show review
cheeop Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 9 Posted: Tue Oct 03, '06 5:06 pm
Introduced to Yngvie and Vai's music, liked them more than I would have thought. Satch was a minor diety on stage, totally amazed.

marri Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Feb 02, '04 1:30 pm
saw this show with my boyfriend. the energy was incredible. as they played it created an atmosphere that was just unbelieveable.

tasha Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Tue Jan 27, '04 2:49 pm
love your review man,can read mine at the vancouver review,from steve darkestfinger@hotmail.com I'm the first on top,me too I'm tired of those fucking jealous fucks of yngwie'playing they're just jealous,to all those fuckers if you can do what he does on guitar then you can complaint about him otherwise get afucking saxophone and do not bother on this site of guitar gods this was to all those complainers It's ok to don't like somebody but It' bad to talk down about artist on the internet when everybody on this planet can read it,artists are there to change your minds from your boring miserable life,anyway this was not for gibsonez,you guy ,you're smart ass wanna hear from you take care buddy,darkestfingers@hotmail.com gibsonez,best review from that show

impedance Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Tue Nov 04, '03 2:14 am
This was the greatest concert that i have ever been to. Joe, Vai, and Malmsteen were just amazing.

guitarluv2000 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 9 Posted: Mon Nov 03, '03 12:10 pm
awesome show. joe rocked as usual. when the show was over everyone just stood up and walked out. no one cheered for the encore. and thus we didnt get one. what were these people thinking

billybill Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 8 Posted: Thu Oct 23, '03 9:15 pm
This was a great show!!!! Joe and steve were both on par that night. It was also the first time that I had the opportunity to see Steve Vai and yngwie in concert. I was a little disappointed with the final jam because yngwie, instead of playing with joe and steve, tried to do his own thing so the crowd would watch him alone instead of everyone else. I noticed that he played little or no rythm at all in any of the jams. He also at times would cut joe and steve off just so he could try and out do them. One example of this was when steve started the intro to little wing. He had just started when yngwie cuts in with this lick. It really sounded bad and I could tell that the people around me weren't really digging his antics. Other than yngwie making an ass out of himself, the show kicked ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

richvero Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Wed Oct 22, '03 9:37 am
Awesome show. Yngwie was a gas. I saw Yngwie way back at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano and had forgotten what a crack up he is. I don't get the complaints. I enjoyed hearing Yngwie's set especially "Black Star" and "Far Beyond the Sun". Vai was unbelievable!! He is such an extraordinary musician. The song for his wife was amazing and my favorites "For the Love of God" and "Juice" ripped and he had such a great band. I enjoyed seeing Tony MacAlpine. I wish he would have played during the jam at the end. Satch is my favorite and I always enjoy his music the most. Thanks for putting together another great show! I hope they put this tour on DVD!!!

gotriceboi69 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Tue Oct 21, '03 8:36 pm
This was my first G3 concert and damn that FUCKIN ROCKED! All 3 were just great! I dun know why people didn't like YM but he actually rocked! 'Black Star' was sweet! And then there's steve vai. and man he had the best performance out of all 3. 'whispering a prayer' and that song he sang with the triple neck JEM was awsome! Joe Satriani kicked ass. Played all the songs i expected to hear so thatz pretty koo. the G3 performance was like... BOOM!!!! That's a night I'll never forget. AWSOMA POWA!!!

german Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Tue Oct 21, '03 10:43 am
This is my 10th time seeing Joe and it was exceptional as usual. First off, Malmsteen showed themendous musicianship although at times it did sound quite repetitive. His highlight was the classical piece during the middle of his set. He did not act intoxicated from my vantage point. Vai was absolutetly unreal. This was the most impressive that I have ever seen him play. His performance was superb. Also, it looks like he's recruited a tremendous young drummer. Satch was simply perfect. His tone was right on, I just wish his set was longer. The jam session in the end was quite a finale with Rocking in The Free World, Little Wing, Voodoo Chile and The Grange. All in all a tremendous concert. Looking forward to seeing Joe againg when he comes around L.A.

slapgup Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: Posted: Tue Oct 21, '03 6:24 am
Gibsonez- you summed it up well. Yngwie totally rocked in Portland and I couldn't believe it was the same show I'd been reading about. He wasn't drunk , wasn't bein a dick, wasn't playin sloppy. In fact he brought alot of energy to the show. I think it's a person's attitude- some are just gonna pick a show apart no matter what. Some spend more time raggin about Yngwie than raving about the good parts. I thought all 3 were awesome and the jams were jammin. I thooughly enjoyed every second and since I taped it I've relived it about 4 times and so I KNOW it rocked!

