After 23 wonderful years, announcing my retirement from the Steve Vai band. 🫶

[@DanteFrisiello]

I have so much love for you Dave!! Thank you for the mentorship and encouragement and for this incredible opportunity. You’ve left enormous shoes to fill, and I can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next.

[@OwenVickersGuitar]

Congrats on the new gig!

[@musclebalancesystem]

Keep the flag hi Dante..

[@larryrock11]

Dante! You are gonna crush it bro!!! I am looking forward to the tour with you up there!

[@DocGliss]

Congratulations, Dante! You're amazing and will get the chance to be even more so! I'm pretty sure it was you who chatted with us by the stage door after the show in Alexandria, Virginia. Can't wait to see you again, whenever that happens!

[@1310an]

Wow! That's incredible. Dave, I look forward to your next chapter!

[@wurm90125]

Professional. No drama. An example others should follow. Class all around. Best of luck Dave!

[@srv1959]

He is so lucky he gets to shut up.

[@wuke7219]

I still remember your early days of Riff of the Week. My wife and I are going to see Vai's Foshan show tonight, its unfortunate that you were retired from the band. Wish you all the best in the future!

[@driftless7134]

You're awesome Dave! Dante immediately gets points from me for the Hold Your Fire t-shirt.

[@MikeArchangelo]

Congrats Dave!! Will miss seeing you on stage with Steve but definitely look forward to seeing and hearing what’s to come!

[@leifhoffman6533]

Thanks for the 23 years Dave. You are an amazing musician and all around human being. It has been a fantastic journey watching you and Steve for 23 years. All I can say is Dante has some big shoes to fill. Can't wait to see what you've up to next.

[@rockinvida1960]

That’s how it’s done folks! Class acts all the way! 👏

[@itci_4678]

Thank you, Dave.. God bless you

[@HalfDuck]

Loved your playing ever since I got the Astoria DVD all those years ago

[@larryrock11]

I am so happy for you Dave! I can’t wait to see what your next chapter is! I teared up a little watching this just thinking about your stellar contributions to the Vai experience! You are so immensely talented and gracious! Thank you for always sharing your talent and wisdom! Dante will definitely crush it for sure! Godspeed my brother!

[@ayarsalazar]

Beautiful, we love you both!!!!!!

[@bryanm7953]

WOW! I had no idea this happened. I just started watching some Dave vids again after a couple years away from his music. Then this popped up. I am happy to say I saw them @House of Blues Chicago. I did the EVO Experience. I remember waiting inside downstairs at HOB for the start of the Experience and Dave just casually comes down the stairs and I noticed him first before anyone else. He stopped for a minute and was super friendly. During the show he got a solo spot and did an acoustic song which blew me away. Immediately after that instrumental I went to the merch table and bought his acoustic cd. Still love it!. Anyway it was the best concert experience Ive had. Dave you will be missed.

[@MK-tj5bf]

Such a nice atmosphere on this video. What can be more valuable than that Good luck to everyone

[@arspook6886]

Dave you got to do what most of us only got to dream about, not necessarily being in the Vai band, but just being able to tour the world as a musician, making a living doing what you love to do,....We just got to be weekend warriors playing locally a couple times a month, while working the day job,....I started playing guitar in 1979, after hearing EVH, while I was playing percussion in my local high school band, Played in bands all though the 80's to mid 90's,....now I just play in my guitar room, with all the guitars and gear I've collected over the years. It has been a lot of fun, my favorite hobby,...Ever the student,....Wish you the best!!!,......

[@susancorgi]

Oh it's been 23 years already wow time just flew so fast man. I wish Dave great adventures ahead man!

[@xguitar123]

Thank you Dave for all the music you write and played for Steve and as a solo artist. Good luck the future is in your hands. Rock on Dave.🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Lance37a]

I saw Steve and Dave last month and they were great. Good luck Dave.

[@RyanPMcGowan]

Oh man! I look forward to seeing more from you!

