MAILBAG ARCHIVES:

- September 20, 2000

- July 04, 2000

- June 09, 2000

- May 18, 2000

- March 05, 2000

- January 11, 2000

- December 27, 1999

- November 02, 1999

- September 18, 1999

- August 27, 1999

- March 16, 1999

- January 30, 1999

- October 22, 1998

- April 26, 1998

- March 30, 1998

- March 17, 1998

November 11, 1999:

Here's a pic of me and my son Brendan when we met Steve in Detroit on September 11th. It's amazing to me the way his music is spanning generations. All morning prior to meeting Steve, my son was bouncing off the walls singing "Ya Yo Gakk!"

When we finally got in to see Steve, we were planted in front of one of the speakers, I tried to cover my son's ears, but he said he couldn't see Steve "By" (he has a hard time saying Vai!)

We finally got to meet Steve, and he signed my Universe and my son's Les Paul Pee Wee. We were going to have the picture taken, and Steve grabbed ahold of Brendan and set him right on his lap! Too cool! I waited a long time for this moment, and all I could spit out was "great show, I can't wait for you to come back!" (picture me as the kid in "A Christmas Story" saying to Santa that I wanted a football instead of the Red Rider BB Gun!)

Anyhow, Steve's performance was amazing, and I can't wait for the show in Detroit!

Thanks,

Kirk Slossar
Jemfest

Hi All,

First of all, I want to compliment the people who got this site to what it is now, it really looks super. Now I take the opportunity to write something at the fan forum. I went just like Harold Kip, who has post a picture here, to the G3 concert in Holland in 1997. We met Steve before the concert and he was really so cool, he was just relaxed, took time to talk and sign a lot of stuff for me - my Alien Love Secrets, my cap, and my jacket. During the concert I got his pick, so the night was for me unbelievable. After the concert I got to talk to Mike Keneally, he also signed my jacket, it was really super. Last but not least, we were informed by a roadie that Satriani had left the Ahoy (venue) from the "backdoor" so we got as quick as we could to the other side and there he was. We also talked a little, and of course he signed also.

After the concert I received photos from Harold, great looking pics. I contacted Ruta Sepetys (Steve's manager) to see if it was possible to get them signed also by Steve, so I could have something else really special. They told me it was no problem and so I sent those pics to the States. They did tell me that it could take some time because Steve is out touring and stuff, but I expected something like that, because he isn't , like me, a guy who is often at home...hahaha. It took a really long time, 2 years to be exact, when I finally contacted Sepetys again. I didn't have an e-mail address so with the help of Mike Keneally and a lot of others I reached Ruta. She told me that they had lost the photos during a tour, when I heard this I was really disappointed, but she promised me to make it up. So in a week a received a large packet from the States, with all kinds of Steve Vai stuff - it was really super. Ruta kept her word, and I really think that is awesome, knowing Steve has thousands of fans all over the world. This is really something I won't forget easily. I really think this is a great display of loyalty to the fans. Again, thank you very much.

Peter Verhey

Dear Steve,

It's 2:00am on 9/6/99, the day before your appearance at the Hicksville mall. I can't sleep.

Around 3 am or so, I finally fall asleep and get up around 7:00, packing all my old vinyl and CD covers, hoping you would sign everything. I don't know what to expect from your visit, I am hoping for the best. It's now 8:30 am and I am at the mall, picked up your new CD, talked to some of the cats at the record store, got a cup of joe and sat and waited. I watched the SIR people come around 12 pm to set up the stage and I was already on my 5th round of ULTRA ZONE at the time.

It's now 5:30pm. I've met a few fans from waiting 9 or so hours and we're in the starting position, ready to claim perfect viewing of the performance. I DID IT. I got front row center, just 3 feet between me and you. The anticipation was killing me - for 15 long years I have waited for this moment. You are my mentor, Steve Vai, and this was something big, this was to be the apex of my life. Your performance was nothing less than perfect. As I saw close up how much control over the instrument you have and how you can feel the heart in every single note, my GOD it was like I was at Sunday Mass, amazing!!!

