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Customer Reviews for Steve Vai

Steve Vai

Read Steve Vai concert reviews and post your own reviews and ratings.

Average rating:

4.8

(254 Reviews) 254

Rating Snapshot (254 reviews)

5 stars

222

4 stars

3 stars

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1 star

248 of 254(98%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Steve Vai Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

The greatest living guitarist of our time!

Stiefel Theatre @

- Salina @

, KS @

- Sun, Sep 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Steve was playing with low feedback and appeared to blow on the strings to achieve a high feedback. @

Opening act(s): A second place finisher on The Voice, full of soul, down to earth and real. Really got the crowd involved and was so good you were surprised her set was already over. @

Posted 10/04/2012

by Spring72

Location:Salina, KS

Featured Review

To be able to witness Steve Vai's skill, passion and artistry is an event in life that will never be forgotten. He spoke with the audience and proved that he was human and down to earth. A must see show for those who appreciate musicianship. His surrounding musicians are fantastic as well and were able to keep up with Steve. There was an electric harpist that when you could hear her was great, but you could not here her very often. Out of about 80 shows i have seen this was a top 5 show!

Stiefel Theatre @

- Salina @

, KS @

- Sun, Sep 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Steve was playing with low feedback and appeared to blow on the strings to achieve a high feedback. @

Opening act(s): A second place finisher on The Voice, full of soul, down to earth and real. Really got the crowd involved and was so good you were surprised her set was already over. @

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Review 2 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai is incredible!

House of Blues Orlando @

- Orlando @

, FL @

- Fri, Aug 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: First song @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClellan @

Posted 08/20/2012

by guitarmusicenthusiast

Location:Orlando, Florida

Featured Review

Steve Vai brought the crowd to attention with two songs from his new CD "The Story of Light." As impressive as these opening songs were, the excitement escalated throughout this entire set that lasted almost three hours.

I have been a fan of Steve Vai for years. As a guitarist it was a thrill to attend his three hour Alien Guitar Secrets Master Class in Orlando in June, 2010. Mr. Vai showed us numerous techniques that he uses. He blew me away with his knowledge of everything from very unusual time signatures to his mastery of the "whammy bar," which is second to no one.

The drummer in Steve's band was one of the best I have ever heard. The bass player laid down great bass lines using 3 electric basses and a stand-up bass. He and the drummer worked well together creating a strong bottom.

The next member of the band played electric harp and keyboards, yes, electric harp! I had never seen one played in a rock band before but it worked extremely well. In addition, this lady used distortion and wah-wah with the harp. She also played keyboards while the harp was strapped to her. She was incredible.

The rhythm guitarist was no slouch on guitar himself. He played a song or two by himself that were impressive. He really came alive when he played harmony riffs with Steve. These were not simple 5 note riffs, they were complex harmonies with many notes.

One of the highlights of the evening for me was when Mr. Vai announced, "We are going to write a song tonight! Right now, with a little help from you." He then told a member of the audience to hum a drum beat, which he did. The band leader then told the drummer to speed up the tempo a bit and to add, "Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, in this part." The amazing drummer did exactly that.

Steve then asked the audience member to hum a bass line to go with the drum beat. The guitarist described how he would like the bass player to tweak the suggested bass line. Mr. Vai then directed the rhythm guitarist to play a particular rhythm pattern.

After an additional suggestion from the audience member the instructed the harpist with her part. He then asked her to add distortion and the wah wah pedal during one part.

Steve Vai then directed the entire band in his arrangement of the son that was created by parts suggested by the audience member. The guitarist instructed the band to play the verse through twice, then they would modulate the song by a minor 3rd, then the chief would play a solo. Following that, the drummer would play a short part then the band would come back in and there would be a dynamic ending. When the band executed the song it sounded as if they had rehearsed it dozens of times as they played it flawlessly.

My only disappointment in Steve Vai's set was because he did not play my favorite song of his, "The Crying Machine." There are only a handful of artists or acts whose concerts I would attend if I had to stand, like this concert. This man is one such performer. Steve Vai is amazing!

House of Blues Orlando @

- Orlando @

, FL @

- Fri, Aug 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: First song @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClellan @

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Review 3 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai Is Amazing!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Favorite moment: I liked it when he created a song with two fans and gave the band directions on how to play the song. @

Opening act(s): The lady who was a contestant on The Voice was awesome. @

Posted 12/06/2012

by Beerme

Location:Los Angeles

Top 1000 Contributor

Steve Vai is Amazing! He and his music are so unique and creative. He always plays a good show!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Favorite moment: I liked it when he created a song with two fans and gave the band directions on how to play the song. @

Opening act(s): The lady who was a contestant on The Voice was awesome. @

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Review 4 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai Rocks!

Carolina Theatre @

- Durham @

, NC @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClelan @

Posted 12/04/2012

by RuddyBuddy

Location:raleigh, nc

Absolutely amazing. Even in the small venue I saw him at, the sound was incredible. Steve is the consummate pro when it comes to shredding guitars!

