Joe Satriani & Steve Vai Join Forces

The collaboration between Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, two of the most renowned figures in rock guitar history, has culminated in the formation of SATCHVAI. This powerhouse band recently released their second studio single, “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” featuring the exceptional vocals of Glenn Hughes, known primarily for his work with Deep Purple and Black Country Communion. The track offers a captivating mix of hard rock, blues, and anthemic energy, adding significant depth to SATCHVAI’s burgeoning repertoire. With Satriani and Vai both at the peak of their powers, the creation of SATCHVAI represents not only a significant milestone in their careers but also an enriching experience for fans of electrifying guitar music.

The track’s lineup exemplifies the all-star team behind SATCHVAI’s explosive sound. Besides Satriani and Vai on guitars, the band features Marco Mendoza on bass, Kenny Aronoff on drums, Eric Caudieux on keyboards, and Derek Day, Steve Vai, and Doug MacArthur providing background vocals. As Joe Satriani shared in a recent interview, he began writing the song with no prior expectation of Hughes and Vai’s immense contributions. Their collaboration brought the song to life, creating an output that Satriani notes as pivotal to the track’s success. This integration of talent forms the cornerstone of the newly established band, SATCHVAI, setting the foundation for their European summer tour.

The music video for “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” directed by Joe Satriani’s son, ZZ Satriani, captures the chemistry and the high-octane performance style of the band. Set in an industrial landscape with dynamic camera work, it emphasizes the robust nature of the music and the intense passion the musicians bring to their craft. This visual medium not only showcases their vibrant stage presence but also offers fans a glimpse into the distinctive artistry of SATCHVAI. The video aligns seamlessly with the original ethos behind the music, as described by Satriani and Vai, reflecting their mutual admiration for rock music and the guitar’s rich history.

The inception of SATCHVAI also marks a deep personal dream for both Satriani and Vai, who have long harbored aspirations of bringing this kind of project to fruition. As Vai recounted, the song embodies the dreams and desires they held as teenagers, fueled by the love for rock and roll and guitar mastery. This theme of youthful aspiration remains central to their music, further resonating with audiences who are both familiar with and new to their work. By weaving together decades of musical experience, SATCHVAI taps into a narrative that transcends simple performance, reflecting a lifelong journey of musicianship.

SATCHVAI’s forthcoming European tour is anticipated as a significant event in the rock music calendar. Scheduled to kick off in June in the United Kingdom, the tour will span iconic cities and festivals, concluding in August. This venture underscores the band’s commitment to live music and the dynamic stage performances for which Satriani and Vai are celebrated. The tour will spotlight tracks from their respective solo albums as well as new compositions, promising an enriching experience for attendees. The presence of renowned drummers, bassists, and guitarists reinforces the band’s intention to deliver a series of unforgettable concerts.

SATCHVAI’s 2025 European Tour:

June 13 York, UK Barbican
June 14 London, UK Eventim Apollo
June 17 Glasgow, SC Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
June 18 Wolverhampton, UK Civic Hall
June 19 Manchester, UK O2 Apollo
June 21 Clisson, FR Hellfest
June 22 Paris, FR Palais Des Congres
June 23 Amsterdam, NL Amsterdam Afas
June 24 Antwerp, BE Lotto Arena
June 26 Copenhagen, DK Amager Bio
June 27 Malmo, SE Slagthuset Saluhallen
June 29 Helsinki, FI House of Culture
June 30 Tampere, FI Tampere Hall
July 2 Uppsala, SE Parksnackan
July 3 Oslo, NO Sentrum Scene
July 5 Warsaw, PL Torwar
July 8 Munich, DE Tollwood Festival
July 10 Dusseldorf, DE Mitsubishi Electric Hall
July 11 Frankfurt, DE Jahrhunderthalle
July 12 Zurich, CH Volkshaus Zürich
July 13 Milan, IT Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
July 15 Pordenone, IT Parco San Valentino
July 16 Perugia, IT Umbria Jazz
July 17 Bologna, IT Sequoie Music Park
July 18 Saint-Julien, FR Guitares en Scene Festival
July 20 Prague, CZ Forum Karlin
July 22 Sofia, BG National Palace of Culture
July 23 Bucharest, RO Arenele Romane
July 25 Istanbul, TR KüçükÇiftlik Park
July 28 Athens, GR Lycabettus Theater
July 30 Belgrade, RS Luka Beograd
Aug 1 Sibenik, HR Historic Saint Michael’s Fortress
Aug 2 Sibenik, HR Historic Saint Michael’s Fortress