Widely regarded as one of the greats of instrumental guitar music, Joe Satriani has finally been able to cross the pond to perform dates that were announced pre-pandemic.

Of course, Covid halted global touring activities in their tracks. And having rescheduled his dates several times, with restrictions now lifted the time had finally arrived for Satch to make his eagerly anticipated Tyneside return.

Having been unable to tour his last two studio albums in Europe, the guitar supremo delivered a setlist that featured a healthy dose of tracks from both Shapeshifting and The Elephants of Mars respectively.

Taking to the stage grasping his Ibanez guitar, and sporting his trademark shades Satriani performed for almost for over two and a half hours. The first three songs of the set highlighted his last two records via set opener Nineteen Eighty, Sahara and the title track of the guitarist’s latest offering.

Satriani switched things up with the funky sounds of Ice 9. Whilst the artist made his trusty axe sing like a bird during a wonderful airing of One Big Rush. Joe’s playing is so fluid and expressive, he makes it look effortless throughout.

Joe slowed things down momentarily with Blue Foot Groovy, before taking the Gateshead audience back to the early days of his career with the classic Flying in a Blue Dream. One of the many highlights of this musical marathon.

Performing in front of a huge screen that featured complimentary visuals and music videos throughout, Satch wrapped up his first set with a magnificent rendition of Summer Song, which whetted the audience’s appetite for what was to come during the second half.

Satriani was joined onstage by his versatile and uber-talented band featuring long-standing bass player Bryan Beller and Rai Thistlethwayte. But behind the drum kit, is one of the most prominent hired guns, and in-demand session players on the planet Kenny Aronoff.

With a resume that features names such as John Fogerty, and John Mellencamp amongst countless others, Kenny opened the second half of the show with an astonishing drum solo.

The big riffs featured during Energy got the second set underway with gusto. Whilst E 104th St NYC 1973 showcased a jazzier side of Satriani’s repertoire.

The eastern-tinged sounds of Ali Farka, Dick Dale, an Alien and Me certainly hit the spot. Joe’s playing during Shapeshifting was really something else. The sounds and tones he conjures up from his guitar throughout highlight Joe’s creativity as a guitarist.

The unmistakable sounds of Satch Boogie led the crowd into the encore break before Joe and the band closed out the evening with one of the artist’s most revered compositions Surfing with the Alien.

With The Elephants of Mars, Joe Satriani’s aim was to create a new standard for instrumental guitar music. All we can say is mission accomplished. The bar has been raised.

Words and Photos by Adam Kennedy

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