This was the first Satriani concert I have been to and I was absolutly blown away!! It was amazing! They played for about 2hrs 15 and it was great! Joe was on blistering form and kept playing song after song. I was glad to hear Cryin' as this is such a great tune even though it is an older one.

The band was on great form too and it was great to see Stu Hamm back in there (loved the Bass solo!). They played a good mix of new songs from Professor Satch....and songs from older albums. Was expecting to hear some material from Strange Beautiful Music since this is one of my favourite Satch albums but anyway, you cant have everything! They really got the crowd going with Satch Boogie and Summer Song and of course Surfing with the Alien sounded as good as ever! All I can say is that I hope he comes back to Ireland soon! Thanks for a great night!

Hi All, Alan Whitford here giving my review on Joe Satriani's show stopping performance in Vicars St., Dublin, Ireland on the 23rd of May 2008. Nervousness seems the best word to describe the feelings before and after John Iverson handed out the backstage premium show passes. I will probably forever hold that image in my head which was captured whilst looking around during this time, everyone staring bright eyed at the Pass they had just received. John Iverson upon distributing the passes swiftly guided us through the protocol of the meet & greet package quite funnily adding in how Joe likes to talk and how he talks quietly, also remarking on the protocol when Joe asks do you have any further questions (all those who were present should remember the reason for humor in that). Once we had been guided inside the venues doors we were directed to a relatively large reception room containing a very eye catching black, granite or marble, fire mantle piece and a good sized bar. The room had been furnished with chairs to accommodate the 50 fans, who including myself, I think were still in a mild state of disbelief that this day had actually arrived and that we were within minutes of meeting the most world renound guitar hero and legend (the creator of such beautiful music). We all sat in nervousness and anticipation chatting to one another as we received our gifts. The chat and banter between newfound friends and John Iverson for me, definitely, helped in the relaxation process as by the time Joe was set to arrive I had calmed down from full force 9 shaking to a slight shudder occasionally emitted from my leg. When Joe arrived to the room, we unanimously greeted him in awe with applause. He introduced himself, his album and thanked us for support throughout his career and for coming and finally he started the questioning time. His voice was calm, relaxed and very receptive, along with his gestures I definitely felt as if I was at home in front of the fire, sitting in the armchair with Joe opposite in the other, cup of tea in hand, just chatting, like friends. He happily answered all the questions asked and after John Iverson continued to instruct us on the pictures and signing section of the experience. In an orderly fashion, with the chat resuming, we lined up (back row first) and individually shook the great Joe Satriani's hand, getting everything signed whilst he thanked and enquired about you (how are you doing and are you enjoying yourself etc). At this time John Iverson whom all along had a camera slug around his neck, assumed his position facing the fire mantle camera in had taking each individuals picture. As I waited John enquired about the item I had bought with me to get signed (a double necked guitar I had made for my leaving cert project) interested by the story he enquired further, I continued, telling him how I received no marks for it as a result of the examination board not believing I had made it all (Which I did), before I knew it I was shaking Joes hand and John was telling me to tell Joes the history of the guitar, I was in disbelief as I was not only telling Joes about the guitar be he was also interested and asked further questions. While I held the guitar Joe signed it and the 8 x 10 we were given. Holding my guitar in hand Joe posed for the camera with me in awe posing beside him. With a final shake of the hand and me nervously saying "Its been and honor thanks" I returned to my seat. It was an incredible experience, I definitely remained in disbelief for several hours later. After Joe left to get prepared, we as premium pass holders remained in the same room while waiting for start of the concert. The waiting general admission crowd had formed outside and eventually was siphoned into a room similar to ours. The concert began with an extremely entertaining and slightly eccentric American band Ned Evett. I thoroughly enjoyed the difference in style, Fretless guitar playing, different but great. When the stage had been cleared finally checks made and a few roady jams finished the atmosphere got tense.... the culmination of all that went prior was about to arrive.... He entered the stage with an energy that the crowd instantaneously picked up on and relished in. I JUST WANNA ROCK was the first song to be played as every one eyes glued to Satch watched in awe.... As the set continued, the emotion and effort put into the playing and music was clear from expressions and gestures being emitted from Joe. With outstanding lighting scanning the stage and crowd momentum built higher and higher climaxing with Satch boogie for the first wave. Joe followed the first wave by introducing us to our band for the night; Steve Campitelly on drums, Stu Hamm on Bass and Galen Henson on rhythm guitar. The second wave began with Flying in a Blue Dream that was played to the finest standard and quality of sound I did not even think possible. Wave after wave of the Great set list bombarded the crowd with appreciation and enjoyment rampant. Joe Satriani was playing red hot he was excellent. Roughly halfway through the energy charged concert Stu Hamm graced us with one of the finest bass solos possible in current times giving Joe a chance to catch a well deserved breath of air and a drink. Once he returned to the stage there was no stopping the force that is Joe Satriani, the power, the emotion, the drive, the connection, it was all there no words can possibly describe the culmination of emotions I felt through out that awe inspiring concert. Surfing with the Alien finished up the night or did it....??? A charged crowed beckoned for more ONE MORE TUNE, ONE MORE TUNE!!!! Of coarse Satch's reply was the spectacular CROWD CHANT, the mass of the crowd answered Joe's guitar over and over again note for note.... This song on Cd is great... However, in participation with hundreds or thousands of people, this song is a raw state of power.... At the conclusion of the whole concert I left and extremely satisfied man leaving I met a few of the 50 premium ticket holders all of whom felt the same... Overwhelmed with inspiration and excitement blended with some... no allot of disbelief.... As prior said words cannot fully or even partially describe the epic nature of Joe Satriani’s performance in Vicars St. Dublin...

Unbelievable

Thanks Joe