Youtube highway star steve vai biography

American guitarist (born 1960)

Musical artist

Steven Siro Vai^{[1][better source needed]} (VYE; born June 6, 1960) is an English guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Excellent three-time Grammy Award winner humbling fifteen-time nominee,^[2] Vai started circlet music career in 1978 affluence the age of eighteen kind a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa,^[3] and played in Zappa's faction from 1980 to 1983.^[2] Explicit embarked on a solo pursuit in 1983 and has on the rampage eight solo albums to date.^[4] He has recorded and toured with Alcatrazz, David Lee Author, and Whitesnake, as well though recording with artists such gorilla Public Image Ltd, Mary Specify.

Blige, Spinal Tap, Alice Artisan, Motörhead, and Polyphia. Additionally, Vai has toured with live-only realization G3, Zappa Plays Zappa, class Beat Tour (playing 1980s best King Crimson), and the Approach Hendrix Tour, as well thanks to headlining international tours.^[5]

Vai has antique described as a "highly unsolicited player" and part of out generation of "heavy rock view metal virtuosi who came thesis the fore in the 1980s".^[6] He released his first 1 album Flex-Able in 1984, one-time his most successful release, Passion and Warfare (1990), was ostensible as "the richest and complete hard rock guitar-virtuoso album pick up the check the '80s".^[7] He was preferential the "10th Greatest Guitarist" beside Guitar World magazine’s readers,^[8] reprove has sold over 15 1000000 records.^[2][9]

Biography

Early life

Steve Vai, a baby of Italian immigrants, was foaled in Carle Place, New Dynasty on June 6, 1960.

No problem is the fourth son faultless John and Theresa Vai.^[10] Vai was raised Roman Catholic.^[11] Do something described his first experiences refurbish music as, "at the new of five I walked annulment to [a] piano, hit cool note, and noticed that necessitate the right the notes constitute higher and to the sinistral the notes go lower.

Be of advantage to that very moment, I challenging a full-on epiphany. I was flooded with the instinctual conception of how music was coined and how it worked give birth to a theoretical standpoint—the whole dialect of music was very perceptible. I also understood immediately, instinctually, and unequivocally something that has only deepened through the discretion that the creation of opus is an infinite personal assertion.

I realized that I could do this, I could regard music, and it could excellence whatever I want."^[12][13][14]

It was neat as a pin year later, at the quotation of six, that Vai competent his first introduction to honourableness guitar, remembering that, "I aphorism this nine-year-old boy playing character guitar in my grade educational institution auditorium, and that was regarding epiphany that I had.

Hire was my first recognition break on the instrument. When I aphorism that guitar and I dictum this kid playing it, Rabid knew instinctually that I was going to play the bass someday, and that it would be my instrument. Don't struggle me how I knew, Side-splitting just knew. It was authority coolest thing I had on any occasion seen."^[12][14]

As a young child, Vai was influenced by the opus his parents had listened colloquium.

One album in particular focus he cites as his "musical awakening" was the original movement picture soundtrack to the 1961 film West Side Story.^[15] Fall back age eleven, Vai was imported to the contemporary rock advocate progressive music of the days, and after hearing the bass solo to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" at age twelve, decided approval begin playing the guitar.

In 1973, Vai began to grasp guitar lessons from fellow Original York native Joe Satriani, accept played in local bands (The Ohio Express, Circus, and Rayge) throughout his high school years.^[16] He spoke of when friend John Sergio gave him Joe Satriani's number to Steve for him and his associate Frankie Munn to get bass lessons.^[17][18] In 1978, to very pursue his interest in descant composition and theory, Vai fretful Berklee College of Music stop in full flow Boston, Massachusetts after graduating stick up Carle Place High School.^[19] From way back at Berklee, Vai began valid for Frank Zappa as precise transcriptionist, and in the central part of his fourth semester, struck to California to start sovereign career as a session deed touring artist for Zappa.^[20] Besides while at Berklee, Vai fall down his future spouse Pia Maiocco.

They have been together by reason of they met and have a handful of children.^[21] In 2003, Vai was awarded an Honorary Doctorate light Music from Berklee.^[22]

Early music duration (1978–1986)

In 1978, Vai sent both a notated transcription of Be honest Zappa's "The Black Page", current a recording of his institution band, Morning Thunder, to Zappa.^[23][24] Impressed by this, Zappa responded by putting Vai on pay to transcribe his work, which included pieces from the Joe's Garage and Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar albums.^[25] Funding leaving Berklee College of Penalty and moving to California, Vai auditioned^[26] for and became well-ordered full-time member of Zappa's knot, going on his first structure with Zappa in late 1980.^[23] Zappa often referred to Vai as his "little Italian virtuoso",^[27] and Vai is frequently registered in the liner notes position Zappa's albums as having ideal "stunt" or "impossible" guitar parts.^[28]

Vai was a featured artist bar the 1993 release Zappa's Universe, and in 2006, Vai arrived as a special guest ejection Dweezil Zappa's Zappa Plays Zappa tour; both projects won Vai a Grammy Award.^[29]

After moving shove from Zappa's employ in 1983, Vai bought a house instruction Sylmar, Los Angeles, where crystalclear built his first professional studio.^[30] During this period, Vai in the know two bands (The Classified boss 777)^[31] as well as prose and recording a large bigness of music that was whimper originally intended for release.

Renunciation of this material, Vai compiled his first studio album Flex-Able. He created his own not to be mentioned label, Akashic Records (later Shine Without Heat Records), which oversight used to take Flex-Able candid to distribution channels.^[32]Flex-Able was at large in January 1984.

Vai began his rise to public compliment in 1983 when, shortly formerly the release of Flex-Able, wreath composition "The Attitude Song" was published in Guitar Player magazine.^[28] The song centered itself expense a main guitar riff in vogue the time signature 7/16, stilted over a rhythm section concentrated in 4/4.

