Musician Steve Vai attends the premiere party for 'Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey' on July 11, 1991, at the Hollywood Palladium in Westwood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd.)
Gallery of Steve Vai
1991
8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
Musician Steve Vai attends Dweezil Zappa Concert on April 3, 1991, at the Whiskey in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd.)
Gallery of Steve Vai
1999
320 W Stafford Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361, USA
Steve Vai attends Casey Lee Charity Golf Classic on May 17, 1999, at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2003
Chicago, Illinois, United States
American musicians Tony McAlpine (left) and Steve Vai play guitars as they perform onstage, Chicago, Illinois, October 24, 2003. Behind them is drummer Jeremy Colson. (Photo by Paul Natkin)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2003
Chicago, Illinois, United Stated
Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen perform in Chicago, Illinois, October 24, 2003. (Photo by Paul Natkin)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Vai during Queen Inducted into Hollywood RockWalk of Fame at Paris Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
2025 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, California, USA
Steve Vai performs "Africa Bamba" during 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute Event Honoring Carlos Santana at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
2025 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, California, USA
Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, and Eddie Kramer during 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute Event Honoring Carlos Santana at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
2 Place de la Porte Maillot, 75017 Paris, France
Steve Vai during G3 Europe 2004 - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Robert Fripp - July 1, 2004, at Palais des Congres in Paris. (Photo by Jean Baptiste Lacroix)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX 75215, USA
Eric Johnson and Steve Vai during Crossroads Guitar Festival - Day Three - Backstage at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Jose Perez, Julian Vai, Steve Vai and Daron Malakian of System of a Down (Photo by SGranitz)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai celebrates the relaunch of Guitar Player Magazine (Photo by L. Cohen)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
46th Grammy Awards Nominations: Stacie Orrico, Pharrell Williams, Dido, Neil Portnow, Sarah McLachland, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Steve Vai and Jason Mraz (Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage for NARAS)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
Steve Vai (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
Photo of Steve Vai
Gallery of Steve Vai
2004
Photo of Steve Vai
Gallery of Steve Vai
2005
506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
Jimmy Page and Steve Vai during GRAMMY Special Merit Awards Ceremony - February 12, 2005, at Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2005
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
Steve Vai at the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards
Gallery of Steve Vai
2005
Photo of Steve Vai
Gallery of Steve Vai
2005
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
The 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Pre-Telecast: Ananda Lewis and Steve Vai.
Gallery of Steve Vai
2006
152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Steve Vai at The Tabernacle in Atlanta.
Gallery of Steve Vai
2006
Photo of John Petrucci and Steve Vai and Joe Satriani and G3; Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci (Photo by Bob King)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2006
Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1AP, UK
Photo of Steve VAI and G3; Steve Vai performing at the Regent Theatre (Photo by Martin Philbey)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2007
Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
Steve Vai performs on stage at Razzmatazz on July 5, 2007, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jordi Vidal)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2007
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai perform during The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Pre-Telecast - Show at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by M. Caulfield)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2007
1411 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Musician Steve Vai, actors Waylon Payne, Ali Larter and executive producer Ray Scherr at the Crazy movie screening after party at The Highlands on December 10, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2007
7425 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Musicians Koshi Inaba, Steve Vai and Tak Matsumoto attend the induction of the Japanese hard rock band B'z into Hollywood Rockwalk at the Guitar Center on November 19, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2007
Hollywood, California, United States
Pia Vai, Dylan Kendall, and Steve Vai attend the Hollywood Arts Event on October 24, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2008
Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Lizzy Moore of the Recording Academy, Artists Steve Vai and Allee Willis attend The press conference for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards - 2008 Career Day being held at The University of Southern California in Los Angeles California on February 7, 2008. (Photo by Rick Diamond)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
9009 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
Steve Vai and Mark McGrath perform at The Camp Freddy Concert at The Roxy Theatre on December 11, 2009, in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
