PUBLISHED February 20th, 2014 12:25 pm | UPDATED May 9th, 2018 03:13 am
This March, rock out with Steve Vai in a one-night-only performance at The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre on 21 March 2014 at 8 PM. This will be his second concert in Singapore after a successful, sold-out show in July 2004, which saw one lucky contestant win the chance of a lifetime to perform onstage with the rock guitar virtuoso himself.
Audiences can expect to be treated to some of Vai’s classic hits, including ‘For The Love Of God’, ‘Tender Surrender’ and ‘Answers,’ as well as songs like ‘Racing The World’ and ‘Gravity Storm’ from his latest release, The Story of Light. When asked about his thoughts on performing again in Singapore, Vai said, ‘This band is as oiled and ready as ever. I’m playing and performing better and more powerfully than ever before. The concerts are powerful and uplifting and I’m ready to take it to Singapore and give the best show we can.’
Steve Vai first began training with fellow guitarist, Joe Satriani, at the age of 12. At the age of 18, the Berklee College of Music alumnus began his career by transcribing music for Frank Zappa – a partnership that evolved into Vai playing with Zappa. After leaving Zappa in 1982, Vai released his first solo album, Flex-Able. He went on to record a total of eight solo albums and has toured with Alcatrazz, Whitesnake, David Lee Roth and Public Image Ltd. Vai has been awarded three Grammys and 40 other awards from the likes of Kerrang, Metal Hammer, the California Music Awards and Guitar World. Vai has also appeared as a guest musician on 44 albums with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper and many others.
It wasn’t just Vai’s music that influenced contemporary hard rock, his guitar played a vital role as well. Vai worked alongside Ibanez to create the JEM and the Universe 7-String guitar. Additionally, his blood was used in the custom paint job for the limited-edition JEM VAI2K DNA guitar. Vai also branched out into the business aspect of the music industry through the launch of his very own record label, Favored Nations – a venture that proved to be a success with the 2002 Grammy win for Best Pop Instrumental Album for ‘No Substitutions’ by Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather.
Not only is Vai known for his award-winning musical talent, the virtuoso is also known for his big heart. He established the Make A Noise foundation with Ruta Sepetys, a non-profit that provides funding for music education and programmes for young people who are unable to pursue these activities due to limited resources. Vai frequently auctions off his music gear to continuously fund the project. His work with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) – the Grammy organization – is also used as an opportunity to expand his charitable works and help more people. He served on the board of governors with NARAS for almost three years and was promoted to trustee.
With a career that comprises eight studio albums, two EPs, two special albums, eight live albums, 12 soundtracks, 20 compilation albums and seven videos, Vai continues to push the limits with his music, making him an unrivalled force and a constant source of inspiration for many aspiring guitarists and musicians.
Concert tickets will be available for sale on SISTIC – 9 am online and 10 am at all outlets – from Friday, 21 February 2014.