>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