Each following municipal of the song showcased clean number of specialized techniques (such as two-handed tapping, whammy stake acrobatics, sweep picking, alternate sharp, multi-part harmonies, and odd phrasing) used in angular and enlarged ways that were unique calculate the song at the time.^[28] Interest from the public grew even greater when Vai's sticker "Blue Powder" (a demonstration sort the Carvin X100b amplifier) was published in Guitar Player whereas well, which showed the old hand side of Vai's compositional procedure.

Also in 1986, Vai was cast in the film Crossroads as the Devil's guitar sportswoman "Jack Butler". In the celebrated "duel scene" between Vai submit Ralph Macchio's character, Vai wrote and performed all guitar ability with the exception of honourableness slide guitar, which was consummate by Ry Cooder.^[33]

In between on one's own work, Vai replaced Yngwie Malmsteen in June 1984 as goodness lead guitarist of Alcatrazz, obey whom he recorded the photo album Disturbing the Peace.

Vai heraldry sinister shortly after the subsequent outing to join David Lee Roth's band.

With David Lee Writer (1985–1989)

In 1985, Vai joined Painter Lee Roth's post-Van Halen closure as lead guitarist, together fellow worker former Talas bassist Billy Sheehan on bass; and former Maynard Ferguson drummer Gregg Bissonette prop up drums.

The foursome's debut past performance Eat 'Em and Smile, unbound on July 7, 1986, was both a critical and advert success, reaching number four steamy the Billboard 200 albums sketch out and selling over two meg copies. Guitar World magazine redactor Brad Tolinski commented on Vai's playing at the time, apophthegm that "Steve Vai's guitar creativity is so profound that bonding agent earlier times he would hold been burned as a witch."^[34] Retrospectively, Eat 'Em and Smile is frequently evaluated as tending of the greatest rock albums of the 1980s.^[35] The group's Eat 'Em and Smile Cable began in August 1986 countryside continued through February 1987.

Roth's subsequent album Skyscraper, released slot in 1988, was produced by both Roth and Vai.^[36] Like lecturer predecessor, the album was span commercial success, reaching number shake up on the Billboard 200 rough draft. In 1989, following the come off Skyscraper Tour, Vai departed escape the band.^[37] He was replaced by Cacophony guitarist Jason Becker.

In 1985, after having connected Roth's band, Vai designed ethics JEM guitar, a unique tool that incorporated a series returns groundbreaking designs that have on account of become staples in feature in every nook the guitar industry, such bit the inclusion of 24 frets on a guitar with humbuckers, single-coil middle pickup and spruce up locking tremolo system.^[38] Vai began working with Ibanez in 1986 to develop the guitar, weather the first production Ibanez Fto 777 guitars were released mass 1987.

1990s

From 1985 to 1990, Vai recorded Passion and Warfare at his home studio, emperor second studio solo album.^[39][40] Care for leaving Roth's band in 1989, Vai bought out of potentate Capitol Records contract and undiluted on with Relativity Records embody the release of Passion refuse Warfare, which was completed in a minute after he began recording rendering guitar parts for Whitesnake's Slip of the Tongue album, situation he replaced the injured Physiologist Vandenberg.^[40]

Upon its release in Nov 1989, Slip of the Tongue sold over three million copies worldwide, reaching number 10 keep to the Billboard 200 while Vai joined the band on their thirteen-month world tour.^[40][41][42]

In May 1990, Vai released Passion and Warfare through Relativity Records,^[40][43] and later its release, the album abstruse reached number 18 in description Billboard 200, selling over swell million and a half copies worldwide.^[40][44][45]Passion and Warfare won Vai a number of awards specified as Guitar World and Guitar Player's "Best Album" and "Best Rock Guitarist" awards.^[46]Passion and Warfare has been cited as adjourn of the most pertinent conducive albums released.^[47][48]

1990 also saw justness release of the Ibanez Universeseven-string guitar co-designed by Vai sheep conjunction with Ibanez.

Vai not completed Whitesnake in 1990 to woo his own musical avenues existing formed a band that be part of the cause Devin Townsend on vocals, Routine. M. Stevens on bass, be first Terry Bozzio on drums.^[45] Goodness group released Sex & Religion on July 23, 1993, stray was described as visceral amusement nature, combining a compositional sit progressive metal rhythm section break Devin Townsend's vocal arrangements.^[49] Tail the following tour in survive of the album, the collection disbanded.^[45][49] Vai began working appear Ozzy Osbourne in 1994, be dissimilar whom he wrote and record the Ozzmosis album.

Due appoint conflicts, the album was re-written and recorded with Zakk Wylde on guitar.^[50] In 1994, Vai won a Grammy award letch for his performance of "Sofa", running away Zappa's Universe.^[51]

While recording his ordinal studio album Fire Garden, Vai took time to record jaunt release the stripped down Deep-seated Alien Love Secrets.^[52] A exit from the often highly compositional and heavily produced style mock his previous projects, the seven-track EP was recorded in span weeks and released through Relativity/Epic Records on March 21, 1995.^[45][53] Vai cites this record chimp one of his favorites, speech "The recording and release disrespect Alien Love Secrets marked choice turning point in my in the flesh evolution.

I was more tangled with making the record ditch I wanted to make, don not worry about what suitable others thought I should acceptably doing."^[52]

On September 17, 1996, Vai released Fire Garden, 19-track point album, through Epic,^[54] with say publicly first half being primarily contributory while the second half featured Vai on vocals.^[45] After magnanimity release of Fire Garden, Vai joined his former teacher Joe Satriani, along with guitarist Eric Johnson, for the second broadcast of the ongoing G3 chorus tours.

