steve vai

Born: June 6, 1960 in Long Island, NY

Vai was a pupil of Joe Satriani as a teenager and studied at The Berklee School of Music before moving to Los Angeles at age 19. He was a huge fan of Frank Zappa's and joined Zappa's band after proving that he knew most of the repertoire and could transcribe orchestral pieces by ear. Zappa credited him on albums as the "stunt guitarist." He released the self-produced Flex-Able in 1984, combining his Zappa and Satriani influences, and went on to play with Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake. Vai released his finest solo effort, the varied Passion and Warfare, in 1990. He then formed a backing group called VAI featuring vocalist Devin Townsend for Sex & Religion before recording the solo Alien Love Secrets; Fire Garden followed in 1996. Vai is considered to be one of rock's top instrumentalists.
 (-- Steve Huey)

Picture on the right sent by Craig Howell

 

October 20 until 24, 2010, the city of Groningen, NL, hosted the Steve Vai Festival.  The event was organised by the Noord Nederlands Orkest, the NTR-Radio6 and De Oosterpoort.

Early 2011, Steve Vai toured with the "Experience Hendrix" tour, performing one or two Hendrix songs at each concert.
June 2011, Steve launched his GuitarTV Channel website at www.guitartv.com


discography

30 frank zappa: tinseltown rebellion
   (1981, 2lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

31 frank zappa: shut up'n play yer guitar
   (1981, lp, usa, barking pumpkin)
32 frank zappa: shut up 'n play yer guitar some more
   (1981, lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

33 frank zappa: return of the son of shut up 'n play yer guitar
   (1981, lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

34 frank zappa: you are what you is
   (1981, 2lp, usa, barking pumpkin)
  frank zappa: shut up 'n play yer guitar - box set
    (1981, 3lp, eur, cbs)
35 frank zappa: ship arriving too late too save a drowning witch
   (1982, lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

36 frank zappa: the man from utopia
   (1983, lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

  1983 lisa popeil- lisa popeil (guitar, sitar)  
  lisa popeil: primo man / don't turn me off & on
    (1983, 7"-promo, usa, popeil records pl 701) - feat. steve vai		 lisapopeil_primoman7.jpg (25427 bytes)

40

 frank zappa: them or us
   (1984, 2lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

1

 steve vai: flex-able
    (1984, lp, usa, urantia records) - feat.bob & suzanne harris, chad wackerman, billy james

vai_flexable04.jpg (19479 bytes)

2

 steve vai: flex-able leftovers
    (1984, 10", usa, urantia records) - feat.tommy mars, bob & suzanne harris, chad wackerman		  

41

 frank zappa: thing-fish
   (1984, 3lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

44

 frank zappa: frank zappa meets the mothers of prevention
   (1985, lp, usa, barking pumpkin) – american version
   (1985, lp, eur, emi) – european version

  alcatrazz: disturbing the peace (3)
    (1985, lp, usa, capitol records) - feat.steve vai, most of the songs co-written by vai  

  alcatrazz: power live
    (1985, vid, jpn, shouchiku) - feat.steve vai  /  re-released as "disturbing the peace tour - live in japan 1984.10.10"

  1985 pil- album  
  heresy: at the door
    (1985, lp, usa, toll house records) - feat.steve vai

heresy_atthedoor.jpg (20303 bytes)
  bob harris: the great nostalgia  (1)
    (1986, lp, usa, mastahna records) - feat. various zappa alumni		  
 

1986 david lee roth- eat 'em & smile (guitar, horn arrangements)

 
  1986 david lee roth- sonrisa salvaje   

47

 frank zappa: jazz from hell
   (1986, lp, usa, barking pumpkin)

  1986 randy coven- funk me tender  
  1986 shankar/caroline- the epidemics  
  western vacation: western vacation
    (1987, lp, usa, akashik records) - feat.steve vai, tommy mars, bob & suzannah 'thana' harris, scott thunes

 

1987 dudes- soundtrack recording

 
  1987 frank zappa- the guitar world according to frank zappa  
  david lee roth: knucklebones
    (1988, cd5"-promo, usa, warner brothers pro-cd-2956) - feat. & co-produced by steve vai		  

50

 frank zappa: guitar
   (1988, 2cd, usa, ryko)

  1988 frank zappa- you can't do that on stage anymore (sampler)   
  1988 roth, david lee- skyscraper   
51 frank zappa: you can't do that on stage anymore vol.1
   (1988, 2cd, usa, ryko)

  whitesnake: slip of the tongue
    (1989, cd, usa, geffen 9 24249 2) - re-released with lots of bonus material in 2009

  1989 various artists- "guitar's practicing musicians"  
54 frank zappa: you can't do that on stage anymore vol.3
   (1989, 2cd, usa, ryko)

3

 steve vai: passion & warfare
    (1990, cd, uk, food for thought) - feat.bob harris 		 
  steve vai: i would love to / sisters
    (1990, 7", australia, cbs 656216 7)		  
  1990 rebecca- the best of dreams  
 

1991 alice cooper- hey stoopid

  
  1991 frank zappa- as an am   

57

 frank zappa: you can't do that on stage anymore vol.4
   (1991, 2cd, usa, ryko)  
  frank zappa: as an am
    (1991, cd, usa, rhino foo-eee records r2 70537)

fooeeerecordsr270537_c.jpg (133936 bytes)
  1991 bill & ted's bogus journey- soundtrack (arranger, multi instruments, producer)   

58

 frank zappa: you can't do that on stage anymore vol.5
   (1992, 2cd, usa, ryko)
59 frank zappa: you can't do that on stage anymore vol.6
   (1992, 2cd, usa, ryko)
  soundtrack: encino man
    (1992, cd, usa, hollywood records hr-61330-2) - inl. steve vai: 'get the hell out of here'

encinoman_soundtrack.jpg (20827 bytes)
  soundtrack: california man
    (1992, cd, uk, hollywood records) - inl. steve vai: 'get the hell out of here' //  = "encino man" soundtrack (1992)		 californiaman_soundtrack_cd.jpg (22219 bytes)
  soundtrack: california man
    (1992, picture disc, uk, sony music) - inl. steve vai: 'get the hell out of here'

  1992 wayne's world- soundtrack  
  bad 4 good: nineteen
    (1992, cd5”-pro, usa, interscope records prcd 4720) produced, arranged, engineered by steve vai   		 
  bad 4 good: refugee (1)
    (1992, cd, usa, interscope 7 92185-2) - produced, arranged, engineered & co-written by steve vai		  

4

 vai: sex & religion
    (1993, cd, au, relativity) - feat.terry bozzio, ahmet zappa 		 
  various artists: zappa's universe
    (1993, cd, nl, verve 513575-2) - incl. various zappa band alumni performing frank zappa's compositions

  various artists: choice morsels
    (1993, cd, usa, verve/polygram) - incl. various zappa band alumni performing frank zappa's compositions

  steve vai: down deep into the pain (edit)
    (1993, 7"-promo, spain, epic arie 3209) - a one-sided promo 7"		  
  steve vai: in my dreams with you
    (1993, 7"-promo, spain, epic arie 3213) - a one-sided promo 7" 		  
  1994 pcu- soundtrack   
  1995 frank zappa- strictly commercial  

5

 steve vai: alien love secrets
    (1995, cd, usa, relativity) 		 
 

1995 various artists- in from the storm

 
  1996 various artists- the songs of west side story  

6

 steve vai: fire garden
    (1996, cd, usa, sony) 		 
 

1996 wild style- cryin'

  
  1996 steve vai- little alligator (promo cd)  
 

1997 various artists- merry axemas: a guitar christmas

  

67

 frank zappa: have i offended someone?
   (1997, cd, usa, ryko)

  1997 munetaka higuchi with dream castle- free world (w/ terry bozzio)  
  angelica: angelica
    (1997, cd, usa, atlantic records, 83048-2) - feat.steve vai		  

7

 joe satriani, eric johnson, steve vai: g3 - live in concert
    (1997, cd, usa, epic 487539 2) – feat.mike keneally; incl. ‘my guitar wants to kill your mama’ (frank zappa)		  
  gregg bissonette: gregg bisonette
    (1998, cd, usa,shrapnel records sh11162) - feat. steve vai		  
  robin dimaggio: blue planet
    (??) - feat.steve vai, l.shankar		  
 

1998 al dimeola- the infinite desire

  
  1998 steve vai- bad squad (morley company promotion)  
  1998 frank zappa- cheap thrills  

8

 1998 steve vai- flex-able leftovers (cd re-issue)  
  1998 steve vai- merry axemas, volume two  

9

 steve vai: the ultra zone
    (1999, cd, usa, epic) - feat.mike keneally		  
 

1999 joe jackson- symphony no.1

  
  1999 radio disney- kid jams   

10

 steve vai: the 7th song
    (2000, cd, usa, epic 501093 2) - feat. mike keneally, terry bozzio, tommy mars		  
  thana harris: thanatopsis
    (2000, cd, usa, mastahna records) - feat.steve vai, jimmy carl black, bob harris		  
  gregg bissonette: submarine
    (2000, cd, usa, favored nations entertainmentfn2010-2) - feat. joe satriani, steve vai 		 
 

2000 bob harris- the great nostalgia (remaster with bonus tracks)

  

11

 steve vai: alive in an ultra world
    (2001, 2cd, au, epic epc 501539 2) - incl. 'dog / meat' (frank zappa); feat.mike keneally

  steve vai: jibboom  
  billy sheenan: compression
    (2001, cd, usa, favored nations) - feat.steve vai		  
  soundtrack: ghosts of mars
    (2001, cd, usa, uni/varese sarabande) - feat.steve vai		  

12

 steve vai: box
  
  gto: i'll be around
    (2002, cd5", nl, nwr nwrcd2301) - composition & guitar solo by steve vai		  

13

 steve vai: the elusive light and sound, vol.1
    (2002, cd, usa, ??)		  

