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Ready Set Go! First set at Joe Satriani’s ‘What happen’s Next’ Melbourne show did not disappoint. There was no support act at 8:15pm just straight down to business with Joe and his band. With amazing sound from Ibanez signature designed electric guitars, Marshall Amps, Korg keyboards at the iconic heritage listed Forum , it was certainly a rocking night. What a fabulous choice for a venue!!
The current live touring band rocking 6 cities in Australia included the 15 time grammy nominated star himself, Joe Satriani, the amazing Mike Keneally on guitar/keyboards, Bryan Beller, bass guitarist, and Joe Travers on drums, from Pennyslvania, U.S.
With the Melbourne show not sold out, the queue of people presenting were a sign of serious musicians attending the guitarists show! T-shirts went past such as Rolling Stones. AC/DC, Metallica, and of course with Joe Satriani from previous concerts! Musicians travelled through the Mezzanine area for a V.I.P meet and greet with Joe Satriani carrying a range of guitars in heavy cases in order for them to be signed. Many were seen wearing the official merchandise such as the signature beanie and black t-shirts with photography of Joe wearing his aviator glasses. Most of the crowd were mature and low key.
The general admission crowd standing in front of a traditional stage, went wild on the opening song as expected which was assisted with a giant video screen for effect of moving cars. A rock anthem followed with lots of guitar distortion and slides with purple lighting for additional mood. The stage was a blaze with three guitars, keys and drums. Another rocking song followed that was delivered by Joe Satriani from the cool silver metallic Ibanez guitar which was held up to the lights which was quite blinding for the audience!! Black and white screen reflections added to the theme of cold rock. Loved the strong bass lines from Bryan Beller. The fourth song was a new track from the latest album titled ‘Cherry Blossoms’ A more romantic, epic song. Japanese imagery was on the giant video screen which assisted to create the atmosphere. The crowd were happy with a small amount of die hard fans evident. Joe continued to change guitars effortlessly throughout the first set. The next guitar change to the Red Hot Ibanez, was a rock song with space ship video imagery travelling at lightning speed through space. Lighting was focused on Joe with all the other musicians in the dark. There were guitar licks and ripper slides inspiring me to take up electric guitar! The next song, the 6thsong in the first set saw Joe performing the string technique whilst using his teeth, inspired by Jimi Hendrix.
There were cosmic keyboard sounds and headless guitar techniques from the talented Mike Keneally. The crowd were clapping to this heavy rock song that was initiated by the bass player so a great atmosphere! On the giant video screen, there were thunderbolts, sunset, earthern imagery to create a dramatic effect. Joe then got down on bended knee for the crowd which was great to see him getting more up close and personal with his fans. The next song ‘Ceremony’ from his seventh studio album Crystal Planet released 1998, was a V.I.P crowd members favourite album. The signature silver metallic reflector guitar was used for this performance under warm red and cool blue lighting. The heavy metal/rock song ended with one ripping guitar solo from Joe. There were loads of phones in the crowd recording imagery and very little head banging going on! The penultimate song, was another great rock song where Joe continued to use the amazing silver metallic guitar for the crowd. The bass guitarist reminded me a lot of my favourite bass player, Timothy B Schmidt from the Eagles with his technique and free flowing mane of hair. There was little talking going on during the gig from the artist and the crowd, and they were absolutely mesmerised by their guitar hero from New York. At times as all guitarists do when they are playing they crouch over like it hurts to hit those notes for additional effect. Absolutely love it!! The bass solo was very cool then Joe ripped another solo. He then said ‘ I’m gonna hold onto this pick and be back in 15minutes’!
The second set commenced at 9:30pm with classic tune ‘Sleep Walk’. The crowd loved this legendary instrumental song originally recorded in 1959 by Santo and Johnny Farina. Hearing the tune, instantly conjured up feelings of watching the La Bamba movie about singer Richie Valens Joe Satriani delivered under cool green lights to polished perfection with the red hot Ibanez guitar.
Drum solo performed by Joe Travers, was fabulous. The drum kit was all lit up under white lights and there were no other musicians on stage so what a time to shine! The crowd loved it.
Always with me, Always with you was next from album Surfing With The Aliens. This song was a highlight of the show, great song. Written for his wife, Rubina. Emotional theme. Video screen featured blue and green mixed with magenta lights. An end of the road song so amazing a tear jerker. One of my favourites of the night.
Performing ‘Surfing With The Aliens’ was the absolute highlight of the evening. Totally electricifying with striking lighting and giant pop art style cartoons on video screen. Same designs as seen on his CD cover. The only CD I have listened to in his career to be honest! His second studio album and most successful to date released in 1987.
After the show, one passionate fan commented this was his best show out of the 6 he had attended. 5 in Melbourne and 1 in Sydney. Another V.I.P fan who I was sitting next to was thrilled to have met Joe Satriani who is a down to earth guy. The show ended beautifully rocking out until 10:25pm!
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