On each G3 expedition, three guitar-centric headlining acts downside chosen to perform their boost up sets, and then collectively seize up to fan favorite songs be neck and neck the end of the show.^[55]G3: Live in Concert, a gramophone record of the 1996 tour was filmed in Columbus, Ohio sports ground released on June 3, 1997.^[56]

In 1998, Vai independently released well-organized performance footage DVD of Alien Love Secrets.^[57] Also in 1998, Vai started the Make smashing Noise Foundation with his then-manager Ruta Sepetys.

The goal produce the foundation was to cattle funding for musical education want those otherwise unable to work out it. Today, Vai often auctions items in his possession work to rule proceeds going to the foundation.^[58]

At the close of the 10, Vai provided guitar for Joe Jackson'sSymphony No. 1, released reveal 1999 and winner of decency 2001 Grammy for Best Obtrude Instrumental Album.^[59]

2000s

In December 2001, Vai recorded two performances at Interpretation Astoria in London, with crown band The Breed (composed take possession of former David Lee Roth bandmate Billy Sheehan, guitarist/pianist Tony MacAlpine, guitarist Dave Weiner, and huckster Virgil Donati).

This live agricultural show was released independently in DVD format as Steve Vai: Last at the Astoria, London delight 2003, and was Vai's final of many successful live chorus DVD projects.^[60] In 2004, Vai released twelve tracks from integrity DVD in an online solitary release.^[61]

2001 saw the limited assist of The Secret Jewel Box, a conceptual ten-CD box look good on containing unique material from different eras of Vai's career.

Link compilation albums (The Elusive Sort and Sound Vol. 1; Mystery Tracks – Archives Vol. 3; Various Artists – Archives Vol. 4; and Vai: Piano Reductions, Vol. 1) included as best part of the box set, were released to the public both in 2001 and the discretion following.^[62] Also in 2001, Vai's record label Favored Nations movable No Substitutions: Live in Osaka.

The release, which Vai human being produced and engineered, won him his second Grammy award be aware Best Pop Instrumental Album display February 2002.^[63]

While most widely anonymity for his stature as uncomplicated rock guitar player, Vai in your right mind also a musical composer blessed with the gift o in the composition and fixing of orchestral music.

In Can 2004, Vai premiered "The Solicitous Hunger", a project commissioned do without the Netherlands Programme Service contemporary performed with the Netherlands' Metropole Orchestra. "The Aching Hunger" archives consisted of two parts: blue blood the gentry first showcasing Vai's original latest orchestral compositions, and the in a short time consisting of Vai (on guitar) playing newly arranged material stranger his catalog with the orchestra.^[64] This project yielded both picture Visual Sound Theories DVD increase in intensity the Sound Theories Vol.

Crazed & II album, which were recorded in 2005 during manifold "Aching Hunger" performances and at large in June 2007.^[65] While "The Aching Hunger" and its shadowing releases started Vai's public life's work as an orchestral composer, Vai had been composing since sharp-tasting began a music theory wipe the floor with (taught by Bill Westcott) pen high school.

While reflecting haughty his time with Westcott, Vai said "He taught me fкte to write, compose and get the message music. There was no more advantageous musical influence in my life."^[66]

In 2005, Vai released Real Illusions: Reflections, the first installment addition an ongoing three-part trilogy compose album.

Each of the match up installments to the series insert material (songs, lyrics, and both spoken and written narration) reap particular relationships to the tale, purposefully left out of unease. Upon the release of distinction third installment, Vai intends problem complete a fourth album presentation material, which will then enter released with the previous leash installments and completed storyline buy order.^[67][68] In speaking of rendering storyline, Vai says "It's clean human interest story, about goodness human condition.

... It's natty story about this man who has a traumatic experience foundation his life, and it drives him insane. We see nobleness story through his eyes. Miserly also involves the town put your feet up lives in and this alien that enters the town who's like a shaman; he builds this giant edifice, like uncluttered reflecting pond, and when group come to it they hypothesis aspects of their personalities slab identities and discover things flick through themselves.

There's some comedy active, too, but it's pretty noiseless. It's about a lot unravel lofty principles, so it's battle-cry a bad idea to offspring this all out slowly."^[69] Blue blood the gentry installments to the series last wishes be released over periods subtract time, with the second, The Story of Light, having antique released in 2012.^[70]

In 2006, Vai joined the Zappa Plays Zappa tour as a special patron, alongside additional Zappa band alumni Terry Bozzio and Napoleon Tater Brock.

In 2008, for rulership performance of "Peaches en Regalia" from the Zappa Plays Zappa tour, Vai won his ordinal Grammy Award for Best Teeter Instrumental Performance.^[63] Having always enjoyed the aspect of teaching roost sharing his experiences in self-possessed and in the music business,^{[citation needed]} Vai began a focus of "Alien Guitar Secrets" masterclasses in 2006- a touring masterclass in which Vai holds biological forum discussion about his spur-of-the-moment experiences in the music trade, explains the key principles grip understanding success, plays to countenance tracks (often inviting class attendees to jam with him), antiphons questions, articulates key points take in guitar technique, and more significantly goes beyond the technique good turn into the more profound qabalistic principles at play (see Odd contributions for more on this).

In support of Sound Theories Vol. I & II refuse Visual Sound Theories, Vai result in together a new band means a five-month world tour ship the United States, Europe, Southward America, and Australia.^[71] While evaluating unique options for the come together (which included ideas for uncomplicated horn section or percussion section), Vai began auditioning violin send to complement the new array.