Now it was time for the raffle, as God is my witness I wanted that axe so bad. Of course, I didn't win, but I didn't care, I got GREAT pics, you handed me a pic and a pack of Blue Steel guitar strings (which I will never use because now of sentimental value). Ok, the moment of truth. I am number 34, however there were these 2 very nice guys in front of me that had 2 extra numbers, so now I was number 30. Yeah baby, I was told that due to limited time you would be only able to sign two things and to have them ready. I was wanting so so much to have you sign my 3 vinyls of WESTERN VACATION, FLEX-ABLE and FLEX-ABLE LEFTOVERS. While I was waiting, I showed these guys a calling card I had that had your name on it (you know what I mean), they laughed and said I should definitely show Steve that. So I got up there, and I'm so nervous to finally meet you after 15 years, and BAM there you are, I shook your hand & told you how much you've meant to me and that without you I would not be the musician and person I am today. You have inspired me beyond belief and I owe you a lot. You smiled seriously, very sympathetic to my little 30-second speech and were very appreciative. Anyhoo- I whipped out the calling calling and you immediately laughed and shook your head, then you said "I remember you, I don't forget a face". I was in shock, then you said "you were the person waiting since like 8:30 huh?" I was amazed. You asked me about the new CD "Ultra Zone" and I told you that it was the best work you've ever done, the CD encompasses all the styles and flavors of FLEX-ABLE to FIRE GARDEN -- simply amazing. The tributes to Frank and SRV are wonderfully composed. And, to my amazement, you signed all of my 3 vinyls. If I may quote Eric Cartman of South Park, I was feeling "SWEEEEEET". Next time I will try to have all my other CDs signed by you. As I said goodbye, I yelled out with joy that I finally met you. I had the biggest smile at the place that night for sure. I must of spent like 5 minutes with you, tee hee -- that was awesome.

You made my life Steve, I thank you for this memory that will last forever in my mind. You have made one of your biggest fans so very very happy because of this. I know this a very long letter, but at least everyone can read this on the site to know what a big fan was thinking when going to the show in Hicksville. Attached (above) is a pic of me and you, sorry about the quality but the lady taking the pic didn't hit flash, oh well!! Thank you and please visit my website when you get a chance.

God Bless,

Dave Lovallo

Some photos by Adam Baker, from the Detroit "Ultra Zone" in-store in October:

Hello Mr.Vai,

I'm a new fan, I guess. I first heard you play about 3 years ago when a friend of mine handed me a copy of "Slip of the Tounge". I thought "wow," but when i purchased "G3" and "Ultra Zone", well..."WOW! I just love the wierdness. It's such a departure from the rest of the guitar world. Your technique is both the best and the worst that I have ever seen. You break just the right rules. A friend of mine thinks you should tone it down a bit. I think not. I love Joe's playing too. He is so smooth and elegant. Keep playing that strange beautiful music. God only knows whats in store for Mr. Vai & his music, and he ain't talkin'.

Your Fan, Friend and Student,
Mark Shields

Dear Steve,

We hope that you are fine. We are seven friends from Argentine. Our names are Liliana, Graciela, Jorge, Carlos, Sergio, Fernando and a baby called Nicole. We are very impatient, because we want to see you very soon and we want to know when you'll come back to Argentine. You are the best and the GUITAR'S GOD!!! We love you and we miss you.

The Flexables Friends

I've been listening to what I call guitar rock since the late sixties, early seventies and have heard quite a few of the best guitarists that have set foot on this planet. I have seen them receive acclaim and awards, sell millions of records and make a lot of money. My personal favorites are the ones that sound more original and try to do something more extreme and off the normal path. Steve Vai is one of these people. I appreciate his music, his knowledge of music, his playing (more than you know), and his real love of family as well as other human beings. But I feel that he has received his just due to some degree and has made a name for himself. My point is that there is a guitarist out there that Steve had mentioned in an article that I read somewhere he has great respect for and it just so happens that I saw him last night. With all due respect to Steve -- who I think is at the very top of his art form and I listen to his recordings over and over again -- there is a guitarist that us fellow guitarists need to show more appreciation for. We need to hold a tribute to his untouchable style and major contributions to the world of "guitar music". He has paid his dues many times over and has said recently in an interview that if this last go around doesn't prove successful that he might give it up, and we can't have that. He is someone that is so far ahead of the rest of us mortals the we need to tell him how much we appreciate his being. JEFF BECK!! I know I've said enough but need I say more?
Respectfully yours,

Mel Ruddy
Hercules, CA

Hi Steve,

Since you must get a TON of email, I just want to make a quick comment...

