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Check here regularly for the latest news from Steve Vai - including new releases, performances, events, appearances, competitions, publications and site updates. For information on live shows, check out our Tour Dates page.

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June 29, 2009

Steve Vai and Andy TImmons at the Meinl Guitar Festival, Germany - June 27, 2009.

 

Alien Guitar Secrets
June 23, 2009

Tel-Aviv Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class Clarification

We have received a number of inquiries from fans asking if there will be a meet and greet following the Israel Master Class.  As over 1500 people will be attending this class, it will not be physically possible for Steve to meet and greet every attendee at the class.  Steve is only usually able to conduct meet and greets at smaller master classes with 100 participants or less.

In lieu of this, Steve will be presenting an extended question and answer session with the audience to make up for the lack of meet and greet.  

We would also like to again state that Steve's appearance in Israel is for his Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class - and not a concert.

 

Steve Vai and Co de Kloet
June 23, 2009

Steve on NPS "De Vinyl Code" on Saturday July 4th

Steve Vai will be joining Vincent van Engelen and Co de Kloet on "De Vinyl Code" on NPS Dutch radio on July 4th at 6:00pm Holland time for an exclusive interview discussing the 25th anniversary of his vinyl debut Flex-Able.

We'll be having a listening party in the Vai.com chat room - please join us!

You can contact De Vinyl Code at: devinylcode@nps.nl

Listen online via the De Vinyl Code website! You can also visit De Vinyl Code on their MySpace page.

 

 

Berklee UK Scholarships
June 12, 2009

Berklee's Online Music School opens in the UK with over £45,000 in scholarships!

Berkleemusic, the online Continuing Education Division of Berklee College of Music, today announce the official launch of Berkleemusic UK. To coincide with this announcement, Berkleemusic UK is also introducing a unique music scholarship program that will award 50 UK-based students the opportunity to study online with some of the most notable music instructors in the world.

An illustrious list of patrons including Sir George Martin, Jeff Beck, Paul Oakenfold, Simon Napier-Bell and Steve Vai join Berklee in bringing online education opportunities to the UK.

Each patron scholarship will be awarded to two outstanding students every year for five years. This will give 50 UK-based students an opportunity to pick a course from Berkleemusic’s online catalogue absolutely free.

“I loved my time at Berklee, and really got a whole lot out of it,” said Steve Vai, Berklee Alum and Berkleemusic Scholarship honouree. “What makes Berkleemusic such a great opportunity is the fact that you can experience the best of what Berklee has to offer from anywhere in the world.”

Berkleemusic will deliver online access to Berklee’s acclaimed music curriculum from anywhere in the world. Their award-winning online courses and certificate programmes are fully accredited and taught by the college’s world-renowned faculty, who provide one-on-one direct feedback to students throughout the duration of their course.

Applications for the scholarships are being taken now with a deadline of 27 July 2009. Berkleemusic UK’s autumn term will begin on 29 September 2009.

Visit www.berkleemusic.co.uk to apply for a scholarship and learn more about Berkleemusic UK

 

Steve Vai
June 08, 2009

Steve Vai Appearance At National Guitar Workshop

National Guitar Workshop is proud to feature world class guitarist Steve Vai at their Rock Summit in Purchase, NY on July 20. This will be Steve’s first time appearing at the main National Guitar Workshop campus in Purchase, NY.

Steve will discuss his technique and take part in a question and answer session as part of the NGW's Rock Summit.

The National Guitar Workshop is also generously offering Steve's fans a special discount on tuition for NGW: Simply visit their website or call 800-234-6479 and quote the code: VAI062609

This will entitle a discount of $100 of tuition. Valid from 6/5/09 and ends: 6/26/09.
This special offer cannot be combined with any other offer.  Only valid for students not currently registered with NGW.

Click here to read more.

** Please note that this appearance is not an Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class.

 

 
June 06, 2009

Happy Birthday Steve!

Steve's birthday is today! If you want to sign Steve's online birthday card, you can do it here!

 

Alien Guitar Secrets
June 03, 2009

Psst! Wanna Buy A Used Amp?