14

 steve vai: archives 2
  
  surinder sandhu: saurang orchestra
    (2003, cd, usa, resonator records) - feat. steve vai		  
  yardbirds: birdland
    (2003, cd, usa, favored nations fn2280-2) - feat.steve vai, joe satriani

15

 steve vai: mystery tracks - archives vol. 3
    (2003, cd, usa, light without heat lwh 1003-2) - incl. 'sofa' (frank zappa) // album #4 of "the secret jewel box"

  glenn hughes & joe lynn turner: hughes turner project 2
    (2003, cd, ger, mtm music 0681-81) - feat. steve vai on 'losing my head'

htp2.jpg (27159 bytes)

16

 steve vai: various artists - archives vol. 4
    (2003, cd, usa, light without heat lwh 1004-2) - album #5 of "the secret jewel box"

  various artists: heavy metal masters live
    (2004, 3cd, france, emi) - incl. g3: 'my guitar wants to kill your mama’ (frank zappa)

17

 steve vai: the infinite steve vai - an anthology
    (2004, 2cd, usa, epic 513868 2)

18 g3: live - rockin' in the free world
    (2004, 2cd, usa, epic 515021 2) = joe satriani, steve vai & yngwie malmsteen

19 steve vai: live in london
    (2004, cd, usa, epic el 92790)

  bob carpenter: the sun, the moon, the stars
    (2004, cd, usa, favored nations) - feat. steve & pia vai		  
  soundtrack: halo 2
    (2004, cd, usa, ??) - feat. steve vai		  
  various artists: crossroads guitar festival
    (2004, 2dvd, aus, ??) - feat. steve vai		  

20

 vai: piano reductions vol 1 - performed by mike keneally
    (2004, cd, usa, favored nations) -  album #6 of "the secret jewel box"

  steve lukather: santa mental
    (2004, cd, usa, ulftone tm 080) - feat. steve vai		  

21

 steve vai: real illusions - reflections
    (2005, cd, usa, favored nations)

  steve lukather: santamental
     (2005, cd, usa, favored nations) – feat. steve vai		  
22 g3: live in tokyo
    (2005, 2cd, eu, epic 82876742442) = joe satriani, steve vai & john petrucci
  soundtrack: halo 2, volume 2
    (2006, cd, usa, ??) - feat. steve vai		  
  various artists: carvin - 60 years in the making
    (2006, dvd, usa, carvin) - incl. a steve vai interview & concert fragments

  co de kloet & menno kalmann: hardcore ambience
    (2006, cd, usa, favored nations fn2570 2) - executive producer: steve vai

dekloet_kalmann_hardcoreambience.jpg (13336 bytes)

76

 frank zappa: imaginary diseases
    (2006, cd, usa, zappa records) - liner notes

  various artists: the frank zappa aaafnraa birthday bundle
    (2006, itunes, -) - feat. frank, moon, dweezil, ahmet & diva zappa

  marty friedman: loudspeaker
    (2006, cd, japan, avex entertainment) - feat. steve vai

80

 frank zappa: buffalo  (80)
    (2007, 2cd, usa, vaulternative records)

23

 steve vai: sound theories vol.I & II
    (2007, 2cd, usa, favored nations)

  steve vai: visual sound theories: live with the holland metropole orkest
    (2007, dvd, usa, epic / red ink 88697 06155 9)

  zappa plays zappa: zappa plays zappa
    (2007, 2dvd, eu, strobosonic strobo-d-100) - all compositions by frank zappa, feat.dweezil zappa, n.m.brock, s.vai & t.bozzio

  steve vai: steve vai
    (2007, 2xrcd, hong kong, universal music xr-1180 lg-0466)

  bob harris: the great nostalgia
    (2007, cd, usa, crossfire publications) - feat. various zappa alumni

81

 frank zappa: the dub room special
    (2007, cd, usa, zappa records)
  various artists: video games live - volume one
    (2008, cd, usa, emi) - feat.dweezil zappa, joe travers, pete griffin
  zappa plays zappa: zappa plays zappa
    (2008, cd, usa, razor & tie 7930182993-2) - all compositions by frank zappa, feat.dweezil zappa, n.m.brock, s.vai & t.bozzio

  zappa plays zappa: zappa plays zappa
    (2008, 2dvd, usa, razor & tie 7930182997-9) - all compositions by frank zappa, feat.dweezil zappa, n.m.brock, s.vai & t.bozzio

  zappa plays zappa: zappa plays zappa
    (2008, 2dvd + 3cd, usa, razor & tie 7930182997-9) - all compositions by frank zappa, feat.dweezil zappa, n.m.brock, s.vai & t.bozzio

83

 frank zappa: one shot deal
    (2008, cd, usa, zappa records)

24

 steve vai: naked tracks vol.I - V
    (2009, 5cd, usa, favored nations)

  steve vai: where the wild things are
    (2009, dvd, usa, favored nations fn2610-9)

vai_wtwta_dvd.jpg (45703 bytes)

25

 steve vai: where the wild things are
    (2009, cd, usa, favored nations fn2620-2)

vai_wtwta_cd.jpg (35011 bytes)

 

 steve vai: where the other wild things are
    (2009, download, usa, light without heat / favored nations) - re-released (with different cover) on cd in 2010

vai_wtowta.jpg (16429 bytes)
  steve vai: where the wild things are
    (2009, blu-ray dvd, usa, favored nations ) = the same as the regulare dvd release		  
  mike stern: big neighborhood
    (2009, cd, usa, heads up) - feat. steve vai		  

26

 steve vai: where the other wild things are
    (2010, cd, usa, light without heat / favored nations) - re-release of the 2009 download (with different cover)

  alcatrazz: disturbing the peace tour - live in japan 1984.10.10
    (2010, dvd, japan, happinet hmbr 1064) - feat.steve vai

alcatrazz_19841010dvd.jpg (44262 bytes)
  orianthi: believe
    (2009, cd, usa, geffen) - feat.steve vai on 'highly strung'		  
  whitesnake: slip of the tongue - 20th anniversary edition
    (2009, cd+dvd, usa, emi 50999 69824 2 2)

whitesnake_slip2009.jpg (33211 bytes)
  steve vai: without me
    (2010, download / cdr, -, light without heat / vaitunes #1)

vaitunes1.jpg (23257 bytes)
  mary j.blige: stronger with each tear
    (2010, cd, ??, ??) - feat.steve vai on 'stairway to heaven'		  
  steve vai: the moon and i
    (2010, download / cdr, -, light without heat / vaitunes #2)

vaitunes2.jpg (16437 bytes)
  steve vai: speed
    (2010, download / cdr, -, light without heat / vaitunes #3)

vaitunes3.jpg (19663 bytes)

27

 steve vai: playlist - the very best of steve vai
    (2010, cd, usa, epic / legacy 88697 61986 2)

vai_playlist_cd.jpg (26586 bytes)
  steve vai: underground garden
    (2010, download / cdr, -, light without heat / vaitunes #4)

vaitunes004.jpg (21677 bytes)
  steve vai: the burning bush
    (2010, download / cdr, -, light without heat / vaitunes #5)

vaitunes005.jpg (22506 bytes)
  various artists: the frank zappa aaafnraaaa birthday bundle 21 dec 2010
    (2010, itunes, -) - includes a track from the zappa plays zappa album that features steve vai

aaafnraaaa_2010.jpg (22223 bytes)
  alcatrazz: disturbing the peace tour - live in japan 1984.10.10
    (2010, cd, japan, audio tracks / verita note) - feat. steve vai

alcatrazz_19841010.jpg (22480 bytes)
  steve vai: amirah
    (2010, download, -, light without heat / vaitunes #6)

vaitunes006.jpg (13567 bytes)
  steve vai: the bodhi tree
    (2011, download, -, light without heat / vaitunes #7)

vaitunes007.jpg (17442 bytes)
  whitesnake: forevermore - snake pack edition
    (2011, mag + cd, uk, future publishing) - the 'snake pack' edition of the "forevermore" album included two live tracks from 1990, featuring steve vai

whitesnake_forevermore_sp02.jpg (29996 bytes)
  whitesnake: live at donington 1990
    (2011, 2cd+dvd, italy, frontiers records fr cdvd 516) - feat. steve vai

whitesnake_donington516.jpg (30234 bytes)
  whitesnake: live at donington 1990
    (2011, dvd, italy, frontiers records fr dvd 029) - feat. steve vai

  alcatrazz: disturbing the peace
    (2011, 2cd, uk, the store for music sfm cd 248) = re-release of the original 1985 studio album, plus a previously unreleased live album

alcatrazz_disturbing2cd.jpg (22001 bytes)
  steve vai: blues for dust
    (2011, download / cdr, -,  light without heat / vaitunes #8)

stevevai_bluesfordust.jpg (32297 bytes)
  joe jackson: the duke
    (2012, cd, usa, ear music) - feat. steve vai

joejackson_theduke.jpg (74815 bytes)

28

 steve vai: the story of light
    (2012, cd, usa, favored nations) - the limited edition digibook release included a bonus dvd, a 7" vinyl, postcards and a guitar pick

vai_storyoflight_cd_digi.jpg (113707 bytes)
  steve vai: the story of light
    (2012, blu-spec cd, japan, sony music japan) - blue-spec cd re-release 		vai_storyoflight_bluspec.jpg (40211 bytes)
  steve vai: john the revelator  /  book of the seven seals
    (2012, 7"-promo, usa, favored nations) = part of the limited edition "the story of light" platinum package

vai_7_johntherevelator.jpg (193530 bytes)
  various artists: re-machined
    (2012, cd, uk, classic rock) - feat. chickenfoot & steve vai

remachined_uk.jpg (37771 bytes)

29

 steve vai: various mysteries - archives vol. 3.5
    (2013, download, -, favored nations) - incl. sofa  (frank zappa)   (zappa's universe (1993))  

stevavai_mysteries_3_5.jpg (24352 bytes)

  various artists: jazzism - colive!
    (2013, cd, nl, radio 6 / ntr / jazzism) - feat. mike keneally, napoleon murphy brock & steve vai

colive_cd.jpg (21916 bytes)

30

 steve vai: naked tracks volumesVI - VII
    (2013, 2cd, usa, favored nations)

vai_nakedtracks_6_7.jpg (42625 bytes)
  william shatner: ponder the mystery
    (2013, cd, usa, cleopatra records) - feat. steve vai, george duke, zoot horn rollo

williamshatner_ponderthemystery.jpg (27560 bytes)
  steve vai: greatest hits
    (2013, 2cd, russia, favoured nations 32852 1/2) = compilation 		vai_greatesthits2013russia.jpg (31734 bytes)
  various artists: the frank zappa aaafnraa 2014 birthday bundle
    (2014, download, --, barfko-swill) 		aaafnraa2014.jpg (34969 bytes)

31

 steve vai: stillness in motion
    (2015, 2dvd, eu, sony legacy 88875057512)

vai_stillnessinmotion_cd.jpg (20650 bytes)
  steve vai: stillness in motion
    (2015, 2dvd, eu, sony legacy 88875057529)

vai_stillnessinmotion_dvd.jpg (32051 bytes)
  steve vai and the vai academy guitar army: flashmob
    (2015, download, -,  light without heat / vaitunes #9)

stevevai_flashmob.jpg (52153 bytes)

101

los angeles philharmonic: frank zappa - 200 motels the suites
    (2015, 2cd, usa, zappa records zr0019) - liner notes by steve vai 		zappa_200motels_thesuites.jpg (23174 bytes)
  steve vai: make a noise - a souvenir for master for minor
    (2015, 2cd, japan, sony music 88875168312) = compilation 		stevevai_makeanoise_japan2cd.jpg (24591 bytes)
  steve vai: modern primitive / passion & warfare (25th anniversary edition)
    (2016, 2cd, usa, sony music) - feat. tommy mars, mike keneally, bob harris

stevevai_modernprimitive.jpg (42101 bytes)
  alcatrazz: disturbing the peace
    (2016, cd+dvd, japan, hne records hnecdvd065) = re-release of the original 1985 studio album and the 1985 "power live" video

alcatrazz_hnecdvd065.jpg (22356 bytes)
  steve vai: passion and warfare 25th anniversary edition
    (2016, 2lp, usa, epic / friday music frm-68030) - 180 g vinyl edition on clear vinyl / feat. bob harris

stevevai_passionandwarfare_25th_2lp.jpg (41423 bytes)

  steve vai: modern primitive
    (2017, cd, usa, favored nations / sony fn2930 / 88985435672) - feat. tommy mars, mike keneally // album #7 of "the secret jewel box"

  alcatrazz: breaking the heart of the city - the very bestof alcatrazz: 1983-1986
    (2017, 3cd, uk, cherry red hnebox094) - includes "disturbing the peace" / feat.steve vai

alcatraz_verybestof_3cd_2017.jpg (35441 bytes)
  documentary: frank zappa - summer '82 - when zappa came to sicily
    (2017, blu-ray, usa, mvd visual) - featuring massimo bassoli, frank, gail, dweezil, moon and diva zappa, thomas nordegg and steve vai

  jeff berlin: joe frazier round 3
    (2018, 12", usa, ??) - feat. steve vai
  derek smalls: smalls change (meditations upon aging)
    (2018, cd, usa, bmg 538372552) - feat. dweezil zappa, steve vai, joe satriani
  generation axe: the guitars that destroyed the world: live in china
    (2018, cd, usa, 941 690 400 2) - feat. steve vai
  vai: piano reductions vol 2 - performed by miho arai
    (2019, cd, usa, light without heat lwh1010-2)
     
