SatchVai Band: Joe Satriani & Steve Vai & Animals As Leaders at Riverside Theater

Surfing With The Hydra

As the SatchVai Band ended their European tour on a very high note, fans could not contain their excitement for the announcement of their future plans. Guitar icon Joe Satriani finally granted the overflowing request for them to go on a tour once again by sharing the announcement of their US tour, saying, “The SATCHVAI Band rides again! 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. And that’s not all, we’re bringing along the incomparable Animals As Leaders. You do not want to miss this show with this lineup!” The extensive 40-date tour is taking them to Wisconsin for one night, and they will surely blow all comparisons out of the water when they dominate the stage of the Riverside Theater on 5th May 2026.

SatchVai Band

It’s no secret that Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have rightfully earned admirable recognitions for their incredible artistry and phenomenal stage presence. As they combine their talents, they have created the SatchVai Band with excellent musicians: bassist Marco Mendoza, guitarist Pete Thorn, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Satriani and Vai’s connection started fifty years ago, with Satriani mentoring Vai on how to play the string instrument. Other remarkable musicians who were taught by Satriani are Alex Skolnick of Testament, Larry LaLonde of Primus, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Today, Satriani’s discography consists of 18 studio albums, three EPs, five live albums, and four compilation albums. He has also sold more than 10 million albums and has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards. Likewise, Vai has also been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards and won three. He has sold over 15 million records and was voted as the 10th Greatest Guitarist by Guitar World. Vai has also stated his excitement for their upcoming tour in the US, 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.” Together, they are considered two of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time, and their band will only cement the fact that they will be timeless musicians. 

Guest Performer

Animals As Leaders

American instrumental progressive metal band Animals As Leaders is announced as the official supporting act of the SatchVai Band for the duration of their US tour. A solo project by guitarist Tosin Abasi way back in 2007, it has since developed to be a famous ensemble in the dject scene. With music from their four albums, Abasi on lead guitar, Javier Reyes on rhythm guitar, and Matt Garstka on drums will be tuning the night right from the start. Abasi has enthusiastically shared, “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 Riverside Theater and Tickets

The 2,450-person capacity of Riverside Theater will host the crowd of the SatchVai Band on Tuesday, 5th May 2026. A historic concert hall in Milwaukee, it is a top-tier choice of venue for famous performers and has been favored by attendees for its excellent sightlines, whether in the reserved seating portion or the general admission floor. Its highly praised acoustics will be perfect for the concert that Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have prepared for their audience!

Start selecting your seats as early as today by clicking the buy now button above!