sim2001 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 10:54 pm
This was the best concert I had ever seen, Yngwie was hilarious w/ his wild stage antics along w/ his little girly kick he did from time to time. Truly an amazing set he had. I really liked when he played to the backing track of an orchestra. Vai just blew me away with his triple neck guitar, and joe, my absolute hero, I'm glad I got to hear crystal planet, it was faster and heavier than how I always heard it. The great thing about the Greek theater is that its got the best sound system. The jam sounded hella good, and I could actually could hear all the guitars! i don't why so many people seem to have such a negative attitude towards Yngwie, from what I saw he was a team player. It'd be cool to see eric johnson and yngwie on the same stage trading off licks. What a contrast that would be.

terrym Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 9:13 pm
The show was AMAZING!!! I can only describe it like it would have been to have seen Hendrix, Cream, and Zepplin on the same bill in '69. It is not enough to see this event once. This is history being made. I am hoping that a DVD will be released so that I can wear it out like the previous G3 DVD I have.

gibsonez Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 10:26 am
I agree with those who uphold Yngwie - he's one of the BEST!!!! I my-self am JS fan, but to critisize Yngwie!? It's ridiculous, he ROCKS!!! Those who critisize him - can you play guitar at all? If yes, do you think you have what it takes to say anything bad about Yngwie?! Go and practice, get someone to notice you, like you, get Joe or Steve respect you and invite you to their G3, win the crowd, get become someone the others would like to be like, achieve at leat the 0.09% of what Yngwie did!!!! Or get your own G3, call Yngwie, and prove your sayings there by outplaying him!!! Until then, SHUT THE F&*@K UP!!!!!!!!!!!! Satch and Vai invited him to make the show a BLAST!!! And thanks to Yngwie it was a BLAST. Satch and Vai are excellent players, that's true, but without Yngwie it would be just another G3 show, that we already have seen, but Yngwie - he made and an unforgetable, unique, outstanding show!!!! The event like this has been being waited for for quite a long while, and IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!! THANK YOU JOE, STEVE AND... SPECIAL THANKS TO YNGWIE FOR SUCH A GREAT GREAT SHOW!!!! THREE GUITAR KINGS AT ONE STAGE, UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Three MASTERS!!! Three GUITAR STYLE FOUNDATIONS AT ONE STAGE!!!!

g3mike Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 9 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 10:11 am

Excellent show, no guests but still better than Concord imho...

For all the Yngwie bashers...he's trying to give a ROCK show, why abuse him for trying to get the crowd fired up. He's trying to get some life outta you posers who before the 1st note are trying to find things wrong with his set. And why must we hear about his weight ? Were you hoping to sleep with him after the show ?

Joe was really ON tonight...his 3rd song (never remember titles) was scary !!!!!!!!!! You'd think that guys this talented might play some different songs on the jam, but hey...splitting hairs there. Nice group work, again Yngwie bashers have to point out that he walked off to get a drink & tune up. Gee I guess he should have gained the interplay Joe & Steve developed since their TEENS in a couple gigs ?

boxlunch Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 8:47 am
After reading several reviews of the Greek show I was forced to add the thumbs up review for Yngwie J. I have been a musician for nearly twenty years and a fan of progressive guitar players my entire life. I am surprised to read so many reviews downing Yngwie but can only conclude they are not comprehending his playing on a musical lever. His influences are Paganini, violin and classical, music inspired, which happens to incorporate fast runs. He steels the show as far a showmanship, being by far the most entertaining to watch. Do you forget he was and still is one of the most influential guitarists of all times. He came from the big hair days, and give him credit for not bowing down to the modern movement. He has stayed true to his own. I'm not taking anything away from Joe and Steve here. I am and always will be a fan of JS and study his music daily. I dig Steve Vai but talk about ridiculous shows. Hasn't he been the most abstract and outrageous of the three when it comes to his songs, stage presents and general approach to music? I was pleased to see him tone down his theatrics and just get down to the music. And he is, arguable, the best guitarist ever. Lighten up on the Mr. Malmsteen and realize that is his thing. Go Joe and Steve, welcome back to earth.