5300 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA 90038, USA
Brian Baumgartner, Hollywood Arts executive director Dylan Kendall, Greg Butler and Steve Vai arrive at Hollywood Arts Second Annual Dream Awards at Raleigh Studios on October 3, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Rick Bieber, musician Steve Vai and actor Lane Garrison attend Steve Vai's Film Premier Benefit for Hollywood Arts at the Egyptian Theatre on September 15, 2009, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tiffany Rose)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Musician Steve Vai poses at his Film Premier Benefit for Hollywood Arts at the Egyptian Theatre on September 15, 2009, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tiffany Rose)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA
Steve Vai arrives to the Los Angeles premiere of "Halloween II" held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre on August 24, 2009, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
Portrait of guitarist Steve Vai with his Ibanez JEM 7 guitar, taken on June 15, 2009. (Photo by Kevin Nixon)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2009
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom
American guitarist Steve Vai poses for a portrait session on June 12, 2009, Lanesborough Hotel, London. (Photo by Amanda Thomas)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2011
800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Musician Steve Vai (R) attends the 2011 NAMM Show - Day 4 at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 15, 2011, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by David Livingston)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Steve Vai performs on stage at La Riviera on December 16, 2012, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Juan Naharro Gimenez)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
45 Queen Caroline St, Hammersmith, London W6 9QH, UK
Steve Vai performs at Hammersmith Apollo on December 2, 2012, in London, England. (Photo by Neil Lupin)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
Steve Vai and Deborah Henson-Conant perform during Festival del Mil.lenni at Razzmatazz on December 14, 2012, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jordi Vidal)
Steve Vai performs at the G3 Tour at Heineken Music Hall on July 20, 2012, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Greetsia Tent)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
American virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Vai, photographed during a portrait shoot for Guitarist Magazine, July 16, 2012. (Photo by Joby Sessions)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, USA
Steve Vai arrives at The David Lynch Foundation hosts a "Night of Comedy" held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on June 30, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Tran)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
800 W Olympic Blvd a335, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Billy Gibbons (L) and (R) Steve Vai attend the 4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards at Club Nokia on April 11, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
800 W Olympic Blvd a335, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Steve Vai arrives at the 4th annual Revolver Golden Gods awards at Club Nokia on April 11, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Musician Steve Vai, Recording Academy President, and CEO Neil Portnow and Rachel Agosto arrive at The 2012 MusiCares Person of The Year Gala Honoring Paul McCartney at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 10, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA
Grammy nominees, performers, and board members arrive at The GRAMMY Foundation's 14th Annual Music Preservation Project at the Saban Theatre on February 9, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2012
Hasenheide 107/113, 10967 Berlin, Germany
American guitarist Steve Vai performs live during a concert at the Huxleys on November 22, 2012, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Frank Hoensch)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2013
570 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 4BH, UK
Steve Vai performs on stage at O2 Academy on September 4, 2013, in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mark Holloway)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Steve Vai and Pia Maiocco at Sofitel Hotel on November 24, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Ralph Rieckermann, Katja Rieckermann, and Steve Vai attend An Evening Of Art And Music With Steve Vai at Sofitel Hotel on November 24, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
Guitarist Steve Vai performs at the Sofitel Hotel on November 24, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brian Feinzimer)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Steve Vai performs at 2015 Rock in Rio on September 25, 2015, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Raphael Dias)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
340 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
Steve Vai attends the VIP opening reception for 'Dis-Ease', an evening of fine art with Billy Morrison at Mouche Gallery on September 2, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Steve Vai, Steve Miller, Joe Bonomasa, Johnny A., Joe Satriani, Neal Schon, and Warren Haynes pose for a picture at Les Paul 100th Anniversary Celebration on June 9, 2015, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
311 W Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, USA
Recording artist Steve Vai (2nd L) performs with (L-R) bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr., drummer Eloy Casagrande and singer Derrick Green of Sepultura during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Neal Schon and Steve Vai attend the Les Paul 100th Anniversary Celebration on June 9, 2015, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
