In the fall of ’95 I walked into the Bill Graham Management offices with a simple query: Can we organize a tour where I get to jam with my favorite guitarists every night? It seemed like it would be an easy thing to achieve, but it wasn’t. You see, success can be an isolating force in the music industry, especially for electric guitarists. Even with gold and platinum albums and a growing worldwide touring schedule, I found myself separated from the very community of musicians I belonged to. The industry liked to keep us apart back then, like ships passing in the night.

I needed to change that. It took some serious re-thinking, re-planning, and a willingness from all parties concerned to try and build something new.

At that meeting, the G3 concert series went from dream to reality. It took a year to achieve liftoff, but it happened, and it became a transformative force in my life. Ever since then the G3 concert series has held a special place in my heart. Each tour has been a new opportunity to push my musical envelope, renew my creative juices and learn from some of the best players in the world. The secret to its success is partly due to each successive tour’s unusual player combinations.

Reuniting with Eric and Steve this year, commemorating the very first G3 tour of ’96, was nothing short of glorious. They were the first two guitarists I called when planning G3’s maiden voyage, so, this reunion was a confirmation of our special connection. Storming the stage with two of my favorite musical giants, celebrating our shared roots as well as our unique differences, once again proved to be a winning formula.

This live album recorded at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles captures all the energy of the live performances while shining a spotlight on the ever-evolving art of playing the electric guitar. A big round of applause is due all the musicians, crew members, special guests, and audiences that made it such a memorable experience. Thank you, we couldn’t have done it without you!

One last note: Back in ’96 a 4-year-old ZZ Satriani started to travel with his mom and dad on tour, the very first G3 tour. At The Orpheum shows 28 years later he joined me on stage for the first time in his life and played “Summer Song”. It was a wonderful father and son moment I will always treasure.

Joe Satriani
San Francisco, 2024

CREDITS

MUSICIANS

Joe Satriani Band

Joe Satriani - guitars
Kenny Aronoff - drums
Bryan Beller - bass
Rai Thistlethwayte - keyboards, guitar, vocals

Eric Johnson Band

Eric Johnson - guitars
Wayne Salzmann II - drums
Roscoe Beck - bass
Dave Scher - keyboards, vocals

Steve Vai Band

Steve Vai - guitars
Jeremy COlson - drums
Phillip Bynoe - bass
Dante Frisilee - keyboards, guitar

Recorded live at The Orpheum Theatre
Los Angeles - February 09-10, 2024

Recorded by: Mike Fraser and Ian Charbonneau
Recorded By: The Recording Project
Recording Engineer: Mike Fraser & Ian Charbonneau
Stage Tech A2: Todd Shaffer
Mixed By: Mike Fraser at The Armoury Studios Vancouver BC
Assisted by: Jessica Schmidt
Mastered by: John Cuniberti

Package design: Todd Gallopo at Meat and Potatoes
Photography: Jen Rosenstein, Max Crace, Christie Goodwin, and Marques Obeso
Special Thanks to The Orpheum Theatre - Los Angeles / Steve Needleman

VIDEOS