And both were perfectly at display while other fan-favorites like “The Crying Machine”, “Gravity Storm” and “Tender Surrender” made their appearances, immediately followed by the customary band introduction of Dave Weiner on second guitars, Jeremy Colson on drums and Philip Bynoe on bass. There is enough uniqueness in Vai to make him original and there is enough talent to put him in his own league. I took a quick look around and saw the venue was now packed, not single seat was empty. Without hesitation the band jumped headfirst in the fun, starting with “Bad Horsie” the 1995 classic off of the Alien Love Secrets EP while the excitement level in the audience pumped to the roof. Suddenly the light went down and Steve Vai finally appeared on stage wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and glowing neon sunglasses with a solid haze surrounding his every move and light beams coming out of his Ibanez Jem guitar, in a true Middle Earth’s character fashion.
Approximately 10 minutes after 8 PM the lights dimmed and the infamous guitar dual scene from “Crossroads” started to play on the massive screen behind, provoking a clamoring ovation cheering from the crowd. The venue was crowded, but there were still empty spots in the back, even though there’s no such thing as a bad seat at The Parker Playhouse. After the Q&A session was over he proceeded to sign and take photographs with all the attendees, and shortly after we were given the chance to enjoy the soundcheck, in which he was joined by his band and played for around 30 minutes before waving everyone goodbye and disappearing backstage.Īfter such an exceptional time we exited the room and waited for around 20 minutes for the doors to be officially opened. He gave advice and suggestions and when asked whom would be the musicians (alive or dead) he would love to work with, he named Devin Townsend and Igor Stravinsky without the shadow of a doubt.
Steve sat down with all the presents and talked, joked, and laughed for nearly an hour sharing insights in a very natural and humble way, while going into every detail possible in his answers. That sessions was a delightful experience. We arrived to the venue in the early afternoon, as my wife and myself had the chance to take part in the VIP Experience Vai has been offering as part of his tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of his landmark album, “Passion and Warfare”, which included the opportunity to sit with Steve in an intimate Q&A session. And the spectacle he offered at The Parker Playhouse, a wonderful venue located in the Fort Lauderdale area, was one of the most genuine expressions of virtuosity and sense of musicianship I’ve ever had the chance to enjoy. While many musicians fit easily into a single category, Steve Vai’s own musical vision irradiates so much energy, brainpower, passion and ultimately talent that you can only be mesmerized when witnessing one of his shows. What is there that could possibly be said about him that hasn’t already been said? He’s an innovator and a showman, and arguably unlike any other guitarist in the world when it comes to technical prowess. Considered one of the most sublime exponents of modern rock guitar, Steve Vai has played with many of rock’s heavyweights, whom we don’t even have to mention here.
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