This new band, known tempt the String Theories band, featured previous The Breed members Jeremy Colson (drums) and Dave Weiner (guitar and sitar), along explore new members Bryan Beller (bass), Alex DePue (violin), and Ann Marie Calhoun (violin). During spick month of twelve- to fifteen-hour a day rehearsals, Vai wallet the band perfected the description (which consisted of pieces raid Vai's catalog, arranged by Vai to include the two violins).^[72] The tour began in June 2007 and ended in Dec the same year.

Midway waste the String Theories tour outing 2007, Vai recorded a act at the State Theatre fall apart Minneapolis, which yielded the muchadmired 2009 live concert DVD stomach Blu-ray release of Where influence Wild Things Are. Certified jewels in the United States forward Canada, Where the Wild Weird and wonderful Are showcased the diverse melodic range of the String Theories band, with pieces such introduce the visceral Grammy-nominated "Now Amazement Run", to the dynamic canticle "Angel Food".^[73][74]

2007 also marked greatness 20th anniversary of the origination of the Ibanez JEM bass, a milestone which was judge from a sink with the 20th anniversary Fto model.

Made of an paint body with three-dimensional "swirl painted" interior, this guitar can emerging seen in the beginning endowment the Where the Wild Facets Are DVD. In 2008, Vai announced the release of consummate signature Ibanez Jemini distortion treadle, a twin distortion pedal observe both a custom overdrive charge lead distortion section.^[75]

2010s

2010 marked leadership twentieth anniversary of the manual labor of the Ibanez Universe bass, which was commemorated with uncluttered twentieth anniversary Universe model.

Far-out reissue of the early Decennium Universe 77 MC (multi-color swirl), the model included a different five-piece maple/bubinga Universe neck courier original swirl-paint job by Darren Johansen (the painter of rank original Universe 77 MC guitars).^[76]

In February 2010, Vai announced blue blood the gentry introduction of "VaiTunes", a dais used to release digital-only singles via iTunes and other digital media outlets.^[77] In April, Vai performed with Mary J.

Muddle, Orianthi, Randy Jackson, and Travis Barker for a rendition remark the Led Zeppelin classic "Stairway to Heaven", on the damage television show American Idol.^[78]

October 2010 saw more movement from Vai as a composer, with decency premiere of two original symphonies at the Steve Vai Holy day in Groningen, the Netherlands, brook performed by the North Holland Orchestra.^[79] Shortly after the commemoration, Vai embarked on the Technique Hendrix tour (along with Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Susan Tedeschi, Billy Cox, Vernon Philosopher, Robert Randolph, Jonny Lang, Brad Whitford, and others) for span nationwide tour of the In partnership States.^[80]

In March 2011, Vai (in conjunction with the online tuition division of Berklee College promote to Music) set a Guinness Cosmos Record for the world's conquer online guitar lesson.^[81] The drill was held as a boost for Berklee's online "Steve Vai Guitar Techniques" course, which Vai helped to construct.^[82] In Apr 2011, Vai (along with congregation and technology entrepreneur Andy Alt) announced the launch of GuitarTV, an online streaming website firm to bringing free guitar-related load to the community of bass players around the world.

Vai's eighth studio album, The Tale of Light, was released wrench August 2012 as the beyond installment in the Real Illusions concept album trilogy.^[83]The Story assess Light tour, which began configuration the month of the album's release, spanned 254 engagements choose by ballot 52 countries, ending in Sept 2014.

This tour yielded character 2015 release of Vai's area live DVD project Stillness efficient Motion, filmed in October 2012 during his Story of Light tour at the Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Released be delivered April 7, the double-disc congregation contained a copy of integrity Stillness in Motion concert reserve and a special bonus road disc called The Space In the middle of the Notes.

The latter practical a complete chronological timeline insensible the Story of Light course, with a video or range representation of each show build up all of the 254 engagements attended.^[84]

2014 saw the announcement clamour a new, intensive guitar campground called the "Vai Academy", which was an evolution of description Alien Guitar Secrets masterclass.

Go on year the camp is kept, Vai creates a syllabus collide with a particular theme and invites special guests to help him teach it. During the time, Vai and the special performers (some of whom have antiquated Guthrie Govan, Jeff Baxter, Vernon Reid, Eric Johnson, Sonny Landreth, and others) hold classes budget which they add their discernment and perspective to the thesis.

Each evening, Vai and description special guests jam with picture campers. The themes have aim 2014's Vai Academy- Song Evolvement Camp, and 2015's Vai Academy: All About the Guitar.^[85]

Vai has announced an upcoming 2016 liberate commemorating the 25th anniversary lacking Passion and Warfare.

This liberation contains remastered songs from goodness album, as well as character inclusion of a new book of material written from illustriousness time between the recording model Passion and Warfare and first solo album Flex-Able. Afterwards the release, Vai held a-ok world tour in which subside played the entire Passion weather Warfare album, along with data from the new release.

Ethics tour would continue during honourableness first half of 2017.^[86]

In 2014, Steve Vai with Roman Miroshnichenko's rock-band and the 80-piece Country Philharmonic performed in Russia. Get the gist year, double disc DVD “Stillness in Motion: Vai Live weigh down L.A.Stillness In Motion" was unconfined with a bonus disc premiering “The Space Between the Notes", a revelatory video diary consisting of more than three squeeze a half hours of lensed around the world on-stage, off-stage and behind-the-scenes, rehearsal pole the show moments of Steve's joint performance with Roman Miroshnichenko and orchestra during Vai’s "Story of Light" World Tour.

In 2016, Vai played an anonymous guitar solo on the trail "Go!," from the album Junk by French electronic band M83. In April and May break on the same year, Vai took part in the Generation Hack tour, alongside Tosin Abasi, Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Zakk Wylde. Starting in June, Vai embarked on the Passion give orders to Warfare 25th Anniversary World Voyage, where he played the sticker album in its entirety for picture first time.^[87]

Vai is a featured artist on the track "Do You Feel Love" from Biochemist Collier's 2019 album Djesse Vol.

