Joe Satriani * Steve Morse

*** Joe Satriani ***

Joe Satriani has been a worldwide guitar hero since his 1987 breakthrough album, Surfing with the Alien. Over 10-million albums and CD’s later, in addition to 14 Grammy nominations and numerous accolades Satriani continues to push the envelope of modern rock guitar playing.

Although he originally started his career by teaching some of the top rock guitar players of the '80s and '90s like Metallica’s Kirk Hammet and virtuoso Steve Vai, Joe Satriani is universally hailed as one of the most technically accomplished and respected guitar players in rock. Satriani, who cites Jimi Hendrix as a major influence, quickly established himself as one of rock’s most influential guitarists.

Since the release of Surfing with the Alien in 1987, Satriani has continually been voted the best guitarist in leading guitar magazine readers’ polls. Chosen by Mick Jagger to perform worldwide on Mick’s first solo tour, and by Deep Purple to tour Japan and Europe, Satriani cemented his reputation as a true guitar hero.

After releasing several critically acclaimed solo albums, in 1996, Satriani embarked on the first G3 showcase tour, which became an instant success. G3 have performed sold out tours in North America, Europe, South America, Japan and Australia, and have released three live G3 DVDs.

In 2009 Joe teamed up with Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony of Van Halen plus Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to form Chickenfoot. The band’s debut album was an international success, receiving gold awards in the US, Canada and Europe, plus recognition from Classic Rock Magazine as The Best New Band of 2009.

Joe released his 11th studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards in October 2010 and followed this with extensive North American and European tours. The following year, Chickenfoot’s second album, III, was released to critical acclaim on 27th September.

In January 2012, Satriani embarked on a European tour with Chickenfoot. By April 2012, he released the DVD/Blu-Ray of his much talked about 3D concert film Satchurated: Live In Montreal. During the same year, he embarked on G3 tours of Europe and Australia with Steve Vai and Steve Lukather.

On 22nd September 2012 Satriani performed at the 50 Years of Marshall tribute concert in honour of the late Jim Marshall, at London’s Wembley Arena which also included Paul Gilbert, Zakk Wylde, Glenn Hughes, Yngwie Malmsteen, Doug Aldrich, Billy Duffy, Nicko McBrain, Corey Taylor, Brian Tichy, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Mike Portnoy, Andy Fraser and Kerry King.

The upcoming European tour coincides with the news that Satriani will record a new solo album later this year for a worldwide release via Sony in May 2013. The enterprising guitarist is also in the planning stages of releasing a career retrospective box set for spring 2013.