Review G3 (SATRIANI, JOHNSON, VAI) “G3 Reunion Live”

Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai are three guitar heroes, and G3 is a concert series that brings the three guys together on stage – solo and together as a triple guitar powerhouse.

It was in 1996 when Satriani, Vai, Johnson toured the USA together for the first time. Each of the extraordinary guitarists had his own set before all three performed a jam session together. It was the beginning of the G3 project, which continued in various formations between 1996 and 2018, before the original three guys toured the US again in early 2024.

The sold-out shows of this tour are the backbone of a live album that is about to hit the shelves. 27 songs in total is what the tracklist of this rich live release offers, starting with Steve Vai’s solo performance.

The starting point is “Gravitas” which leads to “Avalancha” from the “Inviolate” album. Even at this early stage of the live album, the magnitude of the event becomes apparent. Inspiring guitar playing and extraordinary songs, this is what the first song by Steve Vai reflects. The bluesy “Tender Surrender” and the majestic “Zeus of Chains” are great songs that will delight guitarists while giving non-musicians a great time too.

Photo Credit: Jen Rosenstein (Promotion earMUSIC)

Eric Johnson’s set consists of nine songs and begins with a cover version. “Land of 1000 Dances” is a Chris Kenner cover before the mighty blues rocker “Righteous” takes over and not to forget “Desert Rose”. Although usually the guitar sings its moments like “Desert Rose” that also come with vocals which adds to the dynamic of the show and the live album.

Back to the guitar singing with Joe Satriani. “Raspberry Jam Delta-V” is the opener before the legendary “Surfing With an Alien” from the debut takes everyone back to 1987 when the guitar wizard released his solo debut. There is no doubt that this album is a great compilation of excellent songs, including the thunderous “Big Bad Moon”.

The highlight, however, is the finale with all three guys jamming together. After a short introduction and some thanks to the crew, the trio wows the audience with the Robert Johnson cover “Crossroads”. Next up is a great version of “Spanish Castle Magic” with three guitar legends paying tribute to another guitar hero – Jimi Hendrix. The roots of rock and metal are present with “Born to Be Wild,” a roaring version of the classic that will forever be associated with Steppenwolf.

“G3 Reunion Live” is a brilliant live album. Three legendary guitarists have joined forces again to deliver shows that are unforgettable and a live album that should be part of any serious record collection.