×

Diverse

Steve Vai And Friends To Play Niagara Falls

Steve Vai

What happens when you mix five of the so-called greatest hard rock and metal guitarists together or a night of music? The cacophony of sweet riffs and solid sounds that comes from the stage are a sweet dream according to the mastermind of this special event.

The brainchild of guitar legend and virtuoso, Steve Vai, Generation Axe celebrated the distorted guitar and expression of hard rock and heavy metal, just as Vai envisioned.

“The concept started as an idea many years ago,” Vai said. “I have always fantasized about what would happen if you took the top names in different genres and put them all on one stage. What would be the product? I made a list of players and genres; metal, blues, rock. I decided to start with metal.”

Staging such incredible names as Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society), Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders) is a dream for the metal guitar fan, quite possibly for the music aficionado looking for a great night of what is bound to be an amazing night.

The lineup has been together and touring together for the most part since 2016, with a tour of Asia in 2017. When you have that many virtuoso musicians together for that long, trends and attitudes would likely be the result. While there have been challenges that he didn’t get into, Vai said the quintet was definitely one thing.

“Diverse,” he said. “We all have our own side to bring to the show. You have Tosin who is different. He’s just. . .Tosin. Nuno connects with the audience well and supplies some vocals for us on stage. He’s really another element to add to what we have on stage. Zakk is an in-your-face, fun metal guy. Yngwie is fierce and confident and brings that all-together different dimension.

“There have been bumps here and there, but I knew it would work out,” Vai said. “Everything is very professional. We are accepting of one another and have been able to find that appreciation of the metal guitar at a deeper level. It has all worked out so well.”

Then you have Steve Vai. He is quick to admit that he is a different aspect of the show.

“Well, let’s face it. Steve is quirky and obtuse,” he said. “I know that I can be a bit eccentric.”

While every metal guitar fan would salivate over the idea that these five guitar gods would sit around and jam, making some incredible music, Vai says that those things don’t happen on the tour. They just don’t have the time or space. He did say that metal guitar fans can expect a live album to come out of this United States tour, however. It’s a consolation, but one that will make for a quality compromise.

These five greats will play in various pairings and lineups throughout the show, Vai said. The highlights of each will be brought out with some tremendous work, and a surprise piece every now and then.

“We had a show the night Prince died,” Vai said. “Nuno played one of his songs as a tribute and it was like pure magic.”

Generation Axe takes the stage at The Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls Nov. 24. Tickets are $45, and $50 day of the show. For more information about the show and tickts visit www.rapidstheater.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today