Many decades ago, aspiring guitarist Joe Satriani opened his door and found a twelve-year-old boy standing in front of him. He was holding a pack of guitar strings in one hand, and a stringless guitar in the other. He was interested in taking guitar lessons and knew that Satriani had been teaching electric guitar to neighborhood kids. “What could go wrong?” Satriani asked himself, so he began teaching him how to play what is arguably the coolest instrument in the world. “Turns out this kid was a genius in the making, and I got to see it happen right in front of me,” stated Satriani in a retelling of the event.

Half a century later, these two guitarists are still the best of friends. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai had toured together many times in the past, and they announced yet another tour in 2024. My dad immediately got us tickets for their show at the State Theatre in Minneapolis on April 24. I was so lucky to experience two of the most talented guitarists ever playing on the same stage. Leave it to them to create one of the most unforgettable concert experiences.

The concert began with Steve Vai playing his own songs, including the classics “Tender Surrender” and “For the Love of God.” He played every song flawlessly and even did his signature crazy guitar tricks in which the audience can’t help but worry he is going to destroy his guitar. Fortunately, guitars are more durable than we think. It would take more than just words to describe the Steve Vai’s musical talent. His former guitar teacher, however, is also equally talented.

After approximately fifteen minutes of intermission, Joe Satriani took the stage, and once again the audience was transported into a world of pure bliss. His performance of every song was absolutely breathtaking, but the most memorable was his most beautiful song, “Always with Me, Always with You.” I had heard him play it live once before, so I have enough evidence to say that this guitarist somehow makes a perfect song even more perfect live.

After their two individual performances, the two guitar greats stepped on the stage together. It was absolutely astonishing. They played many pieces and even improvised some, but the biggest surprise came when they started playing “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. Where else could I have seen Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on the same stage, playing Metallica? It was such a magical moment, and everyone in the audience was practically losing their minds (in a good way).

To sum it all up, I am so grateful that I was able to experience this unforgettable concert. It is a memory I will cherish forever. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are two of the most talented guitarists, not just in the rock/metal music world, but in the history of the world itself.