Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson & Steve Vai - 1997 "G3: Live In Concert"

G3: Live in Concert is a live album and DVD by the G3 project, led by Joe Satriani. It was released in 1997 by Epic Records. This lineup of G3 includes Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai. In 2005, a DVD of this concert was also released.

G3: Live in Concert brings Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Steve Vai's blockbuster 1996 tour to home video. Each of the superstar guitarists -- who had never toured or appeared together previously -- performs three of their definitive pieces, including Satriani's "Flying in a Blue Dream," Johnson's "Zap," and Vai's "The Attitude Song." The three play together in a three-song finale of "Going Down," "My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama," and "Red House" that blends technique, showmanship, and friendship into an energetic, entertaining performance that will please all of the guitarists' fans. The DVD's biographies and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound are nice extras for diehards and audiophiles.

This is the first time I ever saw these three guys playing guitar. Satriani, Johnson and Vai. Each of them play 3 songs, and at the end they all unite and play together 3 more songs. This DVD is killer. The quality of the sound is just so good that you think you're listening to the CD. I sometimes turn on my surround sound and play this DVD and makes me think WOW! This is a must for any serious fan, or for anyone who loves guitar music. If I could give it a 10 stars, I'd give 10.

Its interesting that most of the comments are about Eric Johnson, who was obviously uncomfortable in this situation (and didn't stay with the G3 tour for long). Nonetheless, its Eric who really stands out--even in this company. Satriani is impressive, while still being funky & musical; Vai is impressive but neither funky nor musical. And Eric just floats above it all, managing to make even a 335 sound fabulous!

A summit meeting of three of rock's most gifted guitarists, G3 Live in Concert: Satriani, Johnson and Vai features Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Steve Vai showing off their considerable chops on-stage.

Three giants of the guitar - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Eric Johnson - deliver six-string acrobatics on G3 - Live In Concert. The first of many G3 tours organized by Satriani, this show features powerful sets from each player capped by an all-star jam.

Recorded on: October 30, 1996 at Memorial Auditorium from Columbus (Ohio), October 31, 1996 at The Palace of Auburn Hills from Auburn Hills (MI), November 1, 1996 at Aragon Ballroom from Chicago (Ill), November 2, 1996 at Northrop Auditorium from Minneapolis (Minn).

Track Listing:

01 Cool #9 – Joe Satriani
02 Flying In A Blue Dream – Joe Satriani
03 Summer Song – Joe Satriani

04 Zap – Eric Johnson
05 Manhattan – Eric Johnson
06 Camel's Night Out – Eric Johnson

07 Answers – Steve Vai
08 For The Love Of God – Steve Vai
09 The Attitude Song – Steve Vai

10 Going Down – Joe Satriani & Eric Johnson & Steve Vai
11 My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama – Joe Satriani & Eric Johnson & Steve Vai
12 Red House – Joe Satriani & Eric Johnson & Steve Vai

Personnel:

Guitar – Eric Johnson (tracks: 4 to 6, 10 to 12), Joe Satriani (tracks: 1 to 3, 10 to 12), Steve Vai (tracks: 7 to 12)
Bass – Philip Bynoe (tracks: 7 to 9), Roscoe Beck (tracks: 4 to 6), Stuart Hamm (tracks: 1 to 3)
Drums – Brannen Temple (tracks: 4 to 6), Jeff Campitelli (tracks: 1 to 3), Mike Mangini (2) (tracks: 7 to 9)
Keyboards – Stephen Barber (tracks: 4 to 6)
Rhythm Guitar, Sitar, Keyboards, Percussion – Mike Keneally (tracks: 7 to 9)
Vocals – Eric Johnson (tracks: 10 to 12), Joe Satriani (tracks: 10 to 12), Steve Vai (tracks: 10 to 12)