Steve Vai may have toned down the theatrics on stage but the guitar work was still full of fireworks as he toured his latest album ‘Inviolate’. 

After recently celebrating his 62nd birthday while on this tour, the long hair is gone, as are the wild outfits, this show focused purely on the music. With a band assembled from top class muscians, this four piece trotted through tracks from over 30 years of Steve Vai’s career. 

‘Inviolate’, released earlier this year, is Steve Vai's 13th studio album and for me, a return to the rock guitarist roots of straight ahead rock guitar instrumental albums. Vai has experimented with vocals, orchestras and some niche compositions and concepts over the years as he entertained his immense talent. This feels more main stream, more accessible and straight forward. But its still very Steve Vai, with incredible guitar solos and musical pyrotechnics.

Starting the set with a few tracks from the new album, ‘Avalancha’ kicked things off swiftly followed by ‘Giant balls of Gold’ and another new one, ‘Little Pretty’. ‘Tender Surrender’ slowed things down a little before ‘Lights Are On’ from the Modern Primitive album running into ‘Candlepower’ again off the new album. The band backing Steve were seriously impressive and Steve gave each a solo spot to showcase their talents. First  up was Dave Weiner, guitarist and keyboard player followed bass player Philip Bynoe later in the set, before Jeremy Colston took his drum solo. Each of them perfectly executed, without overdoing it and outstaying their welcome.

Interestingly, ‘Passion and Warfare’ album tracks were kept to a minimum with only the last 2 tracks of the main set, ‘Liberty’ and ‘For the Love of God’ the only glimpses we saw, but what mamouth songs they are and Steve’s smile as he played the initial bars was from ear to ear. The cheeky nod to the film Crossroads (no not the Britney Spears one!) where Vai played Jack Butler, a guitarist who sold his soul to the devil in return for musical prowess, was loved by the audience and got a massive cheer.

The highlight for me was ‘Whispering a Prayer’, initially starting out as a Jeff Beck esq  sounding tune with a beautiful haunting melody before, the guitar acrobatics start. A truly beautiful song. 

Vai proved his is still one of the most technically proficient guitarists of his generation but the removal of theatrics meant it was a straight focus on the songs and the guitar playing. The band were incredible and did everything to support Vai’s compositions. I really like this stripped down Steve Vai and we got to witness some fantastic music in the 2 hour plus set. There was very little chat from the stage but the audience didn't mind, they just stared in awe at the incredible playing on stage.

Words and Pictures © GM Gig Photography