Joe Satriani & Steve Vai US Co-Headline Tour Puts Indianapolis Into Orbit

April 21, 2024 will forever be remembered as an unparalleled night for live music in Indianapolis.  Instrumental rock guitar gods, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani descended upon the Murat Theatre,Old National Center for one legendary and electrifying night.  Steve Vai, like many others, began his guitar journey by taking lessons from Joe Satriani.  Over 50 years later, Steve and Joe joined forces for their first ever duo-bill.  For two and a half hours, Steve and Joe unleashed impeccable sonic melodies to an engaged crowd, not ready to fathom what the night had in store.

Steve Vai took the stage first.  As the lights went down, the famous Vai logo appeared on the giant screen while the opening notes to 'Avalancha' reverberated throughout Indianapolis’ most famous concert hall.  The setlist included several songs from his 2022 album 'Inviolate', but also included favorites 'For the Love of God' and 'Tender Surrender'.  The crowd was in awe when Steve brought out his famous Hydra guitar and perfected every note of the 'Teeth of the Hydra'.

Showcasing incredible speed, legato, and whammy bar tricks, it is no wonder artists such as David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Spinal Tap, Alice Cooper, Motorhead, and Polyphia, have asked Steve to record or tour with them.  Vai’s influence is wide-reaching and even inspired Nita Strauss to find her love for guitar as a teenager when she watched 'Crossroads' where Steve Vai was cast as the Devil’s guitar player, Jack Butler.  

Next up, Joe Satriani launched into 'The Extremist' with a fresh assault of screaming solos and musical euphoria.  Joe’s setlist included songs from his 2022 album, 'The Elephants of Mars' and his 2020 album, 'Shapeshifting'.  The crowd, dancing in the aisles, became enchanted during favorites such as 'Surfing With the Alien', 'Satch Boogie', and 'Flying in a Blue Dream'.  Personally, I was in awe with the opportunity to watch the guitar virtuoso who taught many famous musicians, such as  Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Alex Skolnick of Testament, Kevin Cadogan of Third Eye Blind, Larry LaLonde of Primus, how to play guitar.  I couldn’t help thinking about where instrumental rock would be if not for Joe Satriani.

If the night wasn’t already incredible enough, Steve Vai rejoined the stage at the end of Joe’s set for a jam session.  The fans were on their feet and in disbelief as the dynamic duo ripped into 'The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1'.  This is the first single written by the pair and was just released on March 29, 2024.  One can only hope this is the beginning of their collaborations.  The jam session was rounded out by jaw-dropping renditions of 'You Really Got Me' by the Kinks and 'Enter Sandman' by Metallica.  With energy levels of epic portions and synchronicity to the likes never seen before, it’s hard to imagine another duo-bill tour isn’t already in the planning stages. If you haven’t yet, please find a video of the jam session online.  You’re welcome.