 

 
     

samplers

 

factory pressed cd bootlegs

  alcatrazz: alcatrazz feat. steve vai
    (????, 2cd-bootleg, ??, tau 114/115) - feat.steve vai   		 
  alcatrazz: too hard to be home
    (????, cd-bootleg, ??,sttp 099 ) - feat.steve vai		  
  alcatrazz: steve vai's first stage
    (????, cd-bootleg, ??, ??) - feat.steve vai		  
     
  john petrucci: shredfest
    (20??, cd-bootleg, ??, majestic melodies entertainment  mme02-05 ) - feat. joe satriani & steve vai		  
     
  david lee roth: in search of paradise lost
    (????, 2cd-bootleg, ??, ??) - feat.steve vai		  
     
  steve vai: 777
    (1993, cd-bootleg, lux, rockdreams rocks 92062) – incl. ‘black napkins’ (frank zappa)
  steve vai: asia tour, live
    (20??, 2cd-bootleg, ??, jdl 448-1&2)		 stevevai_asiatour2cdb.jpg (24983 bytes)
  steve vai: asia tours, live - part 1
    (200?, cd-bootleg, ??, jdl 448-1)
  steve vai: asia tours, live - part 2
    (200?, cd-bootleg, ??, jdl 448-2)
  steve vai: an evening of indulgent guitar music
    (????, 2lp-bootleg, ??, ??)		  
  steve vai: fire in the east
    (????, 2cd-bootleg, ??, --)
  steve vai: greasy live stuff
    (????, 2cd-bootleg, ??, --)
  steve vai: the moving fingers
    (????, 2cd-bootleg, ??, --)
  steve vai: new york, my father's place 18/03/83
    (1993, cd-bootleg, i, all of us 09) – incl. ‘zoot allures’ (frank zappa)
  steve vai: steve vai
    (????, cd-bootleg, ??, as 15/2)
  steve vai: thunder kids
    (????, 2cd-bootleg, ??, sttp 012/013)
  steve vai: welcome to the ultra zone
    (2000, 2cd-bootleg, ??, sv 070 32000-1) – incl. fragments of zappa songs

 

factory pressed dvd-bootlegs

  steve vai: the aching hunger 11 - holland 2005
    (20??, dvd-bootleg, ??, ??) = the july 2005 concert, broadcast on dutch tv in december 2005		 vai_achinghunger11_dvdb.jpg (46850 bytes)

 

semi-offical cd's

  frank zappa: puttin' on the ritz
    (2014, 2cd, ??, goldfish records golf009) 		fz_puttinontheritz.jpg (24918 bytes)
  frank zappa: puttin on the ritz
    (2014, 4lp, uk, moonunit records) = 1981/11/17 concert  //  vinyl reissue of the 2 cd set 		fz_ritz_4lp.jpg (28740 bytes)
  frank zappa: teenage rockin' combo - dumb all over live 1981
    (2015, 2cd, uk, broadcasting radio records brr5011) = 1981/11/17 new york city concert 		zappa_rbr5011.jpg (30898 bytes)
  frank zappa: puttin on the ritz - volume 1
    (2015, 2lp, uk, let them eat vinyl letv206lp) = 1981/11/17 concert  //  vinyl reissue of the 2 cd set 		fz_lp_letv205lp.jpg (26062 bytes)
  frank zappa: puttin on the ritz - volume 2
    (2015, 2lp, uk, let them eat vinyl letv206lp) = 1981/11/17 concert  //  vinyl reissue of the 2 cd set 		fz_lp_letv206lp.jpg (29227 bytes)
  frank zappa: teenage rockin' combo - dumb all over live 1981
    (2015, 3lp, uk, broadcasting radio records brr4011) = 1981/11/17 new york city concert  //  vinyl reissue of the 2 cd set 		zappa_rbr5011.jpg (30898 bytes)

 

related

 

james lawless & the ratbastard orchestra: passed progressively too
    (2011, cdr-on-demand, usa, amazon / banned records) - incl. 'little house i used to live in', 'let's move to cleveland' (frank zappa), 'salamanders in the sun' (steve vai)

 lawless_passedprogtoo.jpg (41944 bytes)

 

videos

dvd

laserdisc

concerts

* * * performing as "steve vai" * * *
            steve vai: guitar
            randy coven: bass
            todd tukisher: drums

* * * on tour with alcatrazz

* * * performing as "777" * * *
            steve vai: guitar
            stuart hamm: bass
            chris frazier: drums

* * * on tour with whitesnake * * *

 

* * * performing at the "guitar legends" concert in spain, together with brian may, joe satriani and others

* * * performing at "zappa's universe" as a special guest * * *

* * *

 

  • 1997/--/--    concert seoul, korea
    (picture on the right shows the concert programme booklet)

 

* * * on tour: "the ultra zone" * * *

  • 2001/--/--  concert hong kong

 

* * * "fire strings" * * *

  • 2002/07/24 - 26    concert 'suntory hall', tokyo, japan
    steve vai performs ichiro nodaira's "fire strings", a concerto for guitar and 100-piece orchestra (the tokyo metropolitan symphony orchestra, conducted by yutaka sado).  the concert program also includes bernstein's "candide overture" and stravinsky's "le sacre du printemps.
    (picture on the right shows the concert programme booklet)

 
 

* * * "the aching hunger" : steve vai with the metropole orkest

* * * on tour with g3 * * *

* * * at eric clapton's "crossroads" festival * * *

* * * steve vai band

STEVE VAI AND DAVE MATTHEWS TO HONOR CARLOS SANTANA

 

"The Blossom Suite"

On tour

  • 2005/03/01  Marquee Theatre,  Phoenix, AZ, usa

  • 2005/03/02  Sunshine Theatre,  Albuquerque, NM, usa

  • 2005/03/04  Verizon Wireless Theatre,  Houston, TX, usa

  • 2005/03/05  Granada Theatre,  Dallas, TX, usa

  • 2005/03/06  Antone's,  Austin, TX, usa

  • 2005/03/08  New Daisy Theatre,  Memphis, TN, usa

  • 2005/03/09  The Cannery,  Nashville, TN , usa

  • 2005/03/10  Boutwell Auditorium,  Birmingham, AL, usa

  • 2005/03/11  House of Blues,  New Orleans, LA, usa

  • 2005/03/14  Tampa Theatre,  Tampa, FL, usa

  • 2005/03/15  Julius Littman PAC,  Miami, FL, usa

  • 2005/03/16  House of Blues,  Orlando, FL, usa

  • 2005/03/17  Freebird Live,  Jacksonville, FL, usa

  • 2005/03/18  House of Blues,  Myrtle Beach, SC, usa

  • 2005/03/19  The Roxy,  Atlanta, GA, usa

  • 2005/03/20  The Orange Peel ,  Asheville, NC , usa

  • 2005/03/22  Ziggy's,  Winston Salem, NC, usa

  • 2005/03/23  Birchmere,  Alexandria, VA, usa

  • 2005/03/24  Rams Head Live,  Baltimore, MD, usa

  • 2005/03/25  Webster Theatre,  Hartford, CT, usa

  • 2005/03/26  Town Hall,  New York, NY, usa

  • 2005/03/28  The Trocadero Theatre,  Philadelphia, PA, usa

  • 2005/03/29  Westbury Music Fair,  Westbury, NY, usa

  • 2005/03/30  Starland Ballroom,  Sayreville, NJ, usa

  • 2005/03/31  Avalon Ballroom,  Boston, MA, usa

  • 2005/04/01  Metropolis,  Montreal, QC, usa

  • 2005/04/02  Massey Hall,  Toronto, ONT, usa

  • 2005/04/04  Univ. Buffalo Center for Arts,  Buffalo, NY, usa

  • 2005/04/05  Rex Theatre,  Pittsburgh, PA, usa

  • 2005/04/06  House of Blues,  Cleveland, OH, usa

  • 2005/04/07  Newport Music Hall,  Columbus, OH, usa

  • 2005/04/08  State Theatre,  Detroit, MI, usa

  • 2005/04/09  Bogart's,  Cincinnati, OH, usa

  • 2005/04/10  The Pageant,  St. Louis, MO, usa

  • 2005/04/12  The Eagles Club,  Milwaukee, WI, usa

  • 2005/04/13  House of Blues,  Chicago, IL, usa

  • 2005/04/14  To Be Announced,  To Be Announced

  • 2005/04/15  Fitzgerald Theatre, St. Paul, MN, usa

  • 2005/04/16  To Be Announced

  • 2005/04/17  To Be Announced

  • 2005/04/19  Fox Theatre,  Boulder, CO, usa

  • 2005/04/20  The Venue,  Salt Lake City, UT , usa

  • 2005/04/21  The Big Easy,  Boise, ID, usa

  • 2005/04/22  Showbox,  Seattle, WA, usa

  • 2005/04/23  Commodore Ballroom,  Vancouver, BC, usa

  • 2005/04/24  Roseland Theatre,  Portland, OR, usa

  • 2005/04/26  The Fillmore,  San Francisco, CA, usa

  • 2005/04/27  The Grove,  Anaheim, CA, usa

  • 2005/04/28  House of Blues,  Las Vegas, NV, usa

  • 2005/04/29  4th and B,  San Diego, CA, usa

  • 2005/04/30  Wiltern Theatre,  Los Angeles, CA, usa

 

steve vai & the metropole orkest

  • 2005/07/01 concert 'de oosterpoort', groningen, NL
     
  • 2005/07/02 concert 'de oosterpoort', groningen, NL

   
  • 2005/07/11  radio show "blindfold test", radio 4, nps, the netherlands
  • 2005/07/12  radio show "spotlight", radio 4, nps, the netherlands

    with Charles Pater

    the picture on the right shows Charles Pater with Steve Vai on 2005/06/27 at the recording of this show.

  • 2005/09/16 concert  Graz, Austria - Orpheum Theatre
  • 2005/09/17  concert Innsbruck, Austria - Venue To Be Announced
  • 2005/09/18  concert Linz, Austria - Posthof
  • 2005/09/20  concert Vienna, Austria - Planet Music
  • 2005/09/21  concert Budapest, Hungary - Petofi Czarnok
  • 2005/09/22  concert Ljubljana, Slovenia - Ljubljana-Krizanke
  • 2005/09/23  concert Firenze, Italy - Saschall
  • 2005/09/24  concert Modena, Italy - Vox
  • 2005/09/25  concert Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
  • 2005/09/27  concert Munich, Germany - Eiser Halle/Tonhalle
  • 2005/09/28  concert Stuttgart, Germany - Longhorn
  • 2005/09/29  concert Cologne, Germany - Ewerk
  • 2005/09/30  concert Hamburg, Germany - Fabrik
  • 2005/10/01  concert Antwerp, Belgium - Hof Ter Lo
  • 2005/10/02  concert Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
  • 2005/10/04  concert Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
  • 2005/10/05  concert Stockholm, Sweden - Arenan
  • 2005/10/06  concert Gothenburg, Sweden - Vagen
  • 2005/10/07  concert Malmö, Sweden - Kulturbolaget
  • 2005/10/09  concert Oslo, Norway - Rockerfeller
  • 2005/10/11  concert Helsinki, Finland - Nosturi / Tavastia

 
  • 2005/10/19 concert 'Hammersmith Apollo', London, uk
  • 2005/10/20 concert 'Civic Theatre', Wolverhampton, uk
  • 2005/10/21 concert 'Royal Concert Hall', Glasgow, uk
  • 2005/10/22 concert 'City Hall', Newcastle, uk
  • 2005/10/23 concert 'Royal Centre', Nottingham, uk
  • 2005/10/24 concert 'Carling Apollo Manchester', Manchester, uk
  • 2005/10/26  concert Dublin, Ireland - Vicar St
  • ...