leather2laceu Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 7 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 1:24 am
Hey there Joe, A girl friend of mine. and I went to your show at the greek theater last night. You made that guitar come alive ! You have always been one of my favorite guitar players, along with Stevie Ray (God bless his soul!). This was my second time seeing you and the band, the last being the Wiltern theater in Los Angeles, more then 10 years ago(with Eric Johnson). What a show that was! I am going to be straight up here and say I am a little dissapointed with last nights show! Dont get me wrong JOE, you, Steve Vai, and the rest of the band members sounded "TIGHT"~When Steve and the guys did that rip with the, hand over hand on each others guitars, right on! Amazing to me! Then your group together sounded even tighter, UNTIL.............. Yngwie Malmsteen came out. Which brings me to these questions, If you would'nt mind answering them. What happen with the sound? There seemed tobe some technical problems with the vocals, hard to hear. I was in the second row. I know its not just me others were saying it too, and that Yngwies' sound was too loud almost over powering you and Steve, and the others. Why Malmsteen and not Eric Johnson? I am sorry for being so blunt but Yngwies' whole, swinging, kicking, pick pitching, and hair thing, was this a joke. No need for that crap when your that good...I hope he sees that soon! (enough ranting) All that being said, I am sure I sound like a number 1 B" , I'm not really.. I just know that you will understand exactly what I am talking about. I know my sound, working for production sound effects co., I know how you sound, hope that the next show has less technical difficulties! You still are NUMBER 1 on my book.. Keep on doing what your doing ROCKING MY SOUL! Best wishes always.. T.

gdb Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 9 Posted: Mon Oct 20, '03 1:01 am

This was my first G3 show, but I have seen Satch several times in the past on his own tours and I have seen Steve Vai a couple of times as well. First time seeing Yngwie live. Seeing him, Tony MacAlpine and Billy Sheehan were major reasons for me attending this show. First off, the sound at the Greek was absolutey crystal clear and amazing from my seat (Sec A, Row F, Seat 11). I've never heard such clear sound at a concert before. I thoroughly enjoyed Yngwie's set. He really seemed to be enjoying himself onstage and wanted to project and please his fans. Yes, some of his stage moves and licks were repetitive, but his technique is astounding. He played for the most part very cleanly and with style and panache. It was fun. I didn't have the same experience as those who were disappointed by his playing.

I think Steve Vai's set went over the best of the three. He is just flat out a genius, and his band was amazingly talented. I agree with the poster who said that Tony MacAlpine could easily be the third slot on the next G3 tour; he is that good! I would have liked to have heard him and Billy Sheehan a bit mroe, but it was Vai's set, although to his credit he was generous with featuring the other players.

Satch was in fine form, although for some weird reason the audience didn't seem to be into his set. It was bizarre; they were just sitting there like zombies from what I saw. His sound, especially on Crystal Planet, was awesome. Again, very clean, in control...just consummate musicianship. Only quibble is that his solo set wasn't longer. And although I love Stu Hamm's playing, I must say that Mr. Bissonette admirably held down the bottom end; he played really well.

The jam at the end was cool, but I kind of wished that it was one song shorter and that Satch had more time to do Cool #9 or One Big Rush or Love Thing...also would have been nice for MacAlpine to have come back out, or if there had been any LA area pros to come up and jam with them. I liked Little Wing a lot. Again, yeah Yngwie may have been a bit lit up by end, but he was having fun as were they all and he never overplayed at anyone else's expense. I was close enough to read the lettering on their headstocks; they were all enjoying one another's playing and gave each other respect and space.

Lastly, I was involved in a confrontation with an overzealous security guard in front of the right side of the stage after the show ended and the lights came on. I was the big black guy with a black shirt and jeans who almost decked a security guard who shoved me for no reason. If anyone witnessed this confrontation, I would appreciate it if you could email me at btx109@aol.com, as I will be filing a report with the Greek Theater's management and would like to include any eyewitness accounts, or if anyone else was similarly abused by security. Thanks.

ck1 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 10:13 pm

Spectacular. Most entertaining G3 I've ever been to. Gotta love " The Immortal Beloved Pistol Pete Malmsteen". That was worth the price of admission right there. Who else can jump in without missing a beat after taking a few shots, towelling himelf, getting two guitars tuned in the middle of a song and then hop step, kick and sling right into the song to close it out? That's Entertainment.

Some great cover songs to end with. Liked the jimi and neil young. ZZtop sounded great too.

