What do Frank Zappa, Grand Theft Auto and Ralph Macchio all have in common? Besides being complete icons in their respective fields, they all have ties to one man: Steve Vai. As a child, Vai was destined for greatness, as musical instruments spoke to him in ways that no one around him could comprehend. His love of the guitar started when he was 6 years old and carried on through adulthood, leading him to perform alongside some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including David Lee Roth, Spinal Tap, Ozzy Osbourne and even Mary J. Blige.
Saturday night, Dec. 10, at The Complex was a complete culmination of all Vai’s success. He took the stage in a traditional Steve Vai fashion, sporting an electronically lit hoodie and matching guitar. It was as if some demi-guitar-god was transported into a Tron video game and wasted no time in shattering the place with his axe of musical power. The crowd was ecstatic throughout the night as Vai performed without the distraction of lyrics. The crowd was treated to several video tributes to Vai, including a guitar duel between himself and Ralph Macchio in the movie Crossroads as well as a short video performance by Queen’s original guitarist, Brian May.
The transcendent experience of watching Steve Vai perform was one that will surely never be forgotten. Vai is without a doubt one of the most memorable guitarists to date, and he still manages to stay relevant. Saturday night’s performance was akin to that of an orchestra, with each act taking us deeper into an emotional and spiritual journey that we never knew existed. As a child of the ’80s generation, I felt right at home photographing the man who had helped mastermind some of the music of my youth.
Who said hair bands weren’t still around when Derek Day is still sporting locks like that? Photo: Talyn Sherer
The touring drummer for Derek Day’s band closes his eyes and gets lost in the music. Photo: Talyn Sherer
As the cool blue lights cast themselves onto the crowd, Derek Day warms their spirits with his grungy rock music. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Derek Day opens up with a short but well-received performance on Saturday night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The touring bassist for Derek Day screams his heart out into the mic. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Derek Day’s touring bassist plays it cool with his circular shades. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A roadie takes to the stage and adjusts the tripod-mounted camera before Steve Vai’s performance. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Through the darkness comes a blue-lit, laser-pointing, neon-glasses-wearing Steve Vai. Photo: Talyn Sherer
In an unprecedented first appearance, Steve Vai takes the stage with by far one of the most badass outfits you have ever seen. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai has always been renowned for his creative genius on the guitar, but who knew he was a fashion icon as well? Photo: Talyn Sherer
The opening song proved to be a transcendent experience that took the crowd to another dimension. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Within the blink of an eye, the lights come up, and the entire mood changes as Steve Vai continues to shred the guitar. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai lets out a roaring scream as the music takes over his soul. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Who needs the distraction of a vocal performance when you can listen to Steve Vai serenade you with his guitar all night? Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai creates an experience unlike any other you have seen at The Complex. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai crafted a synesthesia-like experience through every note he played. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Dave Weiner tours the world with Steve Vai, creating riffs in every corner of the globe. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai asks for a moment from the crowd as he prepares to unleash a guitar solo that melted the faces of at least three people in the front row. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Jeremy Colson brought out the big guns as he wrecked up the acoustic drums while performing with Steve Vai. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai’s execution on the guitar was like watching a master orchestral conductor perform in space. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Dave Weiner performs alongside rock god Steve Vai. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai and his production crew really knew how to set the mood for every person in that crowd on Saturday night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai performs like a human version of a psychedelic drug. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Even without a mic set up, you could hear the sounds of Steve Vai’s soul escaping his body. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Dave Weiner and Steve Vai battle it out onstage, to the amusement of the crowd. Photo: Talyn Sherer
After being blinded by the spotlight for so long, Steve Vai looks out to the sea of screaming fans. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Say what you will about ’80s rock bands, but one thing is certain: Steve Vai will out-shred any guitarist on this planet. Photo: Talyn Sherer
It’s hard for anyone to not close their eyes and get lost in the melodies being performed, including Steve Vai himself. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai bows to the crowd and his guitar. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A photographic close-up of the hands that have created so many of your favorite songs by Steve Vai. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Steve Vai gets a little crazy with his whammy bar. Photo: Talyn Sherer
After Steve Vai stopped to give some love to the crowd below, those in the front row gave it right back. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Jeremy Colson rests easy at center stage under the signature Steve Vai logo. Photo: Talyn Sherer
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