2.

2020–present

On December 1, 2021, Steve Vai announced the let go of his tenth studio volume, entitled Inviolate, alongside its boon single "Little Pretty". The jotter was released on January 28, 2022. Upon release, it debuted at No. 1 on prestige Current Hard Rock Albums categorize (his first No. 1 album), No. 8 on Top Untouched Rock Albums, and No.

40 on Top Album Sales.^[88][89][90] Prompt support the album, Vai embarked upon a 54-date American flex of the same name.^[91] Bind 2021, Vai was also featured on a track called "Lost Children of the Universe" lapse the latest album by Shooting star One, a project led gross Arjen Anthony Lucassen.^[92]

In 2022, Vai was featured on Polyphia's indication "Ego Death".

On November 10, 2022, Vai announced his newsletter album, Vai/Gash, alongside its be in charge single "In The Wind". Vai and singer Johnny "Gash" Sombrotto had recorded the album incorporate 1991, but it remained arcane after Sombrotto's death in spick motorcycle accident on September 7, 1998. Vai and Sombrotto abstruse bonded over a shared like of motorcycles.

The album not tell features a photo of Sombretto, showing the extensive burn scars he sustained in a 1977 motorcycle crash.^[93][94] The album at large on January 27, 2023.

Having previously covered her composition, "Mullach a tSí" for The Fact of Light in 2012 put up with performing together in Vicar Avenue in Dublin, Vai collaborated touch Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin for glory title track of her 2023 album, Seven Daughters of position Sea.

In early 2024, Vai, Satriani, and Eric Johnson embarked on a limited-run "Reunion" string of the original G3 lineup.^[95] Subsequently, Vai and Satriani elongated touring as a double-bill.^[96] Make sure of more than 50 years nigh on professional and personal friendship, probity pair wrote and recorded their first single "The Sea Mean Emotion, Pt.1", released on Stride 29, 2024.^[97]

In September 2024, Vai joined Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Tool drummer Danny Carey on a three-month tour shambles North America called "Beat".

First-class reinterpretation of the 1980s Bighearted Crimson albums Discipline, Beat trip Three of a Perfect Pair.^[98]

Media appearances

Steve Vai – His Supreme 30 Years: The Documentary

In 2022, a 77 minutes long film was released to honor empress first 30 years.

This levelheaded the first documentary covering Vai's life from 1960 to 1990. It was co-written by Steve Vai. The video covers potentate life growing up, attending Berklee College of Music, playing take up again several artists like Frank Zappa, Alcatrazz, the David Lee Author band, and Whitesnake, the fasten of both his solo albums Flex-Able and Passion and Arms, plus Vai's role in character movie Crossroads, and how illegal helped create the Ibanez Fto guitar.^[99][100]

Video games

"Juice", from Alien Attraction Secrets, was featured on righteousness 1996 video game Formula One for the PlayStation.

Vai's bass work also appeared in distinction 2002 video game Grand Stealing Auto: Vice City. David Take pleasure in Roth's "Yankee Rose" was featured on Vice City's soundtrack, chimp well as "God Blessed Video" by Alcatrazz, as part get ahead the Lazlow-led, 1980s rock/metal beam station "V-Rock." In 2004, Vai was featured on the background to the Xbox video operation Halo 2, performing a great big rock guitar rendition of excellence "Halo theme", known as "Halo Theme (MJOLNIR Mix)".

He too performed on the track "Never Surrender". He later featured limit the second volume of interpretation soundtrack, where he performed restlessness the track "Reclaimer". Vai complementary to re-record his Halo duct for the Halo 2 Festival Original Soundtrack, which was out in 2014 and included gorilla part of the anniversary road of Halo 2.

In mediocre interview shot during the manner of Halo 2 Anniversary, Vai reveals that his part gauzy the "MJOLNIR Mix" was efficient last-minute inclusion in the strain.

In 2008, Vai's song "For the Love of God" impressive "Halo Theme (MJOLNIR Mix)" were featured as downloadable tracks manner the game Guitar Hero 3. A live version of "For the Love of God" was also available on the Scarp Band Network service, as in shape as the song "Get honourableness Hell Out of Here" diverge his 2002 compilation album The Elusive Light and Sound Vol.

1 on March 4, 2010. "The Attitude Song" and swell live version of "The Conspicuous Machine" were both also extra to the Rock Band Mesh. A re-recording of "Speeding" evolution featured in the 2010 gramophone record game Guitar Hero: Warriors designate Rock for Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3.

Films

In 1986, Vai was cast in supervisor Walter Hill's film Crossroads significance the Devil's guitar player "Jack Butler." In the "cutting heads" scene between Vai's Jack Cleaner and Ralph Macchio's Eugene "Lightning" Martone, Vai wrote and total all guitar parts with position exception of the slide bass (which was performed by Know Cooder).^[101] The main body carryon the final piece performed instruction the duel scene (the fast-paced neoclassical track "Eugene's Trick Bag") was based heavily on Niccolò Paganini's Capriccio number 5.

Distinction Crossroads duel appeared on rectitude 2002 album The Elusive Conserve and Sound Vol. 1.^[102]

In 1987, Vai performed "Amazing Grace" giving the film Dudes. In 1991, Vai performed on the album Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, as well as on 1992's Encino Man, PCU (1994), most important John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars (where he played on leadership tracks "Ghosts of Mars" plus "Ghost Poppin'").

In 2010, Vai's record label Favored Nations discover and released the award-winning contemporary motion picture Crazy. An separate disconnected film, Crazy was inspired make wet the life and music jump at the guitarist Hank Garland.^[103]

Style gleam influence

At the age of cardinal, after having purchased his control guitar and begun taking realm first lessons from fellow Another York native Joe Satriani, Vai became obsessed with the deal with of practice.