[@gerryk]

So happy I had the opportunity to see you play with Vai, Dave. It was a privilege. Best of luck in your future ventures.

[@tastjohn1889]

Keep on inspiring others, yeah 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@LeeCarlsonguitar]

Looking forward very much to see what's next for you Dave!!

[@thesabysingh]

All the best for your future endeavours. Looking forward to great music. Love from India!!!

[@jking195]

A Consummate professional always. Thank you and all the best in your future endeavours; musical or otherwise. Cheers.

[@kamaboko1]

WOW, 23 years already!!! What a ride. I wish you all the best in your new adventure.

[@onefourteen]

Cheers, bud. Thanks for the memorable moments 🍻

[@sammyboller]

Best of luck Dave!!! Will miss seeing you live with Steve, but cant wait to hear what you do next. Wishing you all the best!!

[@DrDan1406]

It’s probably completely over the top, but I am very emotional about your departure, Dave. As long as I consciously have consumed Steve Vai’s live music, it has always also been you as an integral part of the equation. On top of that, your wonderful albums “shove the sun aside” or “on revolute” have been a part of my personal guitar journey. So all the best, you are wonderful musician, and an inspiring person, and I’m looking forward to all the new music that you will bring us ❤

[@ChinoMagliba]

Loved the show last night at Napa, CA!!! 🤯🔥 you are all awesome!!!

[@maksyma8014]

thank you Dave for all these years and fantastic notes and sound! Thank you

[@jaythornhill]

Best of luck, Dave! Looking forward to seeing and hearing what you do next!

[@StataCom]

Dave, wishing you nothing but great success on your future endeavors. Congratulations to Dante. Honestly, when you guy's headed out on tour, some of us kind of had the feeling you were setting the stage for a graceful exit. Hope to see you in PHL and perhaps get to jam together again soon. You are an incredible, inspiring player, teacher, professional and a gentleman.

[@krasspenn]

This is such a beautiful thing to be able to move on so graciously. This is the way relationships should be

[@V3ntilator]

I watched Steve Vai with Dave in Norway a few months ago. Awesome show.

[@AllenGarrow]

I knew this would happen one day… saddens me but excites me to see such a talent and simply just a good human go out on his own. Dave you have brought so much to the music and the experience in the live shows! God bless you my friend and God speed in glide on the next chapter of your life!

[@shifushay]

Good on your new path Dave I love you both!

[@musclebalancesystem]

What next you good man? Thanks for the awesome memories with Mr Vai

[@DominicGaudious]

oh wow!!! Come to Orlando my friend, I'll take you to Disney for the day.

[@thesaj1110]

WOW I got very emotional watching this! As if I was the one who is leaving!! That’s crazy. Dave, you are a true gentleman, good luck to you in whatever it is you wish to do or not to do ❤

[@JimWelninski]

Dave, you’re an amazing musician and I’ve seen you play with Steve several times. I even have a pick you tossed into the audience. Thank you for the musical joy you’ve given me. I’ll be following you. Best of luck to you!

Dave, you rock! (Like you wrote to my copy of On Revolute years ago). Best of luck in your new journeys! I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next chapter.

[@kmohlal4876]

you will be immeasurably missed Dave! Cheers mate

[@siabamotv8901]

Love&respect to you dave,and Dante with Rush Hold your Fire T.shirt🤘

[@ottotheawesome5008]

I seen Dave on his first tour with via. Can't believe it's been 23 years. Best to you brother.

[@joec2639]

Best wishes on your new musical journey, Dave! So glad I was able to see you on tour with Steve several years back in Atlantic City.

[@Sunshine-ci6rf]

I'm so glad I got to see you in STL this last time, you kicked ass

[@soiimanager]

Good Luck Dave . we are Support Aways

[@carliniguitar]

It's been fun watching you with Steve through video and one concert in Portland a few years back. Best of luck on the next part of the journey. Keep getting PRS to build you sick custom guitars that I can drool over. Bienvenuto Dante!

