MAILBAG ARCHIVES:

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- March 05, 2000

- January 11, 2000

- December 27, 1999

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- January 30, 1999

- October 22, 1998

- April 26, 1998

- March 30, 1998

- March 17, 1998

March 17, 1998:

Greetings Mr. Vai, and salutations to your blessed family. I've been a fan of yours for about 8 years (being 25), and "discovered" you with the "Eat 'Em and Smile" album. Through your work I've come to appreciate not the flashy guitar style, but the total abandonment to the instrument, and to music in a larger sense.

Your music led me to Frank Zappa's treasure trove of inspiration, a world of invention I never dreamed existed. I'm studying classical guitar, piano, ear training and transcribing all I can find to achieve my goal in life (for I believe this is what I was meant to do), which is to communicate music to others, whether it be my own or not.

I''ll never be as proficient as you on the guitar, and to be quite frank, I don't care to be. It's not who I am. But I do hope to achieve a decent level of musical knowledge.

I won't take any more of your time, thanx for the music.

daviault

p.s. the new site is great. There's everything anybody could want to know about you. It must be a little intimidating, though, to have your entire life on a hard drive. Peace.

Dear Steve,

The first time I heard you was through a friend of mine named Tom (who by the way is a brilliant jazz pianist of the calibre of Chick Corea and Co). I was 15 and was listening to Satriani really heavily (as I still do), and I thought that your playing was really strange and I didn't get into it at all!! BUT, then I listened to P&W again and as my musical awarness grew, so too did my appreciation of your unparalled ability to express yourself on this six stringed beast. And so, Now I'm 21, and I love every single piece of music you compose or cover (in the case of the Christmas song). Thanks for giving me years of pleasure Steve, and I'm counting on you to give me years more. Oh yeah, please come back to Perth, and when you do, give me a call and I'll show you around, its a really great place!!

Regards, Joe Colgan
Perth WA, Australia

My First Meeting With Vai's Music.

Well, I guess the first Vai song I heard was 'Juice' from his 'Alien Love Secrets' album. I didn't hear the CD version, I actually heard some other guy play a homemade version of it with a band backing up. (I recall that the drummer used a lot of emotion when he so steady played that shuffle groove, 'man it was awesome!!) Well, right after the show I took the bus home and I kinda had made my mind up that I have to either play some songs of Vai, or at least purchase some albums (y'know, I play the guitar myself). I chose choice B and went to a record shop and bought the only Vai album they had there, 'Sex & Religion.' I kinda had a clue that this was goin' to be quite different from what I heard at the concert so I was very open-minded. And what a wow-xperince I got!!! To begin with, Devin's vocals on the record were a little...hmm..."unexpected?!" and lotsa songs had like a hit-sound-thingy goin' on, but I soon got used to it and I started to pick up some guitar stuff too. I had a transcription to the intro of 'Rescue Me Or Bury Me' and nailed that one pretty fast. So I ordered the 'Alien Love Secrets' CD and bought the note-book some months later. Well, a year has gone since I saw that guy play 'Juice,' and in February '98 I played that same song on the same stage, one year later. But I played it just like the original, but only a little bit faster (bpm=230), and with a midi-file drums/bass as backing band (sequenced it myself). So I gotta say that Vai, you've changed me. Without your music I wouldn't be the guitarist I am today!! My progress on the guitar has really increased since I started playing the tunes on the 'Alien Love Secrets' album, and it has developed my own music too. So I strongly recommend every guitarist to take a peak into the 'Alien Love Secrets' guitar techniques and music, it's just like havin' a well tempered clavier book for the guitar.

Keep up the good work!!!

Frode A. K. Thorkildsen

PS: I've never even seen Vai play live!!! And I haven't heard other albums than "Sex & Religion", "Alien Love Secrets" and "G3"!! I still have lots to discover!!!

I just had to write in after reading Steve's words about the making of "Passion And Warfare". I had always thought and even had heard that Steve put himsef into PAW but now I know for sure.