Carolina Theatre @

- Durham @

, NC @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClelan @

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Review 5 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Vai

Center Stage Theatre @

- Atlanta @

, GA @

- Thu, Aug 23, 2012 @

Posted 10/28/2012

by Guitarman43

Location:Atlanta

Awesome show, perfect venue. I would go to this show every time

Center Stage Theatre @

- Atlanta @

, GA @

- Thu, Aug 23, 2012 @

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Review 6 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai is GOD

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Posted 10/23/2012

by Anonymous

One of the most profound musical experiences I ever had. Thanks Steve.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

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Review 7 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Absolutely Brilliant as Always

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- 10/12/2012 @

Favorite moment: For the Love of God @

Opening act(s): Her singing was very aggravating and unpleasant to listen to. @

Posted 10/19/2012

by Nanphoenix

Location:Los Angeles

Top 250 Contributor

Steve Vai does what no one else can do and does it brilliantly. He combines technique beyond belief with passion to produce musical and emotional landscapes that take you to a soaring world, beyond the concert hall and beyond ordinary experience.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- 10/12/2012 @

Favorite moment: For the Love of God @

Opening act(s): Her singing was very aggravating and unpleasant to listen to. @

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Review 8 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Vai as his best!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Gravity Storm, Velorum and The Ultra Zone. I really liked his new album. Also, the acoustic set playing Sisters and Salamader in the Sun. @

Setlist: Highlights: Racinf the World, Velorum, Tender Surrender, Gravity Storm, The Moon and I, Whispering a Prayer, The Ultra Zone, Frank, The Animal, The Audicence is Listening, For the Love of God, Taurus Bulba, Sisters, Salamanders in the Sun, Fire Garden Suite, Weeping China Doll, Building the Church and Rescue Me or Bury Me. @

Opening act(s): Beverly McLelan, wonderful voice! @

Posted 10/17/2012

by lfher

Location:San Diego

Steve Vai delivered another oustanding show, full of movement and excitement. It was a very well planned showed and execution was incredible as usual. Loved the different sets and the flow from one to another. It was a 3 hour show of musicianship and artistic performance, very compositional oriented as well as humoristic and extraordinaire showmanship. Vai stands alone, he has created a world of his own, hard to compare, unique in every sense, a true undenieable talented artist. I enjoyed the show so much that I bought tickets to see it for a second night. Looking forward to the next!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Gravity Storm, Velorum and The Ultra Zone. I really liked his new album. Also, the acoustic set playing Sisters and Salamader in the Sun. @

Opening act(s): Beverly McLelan, wonderful voice! @

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Review 9 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Posted 10/15/2012

by rocking33

that had to be the best show i have ever seen. from the musical abilities of everyone on stage, to the showmenship, it was very entertaining. plus the show was over two and a half hours long so it feels like you actually get what you pay for.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

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Review 10 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai is a living legend!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Steve Vai looked around the audience at the end and thanked everyone, looking into each persons eye with genuine thankfulness. Amazing! @

Setlist: Building the Church, The Audience is Listening, Tender Surrender, Whispering a Prayer, Weeping China Doll, Midway Creatures, For the Love of God, Taurus Bulba @

Posted 10/15/2012

by kristof007

Location:Santa Barbara

I am going to give the experience 5-stars because Steve Vai was amazing. However, it is a little more complex than that. I think the concert needs to be broken down into two categories: the artists' performance and the venue.

The venue at best was worth 3 stars. The line was not long when I arrived about 15 minutes before the show so that was a plus. The Canyon had advertised somebody else along with Steve Vai so I tried calling the Canyon on several occasions to no avail. There was also no voicemail. There general admission ticket had some "seats" numbered on it but it was just all standing room (I assumed this would be the case). The drinks were fairly over priced, even for a bar / club ($8 blue moon? come on.).

The actual performance was flawless. Steve's energy would have been worth way more than $50. I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Each band member was supremely talented with their instrument. Steve Vai and co went as far as to compose a song based on riffs given by two people picked from the audience. Steve jested he would do this to "show how EASY it is to write a song". I cannot even imagine the amount of talent, training and knowledge that is required not only to be able to replicate a human hum on an instrument but to be able to replicate it and make it fit in a band setting.

Just as last time, I left with a huge smile on my face because I was able to experience the amazing guitar works of Steve Vai.

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Steve Vai looked around the audience at the end and thanked everyone, looking into each persons eye with genuine thankfulness. Amazing! @

Setlist: Building the Church, The Audience is Listening, Tender Surrender, Whispering a Prayer, Weeping China Doll, Midway Creatures, For the Love of God, Taurus Bulba @

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Review 11 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai was awesome, as usual!!!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Posted 10/15/2012

by Skhayzlett

Location:Pasadena, California

Great show as usual for Steve. Wonderful venue. Had never been to Club Nokia before and we were very impressed.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

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Review 12 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai ROCKED the house !!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When Vai played "Ultra Zone" @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClelland @

Posted 10/15/2012

by Anonymous

Location:Los Angeles, CA

Wow! Steve Vai rocked the house tonight! The Canyon Club is a nice, intimate venue with good food and service.