Spectacular. Entertaining. Beautiful Starry Night. Gorgous and gorgosity. No complaints here!

bucketheadfan1 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 8 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 8:00 pm
I like Joe's sound with the Marshall amps much better. I also would have liked to hear more off his latest CD. Vai's sound was FANTASTIC! clean, clear, and crisp!! Yngwie had 5 or so stacks of amps that sounded horrible!!! I was 2/3rds of the way back from the stage on center, the sound just didn't work for me. I was pretty far back and i'm not sure but I think his amps said PigNose on them not Marshall. All in all Great show!!!

fadedfidelity Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 8 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 7:21 pm
This was the first time i've ever seen any three of these musicians play live, even though i've seen possibly every malmsteen and vai bootleg concert video out there. I am a dedicated fan to vai and satch, and I am an old fan of yngwie. I must say the concert was very fun to attend and although yes yngwie's stage presence style is a far jump from vai and satch's more "pro musician" style, they all did their thing. I agree that yngwie is a bit redundant in his runs and can at times seem lacking, yet i also believe his spicey speed added a good kick to the trio. Ynngwie's set was cool, probably because i knew the songs well. His band was alright. Satch was very entertaining to see and hear, he put on a very solid set. Steve's set was my favorite because well... he's steve! His amazing switch 3 string tapping with harmonic taps and smooth pulloff run combo's were simply killer. To me he is a musical genius. Too bad he doesn't believe in giving autographs to the few fans who are willing to wait 2 hours after the show. That really dissapointed me, ESPECIALLY because of all 3 of them, ONLY Yngwie had the guts and willingness to come out and sign autographs for his fans.

gtr350 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 7 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 5:44 pm
Yngwie is the biggest wanker ever to set foot on this earth!!! His didn't even acknowledge his band, who left the stage at least half his set. Satriani was awesome as usual, I liked this show a little more than when he played with Dream Theater last year (but imo no one can beat Dream Theater). Vai was great all around and seemed to have fun on stage. Tony MacAlpine and Vai's drummer were awesome!! I think MacAlpine should have done the jam at the end NOT Wanksteen. Yngwie didn't care really what Vai or Satch were doing and was going on like a child before La Grange. He just went through his mindless scales through every cover and didn't put any feeling into it...I was about to cry when he wanked Little Wing out. Malmsteen just ruined the show. I was just disgusted by him. Vai and Satch would be jammin and here comes yngwie to ruin it. Next year I wont go if Malmsteen is there. Get Petrucci back!!!!!!! (or Johnson)

jim54 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 4:55 pm
AWSOME, AWSOME, AWSOME! Anyone who was there at the Greek (great venue) last night were treated to a fantastic show as expected! yea, after reading all the negative reviews about Malmsteen, I have to conclude he was'nt that bad on stage. I think he was just out there trying to have fun. Yea, his playin' got a little boring after a time (same scales over and over) but he was trying hard to please, so he was a little ripped! so what! I really don't think his intent was to try and show-up the other two masters. (how could He?) Next was Steve Vai and his band was jammin'! I've grown to appreciate his musicianship having seen all the G-3 shows before and the song he dedicated to his wife was really touching! hence the standing ovation. Then appears the great "SMOKIN JOE" Satriani who never fails his loyal and true fans. Both Vai and Satch had good sounding sets I thought and the encore together, well they all just shredded!!! I don't know about the vocals though! you could'nt really hear the vocals. all in all, one Fantastic evening and one Bad Ass show for everyone!

pappymojo Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 9:29 am
What can I say---another great show. After reading reviews for all the G3 shows (on this website), I was beginning to worry that Yngwie was some drunken freak that would be a letdown, but he was anything but. I guess some people don't get his stage antics, but I DID like his set a lot. What a great guitarist with a style that he mastered. Forgive me , but isn't that what the G3 shows are all about? Just great playing. Steve Vai is really a great musician. His band was fantastic. I sure would have liked to have seen more Tony McAlpine, as he is also worthy of G3 headliner fame, but stayed more in the background.Billy Sheehan was great, as was the whole band. Steve has a really warm stage prescence, and the crowd seemed to like his set the best. I was in Awe. Joe-- What can I say? Another great show. It looked like he was playing through some new amps. (not as full sounding as the Marshall, but still a damn good sound.)Always impressive.I guess the only thing I didn't like was that I didn't hear all the songs that I wanted to hear, but after all, Joe had to share the bill, and there just wasn't enough time to play as many tunes as in a" Just Joe" show. Still a great personality and what a great guitarist. The final jam was impressive, but a bit too loud.(maybe I am too old) It just seemed that alot of the sound was lost in the mix. I think maybe some different songs would have been better. All in all We had a great time. Absolutely worth the price of admission.