I have seen Steve live numerous times now and I have always considered a Vai show to be something of a religious experience, however one show in particular will forever stand out in my mind. After Steve finished the first G3 tour he started touring for 'Fire Garden'. About two months after he played the G3 show in Minnepolis he returned to a small club in Minneapolis called First Avenue (Prince filmed parts of "Purple Rain" at First Ave.)

Mike Keneally & Beer for Dolphins opened the show after a long technical delay. I didn't mind however, since Mike spent about 20 minutes talking with me in the audience before he went on, it always amazes me how no one realizes who he is. BFD kicked ass!

But, But! Nothing could have prepared me for Steve, not up close. I stood at the edge of the stage for 3 hours just to make sure I'd have a great vantage point, I wasn't disappointed. I have to say now that any Vai fan who has never experienced Steve up close while he is playing is missing a whole different dimension of Steve... I could talk for hours about that show but I'll mention just one song, my personal favorite... "For The Love Of God".

I know this song like the back of my hand, every little squeak and nuance. While Steve was playing FTLOG I was euphoric. Steve looks people directly in the eyes while he plays, he makes these truly wild and intense faces... I noticed that many people other than myself were getting into this song just as deeply as I was... I also noticed that when Steve would make eye contact with me it seemed like the more I got off the more he got off. For all you guitar players out there you'll understand the next part: You know that part in FTLOG about 4/5ths of the way through, just before he brings it down, where he is playing those otherworldly apreggios? I was going nuts... I'd say close to having a cosmic orgasm... He looked right at me making this intense face and he saw me totally freaking out, with him on every note... and he didn't look away...he just shook his head as if to say "yes... you know why I'm up here" and he was smiling from ear to ear... It was truly intense...

Maybe I'm just a nut but I don't think so... I think the Zappa in me was just waiting for Steve to come along and free my musical soul.... Thank you Steve, your music has moved me.

On a closing note, it was a red letter night at that show for a tried and true Vai fan. Thanks to the help of a friend (you know who you are) I became the receipient of the guitar pick Steve threw after smashing the white RG550 at the end of "Kill the Guy With the Ball"... Also Steve kindly autographed a tour poster where he wished a merry xmas to a woman who is very dear to me, she was thrilled and still cherishs it. Oh yeah... she's as much of a Vai freak as I am.... One other point of interest, I gave my kind friend (who secured aftershow passes for me) a Pignose amp in gratitude... When I next heard from him I was told Steve was using the Pignose to warm up before shows! There's only one dream left, Steve... when can we jam??? (hint hint)

One hell of a night wasn't it? :)

Peace!

Gary Hancq

Dear Steve

I've just been checking out your web site, WOW!! What can I say, I really enjoyed the photos of you when you were younger, they're great -- reminds me of my teenagey photos (think we were born around the same era, yes I recognise the flares!!)

Lots of good friendly feelings,
Chris Jauncey

It was quite a few years ago when I first found out who Steve Vai was! About 9 years ago I started playing guitar, and before long I rented a movie called "Crossroads". When I first saw the end of that movie I couldn't believe it. I never knew anyone could play guitar so well! Since then I researched (so to speak) into Steve and his music, and once I looked into his music you know Joe Satriani comes into the picture. To make a long story short, both Steve and Joe are excellent guitar players. Each has their own sound and I like what I'm hearing from both. Steve Vai has been an inspiration for years and if I didn't discover his music, I probably wouldn't be playing guitar today! Thank you so much for the inspiration and the music.

Jamie Zavatsky

It all started about ten years ago me when i found that Whitesnake was coming to Minneapolis on tour. At this time the only music I knew was the music my dad would play around my brothers and I including, Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Zappa, and Pink Floyd just to name a few. I had no idea who Steve Vai was and really didn't know what I was getting into when I went to my first concert at age thirteen.

