It’s not often that a true rock legend ventures into the Essex Republic, as traditionally with London on the doorstep, the fans will travel to you there. However, for reasons that became clear later, this legendary guitar wizard brought his all-conquering band of fabled musicians across the border to a sold out audience of ardent fans.
The tour is supporting the release of new album Shockwave Supernova, but the 2 hour plus set delivered such a vast compliment of his 15 album catalogue that no fan left until the final fret refrain of his Surfing with the Alien encore. Satriani’s talent and, multiple Grammy nominations, afford him the opportunity and luxury of being able to gather an impressive plethora of rocks finest musicians into the band. Drummer Marco Minnemann and bassist Bryan Beller of Aristocrat’s fame and the outrageously talented Mike Keneally providing orchestral duels with Joe to the obvious delight of the gathered masses.
The sight of Keneally’s talent for multitasking guitar and two keyboards will live long in the memory. A five minute solo from drummer Minnemann, receiving the biggest cheer this night, was stick perfect and epitomised the level of musicianship on view. Joe himself, as you would expect is a true fretwork expert, but was kept honest and on his game by the quality of his band. His axe battles with Keneally often declared a draw in track after track of testing solos.
The crowd on the night was clearly engaged and Satriani’s easy manner with them was well received especially when he told tales of the tracks and the band, particular cheer went up for the revelation that his long-term manager was Southend born and bred, and by all accounts the reason for this particular venue being chosen for the latter end of the tour. A tour that had started mid-September in France and, with three dates to follow this, all the band was clearly enjoying the bonhomie of life on the road playing to appreciative crowds.
The set carried great visuals projected on a tri split backdrop, especially complimenting the interstellar tracks Crystal Planet and Surfing with the alien. Not many tours this year are going to have this level of quality and assured musicianship. With three gigs left, including the tour finale at the Apollo in Hammersmith, I assure you that it will be one of the finest rock nights you could treat yourself to if you grab yourself and your mates a night out with these rock ambassadors.
Final tour dates remaining are Bristol Colston Hall 8th Nov, Plymouth Guildhall 9th Nov & the tour finale at Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith London on 10th Nov
Iain @docswallow
Set List:
SHOCKWAVE SUPERNOVA
FLYING IN A BLUE DREAM
ICE 9
CRYSTAL PLANET
NOT OF THIS EARTH
ON PEREGRINE WINGS
FRIENDS
TIME
IF I COULD FLY
BUTTERFLY AND ZEBRA
IF THERE IS NO HEAVEN
CATACLYSMIC
CRAZY JOEY
ALL OF MY LIFE
LUMINOUS FLESH GIANTS
ALWAYS WITH ME ALWAYS WITH YOU
GOD IS CRYING
GOODBYE SUPERNOVA
SATCH BOOGIE
BIG BAD MOON
(Encore)
SURFING WITH THE ALIEN