Finally after twenty-five years I got to see two of my guitar heroes live in Auckland. Yes, the G3 rock extravaganza played here last night and I wasn't disappointed. Each of the three headline guitarists played all their hits and then as with all G3 occasions got together for a fiercesome jam. What was particularly exciting was Steve Lukather (Toto, Los Lobotomys) another of my favourite musicians was the invited guitarist with Satriani and Vai. And then as a bonus I saw that Mike Keanally was back on keyboards and guitar playing for Steve Vai for the first time in 13 years. Joining him was the mighty Phillip Bynoe on an aggressive, funky bass.
Promptly at 7:30 Luke and friends kicked off with 'Hero' from his Candyman album. Immediately one noticed the muscular drumming of Eric Valentine and the thunderous bass.(If anything the sound was too lound and the bass too much for the Logan Cambell venue. But that's what audio ear plugs are for.) It was special to see Luke again as I have had the privilege of seeing him play with Toto in Cape Town, Auckland and Melbourne. I love his solo Candyman album so was smiling from ear to ear as his band broke into 'Party in Simon's pants' even if this was a shortened version. With his infectious humour, Luke engaged the crowd and told us an amusing story that he'd been recognised on the plane on his flight from Wellington. He'd been enthusiastically greeted by a woman who thought he was Billy Joel! Lukather then went on to play a Herbie Hancock composition followed by a song dedicated to Jeff Porcaro. This was Lukather's highlight of the evening. Hearing the searing emotion drenched guitar on "Song for Jeff" live was incredible. No other word for it. Moving, brilliant playing as the notes were caressed and bent.
Then Vai hit the stage with all the panache and experience of years as a top rock guitarist. Brilliant - and without a doubt the strongest set when comparing Vai, Satriani and Lukather. That's saying something as Luke is easily my favourite of the three. Vai started the concert exactly as he does for the G3 Live in Tokyo DVD with his guitar speaking to audience from the side of the stage and then thundering into the funkiest rocking 'The audience is listening'. What an adrenalin rush.
Steve Vai's trendy short hair cut matched his maturer persona and looking back at the DVD 'Live at the Astoria London' the flowing locks look very dated even though less than ten years ago. Steve's playing was impeccable and sound wise came across cleaner. Interestingly early in their set Steve turned to Phillip Bynoe and indicated to adjust his bass amp which was dropped a notch.
'Whispering a prayer' and the amazing jazzy 'Tender surrender' had Steve cajoling the whole gamut of Vai tones accompanied with all the intense facial expressions that he brings. Of course I was waiting for the 'The Attitude song' and the bursting excitement hearing this played live for the first time with an extended solo section in the middle with Mike Keanally and Dave Weiner exchanging leads with Steve. Then ending on the anthemic 'For the love of God'. Phew! What can you say but wait for Joe Satriani to come onto the stage and rip into 'Ice 9' with Jeff Campitelli playing the kit as if this was his first gig with Satch.
I was pleasantly surprised that Joe played at least three songs from 'Surfing with Aliens' including Satch Boogie. Mike Keanally remained on keys to support Satriani and it was Mike on the shaker that told you that the beautiful 'Always with me, always with you' was about to start.
The stage changes were very quick and before you knew it Joe was inviting Steve and Steve to join for the finale. What would be played? And then how cool, as 'Your guitar wants to kill your mama' began sung by both Vai and Keanally. Then came the best of the jam tracks with Luke leading 'Little wing'. Check out this pretty amazing youtube video of their performance - video and audio quality impressive. (Thanks Hamdanz1 for uploading - I'll treasure this memory!) The final song of the night was 'Rockin' in a free world' where Joe lead the singing and then it was all over and 11pm had come. I sure am grateful that Joe came up with the wonderful concept of G3 all those years ago. Long may it prosper.
If you haven't got your tickets Australia - don't hesitate!
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