SatchVai Band: Joe Satriani & Steve Vai & Animals As Leaders at Ryman Auditorium

Surfing With The Hydra

The success of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai’s newest collaboration, SatchVai Band, continues this 2026! With a brand new album coming out, the two remarkable guitar players are going on a 40-date Surfing With The Hydra spring tour right after their highly acclaimed European tour. Satriani, who used to be Vai’s guitar teacher in their teenage years, is beyond excited to continue their journey together. He shares, “After a fantastic European tour last summer Steve, Kenny, Marco, Pete and I will bring the Surfing With The Hydra Tour to the US. We can’t wait to play you the new material from our forthcoming SatchVai album along with your favorite songs from our shared catalog.” Vai is just as excited, and has also shared his sentimental thoughts, saying, “Being in the same band with Joe, playing songs we actually wrote together on stage, in real time felt like watching a childhood fantasy step out of my teenage brain and stroll onto the stage. And somehow, it was even more rewarding, satisfying, and downright fulfilling than I ever thought possible.” With extensive time on the road, the two will definitely emphasize why they became legendary players on the same instrument. Catch them rock the stage at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, 7th May 2026!

SatchVai Band

Aside from Vai, Satriani’s long list of students who became popular and successful in the same field also includes Alex Skolnick of Testament, Larry LaLonde of Primus, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Satriani’s great skill does not only stop at teaching. He is known as the best-selling instrumental rock guitarist of all time, with over 10 million albums sold all over the globe. He has played alongside Rolling Stone lead singer Mick Jagger and English rock band Deep Purple. Today, his discography features 18 studio albums, three EPs, five live albums, and four compilation albums. He has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards like his former student Vai. Vai has won three of his nominations and has sold over 15 million records. He was recognized for having the richest and best hard rock guitar-virtuoso album of the '80s. Hailed as the 10th Greatest Guitarist by Guitar World, he has released 11 studio albums, two EPs, eight live albums, 12 soundtracks, 20 compilation albums, two special albums, and seven videos. When Satriani and Vai decided to form their own band, they recruited top-tier musicians like themselves, namely, bassist Marco Mendoza, guitarist Pete Thorn, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Now, the SatchVai Band rides the waves of music one more time!

Guest Performer

Animals As Leaders

The official supporting act of this tour is American instrumental progressive metal band Animals As Leaders. Originally a solo project of guitarist Tosin Abasi in 2007, the band now also includes Javier Reyes on rhythm guitar and Matt Garstka on drums. They have released four studio albums, and their solid fanbase in the djent scene awaits their fifth. Abasi is excited to join the tour, saying, “We are beyond honored to be joining Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on tour! Our band, in many ways, would not be what it was if not for the impact of these two icons. Getting a chance to hit the US with them is a bucket list experience for us. Can’t want to see you all soon!”

More Information on Ryman Auditorium and Tickets

A live performance venue with a 2,362-seat capacity, the Ryman Auditorium will see the waves of SatchVai Band’s Sea of Emotion on Thursday, 7th May 2026! Giant stars like Elvis Presley, Harry Styles, and the Foo Fighters have performed on this stage. It is known as the home of Grand Ole Opry or the birthplace of bluegrass. With its rich history, modern acoustics, and shoebox design, everyone in the audience will be very immersed in the magic of music on this night.

The SatchVai Band is ready to conquer the Music City. Click the buy now button above to select your seats early!