maurice05 Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 10 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 7:36 am

wow!!!!! i dont wanna go to sleep, this has been the best night ever it was my first concer ever, my first time seeing this 3 guys, 3 guys who i admire and respect and are a big infuence to my life on music and as a person. i was the guy with the flag from el salvador and the images and word tshirt this guys were amazing im falling sleep so heres the setlist yjm -evils eye -improvisation i think?? trilogy suite opus 5 -red house -Fugue -improvisation with each members solo -black star -far beyond the sun

steves setlist the same as usual great show and a final standing ovation

satchs setlist was pretty amazing with almost all my favorite song...damn i wish he had played belly dancer or oriental melody but i think people dont know them -satch boogie -the extremist -cristal planet -starry night -midnight -flying in a blue dream -The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing -always with me always with you -summer song

encore rockion on the free world, little wing, voodo child, la gringe then i got passes for the vip room i met: derek sherinian, jeremy colson, satchs guitar player, david weiner, billy sheehan, tony macalpine , mr steve vai what a nice little boy he was so nice he signed my cds , my flag from el salvador and he took some pictures with me , i was shocked with all the musicians around, there was a guy who seems so familiar with john petrucci that i was freaked out . The only bad thing i couldnt meet joe satriani and malmsteen they were talking with a handicapded guy which was so cool!! i mean everybody talked with that guy they were so natural , i was so happy to see my heroes doing things thay nobody thinks musicians do!! the best part> crying when steve was playin whispering a prayer and when joe played starry night. the funniest part...yngwie playing with his pedals effects and running thru the whole set while satch and vai were playing on the encore and billy pushed him to joiend satch and vai.Mikey thanks for the passes. i met steven a guy from a magazine and guy who recognized from the vai forum his wife was so nice and his childrentoo and a mexican guy who loves yngwie! now i must return to el salvador but believe me guys this night was so great!! and you guys all the bands you have a place on my heart for 2 reasons: the show and for being so nice persons take care and have fun on the road best regards maurice pd: i have a lot of pictures but im so tired hope to send it this sunday around night!!

preasulvir Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 8 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 1:26 am

Hearing all the bad that's said about Yngwie on this tour, I have to say I am completely sickened. I attended this show at the Greek and I didn't notice Malmsteen try to overplay anyone. They all took their turns, Yngwie was even signalling Vai to start his solos.

And of course, Yngwie needs a drink while on stage and people want to slam him for it. I'm sick of hearing bad things about this tour. Like there was a single person in the crowd that could even come close to their playing.

Joe didn't quite light up the stage as he usually does, but it wasn't his to light up. I didn't think any performance was better than any other. They all played great, it was an amazing experience, and they even seemed to be enjoying their time together for the finale.

The only thing that ruined it for me, was the people yelling at each other, or in my wife's ear and the people that can't seem to just enjoy a good thing, and find everything possible to complain about.

Great show, I would definitely go again if I had a chance.

siredwardofvan Sat Oct 18 '03
89
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, 		Rank: 5 Posted: Sun Oct 19, '03 1:11 am
Firstly, I feel that Yngwie Malmsteen is perhaps one of the worst musicians I have ever seen. I own two of his albums, and while his playing in the studio is exciting and fresh, his playing live is stale and full of the same motifs and runs, during "Icarus Dream Suite" the guy played the same Phrygian run 6 times! To top it all off, he's a primadona and ruined the ENTIRE finale. Steve Vai was in top form, and the song that he dedicated to his wife was excellent. The concert wasn't really Satriani's finest hour. It just seemed to me that something wasn't going right, perhaps with his equipment? Obviously he still played very well, but it was less than I expected. I feel bad about giving a mediocre review to Satch b/c he's my favorite guitarist and in my opinion an incredible musician. Also, I felt that both Vai and Satriani got crushed underfoot during the finale. Yngwie would not stop playing his stupid fills, and played over vai and satch; he even stopped a song to "tune up his guitar." He spent an inordinate amount of time drinking on the side of the stage, and had his tech running back and forth switching guitars for (in my opinion) no reason whatsoever. Perhaps he'll quit the tour, because I can honestly say that he almost ruined the experience for me. If it wasn't for Vai and Satriani I would have left the show after Yngwie's first song.