe's most beautiful melodies, the track first appeared on his 2004 album, "Is There Love in Space?" The melody is distinctive as he makes his guitar sing like a vocal line. The "controversy" comes Joe having to sue song-thieves Coldplay, who blatantly ripped off this song for their massive hit "Via La Vida." Knowing they were going to lose in a big way legally, they settled with Joe out of court, and he surely got a huge payday. This song lives on as one of Joe's most uplifting and haunting pieces.
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Reaching the penultimate moment of the show, it was back to Steve for arguably his greatest piece ever.
The one so many of us were waiting for, he did not disappoint with his Passion and Warfare masterpiece "For the Love of God." Written in 1990 during a 10 day fast, producing an altered state of consciousness and vision quest in search of spiritual connection. Having been on repeat for this writers life over the past 30 years, it holds a special place in the annals of lived history. The contrast of high-speed playing over a slower moving progression accentuates the sheer brilliance of ascending tremolo notes and descending legato runs.
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The final (pre encore) song of the night went back to Joe, with his romantic ballad "Always With Me, Always With You."
Steve soon comes back into the spotlight and the two of them play brilliant tandem and complimentary lines on this 1987 "Surfing with the Alien" classic. Featuring uplifting vocal-like melodies, it's the delicate arpeggiated phrasing that truly stands out. The beautiful sweeping chord progression and song title make it perfect for a wedding song.
Returning for the expected encore, first up was Joe's wildly popular "Crowd Chant" from his 2006 album's "Super Colossal" and then later that year on "Satriani Live!"
It's a super fun back-and-forth participation call-and-response with the audience, where Joe plays a lick and then the crowd is encouraged to sing it back to him (which everyone does enthusiastically). The track has also been featured prominently for some time during the NHL's Long Island team The New York Islanders promotions. Anyone who listens to their games on the radio has heard this open a seasons worth of broadcasts. A fitting tribute for a hometown hero.
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The final performance of the night was a cover of the Mars Bonfire written Steppenwolf hit "Born To Be Wild."
Along with Joe and Steve taking the tandem guitar spotlight on this closer, bassist Marco stepped up to take the lead vocals once again. Also spotted was Steve stepping up to the mic and singing hearty background vocals on the chorus. A perfect ending to an amazing concert experience!
Opening the show and appearing on all 40 dates of this tour was the heavy math-rock instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders.
Challenging the listener with their complex structures and ferocious attack, this highly-skilled musical trio consists of guitarists Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes and drummer Matt Garstka.
Along with the percussive low rumble pummel and fluid guitar shredding, the bands unique light show featured spinning circles that projected colored lights all around the arena.
At times what they were playing moved over toward a more prog-rock style. The above clip shows them sounding a bit like English progressive pioneers Yes at their most frantic. Like the manic speed-driven into to "Close To The Edge" and Steve Howe's tonal quality and fluid notes.
So many styles combined within just one piece. Sophisticated jazz with funky moments anchored by thundering drums.
The Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk in general is a great place to see a show.
There's tons of great restaurants to choose from, making for a pleasing dining experience before you head over to the concert hall.
Happy concert goers having a meal before the event.
Find more info on each of these artists at their websites:
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Accompanied by an official video release, check all that out here.
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