311 W Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, USA
Musicians Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green, Eloy Casagrande and Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. of Sepultura with Steve Vai pose onstage during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Davis)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Recording artist Steve Vai (L) performs with guitarist Andreas Kisser of Sepultura onstage during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2015
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Steve Vai attends the Les Paul 100th Anniversary Celebration on June 9, 2015, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA
Pictured L-R: Stephen Colbert, Steve Vai, Juanes, Ringo Starr, Bob Seger, Vince Gill, and Kings of Leon during a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage. (Photo by Jeffrey R. Staab)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA
American guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer Stephen Vai and guest arrive at the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors at The Kennedy Center on December 4, 2016, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA
Steve Vai Performs at Unity: The Desmond Tutu Legacy Project Benefit Concert And 85th Birthday Celebration at Saban Theatre on October 7, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Ashley Beliveau)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
Av. del Paraŀlel, 62, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Steve Vai performs on stage at Sala Barts during Grec Festival on July 21, 2016, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavi Torrent)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen (R) and Steve Vai of Generation Axe performs on stage at Humphrey's on April 10, 2016, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Guitarists Zakk Wylde (L) and Steve Vai of Generation Axe performs on stage at Humphrey's on April 10, 2016, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2016
800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Guitarist Steve Vai (R) and CEO of Ernie Ball, Sterling Ball speak on stage at NAMM Show - Day 3 at Anaheim Convention Center on January 23, 2016, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/FilmMagic)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2017
800 W Olympic Blvd a335, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Steve Vai attends the Loudwire Music Awards at The Novo by Microsoft on October 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harmony Gerber)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2017
22969 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Steve Vai performs onstage during the 3rd annual Malibu Guitar Festival at Casa Escobar on May 19, 2017, in Malibu, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2017
1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, US
Steve Vai and Bob Weir perform at the 4th Annual Acoustic-4-A-Cure concert Benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital at The Fillmore on May 15, 2017, in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/WireImage)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2017
777 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Steve Vai arrives at The 5th Annual "She Rocks Awards" to Honor Women within the Music Industry during The NAMM Show at Hilton Anaheim on January 20, 2017, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2017
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA
Richie Kotzen, Nuno Bettencourt, and Steve Vai perform at Lucky Strike Live on January 11, 2017, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Desiree Stone
Gallery of Steve Vai
2018
205 Lambert Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
Steve Vai performs onstage during the One 805 Kick Ash Bash benefiting First Responders at Bella Vista Ranch & Polo Club on February 25, 2018, in Carpinteria, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2018
1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
Steve Vai (L) and Yngwie Malmsteen perform during Generation Axe at the Fox Theater on November 7, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2018
1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
Zakk Wylde, Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Tosin Abasi perform during Generation Axe at the Fox Theater on November 7, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2018
4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169, USA
Steve Vai performs during the Generation Axe show at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on November 9, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2019
Hoffnigstrasse 1, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
Steve Vai attend M24 pop up radio at Kaspersky Lounge, sponsored by Kaspersky at Samsung Hall on June 26, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Valeriano Di Domenico)
Gallery of Steve Vai
2019
Hoffnigstrasse 1, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
Rick Wakeman, Hans Zimmer, Steve Vai, Martin Gellner, Vittorio Grigolo, Brian May, Rusty Schweickart, Buzz Aldrin, Alfred Worden, Walter Cunningham Charlie Duke, and Garik Israelian attend Starmus V: A Giant Leap Official Opening, sponsored by Kaspersky at Samsung Hall on June 24, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland. The event is part of Brian May's Mission Moon 3-D global book tour. (Photo by Harold Cunningham)
Achievements
2012
Steve Vai on the cover of Classic Rock Magazine, August 2012.
Musician Steve Vai attends the premiere party for 'Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey' on July 11, 1991, at the Hollywood Palladium in Westwood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd.)
