G3 TOUR

G3 is an almost annual live music show and concert tour featuring three select guitarists of the generation; hence its name. It was created by guitarist Joe Satriani in 1996. Since its inception G3 has featured many guitarists including: Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Robert Fripp, Paul Gilbert, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Adrian Legg and many other special guests, including Tony MacAlpine, Johnny Hiland, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Chris Duarte, Andy Timmons, Neal Schon, Gary Hoey, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, Johnny A, George Lynch, Patrick Rondat, and Eric Sardinas.

The first ever 1996 North American G3 tour featured Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson. Performances were held from October 11, 1996 to November 8, 1996.

Lineups

• Joe Satriani
  • Stu Hamm - bass
  • Jeff Campitelli - drums

• Steve Vai
  • Mike Keneally – rhythm guitar, sitar, and keyboard
  • Philip Bynoe – bass and percussion
  • Mike Mangini – drums and percussion

• Eric Johnson
  • Stephen Barber - keyboards
  • Roscoe Beck - bass
  • Brannen Temple - drums

Note: Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Adrian Legg were opening acts.

There were special guests on this tour, who included Neal Schon in San Francisco, Gary Hoey in San Diego, Chris Duarte in Austin and San Antonio, and Andy Timmons in Dallas.

On the last show on November 8, 1996 at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA, James Al Hendrix and daughter Janie Hendrix greeted Satriani, Vai, and Johnson backstage.

• Al and Janie Hendrix Backstage

From a 1996 Steve Vai Mailing List article:

"We ended with a triumphant final performance last night in Seattle WA. During the jam at the end of the night, when Joe introduced Steve Vai and Eric Johnson, they came onstage (to Joe's surprise) in bald caps and sunglasses, spitting images of Satch himself. During "Red House", members from Vai's band and Johnson's band stormed the stage, showering the players with silly-string. It was an incredible ending to an incredible tour, and who should we have the extreme honor of meeting backstage than Al Hendrix, Jimi's father. I can't imagine a better ending to a better tour."

Performed songs

• Kenny Wayne Shepherd (opening act)

1. Down to the Bone
2. Born with a Broken Heart
3. Shame, Shame, Shame
4. Kings Highway
5. Deja Voodoo
6. While We Cry
7. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

• Adrian Legg (opening act)

1. Celandine
2. Cool Cajun
3. Crockett Waltz
4. Mrs. Jacks Last Stand
5. Tracy’s Big Moment
6. Chicken Licken’s Last Ride

• Steve Vai

1. There's a Fire in the House
2. The Animal
3. Deepness
4. Tender Surrender
5. Little Alligator
6. Bad Horsie
7. Answers
8. For the Love of God
9. The Attitude Song

• Eric Johnson

1. 12 to 12 Vibe
2. Pavilion
3. Righteous
4. Rock Me Baby
5. Zap
6. Manhattan
7. SRV
8. Camel's Night Out
9. Cliffs of Dover

• Joe Satriani

1. Cool #9
2. Flying in a Blue Dream
3. Summer Song
4. The Crush of Love
5. The Extremist
6. Always with Me, Always with You
7. Satch Boogie
8. Big Bad Moon
9. Surfing with the Alien

• G3 jam:

1. Going Down (Freddie King / Jeff Beck cover)
2. My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama (Frank Zappa cover)
3. Red House (Jimi Hendrix cover)

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