I can remember it like it was last night....my father and I had to settle for nosebleed seats, but I didn't care! I was going to my first rock concert and my body and head were filled with a rush of hot blood the whole time Vai was on stage. He had started this solo like no other person with a stage presence that I have yet to see another touch in my whole life of concert going and music appreciation. It was with this amazing chrome sequined Ibanez. It glittered like stars in the darkness when the spotlight hit every shining facet. I will never forget....

It is now nearly 10 years later and I have become more than just a fan of his creations. When I hear of anything recorded by him or even anything even touched by him I feel as though I must have it immediatly. Then I go and buy it as soon as I can find it.

At times I fell as if I am like Pavlov's Dog; drooling at the mouth when his name is even mentioned. Awaiting his next work of passion. I also think of myself as in his debt for his influence in the music that I listen to. He was able to open my mind with "Passion and Warfare", and make me realize that there is more than just a steady beat and few melodies to music. There are a lot of parts to a peice of music that matter more than I had even begun to dream of. He is the one responsible for making me realize this.

So I say, thank you Steve Vai...thank you from every part of me...

Rh8675

In late 1990 after being a Steve Vai fan for only about a year. I heard on the radio that Steve was going to be signing autograghs at a Haunted Hay Ride in Fairborn OH, not far from where I live. This was just after Whitesnake. We got there early but still had a very long line. After about two hours of standing in the cold I was next in line. I had my guitar out and was ready to meet the MAN. At that moment some guys said Steve we have to go.....I'm sure it was not Steve's fault. The next chance I got was in Cincinnati when Steve opened up for Bon Jovi. That's where I got my "Alien Love Secrets" video. I didn't get to meet Steve but did get to meet his keybaord player. After viewing my new Vai video I subscribed to Greasy Kid's Stuff.....Then the call came!!! It was Richard Pike. To make a long story short, he got me aftershow passes for the G3 show in Columbus. The six year wait was over. Thanks Richard & Steve. See you next tour.

Shawn Gillespie

The first time I saw Steve was in the movie "Crossroads". I kept thinking he was the guitar player in the band Black & Blue, don't ask me why. I even bought a ticket to one of their shows just to watch Steve play! Imagine my disappointment. I finally got to see him play, although it was years later when he was with Whitesnake. Steve was worth the wait. His music is at once beautiful and twisted, with just a touch of comedy. Thanks Steve for the many hours of listening enjoyment you've given to us.

ROYAL98

I have been a huge fan of yours since the Zappa days! I own the vinyl albums of PIL and 'Disturbing The Peace', and even took a chance on a record by an unknown guitarist based on your (pre-Roth) recommendation of his work (FYI - it was "Not Of This Earth" by Satch, the vinyl version).

I want to thank you for the immense enjoyment you have given me over the years, and am looking forward to your new boxed set.

I am including for your reading pleasure a review of the 10/26/1996 G3 concert. Please feel free to share it with other Vai-fanatics. Thank you!

Mark J. Rabuffo

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G3 - Live in NYC

Saturday night, October 26, 1996. The biggest happening in New York City was not Game 6 of the World Series. The main event, at least for fans of guitar virtuosity, was occurring at The Beacon Theatre. The Big Three of instrumental guitar music were in town putting on a showcase not to be missed.

Steve Vai. Eric Johnson. Joe Satriani. The names conjure up images of high volume, fleet-fingered picking, mind-boggling two-handed tapping, and extreme whammy damage! And Saturday night's show certainly lived up to its billing.

The opening of the show, however, was a solo acoustic set performed by Adrian Legg. He was a wonderful contrast to the electrified bands he preceded. Indeed, Mr. Leggs' virtuosity was apparent immediately as he performed a number of compositions which thrilled the crowd. But, there was no doubt who we were there to see when the lights went out and the opening of Steve Vai's "There's a Fire in the House" began.