Steve Vai attends Casey Lee Charity Golf Classic on May 17, 1999, at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd)
American musicians Tony McAlpine (left) and Steve Vai play guitars as they perform onstage, Chicago, Illinois, October 24, 2003. Behind them is drummer Jeremy Colson. (Photo by Paul Natkin)
Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Vai during Queen Inducted into Hollywood RockWalk of Fame at Paris Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello)
2025 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, California, USA
Steve Vai performs "Africa Bamba" during 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute Event Honoring Carlos Santana at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond)
2025 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, California, USA
Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, and Eddie Kramer during 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute Event Honoring Carlos Santana at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond/WireImage)
Steve Vai during G3 Europe 2004 - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Robert Fripp - July 1, 2004, at Palais des Congres in Paris. (Photo by Jean Baptiste Lacroix)
Eric Johnson and Steve Vai during Crossroads Guitar Festival - Day Three - Backstage at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond)
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
46th Grammy Awards Nominations: Stacie Orrico, Pharrell Williams, Dido, Neil Portnow, Sarah McLachland, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Steve Vai and Jason Mraz (Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage for NARAS)
Jimmy Page and Steve Vai during GRAMMY Special Merit Awards Ceremony - February 12, 2005, at Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, United States. (Photo by R. Diamond)
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai perform during The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Pre-Telecast - Show at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by M. Caulfield)
Musician Steve Vai, actors Waylon Payne, Ali Larter and executive producer Ray Scherr at the Crazy movie screening after party at The Highlands on December 10, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/WireImage)
Musicians Koshi Inaba, Steve Vai and Tak Matsumoto attend the induction of the Japanese hard rock band B'z into Hollywood Rockwalk at the Guitar Center on November 19, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston)
Lizzy Moore of the Recording Academy, Artists Steve Vai and Allee Willis attend The press conference for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards - 2008 Career Day being held at The University of Southern California in Los Angeles California on February 7, 2008. (Photo by Rick Diamond)
Steve Vai and Mark McGrath perform at The Camp Freddy Concert at The Roxy Theatre on December 11, 2009, in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz)
Brian Baumgartner, Hollywood Arts executive director Dylan Kendall, Greg Butler and Steve Vai arrive at Hollywood Arts Second Annual Dream Awards at Raleigh Studios on October 3, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)
Rick Bieber, musician Steve Vai and actor Lane Garrison attend Steve Vai's Film Premier Benefit for Hollywood Arts at the Egyptian Theatre on September 15, 2009, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tiffany Rose)
Musician Steve Vai poses at his Film Premier Benefit for Hollywood Arts at the Egyptian Theatre on September 15, 2009, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tiffany Rose)
Steve Vai arrives to the Los Angeles premiere of "Halloween II" held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre on August 24, 2009, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran)
Musician Steve Vai (R) attends the 2011 NAMM Show - Day 4 at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 15, 2011, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by David Livingston)
Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
Steve Vai and Deborah Henson-Conant perform during Festival del Mil.lenni at Razzmatazz on December 14, 2012, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jordi Vidal)
American virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Vai, photographed during a portrait shoot for Guitarist Magazine, July 16, 2012. (Photo by Joby Sessions)
Steve Vai arrives at The David Lynch Foundation hosts a "Night of Comedy" held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on June 30, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Tran)
800 W Olympic Blvd a335, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Billy Gibbons (L) and (R) Steve Vai attend the 4th Annual Revolver Golden God Awards at Club Nokia on April 11, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta)
Musician Steve Vai, Recording Academy President, and CEO Neil Portnow and Rachel Agosto arrive at The 2012 MusiCares Person of The Year Gala Honoring Paul McCartney at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 10, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac
Grammy nominees, performers, and board members arrive at The GRAMMY Foundation's 14th Annual Music Preservation Project at the Saban Theatre on February 9, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac)
Ralph Rieckermann, Katja Rieckermann, and Steve Vai attend An Evening Of Art And Music With Steve Vai at Sofitel Hotel on November 24, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin)
Steve Vai attends the VIP opening reception for 'Dis-Ease', an evening of fine art with Billy Morrison at Mouche Gallery on September 2, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)
Steve Vai, Steve Miller, Joe Bonomasa, Johnny A., Joe Satriani, Neal Schon, and Warren Haynes pose for a picture at Les Paul 100th Anniversary Celebration on June 9, 2015, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola)
Recording artist Steve Vai (2nd L) performs with (L-R) bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr., drummer Eloy Casagrande and singer Derrick Green of Sepultura during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Musicians Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green, Eloy Casagrande and Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. of Sepultura with Steve Vai pose onstage during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Davis)
Recording artist Steve Vai (L) performs with guitarist Andreas Kisser of Sepultura onstage during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Pictured L-R: Stephen Colbert, Steve Vai, Juanes, Ringo Starr, Bob Seger, Vince Gill, and Kings of Leon during a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage. (Photo by Jeffrey R. Staab)
American guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer Stephen Vai and guest arrive at the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors at The Kennedy Center on December 4, 2016, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi)
Steve Vai Performs at Unity: The Desmond Tutu Legacy Project Benefit Concert And 85th Birthday Celebration at Saban Theatre on October 7, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Ashley Beliveau)
Guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen (R) and Steve Vai of Generation Axe performs on stage at Humphrey's on April 10, 2016, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton)
Guitarists Zakk Wylde (L) and Steve Vai of Generation Axe performs on stage at Humphrey's on April 10, 2016, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton)
Guitarist Steve Vai (R) and CEO of Ernie Ball, Sterling Ball speak on stage at NAMM Show - Day 3 at Anaheim Convention Center on January 23, 2016, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/FilmMagic)
Steve Vai performs onstage during the 3rd annual Malibu Guitar Festival at Casa Escobar on May 19, 2017, in Malibu, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson)
Steve Vai and Bob Weir perform at the 4th Annual Acoustic-4-A-Cure concert Benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital at The Fillmore on May 15, 2017, in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/WireImage)
Steve Vai arrives at The 5th Annual "She Rocks Awards" to Honor Women within the Music Industry during The NAMM Show at Hilton Anaheim on January 20, 2017, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett)
Steve Vai performs onstage during the One 805 Kick Ash Bash benefiting First Responders at Bella Vista Ranch & Polo Club on February 25, 2018, in Carpinteria, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson)
Steve Vai attends the Extraordinary Families 3rd annual Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 24, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth)
Steve Vai (L) and Yngwie Malmsteen perform during Generation Axe at the Fox Theater on November 7, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder)
Zakk Wylde, Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Tosin Abasi perform during Generation Axe at the Fox Theater on November 7, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder)
Steve Vai performs during the Generation Axe show at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on November 9, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Steve Vai attend M24 pop up radio at Kaspersky Lounge, sponsored by Kaspersky at Samsung Hall on June 26, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Valeriano Di Domenico)
Rick Wakeman, Hans Zimmer, Steve Vai, Martin Gellner, Vittorio Grigolo, Brian May, Rusty Schweickart, Buzz Aldrin, Alfred Worden, Walter Cunningham Charlie Duke, and Garik Israelian attend Starmus V: A Giant Leap Official Opening, sponsored by Kaspersky at Samsung Hall on June 24, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland. The event is part of Brian May's Mission Moon 3-D global book tour. (Photo by Harold Cunningham)
Steve Vai attend M24 pop up radio at Kaspersky Lounge, sponsored by Kaspersky at Samsung Hall on June 26, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Valeriano Di Domenico)
David Lee Roth at a concert in Los Angeles in 1978.
colleague: Devin Townsend
2015
O2 Academy, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Portrait of Canadian hard rock musician Devin Townsend, photographed with his Framus Mayfield Custom 297 Signature electric guitar before a live performance at the O2 Academy in Bristol, on March 29.
