Metal Anarchy

Guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have officially revealed the other musicians who will be joining them in the SachVai Band. They include drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn.

All of the involved parties commented:

Satriani:

“Finding the right musicians for the SachVai band was at first a daunting task, then an exciting one; there are so many great musicians to choose from! It’s no secret that the chemistry between players will always be the thing that makes them a magical live band, and we’ve found that chemistry with Kenny, Marco and Pete. The upcoming shows will focus on not only our respective solo works, but also the music from our new album. We are so excited to get this show on the road and celebrate it with all of our fans!

What can I say about the legendary Kenny Aronoff that I haven’t said before? No other drummer has the sound, feel, time, groove, and swagger like Kenny. He’s an exceptional human being too. He’s supernatural!

Pete is an all-around monster guitarist. He has that rare ability to shine on rhythm and lead guitar, switching back and forth with finesse. He’s got the technical abilities and the rock ‘n’ roll attitude Steve, and I were hoping to find for our band.

Marco’s musicianship is boundless. He’s got a special magic to his bass playing; it’s both foundational and out front at the same time. Together with his exceptional singing voice and stage presence, he will be a driving force in our band.”

Vai:

“When considering forming one band around myself and Joe we talked about the qualities needed for each position, bass, drums, rhythm guitar. It was a surprising challenge to find the right fits.

Kenny is the quintessential rock drummer. His time is bulletproof, his tone is fat and clean, and his ability to respond in an improvisational setting is instant. Besides that, he’s one of the easiest and most fun guys to tour with — an essential quality on the road.

Pete’s playing is rock solid with a huge tone in his fingers. His rhythm playing is tight and in tune in a way that’s rare, and his intonation is stunning. He’s the perfect musician for this band, and we couldn’t be happier to have him.

Marco is a bass phenomenon. With his six-string fretless, his bass sings with perfect intonation and swooning vibrato. His wide, rich tone and masterful control of dynamics will bring a new dimension to our songs.”

Aronoff:

“I’ve been performing and recording music with Joe Satriani since 2012 (Chickenfoot, Sammy Hagar, G3 and Joe’s band) and have performed live with Steve Vai, but the next level is RIGHT NOW because I am joining the SachVai band for a two-month tour this summer in Europe. I am pumped, excited and ready to kick ass!”

Thorn:

“It sounds like something out of a mad fantastical dream that the 14-year-old guitar-obsessed me would have had….’Joe Satriani and Steve Vai called, they want you to join their new band!’ And then I’d wake up and go to 9th grade math class! But it’s real! It’s a mind-blowing opportunity, and yet I also feel like I’ve arrived exactly where I’ve always wanted to be. I’m beyond excited to be of musical service to these legends, and to rock out!”

Mendoza:

“I have to say that getting invited to be part of a great project like this is monumental for me personally! I know it’s going to be something very special, and I can’t wait to get it started.”

Tour Dates:

06/13 York, UK – Barbican
06/14 London, UK – Eventim Apollo
06/17 Glasgow, UK – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
06/18 Wolverhampton, UK – Civic Hall
06/19 Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
06/21 Clisson, FRA – Hellfest
06/22 Paris, FRA – Palais Des Congres
06/23 Antwerp, BEL – Lotto Arena
06/24 Amsterdam, NET – Amsterdam Afas
06/26 Copenhagen, DEN – Amager Bio
06/29 Helsinki, FIN – House of Culture
06/30 Tampere, FIN – Tampere Hall
07/02 Uppsala, SWE – Parksnackan
07/03 Oslo, NOR – Sentrum Scene
07/05 Warsaw, POL – Torwar
07/08 Munich, GER – Tollwood Festival
07/10 Dusseldorf, GER – Mitsubishi Electric Hall
07/11 Frankfurt, GER – Jahrhunderthalle
07/12 Zurich, SWI – Volkshaus Zürich
07/13 Milan, ITA – Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
07/15 Pordenone, ITA – Parco San Valentino
07/16 Perugia, ITA – Umbria Jazz
07/17 Bologna, ITA – Sequoie Music Park
07/18 Saint-Julien, FRA – Guitares en Scene Festival
07/20 Prague, CZE – Forum Karlin
07/22 Sofia, BUL – National Palace of Culture