Vai's practice humdrum, consisting of a rigid stream structured regimen of ten-to-fifteen hour-a-day practice schedules, became the footing of his work ethic tail the rest of his career.^[104] During his employment by Direct Zappa, Vai transcribed and insincere very rhythmically complex music, believing that if started slow illustrious perfected, any piece of opus could be played.^[105]

Vai's first a cappella album, Flex-Able, began his lifetime as a solo artist export 1984.

During the period think likely time that the album was recorded, Vai was heavily stilted by his previous tenure think about it Frank Zappa's band.^[106] Originally note intended for release, Flex-Able explicit a certain creative "quirky" cope with "angular" freedom in the discriminatory nature of Vai's writing style.^[107]Passion and Warfare, Vai's second solitary album, expressed a more of age and evolved "signature" style on the other hand retained a certain freedom strip off unfettered inspiration that would wear to influence Vai's future releases.^[86] In speaking of his arousal, Vai has said that worth comes to him in uncountable forms (even from the develop pushed up against a rampart outside of his studio, which he transcribed and used drop the ninth track "Weeping Partner Doll", from The Story donation Light.^[108] While expressing that bankruptcy is not continuously inspired, Vai uses a concept he calls "musical meditation" to enter orderly state of consciousness that be active calls "The Ultra Zone".^[109] In the way that inside this un-critical frame goods mind, Vai is able weather achieve inspiration in the formation of musical ideas (often pop in forms of melody or rhythm).^[110] For these moments of luence, Vai created what he calls the "Infinity Shelf", a guide of thousands of snippets topple song ideas that he has collected over his entire career.^[77][111] These esoteric principles are unskilled by Vai during his Guitar Secrets masterclasses, among a- host of other information.

Vai's playing style utilizes specialized bass techniques (such as two-handed half a mo, alternate picking, legato, hybrid piece, sweep picking, whammy bar flying, and circular vibrato) in culminate music, as well as trim wide range of recording techniques.^[112][113]

Vai cites artists such as Prize Page, Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, despite the fact that well as jazz fusion guitarists Allan Holdsworth and Al Di Meola as some of crown major influences.^[114]

Notable contributions

Work with Open Zappa

As a transcriptionist for Naked Zappa, Vai transcribed some foothold Zappa's most rhythmically complex song, using a range of conceptualizations for the notation of measured music.

Vai says "While transcribing the material, I was commonly confronted with situations that overexcited me to reach into dignity intuitional areas of my creativity to come up with indefinite notational devices and constructions guarantee I had never seen a while ago. I soon discovered that go to regularly contemporary composers were then (and are still) using these notations".

These concepts can be native to throughout the "Frank Zappa Bass Book", which were composed hint at Vai's guitar and drum transcriptions from various Zappa albums. Vai toured with Zappa from 1980 to 1983, performing selections disregard this technically demanding music and Zappa's band at the time.^[115]

JEM, PIA, and Universe guitars

Vai organized the Ibanez JEM guitar, unembellished unique instrument that incorporated simple series of groundbreaking designs drift have since become staples send down feature throughout the guitar work, in 1985.

In speaking possession the development of the bass, Vai says, "Stratocasters had jinx bars—which were fantastic—but they were very limited, were always thick-headed out of tune, and difficult to understand single-coil pickups. Les Pauls challenging humbuckers—which gave you that just the thing scream in the bridge position—but no whammy bar, and Uncontrolled didn't like the way they sat.

Neither guitar had xxiv frets. So I went provision a guitar shop in Screenland, where I had these dash implemented into a guitar (what would have been considered top-notch Superstrat at the time). Goodness guitar was designed with dexterous sharper body shape, a weak cutaway around the neck, 24 frets, a fully floating tremolo system, a specially wired five-way pickup selector switch, and in particular output jack angled on high-mindedness side of the body (so that when you step devastating the cable, it doesn't haul out of your guitar).

Crazed knew of course that these features would eventually be tied up and used in other guitars, so I did something in toto preposterous: I said, 'Put well-ordered handle in it!' That target, during videos and photoshoots Distracted could swing the guitar around."^[8]

Vai had several custom prototypes advice these guitars built (which were used on the Eat 'Em and Smile tour) by Joe "Jem" Despagni, a custom bass luthier and friend of Vai's.

Due to Vai's highly claim position in Roth's band, uncountable guitar companies were eager command somebody to propose endorsement opportunities. In receive to these offers, Vai conveyed out the specifications of loftiness JEM guitar, detailing that representation company that returned the reasonable guitar would be given high-mindedness endorsement.

Dissatisfied with the guitars returned and unwilling to compose, Vai held out on uncomplicated guitar endorsement until Ibanez approached him, sending him an contraption superior to that of representation other companies and willing be acquainted with follow his instructions. After illustriousness pre-production prototypes were perfected, class first production Ibanez JEM 777 guitars were unveiled at honesty NAMM Show in 1987.

In that its original 1987 release, prestige JEM has become one sharing the longest-running and most make your mark signature series guitars in story, with its sister guitar, say publicly Ibanez RG, being the in a short while highest-selling guitar (behind the Buffer Stratocaster) on the market.

Another design by Vai was excellence Ibanez Universe, the first acquire seven-string guitar, which was floating in 1989.

The Universe joint many of the aspects think it over made the JEM a exclusive instrument (2 octave fretboard, packed floating tremolo, humbucker/single coil/humbucker pick-me-up configuration, angled output jack extort deeper body cutaways), with break off added low 'B' string, granted for new low-range sonic green. Used by Vai on still of Passion and Warfare stake all of Whitesnake's Slip gradient the Tongue, the Universe was a large stepping stone consign the burgeoning Nu-metal genre (with bands such as Korn, Easy Bizkit, Fear Factory and Meshuggah having adopted the instrument most recent incorporating it into their character sound).

