G3 live in Auckland, New Zealand (25 March 2012)
Finally
after twenty-five years I got to see two of my guitar heroes live in
Auckland. Yes, the G3 rock extravaganza played here last night and I
wasn't disappointed. Each of the three headline guitarists played all
their hits and then as with all G3 occasions got together for a
fiercesome jam. What was particularly exciting was Steve Lukather (Toto,
Los Lobotomys) another of my favourite musicians was the invited
guitarist with Satriani and Vai. And then as a bonus I saw that Mike
Keanally was back on keyboards and guitar playing for Steve Vai for the
first time in 13 years. Joining him was the mighty Phillip Bynoe on an
aggressive, funky bass.
Promptly
at 7:30 Luke and friends kicked off with 'Hero' from his Candyman
album. Immediately one noticed the muscular drumming of Eric Valentine
and the thunderous bass.(If anything the sound was too lound and the
bass too much for the Logan Cambell venue. But that's what audio ear
plugs are for.) It was special to see Luke again as I have had
the privilege of seeing him play with Toto in Cape Town, Auckland and
Melbourne. I love his solo Candyman album so was smiling from ear to ear
as his band broke into 'Party in Simon's pants' even if this was a
shortened version. With his infectious humour, Luke engaged the crowd
and told us an amusing story that he'd been recognised on the plane on
his flight from Wellington. He'd been enthusiastically greeted by a
woman who thought he was Billy Joel! Lukather then went on to play a
Herbie Hancock composition followed by a song dedicated to Jeff Porcaro.
This was Lukather's highlight of the evening. Hearing the searing
emotion drenched guitar on "Song for Jeff" live was incredible. No other
word for it. Moving, brilliant playing as the notes were caressed and
bent.
Then
Vai hit the stage with all the panache and experience of years as a top
rock guitarist. Brilliant - and without a doubt the strongest set when
comparing Vai, Satriani and Lukather. That's saying something as Luke is
easily my favourite of the three. Vai started the concert exactly as he
does for the G3 Live in Tokyo DVD with his guitar speaking to audience
from the side of the stage and then thundering into the funkiest rocking
'The audience is listening'. What an adrenalin rush.
Steve
Vai's trendy short hair cut matched his maturer persona and looking
back at the DVD 'Live at the Astoria London' the flowing locks look very
dated even though less than ten years ago. Steve's playing was
impeccable and sound wise came across cleaner. Interestingly early in
their set Steve turned to Phillip Bynoe and indicated to adjust his bass
amp which was dropped a notch.
'Whispering
a prayer' and the amazing jazzy 'Tender surrender' had Steve cajoling
the whole gamut of Vai tones accompanied with all the intense facial
expressions that he brings. Of course I was waiting for the 'The
Attitude song' and the bursting excitement hearing this played live for
the first time with an extended solo section in the middle with Mike
Keanally and Dave Weiner exchanging leads with Steve. Then ending on the
anthemic 'For the love of God'. Phew! What can you say but wait for Joe
Satriani to come onto the stage and rip into 'Ice 9' with Jeff
Campitelli playing the kit as if this was his first gig with Satch.
I
was pleasantly surprised that Joe played at least three songs from
'Surfing with Aliens' including Satch Boogie. Mike Keanally remained on
keys to support Satriani and it was Mike on the shaker that told you
that the beautiful 'Always with me, always with you' was about to start.
The
stage changes were very quick and before you knew it Joe was inviting
Steve and Steve to join for the finale. What would be played? And then
how cool, as 'Your guitar wants to kill your mama' began sung by both
Vai and Keanally. Then came the best of the jam tracks with Luke leading
'Little wing'. Check out this pretty amazing youtube video of their performance
- video and audio quality impressive. (Thanks Hamdanz1 for uploading -
I'll treasure this memory!) The final song of the night was 'Rockin' in a
free world' where Joe lead the singing and then it was all over and
11pm had come. I sure am grateful that Joe came up with the wonderful
concept of G3 all those years ago. Long may it prosper.
If you haven't got your tickets Australia - don't hesitate!
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