Guitar Virtuosity as G3 Kicks Off Tour at a Sold Out Moore Theatre

The G3 Tour, which kicked off at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, was founded and organized by Joe Satriani and each year he selects two other guitar greats to join him on tour, to do their own sets as the opening acts. They are then proceeded by Satriani as the evening’s headline act. The show is then closed out as each three of the guitarists, hence G3, make their grand finale in a jam session to close out the show. The tour also kicked off to coincide with the release of Satriani’s newest release, What Happens Next.

This year’s guests were John Petrucci, who is best known for being the founding member and guitarist of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, and Phil Collen, who is best known as one of the guitar duo for the band Def Leppard. The tour has showcased some incredible talent and also provided music lovers, especially those who are guitar players, to be inspired and blown away by the talent to be on display.

Getting the evening started was Collen. Much to the delight and surprise of those in the jam packed house, many who thought he may pay in the style that they were accustomed to hearing from his playing in Def Leppard, Collen proceeded to put on a thirty minute set with a serious does of hard rocking blues and funk influenced music. Collen wasting no time in proving doubters wrong. Along with Craig Martini (bass), Forrest Robinson (drums) and then later on in the set, Debbi Blackwell-Cook, they also performed music from Collen’s side project Delta Deep. The crowd showed their appreciation with a much deserved standing ovation.

Next up was Petrucci, who was accompanied by Dave LaRue (bass) and Mike Mangini (drums) – Mangini is also in Dream Theater with Petrucci. To say that this trio out in a clinic is an understatement. Petrucci simply shredded on guitar. LaRue was exception on bass, with his awesome slapping and popping along with his scale progressions complimented Mangini’s drumming, both making for a solid and tight rhythm section. No vocals, just a 40 minute set of awesome instrumental music provided by insanely talented musicians. Everyone on the audience were in awe at the ease in which Petrucci belted out his riffs and solos. “Damage Control”, “Glascow Kiss” and “Glass Eyed Zombies” were highlights of set and left the crowd wanting more.

Satriani hit the stage and was backed by Bryan Beller (bass), Joe Travers (drums), and Mike Kenneally (guitar / keyboards) and they played as a well-oiled machine. Satriani, with his signature sound, put on an electrifying performance, which had everyone in the audience on their feet. Many new songs off of What Happens Next made their live debut, as well as many fan favorites such as “Satch Boogie”, “Surfing with the Alien”, “Always With Me, Always With You”. Again, a set filled with instruments, as Satriani let the guitar do the singing for him. The rest of the band were incredible, matching Satriani’s infectious energy and enthusiasm.

To close out the evening, Collen and Petrucci joined Satriani on stage. Satriani proceeded to bring out Blackwell-Cook and they performed “Highway Star” by Deep Purple, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and “Going Down” which was written by Don Nix. The crowd on their feet, some singing along, some playing air guitar, others fist pumping, had an awesome time watching some of the most talented guitarists on the planet on the opening evening of what will be a highly successful tour.  

Be sure to go check out this show when it comes to a town near you! For more info Satriani’s new album and tour dates, make sure you visit satriani.com.   

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