Those attending select Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes (dates below) will have the chance to purchase the VL2100 heads that Steve uses during the master class. There will be two VL2100  available for purchase after the show at the following locations:

- Sat Jun 20 - Tiel, HOLLAND: Twentietow
- Sat Jun 27 - Neustadt A.d. Aisch, GERMANY: Meinl Guitar Festival
- Tue Jun 30 - Tel-Aviv, ISRAEL: Culture Palace

For more information or to purchase in advance, contact export@carvin.com. VL2100 heads are available on a first come basis. Arrangements must be made prior to the master class and a non-refundable deposit of 50% must be submitted to guarantee the purchase. Purchase price is $1200USD/ea.

 

Tel-Aviv, Israel Master Class Clarification

We have received some equiries from fans about the Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class in Tel-Avivi Israel on June 30. Please note that this is a master class only and not a concert.

When Steve embarks on his next tour every effort will be made to include a visit to Israel for concerts with his band. For general information on the structure and content of Steve's Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes, visit our Alien Guitar Secrets info page. If you have questions, feel free to ask them on the Vai.com Message Board in our FAQ thread.

 

 

Alien Guitar Secrets
May 27, 2009

Alien Guitar Secrets - European Master Class Dates

Tickets are now on sale for Steve Vai's Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes in Europe in June. These are in addition to Steve's classes at the London International Music Show and Steve's master class at Culture Palace in Tel-Aviv, ISRAEL.

The dates are:

June 18: Lisbon, PORTUGAL - Centro cultural Olga Cadaval    Tickets
June 19: Madrid, SPAIN - Auditorio del AIE , C/Torrelara 8, Madrid    Tickets
June 20: Tiel, NETHERLANDS - Twentietoe    Tickets
June 21: Roermond, NETHERLANDS - Muzikaza    Tickets
June 23: Aarburg, SWITZERLAND - Moonwalker Music Club    Tickets
June 27: Neustadt A.d. Aisch, GERMANY - Meinl Guitar Festival    Tickets

For more information, visit the Tour Dates page. For a general information page on the Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes, click here.

 

 

 
May 22, 2009

Alien Guitar Secrets - Tiel, Holland June 20!

Steve will be presenting his Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class at Twentietow in Tiel, Holland on June 20. The 3-hour master class will run from 2pm - 5pm.

Tickets are on sale now and available here.

 

 

May Promotion
May 18, 2009

Vai.com Merch Store Promotion

All merch in the Vai.com Store is discounted 20% for the next few days (excluding CD and DVDs).

Click here to visit the merch store.

 

 

 
May 06, 2009

Alien Guitar Secrets @ Meinl Guitar Festival - Germany

Tickets are now on sale for Steve's Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class at the Meinl Guitar Festival in Germany on June 27. There are only 70 tickets available for this event - so don't miss out! Click here to get tickets.

In addition to the master class, Steve will join Andy Timmons for an "All Star Jam" on the Meinl Guitar Festival main stage.

 

Alien Music Secrets - Stockbridge, MA

Steve will bring a special version of his master class to the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health on October 18-21. For more information on this event, visit the Kripalu website.

 

Steve on new Spinal Tap CD

Steve appears on the forthcoming Spinal Tap album Back From The Dead - to be released on June 16, 2009. The album includes 19 songs and an hour-long DVD.

On Back From the Dead, Tap members David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls unearth their long-self-suppressed studio versions of the classic songs from the movie "This is Spinal Tap," as well as six new additional songs, and an exclusive hour long accompanying DVD featuring a track-by-track video commentary by the band. Back From The Dead also features guest appearances by Phil Collen, Keith Emerson, John Mayer and Steve Vai. "This album title says it all. We're back from the dead. But we weren't dead. But we definitely are back," proclaimed Hubbins.

Read the entire press release and discuss here.

 

 
April 17, 2009

Location Change for April 22 Master Class

Please note that the location has changed for Steve's Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class in Italy on April 22: The new details are as follows:

April 22: Civitanova Marche (MC), ITALY - Teatro Cecchini

Contact the venue for more information and ticket sales. For more information on other master classes scheduled for Italy, please visit our Tour Dates page.