  • The picture on the right shows the "Europe 2005 Tour Book"

 


  • 2006/03/14 autograph session, Ekaterinburg, Russia

  • 2006/03/14 masterclass, Ekaterinburg, Russia

  • 2006/03/16 autograph session, Kiev, Ukraine

  • 2006/03/16 masterclass, Kiev, Ukraine

  • 2006/03/18 autograph session, Moscow, Russia

  • 2006/03/18 masterclass, Moscow, Russia

 
 

  • 2007/04/28 Q&A ‘London Guitar Show’, London, UK  On Sale Now

  • 2007/04/29 Autograph Signing  ‘London Guitar Show’, London, UK  

 

 

  • 2007/06/28 concert ‘Den Atelier’, Luxembourg

  • 2007/06/29 concert ‘Le Grand Rex’, Paris, France

  • 2007/06/30 concert ‘Arrow Rock Festival’, Biddinghuizen, Netherlands

  • 2007/07/02 concert ‘Festsaal’, Ingolstadt, Germany

  • 2007/07/03 concert ‘Ulmer Zeit’, Ulm, Germany

  • 2007/07/05 concert ‘Razzamatazz’, Barcelona, Spain

  • 2007/07/06 concert ‘Auditorio Municipal Maestro Padilla’, Almeria, Spain

  • 2007/07/07 concert ‘Fortaleza del Sol’, Lorca (Murcia), Spain

  • 2007/07/08 concert ‘Jam’, Bergara (Gipuzkoa), Spain

  • 2007/07/09 concert ‘Casa De Musica’, Porto, Portugal

  • 2007/07/10 concert ‘Aula Magna’, Lisbon, Portugal

  • 2007/07/11 concert ‘La Riviera’, Madrid, Spain

  • 2007/07/13 concert  - To Be Announced - Venue To Be Confirmed

  • 2007/07/14 concert ‘Castello’, Udine, Italy

  • 2007/07/15 concert ‘Pistoia Festival’, Pistoia, Italy

  • 2007/07/16 concert ‘Festival’, Rome, Italy

  • 2007/07/18 concert ‘Melkweg’, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • 2007/07/19 concert ‘Carling Academy’, Birmingham, UK

  • 2007/07/20 concert ‘Apollo’, Manchester, UK

  • 2007/07/21 concert ‘Royal Centre’, Nottingham, UK

  • 2007/07/22 concert ‘Hammersmith Apollo’, London, UK

  • 2007/07/24 concert ‘Vicar St.’, Dublin, Ireland

  • 2007/07/26 concert - To Be Announced - Venue To Be Confirmed

  • 2007/07/28 concert ‘B1’, Moscow, Russia

 

  • 2007/09/07 concert 'Marquee Theatre ',Phoenix, AZ, usa

  • 2007/09/08 concert 'House of Blues ',Las Vegas, NV, usa

  • 2007/09/09 concert 'The Grove ',Anaheim, CA, usa

  • 2007/09/10 concert 'Viejas DreamCatcher Showroom ',San Diego, CA, usa

  • 2007/09/11 concert 'The Wiltern Theatre ',Los Angeles, CA, usa

  • 2007/09/12 concert 'The Fillmore ',San Francisco, CA, usa

  • 2007/09/14 concert 'Roseland Theatre ',Portland, OR, usa

  • 2007/09/15 concert 'Moore Theater ',Seattle, WA, usa

  • 2007/09/16 concert 'Commodore Ballroom ',Vancouver, BC, canada

  • 2007/09/19 concert 'State Theatre ',Minneapolis, MN, usa

  • 2007/09/20 concert 'Pabst Theatre ',Milwaukee, WI, usa

  • 2007/09/21 concert 'House of Blues ',Chicago, IL, usa

  • 2007/09/22 concert 'Royal Oak Music Theatre ',Royal Oak, MI, usa

  • 2007/09/23 concert 'Massey Hall ',Toronto, ON, canada

  • 2007/09/24 concert 'Univ. at Buffalo Center For Arts ',Buffalo, NY, usa

  • 2007/09/25 concert 'Hammerstein Ballroom ',New York, NY, usa

  • 2007/09/27 concert 'Keswick Theatre ',Philadelphia, PA, usa

  • 2007/09/28 concert 'Starland Ballroom ',Sayreville, NJ, usa

  • 2007/09/29 concert 'Borgata Music Box Theatre ',Atlantic City, NJ, usa

  • 2007/09/30 concert 'Birchmere Bandstand ',Alexandria, VA, usa

  • 2007/10/02 concert 'The Egg Center for the Perf. Arts ',Albany, NY, usa

  • 2007/10/03 concert 'Webster Theatre ',Hartford, CT, usa

  • 2007/10/04 concert 'Berklee Performance Center ',Boston, MA, usa

  • 2007/10/05 concert 'Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel ',Providence, RI, usa

  • 2007/10/06 concert 'North Fork Theatre at Westbury ',Westbury, NY, usa
 

  • 2007/11/05 Steve Vai - concert ‘Freegellsmusic', Belo Horizonte, Brazil  

  • 2007/11/06 Steve Vai - concert ‘Bourbon Street’, Sao Paulo, Brazil

  • 2007/11/07 Steve Vai - concert ‘Hellooch’, Curitiba, Brazil

  • 2007/11/09 Steve Vai - concert ‘Polideportivo Sausalito’, Vińa del Mar, Chile

  • 2007/11/10 Steve Vai - concert ‘Court Central (outdoor)’, Santiago, Chile

  • 2007/11/12 Steve Vai - concert ‘Gran Rex Theatre’, Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • 2007/11/13 Steve Vai - concert ‘Gran Rex Theatre’, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

  
   
"Steve Vai Festival", Groningen, NL
  • 2010/10/22

 

  • 2010/10/23 concert 'De Oosterpoort', Groningen, NL
    • line up
      • Steve Vai - guitar
        Mike Keneally - piano
        Kasper de Roo - Conductor
        Het Noord Nederlands Orkest (North Netherland Symphonic Orchestra)
    • setlist
      • introduction, Helios and Vesta, Kill the guy with the bill, the GOD Eaters, Lotus Feet, Steve Vai speaks, Piano solo by Mike Keneally, There`s still something dead in here, Frangelina Part 1 & 2, Introduction to Expanding the Universe, Part 1 - At the end of the world, Part 2 - Holograms, Part 3 - Chaos Theory, Part 4 - Asleep in the pedals, Part 5 - Unfolding from within, For the love of god (encore)

 

 

 

 

VAI

the story of light

world tour 2012 - 2013

 

Steve Vai: guitars & vocals
Dave Weiner: guitars, electric sitar & keyboards
Jeremy Colson: drums & percussion
Philip Bynoe: bass
Deborah Henson-Conant: electric harp

 

 

tourbook

 

 

coverversions

magazine specials and articles

 

backstage muziekmagazine, october 1990: 2-page article

metal hammer aardschok , november 1990: 3 page article  
metal hammer aardschok , august 1993: 3 page article  
backstage muziekmagazine, december 1993: 2-page article

aardschok, june 1995: 2 page article  
  • steve vai: fire garden phase 1 - band score
        (1997, book, japan, taiyo music inc)
    • a 112-page book with the complete score for "Fire Garden".

   
   
   
   
   
gitarist, september 2004
    (2004/09, magazine, nl, --)

including a 5-page article about the G3-tour.


STEVE FEATURED IN GUITAR WORLD MAGAZINE

Steve appears on the cover of the latest Guitar World magazine (along with Alexi Laiho and Zakk Wylde). If you pick the magazine up from the newsstands you'll also get a bonus CD-ROM with an exclusive video of Steve talking about the recording of “Freak Show Excess” from his new album. The video will be continued in next month's edition.

For fans in Japan, Steve is on the cover of both Sound Designer magazine and Player magazine. The article in Sound Designer details Steve’s Mothership Studio set-up, as well as details on the new album, while the Player article features an interview with both Steve and Billy Sheehan.

 

Guitar World, march 2005 Sound Designer, march 2005
Gitarist, may 2005 Guitar & Bass, june 2005

  • guitar legends: hero meets hero
        (2007/04, magazine, usa)

    • The "Hero meets hero" issue of Guitar Legends has an eight-page interview with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani by Alan Di Perna.
      Great page-size pictures as well.

  • total guitar: shred special
        (2007/05, magazine, uk)

    • This special edition of Total Guitar magazine not only had Steve Vai on the cover, but also included various articles on and by Vai:

      • Steve Vai: 10 hour practice routine - part one (7 pages)

      • Steve Vai: 10 hour practice routine - part two (6 pages)

      • Steve Vai: 'For The Love Of God' (12 pages)

        plus a bonus CDrom

    • various artists: total guitar - shred special
          (2007, cdrom, uk, tgs16-06-07) 

      • Steve Vai: 'For The Love Of God'

      • Steve Vai: 'For The Love Of God' - backing track

      • Steve Vai guitar workout

 

  • total guitar: issue 168 - nov 2007
        (2007/11, magazine, uk)

    • The November issue of Total Guitar magazine included a transcription of Steve Vai's 'Sisters'.
      The track can also be found on the bonus CD.

    • various artists: total guitar #168
          (2007, cdrom, uk, tg168/11/07)

      • Steve Vai: 'Sisters'

      • Steve Vai: 'For The Love Of God' - backing track

 
  • gitarist, november 2010
        (2010/11, magazine, nl, --)
    • including a 2-page Steve Vai article, and a 1-page Joe Satriani interview.

   

 

Steve Vai's 2005 X-mas card
  • guitar player
        (2006/08, mag, usa)
    • The August 2006 edition of Guitar Player included a Zappa plays Zappa special:
      • Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai on the cover;
      • "All In The Family" by Darrin Fox, 11-page article / interview with Dweezil Zappa
      • "Frank's Little Italian Virtuoso" by Darrin Fox, 3-page article / interview with Steve Vai
      • "The Vaultmeister" by Darrin Fox, a 1-page article / interview with Joe Travers
      • "Dweezil On His New Album And Old Masters" by Darrin Fox, 1-page article / interview
      • "Vintage Vault - Artifacts - The Guitars Of Frank Zappa" by Darrin Fox, a 2-page article on Frank Zappa's guitars.

