In a new interview with Classic Rock, Joe Satriani looked back at the 2003 G3 tour, including Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Satriani shared how Malmsteen’s big stage presence affected the tour dynamics.
Satriani explained that Malmsteen, used to being the center of attention in his own show, had trouble sharing the spotlight. “The only problem that I would have is that sometimes he wouldn’t pay attention to other things happening on stage when his bit was done. He’s not used to not being the focus of the show,” Satriani said.
As the show leader, Satriani often had to step in to handle these situations. “So as show leader, I’d just take a deep breath and say: ‘I have to understand that Yngwie’s not used to this kind of thing.’”
One time, Malmsteen threw his guitar in the air during another guitarist’s solo. Satriani remembered, “So we’d be as gentle as possible. Like, I’d say, ‘When Steve’s soloing, don’t throw your guitar up in the air right next to him, because he’s got his eyes closed. I don’t want him to get hit in the head!'”
In 2024, Satriani brought back the original G3 lineup. The tour featured the trio of Satriani, Vai, and Johnson again, along with special guests like Plini and Nita Strauss. There was also a special moment when Satriani’s son, ZZ Satriani, joined him on stage for a one-off appearance.