Steve Vai began this night of ruptured eardrums with a number of cuts from his recently released CD "Fire Garden". It was obvious why he was chosen to start the show - his enthusiasm was infectious as he really worked the crowd into a frenzy. The highlight of Steve's set was arguably his rendition of "For the Love of God", which he opened by explaining how he first "heard" the song as a young man listening to headphones. Steve also sang "Little Alligator", which sounded surprisingly good for a man not known for his vocal ability.

Steve's band was hot! Especially Mike Keneally, on keyboards and second guitar. Just to hear my favorite Vai tune, "The Attitude Song", performed by Vai and Keneally made my night! It was also quite humorous since they played the song while both wearing "Cat in the Hat" hats and running crazily across the stage. An excellent start to the evening. The only glitch was that Vai's guitar was often too low in the mix, and was occasionally drowned out by the rhythm section.

After a quick set change (I was impressed by the speed of the changes between sets - each was about 10 minutes and went off like clockwork!), Eric Johnson came on and promptly had to stand up on stage to wait for the soundman to return and shut off the intermission music!

Eric was in stark contrast to Steve Vai as he was quite reserved onstage, sometimes even playing with his back to the audience. But if his stage demeanor was shy, his music stood tall. He played only one vocal tune, "Rock my Plimsoul"; the rest were instrumental offerings from his three CDs. I was happy about this since, as much as I love his voice, I agree with the late Frank Zappa's immortal line "Shut up and play your guitar!". This also stayed true to the spirit of the tour and allowed us to hear Eric really let loose. This was especially evident on his signature tune, "Cliffs of Dover". He began all alone with very loose, sparse playing, eyes closed, occasionally teasing us with a few bars of the introduction, then eventually reaching a crescendo of 32nd notes amid thunderous applause.

After another quick set change, Satch came on. By this time, there was no one left in their seats. We were all standing, bopping with Joe. He looked very cool on stage, dressed in dark sunglasses and shaved head. He was obviously enjoying himself immensely as he did not look this loose when I last saw him perform. He also performed a stunning set of blistering instrumentals, at one point leaving the stage for Stu Hamm to showcase his bass vistuosity. And when Joe's set ended, neither he nor his band left the stage.

The highlight of the show was the jamming at then end! Joe introduced Steve Vai, then Eric Johnson, then promptly went into Jeff Becks' "Going Down". WOW! This was followed up by Steve Vai and Mike Keneally singing Zappa's "My Guitar Wants to Kill Yer Mama". More cool jamming! Then, a rousing version of Hendrix's "Red House". It was almost too much to bear!

Mark J. Rabuffo

My name is César, a Spanish Steve admirer and amateur guitar player that loves Steve's music and ideas. When I first listened to his music I was tuning Radio Nacional de España 3, and I only listened a little piece of music which wasn´t played entirely, but was as a kind of presentation of a radio program. It was "The Boy from Seattle" and it struck me for its strange and dreamy melody. I had already heard about him from my friend of that time David P.T. , but stupid prejudices that blocked my mind prevented me from discovering his music long before. The first album I heard entirely was "Sex & Religion" and it really got me although I must confess that at the beginning I didn´t like it so much as when I had heard it twenty times. The thing is that when I listened (and listen) his music I start to fancy and dream :"Hey! How the heck has he done that thing? And that other? That sounds beautiful!" It caused on me an effect of spurring my imagination to distant places where I hadn't ever been. I had taken the guitar already, and I must confess that it was my aforementioned friend playing and Joe Satriani's music what aroused in me that unknown love for music, but when I discovered Steve's music it really pushed me forward to be a better guitar player.

I have to say also that I have been through hard times in my life, and it has not been just one time when I've been cheered up by Steve's music. It helped me a lot in some occasion, especially "Liberty" and "Erotic Nightmares", this last song having one of the rhythm guitar parts that I like most. This is true. The purpose of this letter is a kind of giving thanks to you, Steve, for being as you are (although I suppose you can't help it, and that's fine in my opinion) and for making that music that I like so much. Thanks a lot, and warm regards.

C.E.S.R., from LOGROÑO, SPAIN