 

  • gitarist
        (2009/08, mag, the netherlands)
    • The August 2009 edition of Dutch magazine Gitarist included a 2-page interview with Dweezil Zappa (on the Zappa Plays Zappa concerts), and also a 2-page interview with Steve Vai (on his Alien Guitar Secrets master classes).

guitar world
    (2020/03, mag, us)
  • The March 2020 edition of Guitar World magazine included three interviews with Steve Vai, plus a column by Dweezil Zappa.
    • "Even Steven", by Joe Bosso, 9 pages about Satch, Zappa, Alcatraz and a life in the ultra zone
    • "Flower Power", by Richard Bienstock, 3 pages on the Ibanez PIA guitar
    • "Tonguetwister", by David Von Bader, 5 pages on Whitesnake's "Slip Of The Tongue"
    • "Dweezil Ripped My Flesh", by Dweezil Zappa, 1 page column
 		  

 

instructional videos

Mike Wolf's "Steve Vai Master Session".
Released on VHS video tape around 1988. Re-released on DVD in 2004.
  • steve vai master session
        (2004, dvd, uk, omnibus media / music sales limited)
   

videography

 

random notes

Does anyone out there know what's  gonna happen with the project that Steve Vai mentioned in Sept. guitar world, That is him, Bozzio + the Ensemble Moderne playing frank's 'complicated' stuff (i.e 'black page') in fall 94.

His band Vai toured Europe late 1993, then supposedly broke up, but apparently didn't and off to Japan in March 1994.

Vai's credits are quite extensive--he has (more than) 3 albums: 

  Flexible - The CD version has bonus tracks from "Flexible Leftovers".  One of the tracks, "Bledsoe Bluvd," features Tommy Mars playing the violin and ejaculating "Thren keld, wing nut, why not rheam." Another track, "So Happy," features the infamous Laurel Fishman (see Real FZ Book), who is noted for the spherical shitball as well as her lifestyle (summed up in "Stevie's Spanking").
  Passion and Warfare - Probably his best work.
  Sex and Religion - The title made me decide not to buy it--that and I heard his music is primarily vocal now, bordering on "pop rock."
Aside from his solo material, he has also worked with David Lee Roth, on the album "Eat 'Em and Smile," and Whitesnake.
And then there is P.I.L's "Album" (later renamed to "Compact Disc" on CD).
The Ozzy project was canceled by the record company pricks. It's rumored that Zack Wilde will be doing it instead. Also Vai has a new album do out in June called alien love secrets, I have an advance copy and if you like Passion you definitely won't be disappointed.

Vai's work on PIL's stuff is great, as is his own earlier solo music - Passion & Warfare has its moments, the Sex/Religion one sucked to high heaven, and now (1995) he has a new album out, ALIEN LOVE SECRETS (sound familiar?) I  hope this is better; a lot of the guitar `shredders' of the 1980s tried to move away from the image of `widdly widdly' guitar playing & little else by indulging in horrendous FM rock (Sex & Religion). I think this trend has stabilized now, so let's hope Alien Love Secrets is better. (Vai has also cut his hair short - a welcome relief from that metal cut he had!)

Check out Steve Vai's official website at http://www.vai.com !  This site was just nominated for Best Music Website by  Hollywood Digital, along with sites from the likes of Madonna and The Rolling Stones!  If you're a Vai fan, you have to check this out!

     Fred "Blood Bros" speaketh:
Do you know that Fire Garden is Out ?

     David Areval (valmaris@mnl.sequel.net) sez:
Steve Vai Has recently put out a new album, FIRE GARDEN. This collosal album (more than 73 min. long) will really satisfy fans who've been disapointed by the brevity of ALIEN LOVE SECRETS. There are two "phases", one which is instrumental(as always), and the other, on which exhibits Vai's hidden talent-his voice. Yup, he's singing on this one! Guitar fans shouldn't be dissapointed because he does have a good voice, and his guitar work is as phenomenal as ever.

     From: RUBEN ARNAO RODRIGUEZ (930053@aloe.ulima.edu.pe)
I saw a CD recently of a concert with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson ( G3 - Live ). They play the Zappa song "My guitar wants to kill your mama".

     From: Andreas Klaer (klaer@irpsnc.ias.uni-stuttgart.de)
i've read following interview of guitarworld with s. vai:

Right before Frank Zappa passed away, he was putting together a project that included myself, Terry Bozzio and a bass player with this 35-piece ensemble out of Germany called the Ensemble Moderne. We were going to do all of Frank's most difficult music. There was this one piece called "Mo 'n' Herb's Vacation," which has really ridiculous, intimidating melodies. It was written for clarinet, which goes lower than the guitar, so I explained to Frank about the seven-string guitar. He got so excited because he knew I could play the melody on the seven-string. Unfortunately, it was the last project Frank started, and it never happened.

     From: Jon M Hayes (Martok@ozemail.com.au)
Merry Axemas has been released, and proves two things: Steve Vai continues to get better as the seconds pass. Hail to thee. Joe Satriani is just getting older and staler. He sounds just the same as he did 10 years ago. R.I.P.

     From: Simon Westaway (s.westaway@virgin.net)
Steve Vai and Vinnie Colaiuta both appear on a Hendrix project called "in from the storm", along with the likes of Steve Lukather, Stanley Clarke, Sting, Carlos Santanna etc. (Source: I bought it on CD this morning in Malta International airport). Vinnie plays on "The wind cries Mary", and Vai plays on "Drifting" (with Corey Glover from Living Colour on vocals).

     From: "." (plainsongs@aol.com)
Steve Vai has just completed his new record, "The Ultra Zone", currently scheduled for a Sept 7, 1999 release on Epic/Sony. He plans to tour starting in September, and his site is located at www.vai.com. He also has a great newsletter called Greasy Kid's Stuff which goes out three times a year and contains info the site does not, they're kinda brother/sister publications.

THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER: SPECIAL MAIL OUT - December 17, 2004.

STEVE VAI: REAL ILLUSIONS TOUR
SATURDAY PRE-SALES AND "EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE" PACKAGE!

The next round of our exclusive Vai.com ticket pre-sales for the 2005 Real Illusions tour will begin Saturday December 18, 2004 at 12 noon in the local time for each show.

We will also begin selling our exclusive "EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE" package as an optional upgrade to your ticket purchase.

The following cities are going on sale Saturday, December 18 at 12 noon - local time for each show:

2005/03/01 - Phoenix, AZ
2005/03/02 - Albuquerque, NM (Note: 21+ Venue)
2005/03/08 - Memphis, TN
2005/03/25 - Hartford, CT
2005/03/30 - Sayreville, NJ
2005/03/31 - Boston, MA
2005/04/07 - Columbus, OH

ACCESS THE PRE-SALES HERE: http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

THE EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: $125 (plus ticket price)

The EVO Premium Experience is an option that you can add to your Vai.com pre-sale ticket purchase, that allows you the exciting opportunity to see Steve and the band prepare for a show; and the ability to ask Steve questions in an intimate group discussion.  Availability is VERY limited for each show - so don't miss out.  The package includes:

As mentioned above, the "EVO Premium Experience" will be available as an "add-on" to our exclusive ticket pre-sales through Vai.com. People wishing to purchase the EVO package should choose the "EVO Premium Experience" when ordering on our online store.

Premium package items will be given to you on the evening of the show. You will receive an email with further instructions on what time to attend the "EVO Premium Experience", along with answers to other frequently asked questions as the tour draws nearer.

IMPORTANT: You must bring photo ID, and a printout of your purchase confirmation for the EVO package, with you to the show.

More information on the EVO Premium Experience will be posted on the Tour Dates page.

To see all dates for the 2005 Real Illusions US Tour, visit our Tour Dates page:
http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

Stay glued to Vai.com for more pre-sales in the coming days!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Vai.com"
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Subject: STEVE VAI TOUR 2005: WEDNESDAY PRE-SALES

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THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER: SPECIAL MAIL OUT
 December 21, 2004
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STEVE VAI: "REAL ILLUSIONS" TOUR - WEDNESDAY PRE-SALES AND "EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE" PACKAGE!

The third round of our exclusive Vai.com ticket pre-sales for the 2005 "Real Illusions" tour will begin Wednesday December 22, 2004 at 12 noon in the local time for each show.

We will also be selling our exclusive "EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE" package as an optional upgrade to your ticket purchase.

The following cities are going on sale on Wednesday.  We may add more shows between now and then, so please check the Vai.com Tour Dates page: http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

ACCESS THE PRE-SALES HERE: http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

Note that while dates may appear in the pre-sale page they will not go on sale until Wednesday, December 22 at 12 noon (local time for each show.)

* These shows are for EVO Premium Experience packages only. Regular tickets for these shows can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com

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THE EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: $125 (plus ticket price)
The EVO Premium Experience is an option that you can add to your Vai.com pre-sale ticket purchase, that allows you the exciting opportunity to see Steve and the band prepare for a show; and the ability to ask Steve questions in an intimate group discussion.  Availability is VERY limited for each show - so don't miss out.  The package includes:

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As mentioned above, the "EVO Premium Experience" will be available as an "add-on" to our exclusive ticket pre-sales through Vai.com. People wishing to purchase the EVO package should choose the "EVO Premium Experience" when ordering on our online store.

Premium package items will be given to you on the evening of the show. You will receive an email with further instructions on what time to attend the "EVO Premium Experience", along with answers to other frequently asked questions as the tour draws nearer.

More information on the EVO Premium Experience can be found on the Tour Dates page.

To see all dates for the 2005 "Real Illusions" US Tour, visit our Tour Dates page:
http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

Stay glued to Vai.com for more pre-sales in the coming days!

 

THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER
Special Mail-Out: March 18, 2005

G3'05 JAPAN - EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE

Attention fans in Japan!  G3'05 with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci is coming to Japan in May 2005.

We will be offering our exclusive EVO Premium Experience at each show, which allows fans the opportunity to watch Steve and the band soundcheck; the chance to spend time asking Steve questions during an intimate question and answer discussion before the show; and a special pass to attend the aftershow meet and greet to meet the Vai band, as well as Joe Satriani and John Petrucci.

EVO Premium Experience ticket holders will also receive a special package containing a full-color 28-page tour book, a special EVO laminate, an autographed Real Illusions: Reflections CD booklet; one of Steve's guitar picks; and a special interview CD featuring Steve's comments on each song from Real Illusions and a bonus track that does not appear on the album.

To purchase your EVO Experience Ticket for G3 Japan, visit the Vai.com Tour Dates page:  http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

Click the "Buy EVO Premium Tickets" next to the show you'd like to attend.  Select the show on our ticket page and create a user account in our online store.

Tickets are selling quickly - so don't miss this amazing opportunity!


EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE - CHICAGO 4/14

We are making a limited number of EVO Premium Experience tickets available for the show in Chicago, IL on April 14. This is one of the last shows on the US tour that we have EVO packages available for (along with Salt Lake City, UT and Boise ID).  The EVO Premium Experience is receiving rave reviews from fans and this is your last chance to experience it for yourself.

Visit our Tour Dates page for more info: http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html


THE ACHING HUNGER - PHASE II: JULY 1 & 2, 2005

Steve will be joining the Metropole Orchestra in Groningen, Holland for two more shows on July 1 and 2, 2005.  If you missed the last performances of The Aching Hunger, now is your chance to see the legendary breathtaking show that everyone is talking about.  We are making tickets available exclusively through Vai.com NOW.  Tickets are selling fast - so visit our Tour Dates page to get yours: http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER: SPECIAL MAIL OUT
June 3, 2005.

STEVE VAI - REAL ILLUSIONS TOUR EUROPE 2005
UK TICKETS ON-SALE MONDAY JUNE 6. "EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE" PACKAGE AND TICKET PRE-SALES

Hello to all Vai fans in the UK!

The first dates for the long-awaited Steve Vai Real Illusions European Tour have been announced!

