Having been fortunate to grow up during the ‘Guitar Age’ the names Satriani and Vai hold a special place in my heart. Vai’s Flexible album and Satriani’s Surfing with the Alien were my introductions to their epic skills. Since then I’ve seen both of them multiple times and own most of their catalogs.
However, myself and all included at the concert in May of 2024 in Houston had never seen these two tour together. Seems strange given not only their history in the genre but the fact they both grew up in Long Island and Satriani was Vai’s guitar teacher. This was a treat for all included.
Each band played a set with Vai starting the show. Vai focused his condensed set on his latest Inviolate (2022) recording launching the slamming “Avalancha” as his opener. “Little Pretty” followed which is a slinky tune that displays Vai’s and his bands more funky side. He ended the set with a three-headed monster in “Zeus in Chains,” “Teeth of the Hydra” and his most well know song “For the Love of God.” The Hydra song featured Vai’s latest invention and instrument possessing multiple necks and string combinations hence the namesake. His set was brilliant and well paced.
Satriani followed with a more straight ahead rock approach. He’s got a great band like Vai and a sledgehammer behind the drumkit in Kenny Aranoff. They drove through songs like “Surfing with the Alien,” “Satch Boogie” and the beautiful “Always with Me, Always with You.” Other highlights included “Summer Song” and “Ice 9.” To conclude the night both guitarists got on stage and blazed through “You Really Got Me” and “Enter Sandman.” Personally I would have preferred different covers such as something by Jeff Beck or Deep Purple but overall with both soloing it was cool to see the collaboration. The night was a guitar lover’s dream come true and I hope they do this again in the future.