 

 

 
April 3, 2009

Steve Vai: Alien Guitar Secrets - ISRAEL, June 30th

Steve Vai is bringing his acclaimed Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class to Israel!

This will be Steve's first appearance in Israel, and he's excited to visit.

Steve Vai - Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class
Date: June 30th
Venue: Culture Palace, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Tickets - On sale to be announced.

We will announce more Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes in Europe in the coming days - so check back often..

 

Spend $50, get a Real Illusions Tour Bokk Free!

 

April 3, 2009

New Steve Vai Merch, Sale and Special Offer!

The Naked Tracks Backing Tracks Box Set is now back in stock in the Vai.com Online Store! We also have many discounted items (up to 25% off) in the store right now, along with two NEW shirts and a NEW hoodie available. Plus, until April 30 if you spend $50 or more, you will receive a FREE Real Illusions Tour Book featuring 24 pages of full-color photos of Steve and the Breed on tour.

The following items are on sale now:
- “Bars” Men’s Zip Hoodie: $33.95 (15% off regular price)
-  “Vai Real Illusions: Reflections” Flexfit Hat:  $14.95 (25% off regular price)
-  “Vai Real Illusions: Reflections” Beanie:  $14.95 (25% off regular price)
-  “Sound Theories” Men’s T w/ 2007 dates on back:  $16.95 (15% off regular price)
-  “Flurry” Men’s T Men’s T w/ Sound Theories 2007 on front:  $16.95 (15% off regular
     price)
- “Church of Vai” Junior’s Tee:  $19.95 (20% off regular price)
 
Here are the 3 new designs that are being added to the webstore:
-   “Roots” Men’s tee
-   “Cyber” Men’s tee
-   “Growth” Men’s Zip hoodie

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE VAI.COM ONLINE STORE!

 

Guitar World May 2009
March 05, 2009

Steve Vai Featured In Latest Guitar World Magazine

The May 2009 issue of Guitar World (on newstands March 10) features Steve on the cover and an in-depth article celebrating the 25th anniversary of Steve's first solo album, Flex-Able. Steve recounts the production of the album, and the article includes many rare photographs of Steve's self-built studio - Stucco Blue Studios - as well as photos from the sessions.

The issue also includes a Steve Vai Master Class lesson, along with transcriptions of "The Attitude Song" and "Yankee Rose."

 

Caserta, Italy Master Class Venue Change

The venue for the Steve Vai Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class in Caserta, Italy has changed. The new venue is Oddly Shed. Please contact the venue for tickets and other inquiries.

For more information on upcoming Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes, visit the Tour Dates page.

 

 
February 20, 2009

Montebelluna Alien Guitar Secrets Date Added

We have added another date to Steve's Italian Master Class Schedule:

April 19 - Montebelluna (TV) - Essemusic

Please also note that the venue for the April 29th Masterclass has changed. The new details are:

April 29 - Sarzana (SP) - Jux Tap

Visit the Tour Dates page for more information.

 

 
February 19, 2009

Legacy II Photoshoot Video on Steve's YouTube Channel!

Steve is photographed with the new Carvin Legacy II Guitar Amplifier by legendary rock photographer Neil Zlozower in Los Angeles, CA.

To view this video in high quality, click here. You can check out this and other videos at Steve's official YouTube Channel.

 

 
February 17, 2009

Rome Master Class Date Added

We have added another date to Steve's Italian Master Class Schedule:

May 1st - Roma - Stazione Birra

Visit the Tour Dates page for more information.

 

 
February 09, 2009

Zappa Plays Zappa Wins GRAMMY!

Zappa Plays Zappa featuring Steve Vai and Napoleon Murphy Brock have won the GRAMMY for Best Instrumental Rock Performace at the 51st GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles!

Congratulations to Dweezil, Steve, Napoleon and the band!