2005/10/19 concert London - Hammersmith Apollo
2005/10/20 concert Wolverhampton - Civic Theatre
2005/10/21 concert Glasgow - Royal Concert Hall
2005/10/22 concert Newcastle - City Hall
2005/10/23 concert Nottingham - Royal Centre
2005/10/24 concert Manchester - Carling Apollo Manchester

Tickets will go on-sale on Monday June 6, 2005 at 9AM UK time. 

We will be selling EVO Premium Experience tickets for all shows only through Vai.com.  EVO Tickets are highly limited to 30 places per show and are priced at US$225 (approx. Ł124.) This includes the cost of ticket as well as the Premium Experience package including soundcheck, a Q&A discussion with Steve, as well as a special laminate, tour book, exclusive interview CD, autographed and numbered Real Illusions booklet, and one of Steve's guitar picks. For more information on EVO Premium Tickets, click here: http://www.vai.com/News/evo_premium.html

You can access the special Vai.com EVO Premium Experience ticket sale here: http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

A special pre-sale for regular tickets will be available through GetLive.co.uk from June 6 until June 30.  It's recommended that you register an account with them ahead of Monday's on-sale time. Visit GetLive's pre-sale page here: http://www.getlive.co.uk/events/event_info.aspx?rid=117802

Keep checking Vai.com's News Page and the Tour Dates page for more info: http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

The entire European Tour will begin in mid September, and will run until mid December. 

We will be announcing more dates soon, so keep checking!

 

STEVE VAI AND THE METROPOLE ORCHESTRA - THE ACHING HUNGER: PHASE II

The Aching Hunger: Phase II shows featuring Steve Vai and The Metropole Orchestra in Groningen, Holland on July 1 & 2 are rapidly approaching. Tickets are still available for both shows, however the July 2 show is almost sold out. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, be sure to get them soon as both shows are expected to sell out! Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.nl here:
http://www.ticketmaster.nl/html/artist.htmI?l=NL&artist=STEVE%20VAI%20EN%20HET%20METROPOLE%20ORK

Fans who attended last year's shows would agree that these concerts were both amazing and historical events. If you missed out last time, now is your chance to see these incredible performances again - and with new material too!

THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER: SPECIAL MAIL OUT
June 9, 2005.

STEVE VAI - REAL ILLUSIONS TOUR EUROPE 2005
NEW TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED! GERMANY, NORWAY AND UPDATED UK ON-SALE DATES

Hello to all Vai fans in the Europe!

We are pleased to announce further additions to the Steve Vai Real Illusions European Tour itinerary:

Please visit the Vai.com Tour Dates page for more info: http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

GERMANY SHOWS ON-SALE, FRIDAY JUNE 10:

Tickets will go on sale for all shows in Germany this Friday, June 10 at 9am local time. "EVO Premium Experience" tickets for all shows in Germany will be available exclusively through Vai.com. EVO Tickets are highly limited to 30 places per show and are priced at US$225 (approx 182 Euros.) This includes the cost of ticket as well as the Premium Experience package including soundcheck, a Q&A discussion with Steve, as well as a special laminate, tour book, exclusive interview CD, autographed and numbered Real Illusions booklet, and one of Steve's guitar picks. For more information on EVO Premium Tickets, click here: http://www.vai.com/News/evo_premium.html

You can access the special Vai.com EVO Premium Experience ticket sale here: http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

Regular tickets will be available either by phone or online:

Nationwide ticket hotlines:
+ 49 (0)1805 - 570 000
+ 49 (0)69 - 944 366 0

Buying tickets online:
http://www.eventim.de
http://www.tickets-per-post.de

 

UK SHOWS PUBLIC ON-SALE, FRIDAY JUNE 10:

Although it was reported last week that regular tickets for UK shows would go on-sale on Monday June 6, the UK promoter postponed ticketsales until this Friday, June 10 at 9am local time.

Tickets will be available through GetLive: http://www.getlive.co.uk/SteveVai
We also recommend Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk

"EVO Premium Experience" tickets are SOLD OUT for all shows except Glasgow and Newcastle.  A very limited number remain for these shows. You can access the special Vai.com EVO Premium Experience ticket sale here: http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

 

OSLO, NORWAY ON-SALE, SATURDAY JUNE 11:

Ticket sales for Oslo, Norway begin on Saturday, June 11 at 9am local time. "EVO Premium Experience" tickets for Norway will also begin at 9am. EVO Tickets are highly limited to 30 places per show and are priced at US$225 (approx. NOK 1,445.) This includes the cost of ticket as well as the Premium Experience package including soundcheck, a Q&A discussion with Steve, as well as a special laminate, tour book, exclusive interview CD, autographed and numbered Real Illusions booklet, and one of Steve's guitar picks. For more information on EVO Premium Tickets, click here: http://www.vai.com/News/evo_premium.html

You can access the special Vai.com EVO Premium Experience ticket sale here: http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

Regular tickets are available online at: http://www.ticketmaster.no

 

STEVE VAI AND THE METROPOLE ORCHESTRA - THE ACHING HUNGER: PHASE II

Tickets for the July 2 Aching Hunger: Phase II show featuring Steve Vai and The Metropole Orchestra in Groningen, Holland are now SOLD OUT. Tickets are still available for the July 1 show. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, be sure to get them soon as both shows are expected to sell out! Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.nl here:
http://www.ticketmaster.nl/html/artist.htmI?l=NL&artist=STEVE%20VAI%20EN%20HET%20METROPOLE%20ORK

Fans who attended last year's shows would agree that these concerts were both amazing and historical events. If you missed out last time, now is your chance to see these incredible performances again - and with new material too!

2005-12-04 radio special, dutch radio 4, 'nps output': the 2005-10-02 tilburg concert

2005-12-11 radio special, dutch radio 4, 'nps output': the 2005-07-07 "Aching Hunger Phase II"  groningen concert with the Metropole Orkest

2005-12-18 radio special, dutch radio 4, 'nps output': bonus material from tilburg & groningen

2005-12-12 tv special, dutch nederland 3, 'nps output': the 2005-07-07 "Aching Hunger Phase II"  groningen concert with the Metropole Orkest - part one

2005-12-19 tv special, dutch nederland 3, 'nps output': the 2005-07-07 "Aching Hunger Phase II"  groningen concert with the Metropole Orkest - part two

Steve Vai appears on the "Halo 2, Volume Two" soundtrack - a follow-up to "Halo 2, Volume One" soundtrack album - which also featured Steve's guitar work. Steve contributes guitar parts to the track "Reclaimer" which was recorded during the initial Halo sessions in Seattle in October 2003, but remained unreleased until now.

"Halo 2" Music Composer Martin O’Donnell explains: “In the summer of 2004, Nile Rodgers and I decided that it would be a good idea to present the music of "Halo 2" in two separate volumes. The first volume would contain all the music that was finished and mixed plus some ‘inspired by’ music from music groups whose music was being used in the game.

Since the first soundtrack was assembled before the game actually shipped, the second volume would contain the rest of the music, some that I was still composing and producing, and would be arranged for maximum listening pleasure. The music in Halo 2 will play back a little differently each time someone plays the game but on the soundtrack, I have the opportunity to arrange the music in a way that will never change.”

Halo 2, Volume Two will be released on April 25, 2006.

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THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER
NEWS FLASH!
Issue Three, Volume Three: Aug 5, 2006.

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JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI & FRIENDS BENEFIT CONCERT - SEPT. 30
Steve and Joe will be holding a special benefit concert for their friend and music industry veteran Cliff Cultreri. The Cliff Show will take place on Saturday, September 30th at the House Of Blues, Hollywood, and will feature performances by both Satriani and Vai, as well as special guests to be announced. Steve Lukather and Scott Henderson are among the special guests already confirmed for the show.

Cliff Cultreri is the A&R executive who discovered both Satriani and Vai as well as many other popular recording artists, while working at Relativity Records. Cultreri is currently suffering from a host of Auto-Immune and Connective-Tissue disorders that are attacking his immune system, a one in 100 million occurrence that causes severe pain and physical problems. Satriani and Vai hope to raise funds to help Cultreri and his familys financial needs.

Tickets to the show will be $100, and go on sale August 12th. A limited number of tickets will be available for pre-sale @ $75 on Tue, Aug 8 through Ticketmaster.com. Stay tuned to Vai.com for password information.

G3'06 AUSTRALIA: JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI & JOHN PETRUCCI
Steve will be joining Joe Satriani and John Petrucci for a long-awaited G3 tour of Australia in early December. Check Vai.com in the coming days for exact dates, and details of our special EVO Premium Experience package.

STEVE ON NEW MEAT LOAF ALBUM: "BAT OUT OF HELL III"
Steve makes a guest appearance on Meat Loaf's new Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose LP, set for release on Halloween. Steve lends his guitar work to the track “Land of the Pigs.” The album also features contributions from Brian May, Nikki Sixx and John 5.

CARVIN 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Steve will be appearing at the Carvin 60th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 12, 2006 at Carvin's San Diego Factory. Steve's involvement with Carvin goes back to the early '80's when he played the Carvin X100B amp as a member of Frank Zappa's band. In more recent years, Steve worked with Carvin to develop his signature amp - the Legacy.

The Carvin Factory is located at: 12340 World Trade Drive, San Diego CA 92128. The event runs from 10am to 6pm. POD and Allan Holdsworth will also be appearing at the event, and there will be live performances from Off Track, Social Green, RDG, CAB (featuring Bunny Brunel, Tony MacAlpine, Patrice Rushen, Virgil Donati), Steve Oliver, Craig Chaquico and LiT. For more information, visit Carvin.com

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THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER
Special Mail Out: November 14, 2006.

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G3'06 TOUR AUSTRALIA - AFTERSHOW PASS CONTEST

For fans in Australia: We're pleased to announce that we are holding an aftershow pass contest for the G3'06 Tour in Australia.

If you're attending one of the shows, simply list your name in our G3'06 Australia Aftershow Pass Contest forum under the show you're going to, and you'll be entered into the draw to win an aftershow pass for you and your guest to meet Steve and the guys after the show. If you do not already have a user account on the forum, you will need to register.

There are rules associated with this contest, so please read them carefully before entering: http://www.vai.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20196

We are only giving away three (3) aftershow passes for you and a friend to each show. You must already have tickets to see the show to enter. If you have already purchased Satriani or Petrucci Platinum Packages you are ineligible to enter as your tickets already include an aftershow pass.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE AFTERSHOW PASS CONTEST FORUM:
http://www.vai.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=34

TO SEE A LIST OF G3 SHOWS IN AUSTRALIA VISIT OUR TOUR DATES PAGE:
http://www.vai.com/News/tourdates.html

ALSO: Check the Vai.com News page in coming days for information about a Steve Vai and Joe Satriani In-Store appearance...

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IN OTHER VAI-RELATED NEWS...

If you haven't had a chance to catch the Zappa Plays Zappa Tour, you can view some great photos and video of the tour (including video of an amazing solo by Steve) at the special Zappa Plays Zappa mini-site. Tickets are still on sale for the December leg of the tour which visits the South East, South and Pacific Northwest plus a December 30 show in Cabazon, CA.

For all the goodies, visit http://www.zappaplayszappa.com

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Steve appears on Meat Loaf's new album "Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose." Steve lends his guitar work to the track "Land of the Pigs." The album also features contributions from Brian May, Nikki Sixx and John 5.

Click here to buy this album:
http://www.vai.com/News/newsletters/redir_meatloaf.html

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Also out now is "Butchering the Beatles: A Headbashing Tribute." Steve appears with the legendary Alice Cooper on the track "Hey Bulldog." 

