Steve Vai

Biography:

Berklee School of Music graduate Steve Vai broke onto the scene by playing in Frank Zappa's band as the designated "stunt guitarist" who played "impossible guitar parts" - huge compliments coming from the legendary Zappa. Vai later played for other bands, like Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth's Band, and Whitesnake.

Despite his successes in a band setting, Vai is best known for his work as a solo instrumental guitarist. His debut album Flex-Able and its feature track, The Attitude Song, caught the attention of many and cemented Vai as an instrumental guitar powerhouse. His 1990 double-platinum release, Passion and Warfare, is considered by many to be some of his best work.

In 1986, Vai appeared onscreen in the movie Crossroads as demonic guitarist Jack Butler and the climactic guitar duel against Ralph Macchio's character is legendary. The scene was called the Head Cuttin' Duel and the song later appeared on Vai's Elusive Light and Sound Vol I release. Vai's music has appeared in a number of other films as well.

Vai was been a founding member of the 1996 G3 tour started by his friend Joe Satriani and has appeared on many of the subsequent outings.



Top Ten Jams:

1. The Attitude Song Steve Vai - The Infinite Steve Vai - An Anthology - The Attitude Song
2. Bad Horsie An Anthology - Bad Horsie
3. For the Love of God Steve Vai - Passion and Warfare - For the Love of God
4. Head-Cuttin' Duel Steve Vai - Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1 - Head-Cuttin' Duel
5. The Audience is Listening Steve Vai - Passion and Warfare - The Audience Is Listening
6. Freak Show Excess Reflections - Freak Show Excess
7. Building the Church Reflections - Building the Church
8. Tender Surrender An Anthology - Tender Surrender
9. Eugene's Trick Bag Steve Vai - Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1 - Eugene's Trick Bag
10. Christmas Time is Here The 7th Song - Enchanting Guitar Melodies - Christmas Time Is Here



Discography:

Real Illusions: Reflections (2005) Reflections
The Infinite Steve Vai: An Anthology (2003) An Anthology
The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol 1 (2002) Steve Vai - Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1
Alive in an Ultra World (2001) Steve Vai - Alive in an Ultra World
The Seventh Song (2000) The 7th Song - Enchanting Guitar Melodies
The Ultra Zone (1999) Steve Vai - The Ultra Zone
Fire Garden (1996) Steve Vai - Fire Garden
Alien Love Secrets (1995)
Sex and Religion (1993) Steve Vai - Sex & Religion
Passion and Warfare (1990) Steve Vai - Passion and Warfare
Flex-Able Leftovers (1984) Steve Vai - Flex-Able Leftovers
Flex-Able (1984)



Notable Guitars:
Ibanez JEM



Sheet Music:



Similar Artists:
Joe Satriani
Frank Zappa



Links:
Steve Vai Official Website
Steve Vai MySpace Page
Favored Nations Records



Artist Updates:

  • Steve Vai has announced dates for the North American leg of his 2007 tour.