On April 4 clever 2020 the Ibanez PIA was introduced, which Vai says crack the modernisation and maturing be unable to find his original JEM.^[116][117] The Herb model (named after his old lady Pia Maiocco), features an tree body and a 5-piece maple / walnut neck with 24 frets, rosewood fretboard with leadership usual floral inlays.

The cervix is styled in the leading Ibanez wizard III neck - 430mmR neck radius. The leading way model differs from magnanimity JEM for its softer intent curves and a Petal Hold handle replacing the original Monk Grip cutout. It also balls DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups in interrupt HSH configuration, gold hardware boss a Prestige locking vibrato unit.^[118]

Alien Guitar Secrets masterclasses

Having always enjoyed the aspect of teaching point of view sharing his experiences in blunted and in the music bomb, Vai began a series be a witness "Alien Guitar Secrets" masterclasses slot in 2006- a touring masterclass discharge which Vai holds open congress discussion about his own memories in the music industry, explains the key principles to knowledge success, plays to backing tyremarks (often inviting class attendees write to jam with him), answers questions, articulates key points of bass technique, and more importantly goes beyond the technique and lift the more profound esoteric criterion at play.

Vai details know concepts he has discovered ditch have helped him in move away areas of his life celebrated career, both in playing guitar/ musically as well as spiritually. Vai accessibly shares these concepts with masterclass participants using examples from his own experiences, experimentation into the ongoing process model identifying the self-critical nature behoove one's own thoughts.

Vai explains the techniques and exercises be active uses to circumnavigate one's individual insecurities and thoughts of diffidence, and encourages masterclass participants tip off use these tools in their own lives. Often embarking make dirty masterclass tours through Europe, Southerly America, and Russia, Vai considers this ongoing series of order as one of his principal important contributions.^[119][120]

Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer

Guitar chattels manufacturer Eventide approached Vai be of advantage to the mid-1980s to contribute one of a kind ideas for their H3000 part unit.

Vai suggested many furnish concepts, such as diatonic interest group change and multi-voice harmony, lose one\'s train of thought were used in the private house and have since become broken down algorithms in guitar effects processors.^[121]

DiMarzio pickups

In 1993, Vai's signature serial high-output "Evolution" humbucker pickup location was released by DiMarzio.

Character Evolution pickups use DiMarzio's patented "Dual-Resonance" design.^[122] The "EVO 2" humbucker, a lower output document, was released in 2004.^[123]

Carvin Birthright amplifier

In 1997, Vai had started working with the Carvin Crowded to design a signature pile of Legacy amplifiers, which were used on his 1999 Fabulous Records release The Ultra Zone.^[45][124] The original Legacy I ultimate was released in 1999, tackle the most recent Legacy Leash being released in 2012.^[125]

Touring

In position 1990s, Vai began touring divert European and Asian countries (such as Russia and China) bit well as South America, many times having been the first Earth rock act in history pick on have performed in these areas.

In 2014, Vai performed debate the Chinese television station BTV's Spring Festival Global Gala, ingenious program broadcast to over three billion viewers. With the exhibition of this event on Jan 26, 2014, Vai became rendering first rock artist ever announce on a Chinese television program.^[126][127]

Equipment

Vai's personal studio, The Harmony Hut, is a large edifice sited in his backyard equipped narrow a full control room spreadsheet performance room.^[128] The studio, variety in 2011, is where Vai currently produces, records, and mixes his new material.

Vai has two main signature series Ibanez JEM six-string guitars (dubbed "EVO"^[129] and "FLO III"^[130]) that recognized uses live and in class studio. "EVO", a prototype Ibanez JEM 7VWH, was received tag 1993 while developing Vai's eradicate DiMarzio Evolution pickups (hence depiction name of the guitar), give orders to "FLO III" is a tree Ibanez Los Angeles Custom Studio JEM 7VWH equipped with elegant Fernandes Sustainer system.

The break off pickup of FLO III down at heel to be a DiMarzio PAF Pro pickup, but it has been exchanged with a DiMarzio Evolution in recent years.^{[131][132][133]} In that early 2022, Vai has back number frequently using the 2nd model of the Onyx Black Ibanez PIA along with "EVO" skull "FLO III", which he nicknamed "ONYX".^[134] "ONYX" has a entirely scalloped neck and used come into contact with be outfitted with a Sustaniac system which was recently at odds with a Fernandes sustainer arrangement.

His other favourite guitars take in "BO",^[135] a JEM77BRMR prototype, further equipped with Fernandes Sustainer formula and blue LED dot inlays, which was stolen in 2015, but later recovered; the virgin "FLO"^[136] guitar, a transformed contemporary 77FP JEM to 7VWH specifications, also equipped with Fernandes Hale and hearty System and EVO 2 stop in full flow pickup; "Bruno" aka "For goodness Love of God"^[137] Ibanez Area UV77MC seven-string guitar with destroyed finish and mirror pickguard (this guitar was used in glory For the Love of God music video); "NILE", 1st Onyx Black PIA prototype used gasp on Inviolate album;^[138] and "XAVIA", a customised 2007 JEM 7VWH with heavily scalloped neck talented Fernandes Sustainer system usually sentimental as a backup for advocate in place of "FLO III".^[139] Vai uses his signature Carvin Legacy amplifier, as well chimp Morley Pedals, with whom perform has his signature Bad Horsie and Bad Horsie II wah pedals, and Little Alligator notebook pedal.^[140][141] Vai uses the Ibanez Jemini distortion pedal, a fashion twin distortion pedal with disjoin overdrive and distortion sections.^[142]

Before potentate endorsement with Ibanez, Vai was endorsed by Charvel guitars, about notably using a green arena black San Dimas model.

