In November 1996, renowned guitarist Joe Satriani launched the groundbreaking G3 tour, sharing the spotlight with legendary musicians Steve Vai and Eric Johnson. As he reflects on the origins of this unique concert series, Satriani recalls the daunting odds of staging a show dominated by instrumental guitar performances. “It was amazing that it happened,” he shares in a recent interview on the UCR Podcast. “It all started with a simple complaint: I walked into Bill Graham Offices and said, ‘Thanks, guys. I have a career and can play whatever I want, but why do I feel so alone?’”

Satriani’s search for camaraderie among fellow guitarists was fueled by a longing he had harbored for years. “It was part of my teenage dream to hang out with all the cool musicians, but the reality was different,” he reminisces. “You often found yourself isolated, stuck on a bus or holed up in a hotel room, just waiting for the next show. That sense of isolation became increasingly troubling. I thought, ‘The only way to grow as a musician is to stand next to those guitarists who intimidate you, those who leave you wondering, ‘How do they do that?’”

Satriani’s desire for continuous growth drove him. “I believed that to elevate your musicianship, you must constantly be challenged, not just occasionally, but every night. Maybe it stemmed from my childhood where we would all compete against each other. It was exciting and fun, especially since we didn’t have the distractions of the internet. As kids, we were confined to our local scenes, and we spent countless hours playing together,” he explains.

Building the G3 Tour: A Year of Planning and Convincing

The journey to establish the G3 tour was neither quick nor easy. “From the moment I asked, ‘What can we do to perform with great guitarists every night?’ it took an entire year to persuade promoters, managers, and artists that this concept would be a hit,” Satriani reveals. “To alleviate their concerns, I assured them that fans already had their favorites. It wasn’t about proving who was better; it was about creating a magical experience for the audience. They love music and guitar playing, and they’ll be thrilled to see us all together on stage, experiencing more at once.”

Despite Satriani’s encouraging words, some of his fellow guitarists remained hesitant. “They cherished their individuality and had their doubts,” he recalls. “It’s common for artists to feel anxious about such collaborations. Yet, once they played the first gig, they realized their fears were unfounded. The atmosphere was one of celebration and enjoyment, both for us and the audience, and that’s what truly mattered.”

Strengthening Bonds: Satriani, Vai, and Johnson’s Unique Connection

The inaugural G3 tour kicked off in the fall of 1996 and featured an impressive lineup, including Satriani, Vai, Johnson, along with openers Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Adrian Legg. Satriani and Vai shared a rich history spanning over 50 years, with Satriani having taught Vai during his formative years. “I remember him as a talented 12-year-old kid,” Satriani fondly recalls. “It’s hard to see him as anything other than the prodigious talent from my hometown. The excitement was palpable even back then. We still connect almost daily, and we’re currently working on a new album together, continuously nurturing our creative ideas.”

Satriani also formed a deep friendship with Eric Johnson, who brought his distinctive style from Austin, Texas, to the tour. “I first met Eric in 1990 while touring for Flying in a Blue Dream alongside Jonathan Mover and Stuart Hamm. We had the opportunity to perform several shows with Eric as the opener. I often invited Eric to join us for improvisational jams after our set. We would simply play without a predetermined structure, just diving into a vibe. It was exhilarating,” Satriani recalls. “I admired Eric?s unique sound, particularly as a Texas guitarist. He had a depth to his music that set him apart. Offstage, he was also a genuinely good person, and I felt a strong desire to collaborate with him in the future, even though back then, collaboration among guitarists was rare due to competitive tendencies.”

Notable Guitarists and Missed Opportunities in the G3 Legacy

Over the years, the G3 tour has featured an incredible roster of guitar talent, including guest appearances by iconic musicians such as Queen’s Brian May, Neal Schon from Journey, King Crimson’s Robert Fripp, Steve Lukather of Toto, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, and many more. Satriani had his sights set on collaborating with even more guitar legends, including Eddie Van Halen and Jeff Beck, though these opportunities never materialized.

Reflecting on the success of the initial tour with Vai and Johnson, Satriani is grateful that it proved to be a successful concept. “It was a significant risk for all three of us, as our careers were somewhat at stake,” he shares. “While solo performances can be powerful, the question remained: could we hold our own alongside two other extraordinary guitarists? Would our music resonate in that context? The outcome was clear: nobody faltered. This experience added authenticity not only to each of us as musicians but also established the G3 concert series as a formidable entity in its own right.

Watch Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Steve Vai Perform ‘Crossroads’

A new live album titled G3 Reunion Live celebrates the 2024 tour dates that reunited Satriani, Vai, and Johnson for a special run. Furthermore, a documentary focusing on the G3 tour is currently in production. Satriani and Vai are set to resume their touring schedule together this June with their new project, SatchVai, while they continue to develop their first collaborative album.

Listen to Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on the ‘UCR Podcast’