Steve Vai - "Blue Powder" (Live At The Astoria)

Steve Vai performs "Blue Powder" from the 2-disc DVD "Live At The Astoria, London" filmed over two nights on December 6 & 7, 2001.
Joining Steve on stage are Billy Sheehan on bass; Tony MacAlpine on guitar and keyboards; Dave Weiner on 7-string guitar; and Virgil Donati on drums.
With approximately 4 hours of content, the "Live At The Astoria" is a must-have for any Vai fan. The 2-disc DVD contains live footage of 21 songs, along with backstage and behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with band members, band biographies, the Vai discography and Los Angeles rehearsal footage.
Steve Vai - "Live At The Astoria, London" is available through all major music retailers such as Amazon.com, and also through the official Steve Vai website:
www.vai.com
www.myspace.com...

[@Sickofsociety1]

I mean, PASSION & warfare....... To this day is such a feast for the ears and mental well-being.

[@funkdoktor9099]

Fucking love Blue Puwder. The change is one of the greatest drops in all.of musical history.

[@robinwatson4282]

Hahahahahahahahaha...

[@thomasfalls7696]

I'm telling you he was sent to earth to keep all guitar players egos in check and then some

[@yes3310]

Nah he's here to teach us alien love secrets

[@thomasfalls7696]

God's stage name is Vai

[@sabianharris8201]

What scares me is that this sounds EXACTLY like the studio version..This dude is on a whole nother level period

[@Fazman81]

Sabian Harris Actually it sounds better!

[@glennhecker4422]

Personally, I'm not even sure if he's from the same planet as the rest of us! (God only made one Steve Vai; that's for sure!) This is definitely on another level. I have this DVD and enjoy it quite a bit.

[@TheArchitect216]

sounds better

[@luiscadcam1]

and the band too.

[@mtbse789]

So true. Or better. Pink Floyd is the same way.

[@timotot123]

I don't throw around the term "genius" very often , but I have no other word to describe what we just saw here. What an amazingly innovative and experimental guitarist with killer musical instinct, and a technique that is most probably unequaled anywhere on the planet

[@wiz9496]

You see it too, huh? He's hands down, the best I've ever seen.

[@ermack91]

+Tim O'donnell yeah, and he compose this song in the 80's, sick.

[@LouisMinett]

Saw him live the night before last and I can confirm .. This is 100% true EASILY the best performer I have ever seen in my life.

[@timotot123]

Very lucky man Louis Minett​!!

[@LordPrutsikas]

Genius is 1 in 100....Steve Vai is one in a billion.....

[@alberthofmann5195]

this guy has brought guitar instrument to such a high level of creativity.. especially in this song.. what a genius

[@robinwatson4282]

I beg to differ. It's wank if it doesn't have a tune behind it. How many volume swells, shredding, and harmonic histrionics does anyone need in a lifetime?

[@vincentmoon9187]

@@robinwatson4282 I'm not the biggest fan of Vai but I reckon this piece is very musical, one of his best...

[@NeilRaouf]

steve plays like a kid with a toy. innocent and curious and full of surprises! an exceptional artist! i bow for you, SV

[@richardtaylor8595]

Stevie is one the best guitarist ever. I bow down to this guitar God. Amen.

[@atyt11]

My life was changed in 1986 when "Blue powder" was released as 45 vinyl inside my guitar player magazine. My favorite Vai composition. Many still do not fully understand Vai. His genius is beyond us mere mortals. Truly a pioneer for the electric guitar, one of the greatest.

[@brucejacquesStick]

I still have the soundpage, mind was completely blown 😮& I think Michael Hedges was on the other side!!

[@Conkee1711]

I still remember the day I peeled that out of the magazine at our high school library. I look it home and put it on the turntable not expecting much. My ears could not process what they were hearing.

[@jcpdloco]

he is a visual effect as much as a musical effect....love it!!

[@queentobe6721]

jay yazzie He IS hot

[@pyrotfboba]

Both Vai and Sheehan are amazing. :)

[@Parrish_Muhoberac]

Yeah man, I was waiting for someone to mention Sheehan and how great he is, too... Thanks for that. Hey, VERNON REID from LIVING COLOUR is the only guitarist I know that equals Steve, but in different, yet quite similar ways.

[@thomasfalls7696]

Don't forget Tony Macalpine is right there with them on keys and guitar

[@easterislandhead9579]

@@Parrish_MuhoberacMr Big playing their last tour with Living colour as support!!

