Concert review: Joe Satriani and Steve Vai | 04.30.24, The Factory (with photo gallery)

Photo of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai by Laura Jerele

If you missed Joe Satriani and Steve Vai’s sold-out concert at The Factory, you missed out on witnessing two of the most iconic guitarists in rock history. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear that this wasn’t just another gig—it was a masterclass in virtuosity, friendship and showmanship. Oh yeah, and a helluva lot of amazing guitar playing!

Vai’s set kicked off the night and his playing was, as always, otherworldly—his fingers flying across the fretboard with lightning speed and precision. He is so unique in the way he plays, he is so technically proficient and also highly entertaining while making his playing look almost effortless.

Satriani, with his signature blend of technical precision and raw emotion, kicked off his set with “Surfing with the Alien.” His playing was nothing short of mesmerizing, he effortlessly navigates complex solos with the ease of someone who has been doing this for decades—which, of course, he has!

But the real magic happened when Steve Vai joined him on stage for an end-of-night jam. Much like the days of G3, the chemistry between these two guitar legends was palpable as they traded licks and obviously had a blast doing so.

What really set this concert apart, though, was the sense of genuine camaraderie and mutual respect between Satriani and Vai. You could tell that they were having an amazing time being on stage together. And let’s not forget the groove—these guys didn’t just shred, they grooved. Sure, each note was perfectly placed, locking in with the rhythm section to create a sound that was as tight as it was powerful, but it was also fun and full of groove!

Joe Satriani and Steve Vai delivered everything a guitar-loving fan could want, and more. Their jam at the end of the night covering The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” was the perfect way to end the show, giving nod to friend Kirk Hammett for writing one of the most recognizable guitar riffs ever. | Laura Jerele