[@mojamo1]

i still listen your song Ignition!!😊

[@timothy5974]

Best of luck to you Dave and your new adventure. I’ve seen you many times. ❤

[@charvel1apm]

Best of luck Dave 🤘🏼 🎸

[@Emoboijeffrey]

wow congrats Dave what a journey!

[@RodrigoRamirez-eq6gj]

Best of luck on your future endeavors Dave.

[@ericfarmer1815]

Class Acts! Best of Luck Dave.

[@MikeColors]

Thank you Dave, it’s wonderful to see you play and for shure, es increíblemente valiente dejar una banda de éxito como la de Vai para dedicarte a algo que realmente te llene ahora. All my love, i wish you the real happiness!!

[@ChristopherBown]

Wow, Good luck Dave! Have seen you and Steve so many times! Can't wait to hear your new stuff!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Good luck and may God bless both of you on your new adventures. Rock On!

[@l8tapex]

Pro's pro. Thank you guys for sharing

[@michaelmaier7262]

Congrats and thank you for being an awesome member of the Vai band, Dave. You're been rock-solid and awesome for Steve. I still say the Ultra Zone tour was the best I've ever seen Vai. I've also enjoyed talking and hanging with you when we could make it happen. God bless.

[@CraigEhredt1]

Congrats Dave! All the best in all of your future endeavors. Love that you and Steve announced this together so those who feed on, and breed, negativity can't. All the best to Dante too. He has a big spot to fill and will do a you proud!

[@thesasquatchchannel1934]

Good luck Dave W!!!!

[@PootTheBard]

I just saw the tour in Greensburg PA! It was a privilege and honor to watch you and Steve do your thing. I'm so thrilled for ya Dave and I hope the next step is a huge step forward :D

[@KSaw777]

Thanks for coming to Morgantown WV guys!! You guy changed the music scene the night of November 11th here in ways I can't even describe and I know that because everyone else here is saying the same thing as well. We needed this More then you guys will ever know!! Good luck to you Dave and we hope to see the rest of you again soon!!! From the entire WV METAL AND THE REST OF THE WEST VIRGINIA MUSIC SCENE!!....THANK YOU!!!

[@DocGliss]

Dave, you are such a brilliant musician and I'm so glad I've had the pleasure of seeing you perform with Steve a few times. Even got to meet you at Vai Academy 5.0! Best wishes to you always, wherever the journey takes you from here!

[@joeylodes]

Great luck 🍀 in your endeavors

[@JoelKaufman]

Glad to have seen you in Louisville on this tour. Best of luck with all of your future endeavors.

[@snifferx5002]

Such a nice move from both of you guys... Good luck to both of you

[@ErickGonzalesF]

What a moment, I'm grateful that I was Able to see you both perform in this tour when you played in Zurich, best of luck Dave!

[@mikel917]

Love these guys!

[@BriMcFly4444]

Was lucky enough to see you with Vai and as a solo act. Thank you for your time with Vai, your amazing videos on Guitopia, the live chats, and so much more. I'm excited to see what you do next.

[@philharrison5490]

Grateful to have seen you play last night in Louisville! Tremendous talent and a wonderful stage presence. Best wishes to you!

[@NickScottProducer]

I am honored to have seen you a couple of times touring! Hell yeah Dave, on to the next chapter.

[@silverbeetle]

Beautiful video - you've been a class act from day one. I remember your first tour of Australia... I guess it was the FIre Garden tour? You've been a rock (and rocked) ever since. All the best for your new adventure!

[@NeilTurnbull007]

That 23 years with Steve Vai will be incredibly & positively influential for the rest of your career . Wish you all the best for the future .

[@chrissommers805]

Dave, good luck on your new chapter! I count myself lucky to have met you at two Vai Academies, jammed with you on stage and even just hung out for lunch. You are uber-talanted as a performer and teacher and an equally gracious human being.