(Brimming with the sounds and personalities of 1950s Nashv...)
Brimming with the sounds and personalities of 1950s Nashville, Crazy tells the story of legendary guitar player Hank Garland who played music on his own terms with the likes of Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Elvis Presley. Crazy details the life of a star burned out too quickly: Garland pioneered music from country to jazz, but a hot temper and whirlwind romantic life lead to early tragedy. This is the never-before-told true tale of one of the greatest American musicians of the past century.
Steve Vai is an American musician, composer, singer, and producer. Being a virtuoso, he has awed fans of all genres with his exceptional guitar skills and musicianship for decades.
Background
Steve Vai was born on June 6, 1960, in Carle Place, New York, United States to the family of John and Theresa Vai. As a young child, Vai was influenced by the music his parents had listened to. One album in particular that he cites as his "musical awakening" was the original motion picture soundtrack to the 1961 film West Side Story. At age eleven, Vai was introduced to the contemporary rock and progressive music of the era, and after hearing the guitar solo to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" at age twelve, decided to begin playing the guitar.
Education
At age 12, he started taking guitar lessons from Joe Satriani. Playing in several local bands, Vai quickly picked up on the instrument, and by the age of 18 was attending the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Vai cites artists such as Jimmy Page, Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, as well as jazz fusion guitarists Allan Holdsworth and Al Di Meola as some of his major influences in that time period.
In 2003, Vai was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee.
Vai transcribed several of Frank Zappa's most technically demanding compositions for guitar, and even sent a copy of one such transcription, "Black Page," to Zappa himself. Zappa was so impressed with the young guitarist that upon meeting him, he invited Vai to join his band.
Subsequently, Vai toured the world with Zappa (giving Vai the nicknames "Stunt Guitarist" and "Little Italian Virtuoso") and played on such albums as 1981's Tinsel Town Rebellion and You Are What You Is, 1982's Ship Arriving Too Late, 1983's Man from Utopia, plus 1984's Them or Us and Thing-Fish, before leaving to set out on his own. First off was a pair of self-financed, recorded, and released solo albums in 1984, Flex-Able and Flex-Able Leftovers, both of which showcased Vai's guitar playing and songwriting talents, yet were still heavily influenced by Zappa.
With Van Halen all the rage by the mid-'80s due to their massive hard rock/pop crossover success, Vai replaced Yngwie Malmsteen in a similarly styled outfit called Alcatrazz (which featured former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnett), playing on their overlooked 1985 release Disturbing the Peace. The same year, Vai made a cameo appearance in the movie Crossroads (playing the Devil's guitarist and shredding away in a guitar duel with Ralph Macchio) and got an invitation from his friend/bass master Billy Sheehan to try out for the guitar spot in singer David Lee Roth's solo band (Roth had just split from Van Halen), and eventually landed the gig. The debut release from Roth and his stellar solo band, Eat 'Em and Smile, arrived in 1986 and went on to become one of the year's top hard rock releases. Both Vai and Sheehan were catapulted to superstardom due to their instrumental talents, as they took top honors in numerous guitar magazines for years afterward.
But although the quartet showed great promise, Sheehan jumped ship just after their sophomore album, Skyscraper, was issued in 1988. Although the album was more pop-based than its predecessor, it became another sizable hit - with Vai earning a co-producing credit on the album along with Roth. The same year, Vai issued his own line of snazzy guitars, the Jem 777 series, via the Ibanez company. After the ensuing tour with Roth wrapped up in late 1988, it was Vai's turn to jump ship. In addition to working on another solo album, he was invited to join up with chart-topping pop-metallists Whitesnake, an offer he accepted. His one and only album with Whitesnake, Slip of the Tongue, was issued in 1989, as was his third solo album overall, Passion and Warfare, a year later. The largely instrumental album was based on dreams that Vai experienced as a teenager, and it became a sizable hit, earning gold certification and solidifying Vai's standing as one of the top guitarists of the day. It was also around this time that Vai created a seven-string guitar through Ibanez. Although the instrument didn't catch on initially, it would by the mid- to late '90s, when the guitarists in such metal acts as Korn and Limp Bizkit would utilize the instrument to achieve super-low tunings.