Click here to buy this album:
http://www.vai.com/News/newsletters/redir_beatles.html

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CHECK OUT THE LATEST NEWS
Visit the Vai.com News Page for all the latest Steve Vai news: http://www.vai.com/News/index.html

2007 03 20

Hi Folks,

Well, I was sitting here thinking, it's been a while since I was out there with my own band playing a full show, but would it make sense to tour on an orchestra record since that's what's being released?

If I don't get out for at least a little bit now, it may not be another 2 years before I get a chance to.

What if I just do a quick stint of Europe and the US? Yeah, I'm feeling that need to get out and play for you all again.

OKAY - HOW ABOUT THESE SHOWS BELOW?

We'll announce venues shortly, check the Vai.com Tour Dates page for links to tickets for Holland and France which are on sale now. There are still a few cities to be confirmed above, and we'll announce US dates later.

WILL THERE BE AN EVO EXPERIENCE?

I enjoyed the last one very much and I do have some ideas for a new one. Let's do it! Unfortunately we can't do EVO for festival shows. For shows already on sale (like Paris) EVO Experience passes will be sold separately from tickets.

WHAT ABOUT THE BAND?

Hmmm, well, since it's a relatively short tour it might be a good opportunity to do something different and perhaps change the band up.

It's tough. The Breed is like a family to me and although I know that we can probably get together anytime and do a gig or tour, this is may be a good opportunity to try something a little different. Tony and Billy won't be joining me on this run - but they are actually doing a project together and you won't want to miss them when they tour Europe in October!

So, since there is no studio album with a firm band that I'm touring on, anything goes. I'm thinking of having a violin player in the band that can understand how to play like a violin player but still rip it up when necessary. Imagine some of those guitar lines doubled with a violin. That's pretty strung up!

Well, let's see how auditions go.

WHAT MUSIC ARE WE GOING TO PLAY?

I guess a lot of this will have to do with who the band ends up being, but whatever it is I would like to do a lot of songs that have never been performed live before, such as "Die to Live," "Lucky Charms," the last movement of the "Fire Garden Suite" etc. I'm sure we can do some things from the new Sound Current CD. I have a feeling "The Murder" may be pretty harmonically defiant.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT RECORD?

When I jump into "Real Illusions Part 2," it's going to take quite some time to finish it so perhaps we can record a live record from this tour with all new songs, similar to the way we did "Alive in an Ultra World". I only hope that I can walk that walk after talking the talk.

We can record new songs one at a time per show.

Okay then, new tour, new band, new music and a new live recording, and you're all invited! And I am going to request that this tour is an "All Ages" event in every city. I'm hoping this will be possible.

Keep an eye on Vai.com for more info.

Steve

THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER: NEWS FLASH

May 3, 2007

EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE USA - PRE-SALE BEGINS FRIDAY MAY 04!

EVO Premium Experience tickets for the USA will go on sale on Friday May 04 - at noon PST.

We will be posting more details on Vai.com shortly, but in the meantime you can check out our EVO Premium Experience Info page: <http://www.vai.com/News/evo2007/index.html>

We also have an EVO 2007 FAQ on the message board. If you have questions, please post them there:
<http://www.vai.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21785>

You can access the EVO Ticket Sales here: <http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com>
It's a good idea to create an online account with our ticketing store before tickets go on sale.

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USA TOUR DATES:

2007 09 07  -  steve vai newsletter

Visual Sound Theories - Out September 18!

Steve's long-awaited and much anticipated DVD, Visual Sound Theories will be released through Sony/Epic on September 18, 2007. This DVD features the live performances from the Aching Hunger concerts with the Holland Metropole Orchestra in July 2005.

With a total running time of over 2 hours, the DVD includes 14 tracks in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound:

Bonus features include:

The DVD will be available in all major record stores, Amazon.com and through our Vai.com Online Store. Fans in the USA can also pick up the DVD at the merch booth on Steve's upcoming Sound Theories USA Tour. Check back in the coming days for a sneak-peek DVD trailer.

Exclusive Vai Concert Photographs For Sale!

We're excited to announce a great new service from Vai.com and our friends at Front Row Center!

Starting after our first show in Las Vegas NV, you'll be able to purchase artist-authorized professional photos from the Steve Vai concert YOU attended. These high-quality photos can be purchased online from the Front Row Center store and will be shipped to you within 2-3 weeks. We will also have limited edition photo mats hand-signed by Steve Vai and ready for framing. These are true photographic prints (not inkjet or dye-sublimation prints) and are available in two sizes: 8"x10" and 11"x14". Photos are printed on high-quality Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper with longevity of up to 200 years.

These photos are taken by official Vai Photographer and Art Director Michael Mesker, who shoots the whole show and has access to all areas of the stage and dressing rooms, allowing him to capture unique shots that press and freelance photographers cannot. Check the Vai.com homepage for examples of the kinds of shots that will be available as the US tour progresses.

You can subscribe to Front Row Center's e-reminder email service for regular updates on show galleries and photos as they become available by clicking here.

For more information on how the Front Row Center service works, visit their website at FRCphotos.com.

The Vai.com Tour Diary

Visit the brand-new Vai.com Tour Diary regularly while we're on the road for photos, videos, mobile/iPhone posts and blog entries from Steve, Mikey and the entire band.
We're planning a multi-media extravaganza, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Vai Tour as it unfolds.

EVO Premium Experience - Upgrade Tickets

EVO Premium Experience tickets for the upcoming Sound Theories tour in the USA and Canada are still available as a TICKET UPGRADE for some venues through Vai.com, but are selling fast.

You will need to buy a regular ticket to the show through Ticketmaster which you can then UPGRADE to EVO Premium through our Vai.com EVO Ticket store.

Please note that the EVO Upgrade will not give you preferred seating. You will sit in the seat specified on your ticket - however you will need to arrive at the venue at 3:30pm on the day of the show.

If you have been considering buying an EVO Premium Experience ticket, don't miss out! If you have questions about the EVO Experience, please visit the EVO Experience 2007 FAQ Thread on our message board. We'll try to answer your questions as quickly as possible.

Fans in South America should keep checking Vai.com in the coming days for details of EVO South America. Check the Tour Dates below for dates and venue information.

Steve Vai USA & South America Tour Dates 2007

We are excited to announce new dates in South America. The dates confirmed so far can be found at the bottom of the tour schedule.

THE OFFICIAL STEVE VAI NEWSLETTER

Special Mail Out: October 22, 2007.

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EVO EXPERIENCE - SOUTH AMERICA

Hello Vai Fans in South America!

We are planning on holding the EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE at all shows on the South American tour, however we are requiring people who would like to take part in EVO to "pre-register" for these packages.

EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE packages are highly limited to 20 per show. In some cities, we will offer an extra 5-10 EVO packages as UPGRADES - meaning that these passes DO NOT include show tickets. You MUST buy regular tickets to the show separately from EVO UPGRADE passes.

EVO Pre-registration allows us to estimate fan interest in taking part in EVO, and make arrangements to hold EVO at each show.

By pre-registering, you are not obliged to purchase EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE packages, however we encourage people not to pre-register if they do not plan on buying the packages.

Prices for EVO tickets in South America are:

$225 USD (plus a $12 USD booking fee) for EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE packages

$192 USD (plus a $10 USD booking fee) for EVO UPGRADE packages (you MUST buy your own ticket to the show.)

Please note that the information on these pages applies to EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE packages. EVO UPGRADE packages receive the same items and benefits but MUST buy their own ticket to the show. If you buy an EVO UPGRADE package without having a ticket, you will not be let into the show.

Also note that there have been changes/additions to the South American Tour Dates:

If you have friends who do not visit Vai.com regularly, but would also like to buy EVO PREMIUM EXPERIENCE tickets, please tell your friends!

2007 11 05

Subject: For Fans in South America...

Hello Fans in South America!

This is just a short note to let you know that we will be starting EVO at 6:30pm (1830h) at each show during our South American Tour.
We ask that you arrive at the venue at this time, with your EVO Confirmation email printed out, as well as a form of photo ID.
Please do not be late!  Please wait by the front doors of the venue where we  will come out and meet you and check your names off our list.
For fans who have expressed interest in buying EVO Premium Experience or EVO UPGRADE tickets but have not yet done so, time is running out!

We have plenty of EVO tickets still available for all shows, but you need to purchase the tickets through Vai.com's Online Ticketing Store.
We close sales for each show approximately 24 hours before.

If you have not purchased an EVO Premium Experience or EVO UPGRADE ticket, but would like to do please visit out Vai.com Online Ticket store now:
http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com

If you have been unable to purchase an EVO Premium Experience or EVO UPGRADE ticket because you don't have a credit card, but would like to come to an EVO Experience, please email us here at this address (evo@vai.com), and we will see how we can help you.  We are considering accepting cash for EVO tickets at each show.

See you at the show!

Mikey

vai.com

2007 12 18

... things on the agenda for 2008

  1. At some point this year we will be making the followings videos available for download through iTunes & other digital distribution stores.

    1. Alien Love Secrets DVD

    2. Select tracks from Live at the Astoria

    3. The original promotional videos for:

      1. "For the Love of God"

      2. "I Would Love To"

      3. "The Audience Is Listening"

      4. "Down Deep Into The Pain"

      5. "In My Dreams With You"

  2. The release of the new signature Jemini distortion pedal from Ibanez.

  3. The completion and distribution via internet sites and perhaps retail of Archives Vol. 5 - Gold from the Vault.
    I'm very excited about this CD. It will have songs on it that were once available as Vai-tunes downloads, along with a handful of never heard tracks that have been sitting on the shelf in the vault that never made it to records from the past. You may find some nuggets on here...

  4. The digital availability of "Naked Tracks" (Tracks from the catalog without the lead guitar) for those who might like to play along.

  5. "Music As Art - For The Love of God." Similar to what was offered in the past with "The God Eaters", this will be nicely framed lithographs of the hand written lead sheet to the first two pages of "For The Love of God".

  6. The contribution of a guitar track to Jason Becker's new solo record.

  7. The Real Illusions: Reflections transcription folio through Hal Leonard.

  8. Perhaps the announcement of a new Legacy amp with Carvin.

  9. The completion and availability of the 6th installment to The Secret Jewel Box: Panic Jungle Alcatrazz Live

  10. The arrangement and recording of "The Blossom Suite" that was originally written for myself and classical guitarist extraordinaire, Sharon Isbin. To be released on her solo record through Sony.

  11. The editing and release of a DVD with the String Theories band from a performance in Minneapolis during the 2007 tour.

  12. We are looking at the possibility of two orchestral performances with Orchestras in the Canary Islands of pieces from Sound Theories Vol. 1 & 2.

Clearing the boards for a new studio recording...

2009

World tour, visiting your very backyard. See you there!

Geez, I get dizzy just writing it down.

Stay tuned to vai.com for updates on these things. They can all change and perhaps I'll just go to Tahiti for a few months. Well... maybe just a week.

 

2008 07 14

Steve Vai - "Naked Tracks"

Naked Tracks Vol. 1-5, is a series of recording packages that contain mixes of Steve's songs without the lead guitars. They are offered as "play along tracks." Included are select backing tracks from Passion and Warfare, Sex & Religion, Alien Love Secrets, Fire Garden, The Ultra Zone, Alive In An Ultra World, Real Illusions: Reflections and others.

Steve comments on the package: "Through the years, whenever I would mix my records I would usually do a mix of specific songs without the lead guitar. This allowed me to play along with the track or make loops to jam to, and because I figured perhaps someday maybe others would like to do the same. Voila! We have arrived at someday.