 

 
February 08, 2009

Another Italian Master Class Date Added

We have added another date to Steve's Italian Master Class Schedule:

April 29th - La Spezia - Centro Culturale Dialma Ruggiero - 9.00 pm

Visit the Tour Dates page for more information.

 

 
February 04, 2009

London International Music Show - Clarification

A number of websites are reporting that as well as the Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class, Steve will also be performing at the London Internation Music Show. We have received a number of emails from fans wanting to know details of Steve's performance.

Steve will be jamming on a couple of standard rock covers on Saturday and Sunday afternoon with Phil Hilborne and Nicko McBrain, but will not be performing a solo show, or any Vai material.

 

 

Alien Guitar Secrets
February 02, 2009

Alien Guitar Secrets - Italy, April 2009 DATE ADDED

UPDATE: April 30 date in Torreano di Martignacco just added!

Steve will be coming to Italy in April to present his Alien Guitar Secrets Master Classes!

The following dates are confirmed so far, but check back soon as we plan to add more dates to the itinerary. Please note that ticketing for each master class in Italy will be handled by the venue hosting the master class. Please contact the venue for more information about tickets. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE VENUES/DATES HAVE BEEN UPDATED:

April 18th - Gualtieri (Reggio Emilia) - TEMPO ROCK
April 20th - Milano - ACCADEMIA DEL SUONO
April 22nd - Montegranaro (AP) - TEATRO LA PERLA
April 23rd - Roccaforzata (TA)- GO WEST SALOON telephon: 320-3552450
April 24th - Caserta - TEATRO COMUNALE
April 25th - Messina - TEATRO ANNIBALE MARIA DI FRANCIA telephon: 329-6319098
April 30th - Torreano di Martignacco (UD), - THE GROOVE FACTORY

Visit the Vai.com Tour Dates page for more information.

Visit the special ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS page for more information and FAQ. You can also post questions about the masterclass on our special Message Board thread HERE.

 

 

Alien Guitar Secrets
London International Music Show
January 31, 2009

Alien Guitar Secrets - London International Music Show

Steve is bringing his acclaimed Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class to the London International Music Show on June 13 and 14, 2009! Tickets are on-sale now! Don't miss out!

ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS is an unprecedented, master class opportunity offered by Steve Vai to all music students and guitar enthusiasts. After a hugely successful launch in the USA we are bringing ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS exclusively to the London International Music Show. This 3 hour unique experience gives the student a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear Steve discuss music theory, guitar techniques, the music business, and most importantly, techniques on how to discover and unlock personal musical identity. It also includes a question and answer session, and a few attendees will be chosen to jam with Steve in this intimate environment.

Availability is limited to 150 people per master class – so please be aware that these places will sell quickly.

ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS is a 3 hour experience and is broken down as follows:

  1. When I Was A Little Boy
    - Introduction
  2. Building the Church
    - Short and long term musical goals
  3. Essence
    - Basic guitar playing concepts and music theory
  4. Under it All
    - Finding and cultivating your own uniqueness on the instrument
  5. Midway Creatures
    - Discussion about the music business
  6. K’m Pee-Du-Wee
    - Bathroom Break
  7. Head Cuttin’ Duel
    - Jamming with Steve
  8. Answers
    - Q & A With Steve
  9. Here I Am
    - Meet & Greet, autographs and photos with Steve

DATE • TIME • LOCATION:

Saturday 13th OR Sunday 14th June 2009
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
London International Music Show
ExCel – London

TICKET SALES:

ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS is only available through the London International Music Show on-line ticketing store. Tickets cost GBP £180 plus £1 booking fee and shall be limited to 150 per class. Ticket price includes:

  • One pass to ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS master class
  • Access to the London International Music Show (so NO separate ticket for the show needs to be purchased)
  • Access to Phil Hilborne afternoon performance with Steve Vai and guests

For more information about the ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS Master Class at the London International Music Show, visit their special information page which features all the information you need to know about the class.

 

 

Alien Guitar Secrets
January 27, 2009

Alien Guitar Secrets - SAN DIEGO, CA Feb. 28, 2009

Following the highly successful and critically acclaimed premiere during the NAMM show, Steve is bringing his Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class to San Diego, CA on February 28, 2009.