Tonight was about real Rock 'n Roll - no samples, no rapping, no computer generated rhythms. Real singing, real instruments being played by creative, talented musicians... Steve's "Ultra Zone" costume was a highlight for me.

One thing you can always be assured of with Steve is that anyone that plays in his band will be a masterful, technically adept players. Every player was superb. I was even surprised that I enjoyed Beverly McClelland's blues.

I picked up one of Dave Weiner's (Vai's rhythm guitarist) CD's tonight at the show. His playing was impressive and entertaining and the CD is excellent!

This was the last show in North America for this tour. Glad I caught the last one. Next they move on to Europe to finish out the year. Thanks Steve & Beverly!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When Vai played "Ultra Zone" @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClelland @

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Review 13 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai is mesmerizing!!

Uptown Theatre Napa @

- Napa @

, CA @

- Sun, Oct 7, 2012 @

Posted 10/15/2012

by guitarenthuse

Location:Concord

Very enjoyable show at the Uptown Theatre in Napa - Steve Vai is incredible as always! His guitar playing and fun loving personality is truly a joy to watch and listen!! The Uptown Theatre in Napa is a great Venue to see shows at, and everyone has a clear view and excellent sound. Thanks Steve for coming to Northern Cal to share your mesmerizing guitar talent and amazing band with us!

Uptown Theatre Napa @

- Napa @

, CA @

- Sun, Oct 7, 2012 @

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Review 14 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Amazing Vai show

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Seeing the new songs from "The Story of Light" played live. @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClellan...what a voice! @

Posted 10/15/2012

by lavillafreeze

Location:Valencia CA

After seeing this show, anybody who thinks they can play guitar better...back to the drawing board!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Seeing the new songs from "The Story of Light" played live. @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClellan...what a voice! @

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Review 15 for Steve Vai

4 / 5

Steve Vai and Club Nokia were great!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Opening act(s): Beverly was great too! @

Posted 10/15/2012

by CalSDED

Location:California

This was our first time to Club Nokia. What a great venue. It is a smaller venue. So we were able to feel more a part of the concert as we were closer to the stage. Steve Vai was an awesome guitarist. Beverly, the opening act was amazing as well!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Opening act(s): Beverly was great too! @

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Review 16 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Vai was great

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Posted 10/15/2012

by guitardude2011

I don't like Vai's music, it just does not sing to me, but the dude we off the hook. One of the greatest players of all times and a consummate showman. It was an awesome show.

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

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Review 17 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Steve Vai is a Living legend

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Favorite moment: He ended the show with fan favorite "For the Love of God"....nailed it! @

Posted 10/15/2012

by edoors

Location:Long Beach, Ca

Steve played to a boyous, full crowd in the small but excellent sounding Nokia Club.

Steve likes to interact with the crowd and went as far as inviting two female fans to help him and the band "create a song" ont the spot....with mixed results.I love the fact he always tries to push the envelope when it comes to instrumental music.

If you ever get a chance to see this legend up close and personal, rest assured you will be entertained by his witty banter, quirkly humor and most of all, virtuostic playing.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Fri, Oct 12, 2012 @

Favorite moment: He ended the show with fan favorite "For the Love of God"....nailed it! @

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Review 18 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Simply a great show!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Entire show. @

Opening act(s): Beverly @

Posted 10/15/2012

by Fridayspast

From start to finish a wonderful show. Steve appreciates his fans and really knows how to bring everyone in. My one complaint was that 2:30 hours wasn't long enough! The band is killer and everyone looks like they are having fun.

Loved it.

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Entire show. @

Opening act(s): Beverly @

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Review 19 for Steve Vai

5 / 5

Amazing!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

Posted 10/15/2012

by Anonymous

This concert was awesome! Loved that it was a smaller venue and that he was so close!! Plus, Steve Vai knows how to keep everyone entertained constantly. He even had a person play the electric harp!! Two thumbs up!

The Canyon @

- Agoura Hills @

, CA @

- Sat, Oct 13, 2012 @

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Review 20 for Steve Vai

4 / 5

Do Not Try This at Home!

City National Grove of Anaheim @

- Anaheim @

, CA @

- Thu, Oct 11, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Making up a song on the stop. @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClellan. @

Posted 10/14/2012

by MinorScale

Location:Long Beach

It's hard to believe after many years of seeing him play with others, from Frank to Dweezil, finally seeing him live fronting his own band. Does he sometimes go over the top and use many guitar geek cliches? Well, yes, but do you know why he does?...because he can. Also, because he's one of the few who can really pull it all off. That he surrounds himself with other really excellent musicians certainly doesn't hurt. I also think it's great that in a testosterone filled genre, he's found some dynamic women...this time with an electric harpist. Very nice.

City National Grove of Anaheim @

- Anaheim @

, CA @

- Thu, Oct 11, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Making up a song on the stop. @

Opening act(s): Beverly McClellan. @

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