"Playing to these naked tracks, or creating loops of various sections, to endlessly meander over, is a phenomenal way to discover unique musical ideas from within yourself.

"When we are playing an instrument and our mind enters that exclusive elusive mental real estate of our own personal muse, it can result in a form of musical meditation.

"This series of play-along CDs is designed to help create an atmosphere of focus so you can shred yourself into a personally-induced inspirational nirvana.

"For the most part, the tracks in this series are presented in their original form with the lead guitar removed. In some cases I looped the solo sections to give you an opportunity to stretch out. I suggest you import these files into a sequencer program of sorts, (ProTools, Band, etc.) and create loops of various parts of the songs to jam over. It's an excellent way to develop your inner musical ear.

"All 5 disks will be offered together in one package at various retail stores, through Vai.com, or can be downloaded by various tracks or volumes at any of the online digital stores (such as the iTunes Music Store.)"

Keep checking Vai.com in the coming weeks for the Naked Tracks mini-site with information about each track, as well as links to download the tracks, or order the 5-CD package...       

                                   

K'm-Pee-Du-Wee - Live In Poland

Performing in countries through Eastern Europe is an adventure. We usually travel over night to the next city after the previous gig. In this situation we were coming from a gig in Vilnius, Lithuania and driving overnight for a day off in Katowice Poland. The day after that we had a show scheduled for Zabrze, Poland.

The video goals on the Real Illusions tour (among some other colorful celluloid exploits) was to capture a unique kind of performance for each song on the Real Illusions CD. Since K'm-Pee-Du-Wee was already released on a G3 DVD from Japan, I wanted to offer a different type of performance video other than a live concert setting for that song. Never having been to Katowice Poland (oddly enough), I thought it would be a cool idea to just show up and set up a little trio combo somewhere outside of the hotel in the street, unannounced, and just jam on K'm-Pee.

The band and crew were real sports about it. Mikey Mesker shot some entertaining footage and although the equipment we used to perform with looked a little anemic, it was mic'ed properly and heavily EQ-ed so the sound we captured is actually pretty good.

We just jammed through the song a few times and I cut it together. I think it turned out charming with some striking moments. The citizens of downtown Katowice took very little interest in what we were doing.

DIDN'T THEY KNOW WHO WE WERE???? Maybe not.

The full 12 minute version of "K'm-Pee-Du-Wee - Live In Poland" will be available through the iTunes Music Store very soon. In the meantime, check out a teaser trailer on the official Steve Vai YouTube Channel!

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=OnjLyfj8nAg

We will also be making all of Steve's official promo videos available through iTunes, along with select cuts from the Live At The Astoria London DVD, and all videos from the Alien Love Secrets DVD.       

                                   

The Steve Vai Great Gear Giveaway 2008!

There's just over two weeks left in our Steve Vai Great Gear Giveaway 2008 promotion - sponsored by Carvin, DiMarzio, Ernie Ball, Ibanez and Morley!

GRAND PRIZE:

2ND PRIZE:

3RD PRIZE:

Just purchase your favorite Steve Vai Merchandise in the Vai.com Official Online Store to be automatically entered into the draw! We also have two special mech bundles available that come with Steve Vai autographed 8x10s!

BUNDLE 1:

BUNDLE 2:

The contest begins today (June 2), and continues through July 31, 2008. Three winners will be drawn at random and on or around August 8, 2008.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE VAI.COM ONLINE STORE...

Please note that regrettably, due to legal reasons, this contest is only open to entrants age 18 or older as of the date of entry who reside in the 50 United States. See complete rules for further eligibility and entry details.         

                                   

Coming soon to Vai.com...

Tune into Vai.com in the coming weeks for exciting news about a huge Ebay auction of some of Steve's gear, and much more!

For all the latest Steve Vai news, visit the Vai.com News page.

 

2008 12

2009 09

Come to the Benefit Screening in Hollywood on 9/15!

Steve Vai announces a premier screening of his concert film Live In Minneapolis - Where The Wild Things Are at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on September 15th. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to view the concert on the big screen. The screening will kick off with a 6 minute groundbreaking Mass Animation animated short Live Music - a worldwide collaboration by digital animators using a unique application built on the Facebook platform. Live Music stars Steve Vai and Ann Marie Calhoun. Steve and his band will then introduce the concert film.

The screening will be open to the public and proceeds from the event will benefit Hollywood Arts, an arts academy that provides creative and commercial art instruction to homeless and at-risk youth. Vai has been a member of the board of directors for Hollywood Arts since 2007. For more information, visit www.hollywood-arts.org

"I'm thrilled to be sponsoring this event in support of such a vital organization as Hollywood Arts." said Vai. "I have personally seen how this institute has mended broken spirits and changed the quality of people's lives while cultivating them to become valuable contributors in building a healthier society."

Music celebrities from all walks are donating items for a silent auction that will be held at the Egyptian Theatre on the night of the screening. There will also be an Ebay auction to help raise funds and awareness for Hollywood Arts. Visit Favored Nations to view photos and info on Ebay auction items. See below of a list of auction contributors.

The schedule for the event is as follows:

Location: The Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.

General admission tickets are $25.00 and all ages are welcome. The silent auction is open to the all attendees. A limited number of tickets are available to the EVO Experience - a private Q & A discussion with Steve. EVO Experience tickets are $199 each. For more information about the EVO Experience, click here.

2009 09 14

THE ULTIMATE STEVE VAI CHARITY AUCTION

This is a once in a lifetime package for a special Steve Vai Fan!

Steve will be auctioning a complete replica of his entire rig (many of the items used on tour) as part of the charity auctions taking place in conjunction with the release of the new DVD/CD and screening party on September 15th in Hollywood. You get everything shown in the photo, including Steve! The rig contains many of the original items Steve used on the String Theories tour that was captured live in the "Live in Minneapolis: Where the Wild Things Are DVD". (*denotes original String Theory tour items)

All rig components are wired with premium DiMarzio cables.

But that's not all. Steve will write and record an original song dedicated to the highest bidder, and will be sold on iTunes, with all proceeds going to Hollywood Arts. http://www.hollywood-arts.org  The highest bidder will also get a very special thank you in the next Vai record; a commemorative DVD plaque, a 1-hour private lesson with Steve (Steve will come to the winner's house if they are located in Los Angeles); and the winner will be invited to an EVO experience (including concert tickets) in the town of their chose on the next tour.

The auction begins today - Monday September 14th at 3:45pm PDT. Visit Vai.com for a link to the auction.  

Click here to read more and see a larger image! http://www.vai.com/wildthings/auction/

2009 10 13

Steve is bringing his Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class to Calgary and Toronto in November!

Sunday, Nov. 22
Venue: Engineered Air Theater
City: Calgary, Canada
Time: 3:00pm
Tickets to the Calgary master class are available through Music Center Canada West (tel. 1-403-246-6480.)

http://www.musiccentrecanada.com/

Tuesday, Nov. 24
Venue: Rock Star Music School
City: Bolton, Ontario, Canada (Toronto)
Time: 6:00pm
Tickets to the Toronto master class are available only through Vai.com's online Ticket Store. 

http://www.stevevai.tickets.musictoday.com/

Tickets are USD$250 and are ON SALE NOW! Both classes are limited to 100 attendees.

To read more about the Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class, including an outline of the course and topics covered, visit our general information page: http://www.vai.com/News/ags/

Steve Vai Festival

woensdag 20 oktober - openbare repetitie NNO & The Naked tracks

GRATIS OPENBARE REPETITIE

12.00 - 12.30 uur

Grote zaal De Oosterpoort 

vrijdag 22 oktober - Steve Vai & Noord Nederlands Orkest

Het Noord Nederlands Orkest (NNO)

Het NNO en Steve Vai verrassen u met een combinatie van symfonieorkest en rockgitarist. Speciaal voor zijn eigen festival heeft Vai vier maanden in zijn agenda geblokkeerd om te componeren. Vai:'.....Ik was eerder componist dan rockgitarist. Het feit dat ik in de rockscene belandde heeft het componeren op een lager pitje gezet, maar de behoefte is er nog steeds. ...'

Vanavond hoort u twee nieuwe composities van zijn hand.

NEW COMPOSITIONS FOR ORCHESTRA & GUITAR 1.

Steve Vai & het Noord Nederlands Orkest (NNO)

Grote zaal De Oosterpoort 20.15 uur

€ 29,50 excl. administratiekosten theater

NNO o.l.v. Kasper de Roo

Solisten

Steve Vai - elektrische gitaar
Christophe Weidmann - elektrische altviool
Mike Keneally - piano

Programma

Vai - Kill te guy with the ball - orkest en elektrische gitaar

Vai - The Murder

Vai - Salamanders in the Sun - orkest en elektrische gitaar

Vai - Pianomuziek gespeeld door Mike Keneally

Yusperov - Deel III uit Concert voor elektrische altviool en orkest - Nederlandse premičre

Vai - The Middle of Everywhere - Wereldpremičre

Pauze

Vai - Expanding the Universe - Wereldpremičre

 

 

Gratis inleiding om 19.00 uur. Reserveer kaarten telefonisch op (050) 368 03 68

NTR Radio 6 maakt opnames van dit concert voor de uitzending op 6 en 13 december 2010 in Radio 6 live (23.00-01.00 uur).

zaterdag 23 oktober - The Middle of Everywhere; Wereldpremičre & Radio-opname

EXCLUSIVE RADIO OPNAME ROND STEVE VAI

Kleine zaal Oosterpoort 13.00 uur

Toegang GRATIS

Solisten

Mike Keneally - piano

Vanuit De Oosterpoort neemt Radio 6 een exclusief radioprogramma rond Steve Vai op. In een twee uur durende radio-opname wordt Steve Vai geinterviewd en zijn diverse tijdens het Steve Vai Festival opgenomen geluidsfragmenten te horen. Pianist Mike Keneally geeft gedurende de uitzending een concert.

(dit concert stond eerder gepland op zondag middag maar is verplaatst naar de zaterdag zodat Steve Vai er toch bij kan zijn)

NTR Radio 6 maakt opnames van dit concert voor de uitzending op 6 en 13 december 2010 in Radio 6 live (23.00-01.00 uur).

 

zondag 24 oktober - Documentaire ROCK ON!

ROCK ON!

Documentaire over de geschiedenis van de elektrische gitaar.

 

ForumImages 11.00 uur

€ 8,80

 

Regie: Arjan Vlakveld

NPS Televisie (nu NTR)

Arjan Vlakveld, regisseur van verrassende, ontroerende of ontluisterende mini-documentaires met achtergrondverhalen over bijvoorbeeld de Top 2000 a gogo hits, stort zich dit keer op het verhaal van een  instrument. Over hoe een houten plank met snaren en een element kon uitgroeien tot een object met een bijkans mythische status. Over pioniers Les Paul en Leo Fender en de rivaliteit tussen gitaarbouwers Fender, Gibson en Rickenbacker. Wat is de impact van nou juist gitaristen als Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly en Eric Clapton op de popcultuur en wat maakt Jimi Hendrix, die als eerste en plein public zijn gitaar aan diggelen sloeg, nou zo invloedrijk. En dan de angstige vraag of tegenwoordig de gitaar nog wel hip & happening is.

Steve Vai
Passion and Warfare - 25th Anniversary tour Europe 2016

2016/06/01  ->  2016/08/01

on the right: the tourbook

 

 

 

frank zappa  / musicians timeline

the others of invention
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 n   o   p   q   r   s   t   u   v   w   x   y   z
soundtracks various artists