Over the next few months we will be lucky enough to see some of the greatest rock guitarist currently touring. Everyone at some time has dreamed of being a rock guitarist and done either “Air Guitar” or played Guitar Hero. But these upcoming acts are the real thing.
G3 Jan 18th at Mesa Center for the Performing Arts
If you have never seen this show, then you are in for a real treat. Joe Satriani has over the past 20+ years pulled together other guitarists to performed in his G3 concerts. Past great guitarists have been Paul Gilbert, Eric Jones, Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Via. This tour, Joe is joined by legendary guitarists John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and Phil Collen (Def Leppard). I saw the G3 show back in 2007 and was blown away by how good they were. Each guitarist gets to play about 30 to 45 minutes each. Then after Joe performs (he is always last), all 3 come on stage and they jam for a number of songs. The other great thing about this concert is that it is at one of the great venues in the valley, The Mesa Center For the Performing Arts.
Dave Mason, Feb 17th at Talking Stick Resort Showroom
If more mellow classic rock is your liking, then Dave Mason is a great show to see. Dave was one of my favorite guitarist back in the late 60s and 70s. Dave started his career with the 60s band Traffic. His song “Feelin’ Alright” was a classic rock song recorded by both Traffic and Joe Cocker. In the 70s Dave went solo and in my personal opinion created 2 of his best albums, Alone Together and Let If Flow. I saw Dave last year and his performance was outstanding. Also, the Talking Stick Resort Showroom is a great intimate venue with great seating and sound system.
Steve Hackett, Feb 25th at The Van Buren
Now we turn to one of the great progressive guitarist of the 70s, Steve Hackett. There were 2 flavors of the band Genesis. The original band was more progressive rock and featured Peter Gabriel as lead singer and Steve Hackett as lead guitarist. After Peter and Steve left the group, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks continued and turned the band style to a more pop rock flavor. Some of the great classic rock songs that Steve played on were, “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”, “Watcher of the Skies”, “I Know What I Like” and “A Trick of the Tail”. Steve is still creating great music. His latest albums, Wolflight and The Night Siren are both very good.
Article and photos by Fred Kuhlman
All photos © Fred Kuhlman 2018
