As previously announced, iconic guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have joined forces to create the SATCHVAI Band. Today, we 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 bullet-proof, 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, again Vai says of the addition of Marco Mendoza, “Marco is a bass phenomenon. With his 6-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.”
“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!” – Kenny Aronoff
“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!” – Pete Thorn
“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.” – Marco Mendoza
The SATCHVAI Band tour will kick off on June 13, 2025, 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.
Stay tuned for more details on this unprecedented collaboration and the release of their highly anticipated new music.
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 Helfest
June 22 Paris, FR Palais Des Congres
June 23 Antwerp, BE Lotto Arena
June 24 Amsterdam, NL Amsterdam Afas
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 2 Uppsala, SE Parksnackan
July 3 Oslo, NO Sentrum Scene
July 5 Warsaw, PL Torwar
July 8 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
More dates TBA
All ticket information at SATCHVAIBAND
About Joe Satriani
For over three decades, the guitar virtuoso has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza. Satriani’s studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. He launched his annual “G4 Experience” in 2014 bringing aspiring guitarists together for four days of workshops, mentor sessions and live performances, providing an exclusive learning platform led by him and his accomplished peers. In 2021, he introduced the “Crystal Planet” comic series, a five-part opus interweaving the realms of music and art. The tour documentary “Beyond the Supernova,” directed by ZZ Satriani and currently available for streaming, offers an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse that intricately chronicles his life, illuminating the profound dedication that fuels his guitar mastery. His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at #9. Satriani released his 19th studio album, The Elephants of Mars, in April 2022. It was a busy 2024 for Joe Satriani as he embarked on the highly anticipated G3 Reunion tour alongside the original powerhouse line-up: Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai. This was followed by the Satch/Vai duo tour, where the longtime friends not only shared the stage but also unveiled a new musical collaboration together. Rounding out the year, Satriani joined forces with Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham for the Best of All Worlds tour, which sold out arenas nationwide and was met with widespread fan and critical acclaim.
JOE SATRIANI
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
About Steve Vai
Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist, composer and producer, considered by many as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In over 45 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and many more. Vai has also toured extensively and recorded live projects with G3 (collaborating with different touring lineups including Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Lukather) and Generation Axe, a supergroup Vai formed with Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi. Vai is the author of Vaideology: Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players (Hal Leonard), his inaugural music theory book designed to help both beginners and veteran guitar players. In the recent past, he has travelled the globe supporting his most recent studio album Inviolate, staging performances in 51 counties across the globe. Over the course of his 43 years touring, he continues to visit locations for the first time. His final excursion in 2023 saw Vai perform in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Zallak (Bahrain), Bangalore and Kolkata (India), alongside six new markets in China (Foshan, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing and Hefei).
STEVE VAI
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
About Kenny Aronoff
Kenny Aronoff is a world-renowned drummer celebrated for his precision, versatility, and powerhouse performances. With a career spanning over four decades, Aronoff has played on more than 60 Grammy-nominated recordings and worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Chickenfoot. His contributions extend across genres, from rock and pop to jazz and country, showcasing his adaptability and mastery of rhythm. A sought-after session and touring musician, Aronoff is known for his high-energy style and impeccable timing, which have established him as a prominent figure in the music industry. In addition to his extensive studio and live work, he is a published author, motivational speaker, and educator, sharing his experiences and expertise with audiences worldwide.
About Pete Thorn
Pete Thorn is a celebrated guitarist whose dynamic and versatile playing has earned him spots alongside legends like Don Henley, Chris Cornell, and Melissa Etheridge. Originally from Edmonton, Thorn moved to Los Angeles to study at the prestigious Musicians Institute, launching a prolific career that includes stints with Sony-signed band Surreal McCoys and rock acts like Forty Foot Echo and Five for Fighting. Beyond his work as a sideman, Thorn has toured globally with stars such as Jewel and Mylene Farmer and collaborated with luminaries like Courtney Love and Linda Perry. His solo album Guitar Nerd showcases his mastery across a range of styles, from bluesy shredding to atmospheric fingerpicking. A true “guitar nerd,” Thorn also shares his expertise with a massive audience on his YouTube channel, where his gear demos and tutorials have amassed millions of views, solidifying his status as a modern guitar virtuoso.
About Marco Mendoza
Marco Mendoza is a highly versatile bassist, vocalist, and songwriter with an extensive career that spans a variety of genres. He has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in rock, including Blue Murder, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, and The Dead Daisies. A dynamic live performer, Marco is equally at home on large stages as in intimate settings, showcasing his ability to play everything from jazz and Latin groove to hard rock. As a solo artist, he has released several acclaimed albums, including Viva La Rock, Live for Tomorrow, and New Direction. In addition to his musical achievements, Marco is a dedicated ambassador for music, connecting with fans through clinics and interviews. With The Dead Daisies, he has contributed to multiple studio and live albums, performing across the globe from Cuba to Australia.