After an extended hiatus, Vai formed his first conventional rock band along with newcomer Devin Townsend on vocals, T.M. Stevens on bass, and Terry Bozzio on drums - offering their one and only album in 1993, Sex & Religion. When the album proved to be a disappointment both critically and commercially, Vai returned to all-instrumental work with the 1995 EP Alien Love Secrets. For the remainder of the decade, Vai continued to issue solo releases, including 1996's Fire Garden, 1998's Flex-Able Leftovers (a re-release of his long out of print second solo album, with added tracks), and 1999's The Ultra Zone. It was also during the late '90s that Vai and Satriani reunited for an annual co-headlining tour (with a different third artist added each year), called G3, unleashing a live album, G3: Live in Concert, in 1997.
The early 21st century saw a flurry of releases from Vai, including a compilation of instrumentals, The 7th Song: Enchanting Guitar Melodies Archive, in 2000, and his first full-length live release, Alive in an Ultra World, in 2001, as well as his mammoth career-encompassing ten-disc box set The Secret Jewel Box. In 2002 he collected several pieces that he had contributed to films through the years, including the guitar duel from Crossroads and the theme to Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, and put them together in a 40-track collection called The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1. A series of compilations came next, and after a five-year hiatus from the studio, Vai returned in 2005 with Real Illusions: Reflections. A tour with the Metropole Orchestra followed and he released an ambitious double live set documenting his performances, titled Sound Theories, Vols. 1-2, in 2007. The same year, he makes a guest appearance on the most recent Dream Theater album, Systematic Chaos, on the song "Repentance". However, this appearance is vocal rather than instrumental, as Vai is one of many musical guests recorded apologizing to important people in their lives for wrongdoings committed in their pasts. In 2010, he performed with the North Netherlands Orchestra, debuting several new compositions that fused rock music with orchestral arrangements, dubbed the "Evo Era." Vai also made several television appearances in 2010, performing on The Tonight Show and on American Idol with Mary J. Blige, Orianthi, Travis Barker, Ron Fair, Orianthi, and Randy Jackson. In 2012, eighth studio album The Story of Light arrived, continuing the new age themes first put forth on Real Illusions: Reflections, and including unexpected twists such as a rootsy blues cover backed by a full gospel choir as well as a duet with Aimee Mann. In 2015, Vai signed with Sony/Legacy; his first album for the label was Stillness in Motion: Vai Live in L.A., a recording of an October 2012 concert by the guitarist.
Over the years, Vai has guested on countless albums by other artists, including Gregg Bissonette's self-titled debut and Submarine, Alice Cooper's Hey Stoopid, Randy Coven's Funk Me Tender, Al di Meola's Infinite Desire, Public Image Ltd.'s Album, Joe Jackson's Symphony 1, and Billy Sheehan's Compression, and also releases from Mike Stern, Ozzy, and Meat Loaf. He can also be found on such additional Zappa releases as Jazz from Hell, Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar, Guitar, and on several volumes of the ongoing You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore series and the live tribute disc Zappa's Universe.
In 2016, Vai played an uncredited guitar solo on the track "Go!," from the album "Junk" by French electronic band M83. In April an May of the same year, Vai took part in the Generation Axe tour, alongside Tosin Abasi, Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Zakk Wylde. Starting in June, Vai embarked on the Passion and Warfare 25th Anniversary World Tour, where he played the album in its entirety for the first time
Steve Vai recently talked about the spiritual journey of his life, revealing things his spiritual practices have taught him.
Politics
Steve Vai avoid making any comments concerning politics. "Our music is not political, I do not make statements," Vai said.