[@sebasanan9841]

Best of luck Dave!

[@SchmittycocoPop]

Too cool. Steve Vai would be an awesome leader of a band to work for. The love you guys have shines through. Thanks Dave for making the video. Best of luck with your new Journey!

[@danthegeetarman]

This is the way to do it. Very classy and quells all the rumor mill. 🤘🙌

[@OwenVickersGuitar]

All the best Dave. Your contributions to Vai's band have been incredible! I'm sure you will have great success with your next projects. Rock on.

[@LeafsFan47]

Good luck on your new adventures Dave! ❤

[@LavaMan60]

Dave you are one of the coolest cats out there, one smokin' accomplished guitarist, and I appreciate the backstage opportunities you and Thomas gave me on several occasions. Best of luck in your new musical endeavors and please stop by if ever in the Tulsa area. Looking forward to hearing new music from you!

[@FriscoFlame]

Thank You for all you've done, Dave! We all spent over 20 years loving Weiner! So glad I got to see you in Rochester and can't wait to see your next adventure

[@sfkhan570]

Good luck, Dave

[@DaveLovallo]

Thank you Dave for everything

[@worldofootballfc]

Hey Dave it’s Henry. You are an extremely wonderful person and a fantastic guitar player, thank you so much for all the times you’ve encouraged me after the jam with the vai band and these Amazing times at vai academy. Hope your next adventure is full of amazement. Absolute legend Dave! - Henry

[@zxcvmjg]

congrats on a great run!

[@AccuracySpeaks]

I'm very sad about the departure but want nothing but the best for you! Good luck on the new path before you! Thank you for many years of amazing music! I was recently very fortunate to have attended the Charleston Show, what an amazing performance, thank you!

[@rocknrollsingh7568]

amazing guys so positive.

[@kppCustom]

Wow! Congrats for the start of your next amazing adventure, sure it will be incredible. Thank you for so much amazing music, and entertainment. So grateful that I caught you with Steve in Australia a few years back, was an awesome show. You are such an amazing musician, I'm sure whatever comes next will be incredible. Love your On Revolute album, some amazing tunes.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Much love Dave! Saw you guys in STL at the Pageant last night, damn amazing show, amazing playing. Sad to see you go, best wishes. And btw, tell your guys techs they kick ass. Never seen anything like that, what a well oiled machine. Was awesome to see you guys play, and maybe even more awesome to see how they work. 🤘

[@carlpeters3815]

And the new guy is wearing a Hold Your Fire Tshirt - can't go wrong!!!!

[@goodmusemusic]

Awesome!!

[@2002turboz28]

It seems like such a short time ago I watched vid of you starting your career with Steve. You guys have been an amazing team. Thanks for all the years of inspiration and everything you do off stage for fellow guitar players. You truly are a class act man. While it will be very strange to not see you on the right side of the Vai stage, I wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life. Dante has some big shoes to fill. After seeing tour vids from this year and in person, I couldn't see anyone other than Dante being your successor.

[@musicbynaush]

All the best to you Dave! You are awesome !

[@robertjova5400]

Best of life Keep us posted here A tender surrender 🤔 Be well . Bob

[@mickywinters8451]

Missed you dave at the g2 last weekend in pompano beach :(

[@frguitar777]

Come on Dave, that background song make me cry

[@carliniguitar]

Not sure where you've been the past few months, but you should do a video on all of your PRS guitars!

[@HendryWong324]

best luck!

[@theupsidedownguitarist1476]

Sad times Dave! Steve and Dave are such a great team! Much like bon Jovi and sambora or Bryan Adams and Keith Scott, he's been a great backung. I got to see you together way back in 2006 in Nottingham UK and it was an amazing show

[@nyrckr]

I can honestly say im happy that you finally made the decision to leave the Vai camp and concentrate on your own music , looking forward to seeing you touring your own material yet again