My favorite so far has been "Passion And Warfare", but I just bought "The Ultra Zone" and I must say that once again you have proven yourself to be incredibly unique, innovative, and original. It is simply AMAZING and I like it better than anything you've done since P&W. Please continue to let your spirituality and individuality guide your hands!!!

I'm glad the old Steve is back and better!! Your music and playing style is an inspiration, and a true gift to all of us, THANK YOU :-)

Dave Hatlee
http://www.mikeportnoy.com

Hi!

Just wanted to give my feedback on both the new CD and the new website.

In a word, 'brilliant'!

The opening track (The Blood and Tears) is outstandingly meaningful - and quite beautiful. Overall, an outstanding contribution to sonic knowledge. I look forward to hearing this stuff live!

The site is great also. If it gets any better, none of us will ever get any work done! :-)

Take care
Jimmy (England, UK).

Dear Mr. Vai,

I hope you don't mind me writing you at your email address, but I would like to express my many thanks for the poster you personalized to me while I was severely ill when I was 13. (I am now 23.) The inspiration I found in that gesture, as well as your music, was a primary factor in my full and unforseen recovery; calling it uplifting would be an understatement.

My father, believing that your contribution to my recovery was quite substantial, bought me a green Ibanez Jem (#221) once I was well enough to go with him to the store. I played that guitar so much that the fretboard is worn considerably and the signature wore off. Ibanez sent it back to you and you were kind enough to resign it once again. Unfortunately, that one wore off, too.

Ibanez, in their apparent annoyance with me, told me something quite ridiculous when I told them the second signature wore off: that I shouldn't play the guitar since it is a collector's item and that I couldn't have it resigned again. (That was quite a while ago, and I seldom play it since I have a different Jem and have been more in the bebop vein for the past 4 years.) I apologize for the tangent.

My point is to sincerely express my appreciation for the things you did for me. While in my adolescent idol phase, you were my hero. I have since grown out of that, realizing that we're made of the same molecular structure. :) Joking aside, I am thankful to have been touched by your music at such an early age and continue to enjoy it... I wish you the very best and look forward to hearing the new album!

Eternally grateful,

Seth 'Speedy' Greenberg

Hi. My name is Darcy Farris. I live in St. Louis, MO and have been a fan of Steve's since "Passion And Warfare" was released. I saw the video for "The Audience Is Listening" on MTV and had to have the album. When I got it I was so amazed at this guy. He was the most awesome axeman I'd ever heard! To this day I admire and respect him for all the great music he has written. He plays with so much emotion. I was lucky enough to see him live for the first time on the Fire Garden tour when he made a stop in St. Louis at Mississippi Nights. I love the way he has the rockstar vibe onstage, yet maintains a very spiritual mood. It's like his guitar is just another part of his body. At the end of the show a bunch of people were out back meeting him and getting his autograph. Well, it got down to my friend Julian and I. We were the last two standing waiting to meet him when one of the bouncers in the club started pushing Steve saying he had to go. I cannot explain to you how disturbing this was to me. I was waiting for this moment for like 7 years. It was almost like a pilgrimage of sorts for me going to see Steve play and then getting to meet him after the show. Steve looked right at me as I sighed, being rejected because of the evil Mississippi Nights bouncer. At this time I felt a connection with Steve and knew for sure that I would get the chance to meet him again someday. I still know that I will, and cannot wait for that experience. Until then I will be listening...

Darcy Ferris

I saw Steve Vai for the first time in his video "The Audience is Listening". I was very impressed and swore to myself that I would see Steve, if he ever comes to Germany. I found out that he was member of Whitesnake at that time. Not much later I heard about an upcoming Whitesnake tour in Germany. "THAT IS MY CHANCE", I thought happy! I instantly ordered the tickets. I've seen Steve in August 1990 and only had eyes & ears for Steve and waited for his solo. I fortunately caught some pics from the balcony. Steve's appearance in Whitesnake was the only reason for me to visit the show.

I made the pencil drawing 1990 from the the "Passion And Warfare" CD. Now I'd like to share my artwork with other Steve Vai fans. I'd love it if Steve could see it... I wonder if he likes it.

The other photo is one of my tour pix.

Cheers,
Ingrid