I'll mainly just concur with what everyone else has written. These were the best seats I've ever had at a show [8th row]. I find it incredible that these guys aren't in great demand. I kept saying to my wife I can't believe we just drove down some back roads to this little place that only holds a little more than 1,000 and got to see these guys. In a way it makes me sick to know that garbage like Limp Bizquick, and the like, are so popular these days. In this building last night were 3 of the best guitarists and 3 of the best bass players in the world and had it not been for the internet, I would have never known it! Enough for my commentary on the state of music today...

This was the first time I saw Vai live and the 3rd time I saw Joe. I had heard of Dream Theatre before, but never listened to them. I won't forget Petrucci now though. A great performer, very tasteful licks. He really rocked and didn't overuse the tremolo or two handed tapping techniques. Mainly a straightforward shredder. And that drummer he had, Portnoy?, What a command of the drums! One of the most rock solid drummers I have ever witnessed. His playing was pounding inside my chest. If you had kidney stones going in there last night, they surely would have been broken up by the time you left.

I've seen Vai on the G3 DVD from '96, otherwise his show would have totally blew my mind. I was somewhat prepared though. The only thing I'll say negative is the sound was kind of muddy. Vai's guitar didn't come through as clear when all were playing. I didn't think he needed to bring along that Weiner guy. Guess he was trying to give some young guy a break, so I admire that. Some people have commented that Vai was too much of a show-off, but it left me wanting more. The whole place erupted after each of his songs.

And poor Joe... I guess he got lost trying to find the theatre? We all waited more than a half hour for his set and some people were getting irate. Joe has probably had more commercial success as a solo act than Vai, but in his shoes, I sure wouldn't want to follow that act. I think the long wait took the energy out of the crowd. I wanted to hear some stuff from Crystal Planet, but I don't think he played anything more recent than The Extremist. His set was over too soon for me. Joe's set had the best sound mix for sure, and his playing as usual was perfection. It's interesting to hear how his solos have mutated over time, adding notes here and there and playing ahead/behind the beat. I think the whole event would have come off better with Joe batting second. Hope that's not perceived as a knock on Joe, I still love him.

Le Grange is an absolutely perfect Jam song. As far as the other two songs, it was pure glorious cacophony! I thought my ears were going to explode. Durig Voodoo Chile, Vai appeared to be doing a pretty amazing two handed tapping thing on the neck, but I couldn't hear it through the sound fog.

Anyway, I can't give it a 10 due to the delay of Joe's set, which apparently cost the audience a couple of songs.

Raking??? What other ranking can you give the greatest musicians? And that encompasses everything from composers, players, and performers? I'm losing count on how many times I've seen Joe and to see Vai is phenomenal. I've seen Steve several times but would actually would like to see him come around more often. You guys always thank us for coming out and allowing yourselves to perform for us... That feeling of devotion is mutual. It is us, and especially myself, that would like to thank you for giving us such a great gift, your music. The passion and emotion that you play with cuts right through to my core. It is on honor and privilege to see the greatest show on earth. And that is what I call the G3 tour "The Greatest Show on Earth." I exposed six new people to this show and that is the buzz of the day.

So once again, I want to thank Joe, Steve, John, Stu, Billy, and everyone else for their powerful music and incredible performances last night. You guys ROCK! And I'll see you again in two days in NY...

Mike

To: Joe, Jeff, Stu, Steve, Billy, Mike, Virgil, Dave, John, All the roadies, technicians ETC. Totally awesome! What more can I say? To spend an evening with my favorite guitar heroes. For me, it was a performance of a lifetime, I felt so privelidged to be there. It made my day to see up close; the creaters of my favorite music, guitar schredding rock and roll.

Last night was even more special because for the first time ever, I was able to get front row seats. The view was so good, I watched very closely to see how you played my favorite songs. Joe, the tapping sequence in the middle of Satch boogie; you make it look so easy.

After the show, You were nice enough meet fans and sign autographs. I thought that was really cool and I have alot of respect for you for doing that.

Extra special thanks to Joe Satriani, Stu Hamm, and Steve Vai for signing my guitar chordbook. Whenever I practice in the future, I'll think of actually meeting you. It was a night that I will always remember, thanks guys!

Chris L. Minatelli

Phenomonal as usual!

John Petrucci was a welcome surprise, I found myself totally enthralled by his work, and glad to see he is enjoying it as much as the other guys.

Steve Vai, what can I say. He amazes me every time I see him live. While his work on disc is unbelievable, it can't even compare to seeing him in person. Absolutely awesome.

And of course, Joe, my favorite! He never has disappointed ever, and he didn't Thursday night! The set was perfect, and he was as on as ever.

As for the ending, ZZTop & Jimi covers? Man, it vaulted that show to one of my top 3 faves EVER! Seeing Steve & Joe together in that zone with Petrucci was unreal! Too awesome to describe..........

Great show guys, thanks for rockin up Keswick!

Best, Marc Ambler, PA