This 3+ hour unique package gives the student a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear Steve discuss music theory, guitar techniques, the music business, and most importantly, techniques on how to discover and unlock your personal musical identity. It also includes a question and answer session, and a few attendees will be chosen to jam with Steve in this intimate environment.

Availability is limited for the San Diego master class to only 70 places - so please be aware that this class will sell quickly.

CLASS OUTLINE:

  1. When I Was A Little Boy
    - Introduction
  2. Building the Church
    - Short and long term musical goals
  3. Essence
    - Basic guitar playing concepts and music theory
  4. Under it All
    - Finding and cultivating your own uniqueness on the instrument
  5. Midway Creatures
    - Discussion about the music business
  6. K’m Pee-Du-Wee
    - Bathroom Break
  7. Head Cuttin’ Duel
    - Jamming with Steve
  8. Answers
    - Q & A With Steve
  9. Here I Am
    - Meet & Greet, autographs and photos with Steve

DATE • TIME • LOCATION:

DATE: Saturday, February 28, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Carvin Showcase
Carvin Corp.
12340 World Trade Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128

TICKET SALES:

ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS is only available through the Vai.com Online Ticketing Store (please note that this is a different store to the Vai.com Merch Store). Ticket sales begin Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Tickets are $325.00 each and shall be limited to a maximum of 70 places. Ticket price includes:

  • One ticket to ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS, which includes the aforementioned 3 hour experience.
  • A limited edition “Naked Tracks” 5 CD box set.

Please note that tickets purchased more than 10 days before the master class will receive personalized laminates featuring the guest's name. Due to production leadtimes, ticket purchases less than 10 days before the event will receive a dated and numbered laminate.

The ticket and “Naked Tracks” Box Set will be given to you at check-in upon arrival at the venue. Please arrive at the venue no later than 60 minutes prior to the beginning of the class for registration.

Visit the special ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS page for more information and FAQ. You can also post questions about the masterclass on our special Message Board thread HERE.

 

 

Naked Tracks

January 27, 2009

Naked Tracks Vol. 1-5 CD Box Now Available

The 5CD Naked Tracks Vol. 1-5 Box Set is now available in the Vai.com Online Store!

Previously available only through digital download, 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.

Visit The Naked Tracks Mini-site

 

Steve Vai and the Carvin Legacy II
January 27, 2009

Introducing The Legacy II

After years of speculation, rumors, development and testing, Carvin and legendary guitar virtuoso Steve Vai are proud to introduce the new Vai Legacy II Series amplifiers. These all-tube 3-channel amps are the result of countless hours of design and development by Carvin engineers, working closely with Steve Vai. Additionally, the Legacy II has been reviewed and “tweaked” by renowned amp designer Benjamin Fargen of Fargen Amps. According to Benjamin Fargen, the result is "a powerful blend of high-end boutique sound and rock-solid American manufacturing."

"The Legacy II is a dream amp. It’s simple, versatile and the sound is creamy and warm. Finally there is an amplifier that has a Master Volume control that can raise or lower the overall sound coming out of the speakers without changing its saturation or tone. Although the sound has retained the integrity of the original Legacy, there is now an added channel that acts as a boost on the clean channel giving it a bit more hair. No need to keep dreaming, it’s here." - Steve Vai

Read more about the Legacy II HERE.

 

 

Yellow Jem for Sale

 

January 27, 2009

Vai.com Winter Ebay Extravaganza

Steve has been clearing out the garage and it's time for a winter sale.

Among the goodies up for grabs is a Jem777VDY - used both live and in the studio, this yellow Jem was given to an assistant of Steve's a few years back. In recent times this guitar came back into Steve's possession, and we now make it available for you. We are open to serious offers on this guitar ahead of it appearing on Ebay. Email us at talk2us[at]vai.com with offers or inquiries.

Also up for grabs are a set of DiMarzio prototype pickups, Jem necks, used pedals, straps, amps and more!

Check back in the coming days for a list of gear and photos.

 

 

 

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