Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have joined forces to create the SATCHVAI band. Today, they are excited to introduce the full band lineup: powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff, renowned bassist Marco Mendoza and virtuoso guitarist Pete Thorn complete the stellar quintet that is SATCHVAI band.

“Finding the right musicians for the SATCHVAI band was at first a daunting task, then an exciting one; there are so many great musicians to choose from!” says Satriani. “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!”

As Vai explains: “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.”

Drummer Kenny Aronoff is no stranger to Satriani fans. He has toured alongside Joe as part of the CHICKENFOOT band, joined on Satriani solo tours since 2019, played on “The Elephant Of Mars” album, and most recently stepped in for Jason Bonham on “The Best Of All Worlds” tour with Satriani, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.

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

“Kenny is the quintessential rock drummer,” said Vai. “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.”

When it came to adding a rhythm guitarist and bass player, the duo was challenged to find the right combo. Vai had been aware of Pete Thorn for quite a while and knew he was perfect for their band. As Vai explains: “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.”

Satriani agrees: “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.”

Then came the choice for bassist. Vai says of the addition of Marco Mendoza: “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.”

With Satriani echoing, “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.”

Aronoff says: “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 SATCHVAI band for a two-month tour this summer in Europe. I am pumped, excited and ready to kick ass!”

Thorn states: “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 says: “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.”

The SATCHVAI band tour will kick off on June 13 and feature stops in major cities like London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, and will also include performances at major European summer festivals including Hellfest, Umbria Jazz Festival and Guitares en Scene Fest. The tour is set to conclude in late July, with more dates to be announced soon.

Celebrating nearly five decades of musical friendship, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai made their first musical collaboration debut in March 2024. “The Sea Of Emotion, Pt. 1” showcases the unmatched synergy between these two legendary guitarists as they seamlessly trade solo sections throughout the nearly six-minute opus. Their second collaboration is set to be released just before the European tour, adding even more anticipation for this epic run.

“Surfing With The Hydra” tour 2025 itinerary:

June 13 – York, UK – Barbican
June 14 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
June 17 – Glasgow, SC – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
June 18 – Wolverhampton, UK – Civic Hall
June 19 – Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
June 21 – Clisson, FR – Hellfest
June 22 – Paris, FR – Palais Des Congres
June 23 – Amsterdam, NL – Amsterdam Afas
June 24 – Antwerp, BE – Lotto Arena
June 26 – Copenhagen, DK – Amager Bio
June 27 – Malmo, SE – Slagthuset Saluhallen
June 29 – Helsinki, FI – House of Culture
June 30 – Tampere, FI – Tampere Hall
July 02 – Uppsala, SE – Parksnackan
July 03 – Oslo, NO – Sentrum Scene
July 05 – Warsaw, PL – Torwar
July 08 – Munich, DE – Tollwood Festival
July 10 – Dusseldorf, DE – Mitsubishi Electric Hall
July 11 – Frankfurt, DE – Jahrhunderthalle
July 12 – Zurich, CH – Volkshaus Zürich
July 13 – Milan, IT – Comfort Festival @ Villa Casati Stampa
July 15 – Pordenone, IT – Parco San Valentino
July 16 – Perugia, IT – Umbria Jazz
July 17 – Bologna, IT – Sequoie Music Park
July 18 – Saint-Julien, FR – Guitares en Scene Festival
July 20 – Prague, CZ – Forum Karlin
July 22 – Sofia, BG – National Palace of Culture
July 23 – Bucharest, RO – Arenele Romane
July 25 – Istanbul, TR – KüçükÇiftlik Park (not yet on sale)
July 28 – Athens, GR – Lycabettus Theater

SATCHVAI BAND FEATURING:

JOE SATRIANI & STEVE VAI
KENNY ARONOFF – DRUMS
MARCO MENDOZA – BASS
PETE THORN – GUITAR

The Joe Satriani & Steve Vai VIP Package includes (where available):
• One premium reserved seat
• Early entry into the venue
• Intimate pre-show Q&A with Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
• Exclusive group photo in front of the stage with Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
• Collectible tour poster; autographed by Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
• Satriani & Vai commemorative ticket
• Satriani & Vai VIP laminate with lanyard
• VIP On-site host
• Limited availability