“Being in the same band with Joe felt like watching a childhood fantasy step out of my teenage brain”: Steve Vai and Joe Satriani announce the return of the SatchVai Band with their debut U.S. tour – and tease an upcoming album

(Image credit: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Joe Satriani and Steve Vai’s maiden European tour as the SatchVai Band this past June and July was a milestone moment for the guitar world.

Now, the two are bringing their band to the States for a new leg of the aptly-titled Surfing with the Hydra tour in April and May 2026, with Animals as Leaders as support on all dates.

Speaking about the two’s first-ever collaborative States-wide tour, Vai says, “The SatchVai Band summer Euro tour of 2025 far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Joe and I struck pure jammin’ gold night after night.

“Being in the same band with Joe, playing songs we actually wrote together on stage, in real time, felt like watching a childhood fantasy step out of my teenage brain and stroll onto the stage. And somehow, it was even more rewarding, satisfying, and downright fulfilling than I ever thought possible.”

Joe Satriani & Steve Vai – I Wanna Play My Guitar (Official Video) – YouTube


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Alongside Satriani and Vai, the lineup is rounded out by drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn. They will not only be performing the collaborative releases the duo have put out so far, but also new material from a forthcoming Satch/Vai album and favorites from the pair’s prolific catalog.

Pre-sale tickets for the tour have just kicked off today with an Artist Presale, followed by local pre-sales tomorrow (December 11) and public on-sales on December 12.

For more information, head to the SatchVai Band’s official website.

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Earlier this year, the electric guitar titans released their sophomore collaborative single, the ’70s-flavored I Wanna Play My Guitar, with Glenn Hughes on vocals, which continued to tease what fans can expect from their upcoming album.

Janelle is a staff writer at GuitarWorld.com. After a long stint in classical music, Janelle discovered the joys of playing guitar in dingy venues at the age of 13 and has never looked back. Janelle has written extensively about the intersection of music and technology, and how this is shaping the future of the music industry. She also had the pleasure of interviewing Dream Wife, K.Flay, Yīn Yīn, and Black Honey, among others. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her creating layers of delicious audio lasagna with her art-rock/psych-punk band ĠENN.

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“Being in the same band with Joe felt like watching a childhood fantasy step out of my teenage brain”: Steve Vai and Joe Satriani Announce the Return of the satchvai Band

The Epic Reunion of Two Guitar Legends

In the world of instrumental rock and virtuoso guitar playing, few names shine as brightly as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.The two guitar titans, each with decades of influential work, have thrilled fans worldwide with their solo careers and collaborative projects.Now, the iconic duo has announced the highly anticipated return of the SatchVai Band, delivering an electrifying debut U.S. tour coupled with tantalizing hints of an upcoming album.

Steve Vai emotionally shared,”Being in the same band with Joe felt like watching a childhood fantasy step out of my teenage brain,” capturing the awe and excitement of this monumental musical reunion. Their announcement marks a major moment for guitar fans worldwide, eager to witness their combined artistry once again live on stage.

SatchVai band: Origins and Legacy

the SatchVai Band originally formed from the mutual respect and friendship between Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, both masters of the electric guitar and pioneers in rock instrumental music. Having toured together in the past and sharing stages for decades, their collaboration culminated in forming this band to showcase their seamless musical chemistry.

  • Steve Vai: Known for his innovative guitar techniques, Vai’s career highlights include collaborations with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and his prolific solo albums.
  • Joe satriani: A legendary guitarist acclaimed for his instrumental rock compositions and mentoring other guitar prodigies such as Kirk Hammett and Alex Skolnick.

The original SatchVai Band performances were met with rave reviews, praising their technical mastery and infectious passion. Fans clamored for more, and now their reunion promises to deliver an even bigger and more refined musical experience, backed by years of honed artistry.

SatchVai Band’s Debut U.S. Tour: Dates & Highlights

The upcoming U.S. tour will mark the SatchVai Band’s frist nationwide concert series, giving fans across America the exclusive chance to experience these guitar virtuosos live. The tour aims to blend classic hits from each guitarist with fresh material, setting the stage for new musical explorations.

Date City Venue Tickets Available
Feb 14, 2026 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern Available
Feb 17, 2026 San Francisco, CA The Warfield Available
Feb 22, 2026 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom Available
feb 26, 2026 New York, NY Brooklyn Steel Available
Mar 1, 2026 Boston, MA House of Blues Available

Each concert promises a dynamic setlist blending Steve Vai’s complex riffs and Joe Satriani’s melodic finesse. Backed by a powerhouse rhythm section, the tour will showcase their signature sound while teasing exciting new compositions from the forthcoming album.

Upcoming Album tease: what to Expect

Fans are buzzing with excitement following hints dropped by Steve and Joe about a new SatchVai album slated for release later in 2026. Details remain under wraps, but the duo has promised a record that pushes guitar music boundaries while paying homage to their roots.

  • Original compositions co-written by Vai and Satriani, blending their distinct styles.
  • innovative guitar techniques and sonic textures that highlight the band’s evolution.
  • Collaborations with other renowned musicians to add depth and diversity.

Given their track records, the album is expected to be a significant milestone in instrumental rock, appealing not just to guitar aficionados but to a broader audience craving virtuosic musicianship fused with heartfelt expression.

Firsthand Experience: What Being in the Band Means to Steve vai

In exclusive interviews,Steve Vai expressed heartfelt admiration for Joe Satriani,describing their partnership as surreal and deeply inspiring.

“Playing alongside Joe is like unlocking a dream I had as a teenager. Every note, every jam session feels magical. The chemistry we share is natural and electrifying.”

This emotional connection underpins the resilience and creative energy that defines the SatchVai Band. Fans who attend the tour or listen to the upcoming album will witness this unique synergy firsthand, making the experience profoundly authentic and memorable.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Attending the satchvai Tour

  • Buy Tickets Early: Shows are expected to sell out fast, so securing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
  • Explore Venue Amenities: Many venues offer exclusive merchandise and VIP packages for an enhanced concert experience.
  • Prepare for a Guitar Masterclass: Both Vai and Satriani incorporate jaw-dropping solos and improvisations – bring your camera and enjoy every moment.
  • Share the Experience: Engage with other fans on social media and forums to connect and amplify the excitement.

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