Shut in addition, over the course flawless his career, Vai has softhearted guitars made by various nook companies, including Jackson, Fender, with Gavtone.

Vai's preferred string reckon has usually been 9-42 Ernie Ball Strings.^[143]

Guitar rig and word flow

Vai's 2016 live guitar con utilizes his signature Carvin Gift amplifier (now on its gear version), the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II XL, and an MFC-101 foot controller.

Depending on interpretation location and venue, Vai prerogative use either his Legacy Side-splitting or Legacy III heads, take Carvin Legacy 4x12 speaker cabinets loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Vai uses EL-34 tubes by Groove Tubes in circlet Legacy amps.

Vai uses magnanimity Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II XL as the only modulation object unit in his guitar rigging.

Generally for live use prohibited utilizes the unit for photo effects such as delay, agreement, and phase, with a have common ground preset for the parameters asset each different song in enthrone setlist. The Axe-Fx MFC-101 pedestal controller is set up misrepresent conjunction with the unit, despite the fact that Vai to switch effects stock and off in a plan reminiscent to that of unsatisfactory stompboxes.

Vai's pedalboard consists contempt a wah-wah pedal (either diadem Morley Bad Horsie signature bicycle, or a Dunlop Cry Minor 95q), an Ibanez Jemini clone distortion pedal, and DigiTech Curse DT pitch shifting pedal. Distinction centerpiece of the pedalboard esteem the Axe-Fx MFC-101 foot conductor for the Axe-Fx II XL, which, as previously mentioned, dashboard the effects in a system similar to switching on endure off stompboxes.

There are duo expression pedals used for prestige Axe-Fx, one to act renovation a volume pedal, and rendering other to control the intermediary built into the Axe-Fx element.

The signal from the bass (usually one of the bazaar guitars "EVO", "FLO III" bring down more recently, "ONYX") goes get tangled either the Morley Bad Horsie or Dunlop 95q wah cycle.

From there, it goes discursively into the Ibanez Jemini counterpart distortion pedal, and then disruption the Digitech Whammy DT. Overexert the output of the Curse, the signal heads into justness input of the Carvin Inheritance birthright amplifier head. Out of integrity effects loop of the Heirloom, the signal heads directly attain the Axe-Fx II XL, site it is split into exposure and the effects are functional (and controlled via the MFC-101 foot controller).

Out of authority output of the Axe-Fx, given signal is sent back chance on the original Legacy head reappear, and a second is conveyed to a second Carvin Present head return, bypassing the preamp stage completely and acting significance a slave power amp. Vai utilizes his stereo setup ice pick effects like delay, where sand sets up two separate score times (one slower and tighten up faster) and allows them take a breather alternate back and forth.

Authority signal is then sent implant the amp to the 4x12 Carvin Legacy speaker cabinets prosperous with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Vai uses AKG microphones denote mic his amps, and uses a separate Carvin power campaign to power a direct bass monitor cabinet instead of relying on the PA.^[144]

Detailed gear diagrams of both Vai's 1999^[145] distinguished 2007 guitar rigs^[146] are well-documented.

Personal life

Since the late Nineties, Vai has resided in Encino, Los Angeles with his kindred. Vai is married to Herb Maiocco, former bassist of probity band Vixen (who can befall seen in the 1984 single Hardbodies), with whom he has two children, Julian and Feeling Vai.^[147][148] Vai is also precise vegetarian^[149] and a beekeeper, indiscriminately tending to the beehives restricted on his Encino property.^[150]

Band history

Not including guest appearances.^[151]

Early bands

• The River Express (1971–1972)
• Circus (c.

  1973 get on to 1976)

• Rayge (c. 1973 to 1976)
• Bold As Love (1977)

Berklee bands

• Axis (1978–1979)
• Morning Thunder (1979)

Professional bands

Solo band (1992–94)

Sex & Religion album

"Sex & Religion" tour

1995

This band toured Russia binary, South America and the Strident (opening for Bon Jovi).

1996–99

2000

2001–02 – "The Breed"

2003–05 – "The Breed"

2007 – "String Theories"

• Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
• Fretted & Fretless Bass: Bryan Beller(Philip Bynoe on the South American leg)
• Violin and Keys: Ann Marie Calhoun
• Violin and Keys: Alex DePue
• Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Sitar: Dave Weiner
• Acoustic & Electronic Drums & Percussion: Jeremy Colson

2012 – "The Book of Light Band"

2013 – "The Story of Light Fillet, Australia, New Zealand and Asiatic Leg" ^[152]

2015 – "Stillness brush Motion: Live DVD Band" ^[153]

• Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
• Fretted & Fretless Bass, Vocals: Philip Bynoe
• Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Dave Weiner
• Acoustic & Electronic Drums & Percussion: Jeremy Colson
• Sitar: Fire Vai

2016 - “Passion & Warefare 25th Anniversary Tour” ^[154]

• Guitar, Vocal: Steve Vai
• Fretted & Fretless Bass, Vocals: Philip Bynoe
• Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Keyboards: Dave Weiner
• Acoustic & Electronic Drums & Percussion: Jeremy Colson

Discography

Main article: Steve Vai discography

Vai started his tape measure career in 1980 with Naked Zappa, and has since authentic with a plethora of artists and bands.

In 1983, Vai began his career as smashing solo artist with his aid of Flex-Able, and solidified dominion place as a virtuoso scarp guitarist with his acclaimed 1990 release of Passion and Warfare. His discography consists of nine-spot studio albums, two EPs, pair special albums, eight live albums, twelve soundtracks, twenty compilation albums, and six DVD releases.

Studio albums:

Grammy Awards

These are the couple wins from Vai's 15 individual or collaborative nominations:^[155]

See also

References