Views
Steve Vai is known for using meditation to help discipline yourself in your guitar playing. He recalls: "I first became aware of meditating - I'll call it "external meditation" - when I was transcribing for Frank Zappa. I'd find myself using a different part of my mind. When you concentrate wholly and intently on something without letting your consciousness waver, you really start to enter a new world. That would happen when I transcribed, and also when I practiced because I would really concentrate hard on some guitar technique. When you can actually focus without distractions - which is very difficult - you can get the results you want. I think there were moments on this particular record that were the products of meditation."
Vai's playing style utilizes specialized guitar techniques (such as two-handed tapping, alternate picking, legato, hybrid picking, sweep picking, whammy bar acrobatics, and circular vibrato) in his music, as well as a wide range of recording techniques.
Quotations:
"My main calling in life is to seek and achieve spiritual balance and to express that through my instrument. Everything else is here today, gone later today."
“I don't believe in 'greatest'. I believe in favorites.”
"I have done a lot of soul searching along with thousands of hours of mediation. I don’t believe I’m an expert on truth or spirituality. I’m a work-in-progress like all of us. But there are a few things I’ve discovered as a knowing inside me. One is that we are not separate from the Universe, and another is…all is well and there is nothing to fear. Those two simple realizations, if understood and embraced, can bring a great sense of peace."
"Besides being a guitar player, I'm a big fan of the guitar. I love that damn instrument."
"Criticism can be devastating. When push comes to shove, we are all very sensitive."
"The only thing that's holding you back, is the way you're thinking."
"I knew that I was going to have a life as a musician, because I always felt the pull. I don't remember ever having to make a choice."
"I can tell you this: I'm an extremely passionate individual. I try to be careful how I display it because you never know how people are going to take it."
"The older I get, the more I just like plugging directly into my amp. I'm tired of trying to impress myself with weird sounds. It's about the notes more."
"When I was growing up, the blues did seem too simple to me. I was just a muso."
"If I remain true to what's in my heart, that's all the success I need."
"Possessing a healthy imagination is a necessary ingredient for creativity."
"I was always one of those guys who was a seeker after truth. I want to know what's going on."
"I'm always pursuing knowledge; I'm a seeker of spiritual equilibrium - and music is a big part of that."
Personality
At the age of thirteen, after having purchased his first guitar and begun taking his first lessons from fellow New York native Joe Satriani, Vai became obsessed with the discipline of practice. Vai's practice routine, consisting of a rigid and structured regiment of ten-to-fifteen hour-a-day practice schedules, became the basis of his work ethic for the rest of his career. During his employment by Frank Zappa, Vai transcribed and played very rhythmically complex music, believing that if started slow and perfected, any piece of music could be played.
As if his busy schedule weren't full enough, Vai pursued a lifelong interest when he began harvesting honey among five bee colonies in the backyard of his home.
Vai is also a vegetarian and a beekeeper, regularly tending to the beehives kept on his Encino property.
Physical Characteristics:
Steve is pretty tall. His height is about 6' 2".
Interests
Music & Bands
West Side Story, Led Zeppelin, The Mothers of Invention, Jeff Beck, Alice Cooper, Igor Stravinsky, Tom Waits, Strapping Young Lad, Deep Purple
Connections
Steve Vai is married to Pia Maiocco, former bassist of the band Vixen (who can be seen in the 1984 film Hardbodies), with whom he has two children, Julian, and Fire Vai.
1993 - Steve Vai - Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Sofa" from Zappa's Universe;
2002 - Steve Vai et al - Best Pop Instrumental Album for No Substitutions: Live in Osaka;
2008 - Steve Vai et al - Best Rock Instrumental Performance "Peaches en Regalia" single from a Zappa Plays Zappa tour.
1993 - Steve Vai - Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Sofa" from Zappa's Universe;
2002 - Steve Vai et al - Best Pop Instrumental Album for No Substitutions: Live in Osaka;
2008 - Steve Vai et al - Best Rock Instrumental Performance "Peaches en Regalia" single from a Zappa Plays Zappa tour.