Vai and Satriani announce first US tour for SatchVai Band
Guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai recently made waves with their debut European tour as the SatchVai Band, marking a significant moment in the guitar world. Following the success of this tour, the duo is now set to thrill audiences in the United States with their upcoming Surfing with the Hydra tour in April and May 2026. Animals as Leaders will be joining them as support acts for all dates across the country.
Reflecting on their European tour experience, Vai expressed his excitement, stating, “The SatchVai Band summer Euro tour of 2025 far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Joe and I struck pure jammin’ gold night after night.” Working closely together and performing songs they co-wrote was a surreal experience for Vai, evoking a sense of childhood fantasy brought to life on stage. The camaraderie and musical synergy between Satriani and Vai were beyond fulfilling and rewarding.
The lineup for the upcoming U.S. tour also includes esteemed musicians such as drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn. In addition to performing collaborative songs released by the duo, the band will showcase new material from their forthcoming Satch/Vai album, as well as fan favorites from their extensive catalog of hits. Pre-sale tickets for the tour are now available through an Artist Presale, with local pre-sales opening tomorrow and public on-sales beginning on December 12.
Earlier this year, Satriani and Vai released the second single from their collaborative project, “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” featuring vocals by Glenn Hughes. The ’70s-inspired track provided fans with a taste of what to expect from the upcoming album, building anticipation for the new music they plan to bring to audiences during their U.S. tour.
Janelle Borg from GuitarWorld.com highlighted the significance of this tour for both artists and the guitar community. With a background in classical music, Borg celebrates the impact of music and technology on the evolving music industry. Through her interviews with various artists, she explores the intersection between creativity, technology, and modern music trends.
As Satriani and Vai gear up for their highly-anticipated U.S. tour, fans can expect an electrifying showcase of talent, creativity, and collaboration between two guitar legends. The Surfing with the Hydra tour promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees, offering a mix of classic hits and new material that will captivate audiences across the country.