SatchVai Band reveals official lineup supporting Steve Vai and Joe Satriani
Among the most eagerly awaited tours for music enthusiasts, the Surfing With The Hydra Tour 2025 by the SatchVai Band, featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, is getting even more electrifying with the confirmation of the lineup accompanying these two guitar heroes: Kenny Aronoff on drums, Marco Mendoza on bass, and Pete Thorn on rhythm guitar.
“Finding the right musicians for the SatchVai Band was initially a challenging but exciting task; there are so many incredible players to choose from!” says Satriani. “It’s no secret that the chemistry between musicians is what makes a live band magical, and we’ve found that chemistry with Kenny, Marco, and Pete. The upcoming shows will focus not only on our respective solo work but also on the music from our new album. We’re so thrilled to bring this show on tour and celebrate it with all of our fans!” Vai adds, “When we thought about forming a band around Joe and me, we discussed the specific qualities needed for each position—bass, drums, and rhythm guitar. It was an amazing challenge to find the right fit.”
Drummer Kenny Aronoff is no stranger to Satriani’s fans. He’s played alongside Joe in Chickenfoot, been part of Satriani’s solo tours since 2019, performed on the album The Elephant of Mars, and more recently, replaced Jason Bonham on the Best of All Worlds tour with Satriani, Sammy Hagar, and Michael Anthony. “What can I say about the legendary Kenny Aronoff that I haven’t said before?” asks Satriani. “No other drummer has Kenny’s sound, feel, timing, groove, and swagger. He’s also an exceptional human being. He’s supernatural!” Vai agrees, “Kenny is the quintessential rock drummer. His timing is bulletproof, his tone is rich and clean, and his ability to respond in an improvisational setting is instantaneous. Beyond that, he’s one of the easiest and most fun guys to tour with—an essential quality on the road.”
When it came to adding a rhythm guitarist and bassist, the duo faced the challenge of finding the perfect combination. Vai had known Pete Thorn for a while and knew he would be a perfect fit for the band. As Vai explains, “Pete’s playing is rock solid with massive tone in his fingers. His rhythm is tight and precise in a way that’s truly rare, and his intonation is astonishing. He’s the perfect musician for this band, and we couldn’t be happier to have him.” Satriani agrees: “Pete is an all-around monster guitarist. He has that rare ability to shine as both a rhythm and lead player, transitioning between the two with finesse. He has the technical skills and the rock ’n’ roll attitude Steve and I were hoping to find for our band.”
Then came the choice of bassist. Once again, Vai shares his excitement: “Marco is a bass phenomenon. With his 6-string fretless, his bass sings with perfect intonation and soaring vibrato. His broad, rich tone and masterful control of dynamics will bring a new dimension to our songs.” Satriani echoes, “Marco’s musicality is boundless. There’s a special magic in the way he plays bass. Along with his outstanding vocals and stage presence, he’ll be a driving force in our band.”
Virgin Radio is the official radio of the concert.
Before the SatchVai Band takes the main stage at the Arena Santa Giuliana, another guitar legend will perform: Lee Ritenour.
It’s a one-of-a-kind evening with some of the world’s greatest guitar icons.
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