It has been over a year since I first watched the 2007 G3 tour on DVD. But even today, when I played it again, for the five hundredth time, I still enjoyed all those melodious tunes as if I were listening to them for the very first time. Such is the feeling of inner refreshment that only a G3 concert can provide, where three true guitar maestros come together on stage to create music that nourishes the listener’s mind, heart and soul.

The late 1980s saw guitar playing reach an innovative high. From ten minute long riffs and solos incorporated in rock songs; the trend shifted to complete instrumental albums, with lead guitars replacing lead vocals. One of the pioneers of such albums was Joe Satriani, with his evergreen “Surfing with the Alien” collection. This album led Satriani to be recognized as one of the best guitar players in history. Not to be forgotten, even his students (the likes of childhood friend and former G3 co-performer Steve Vai and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett) have been highly acclaimed performers.

I was introduced to Satriani (aka Satch) eight years ago, when a great friend of mine (and former band mate) recommended the number Always with Me, Always with You, from the album “Surfing with the Alien”. This all-guitar intense piece drove me to listen to everything that Satch has ever played and become one the most devoted fans of his limitless innovation and extremely quick guitar playing.

Coming back to the concert, it started with Paul Gilbert making his entrance in red leather pants and a baby-pink t-shirt, bringing back memories of rock bands from the ‘80s with a guitar covered with stickers. The former Racer X and Mr. Big guitarist used his shredding abilities to the fullest and played with variety that kept the crowd energized throughout the performance, backed by able musicians. Gilbert ended his spell with the solo from “To Be with You”; a deep number, more popular among the female listeners. But the way he played it was exactly like the studio version; it seemed that he was playing it just to please the audience, and not out of his own free will.

Next came, arguably, the best guitar player of the ‘90s. Yes, I am talking about the more than popular lead guitarist from one of the greatest progressive rock bands ever, Dream Theatre. John Petrucci brought the female fans in the audience to their feet, for more than just his guitar playing skills. For those who have not heard much of Petrucci, I would suggest Dream Theatre’s very first album, “Images and Words”, which has amazing guitar numbers like Pull Me Under and Under a Glass Moon.

Joined just by Dream Theatre’s drummer, the legendary Mike Portnoy,  a bassist and a rhythm guitarist; Petrucci shredded so fast that one could not make out his right hand even if one played the video at half speed! A power-packed, yet extremely deep, performance with such a small band can only be expected from a maestro like John Petrucci.

To end the proceedings, in came Joe “Satch” Satriani himself, literally leading the stage from the front. Emphasizing his extreme speed and pure melodious range, Satch bombarded the audience with crowd favorites from his classic albums “Surfing with the Alien”, “Flying in a Blue Dream” and “Extremist”, with the title track from the latter being the show-stealer.  Satriani ended his solo performance with the awe-inspiring Always with Me, Always with You.

In the end came the much anticipated G3 Jam, when all three main performers performed all-time favorites like the maestro Jimi Hendrix’s Foxy Lady and Purple Haze. It was this part of the concert, which brought out the variety of styles possessed by the three guitarists. Satriani concentrated on innovative fast tapping and whammy bar screeching, while Petrucci stuck to the basics with his clean harmonies. Gilbert, on the other hand, focused on keeping the crowd more comfortable by playing retro-style rock solos.

It is, therefore, that we await the next G3 tour with great anticipation and hope that we will again be treated to yet another experience of a lifetime!