[@jmatthews7228]

Best band he ever had. Billy, Tony, Dave, and Virgil ….what a killer group

[@eduardoguerrerogarcia6714]

You are rigth Best band

[@univox_guitar]

With MK and Mangini on the original G3 Tour was pretty awesome. ✌️

[@mrporter2u]

Hard to argue, but w/Devin Townsend, TM Stevens (RIP), and Terry Bozzio is in the conversation. Granted, Bozzio didn't tour with that band.

[@dvsdez]

Feelings from the heart and soul that words simply cannot express. Vai is in his own league

[@robinwatson4282]

I've got a word...shit.

[@dvsdez]

@@robinwatson4282 wasn't asking for your description of your guitar playing, but thanks for sharing it all the same 💩

[@robinwatson4282]

@@dvsdez Joe Pass

[@richtroxler]

Regardless of your particular favorite genre of music (I love Metheny and jazz basically), as a musician for more than 40 years, I can honestly say that Vai stands me on my head. His mastery of his equipment and his wide range of techniques sets him so far apart from his peers, it's not even a discussion. He utilizes every trick in the book flawlessly and his musical palette is tremendous. The guy is an absolute perfectionist. Simply wonderful.

[@Parrish_Muhoberac]

@richtroxler HEY MAN! Yeah it's just so incredible. Don't dismiss VERNON REID, though, from LIVING COLOUR. They came about years apart, and probably had never heard each other play, but there are some striking similarities. They both sound like as if TWO ALIEN BEINGs came to EARTH to show us all how it's meant to be done!! HAHA...

[@jspacone]

That’s pretty much how I feel. There are many players with astounding technique, but Vai also has a limitless vocabulary and unrivaled innovation.

[@irate772]

One of the best guitarists alive. I starting watcing him in the 80's when he was in FZ's band. Great technique.

[@Cwisiee]

This is not just an eyegasm, not just an eargasm, this is a soulgasm!!!

[@adam872]

You know you're good when you can have the calibre of these guys up on stage with you and willingly give you the spotlight. This has to be one of the better backing bands ever assembled in rock. I saw Vai with Mike Keaneally on keys/guitar and I think Terry Bozzio and it was utterly insane.

[@oltreglischemi4992]

accidenti !!!! Steve sei la miglior creazione di Dio !!!! oserei dire che Dio è in te !non solo per la tecnica ma per ciò che riesci a creare con essa !!!!

[@ronkooken867]

one of the only guitarist on the planet who can do whatever they want on the instrument

[@alexkenley1]

that was sick

[@pantsman0000]

i have never heard anyone make the guitar sound so beautiful!

[@Footballzeal]

I listened to this since last year august , it's still so tasteful , soul to me now , those effects , pedal , whammy , perfect match , steve vai unique style , nobody would make better cover than this

[@fredriklindkvist7809]

From the first time i heard it billions years ago until now. Still the best Vai song!

[@KBehrens1978]

I believe this is the best live performance of any one of his songs...period! Just plain in the zone!!!

[@ParkwayBurnsRed3]

greatest musician of all time

[@Megadethfan13]

this is probably my favorite song from steve vai and it sounds great live

[@deklee68]

Hands down.....my fav SV track✌🏼

[@GitarenEnBananen]

man this guy keeps amazing me every time with every of his songs that I hear.. there is just no other guitarist that comes close to his creativity..

[@mwils8609]

This song is so powerful and spiritual. Steve, if you improvised that solo with the bar, that was otherworldly, just thank you for making music and existing Steve, you have touched so many lives.

[@dmcgraye]

Yeah, this is fast becoming one of my favorite vai songs... and the bass part is the coolest of any song I've ever heard, seriously

[@AntiHero1996]

man, this is steve vai's channel. i have nothing but the utmost awe in the presence of this song (which is quite amazing, i might add).

[@TSpoon823]

It's 2020, we are all under quarantine from a previously unknown Coronavirus and I'm rediscovering one of my favorite Vai songs that I'd tried to learn how to play in high school. I failed back then if you were curious. Still, what a piece of art.

[@michaeljiggs2053]

So many great guitar players since the 60's to today. Steve is by far the greatest guitar player to ever touch a guitar. Whether or not you enjoy his music or not is a different discussion. Physically playing the guitar he's the best.

[@ZKE77]

if there is music with soul, it is the Steve Vai

[@emsaye]

This song and performance are beautiful

[@guitarmanrichard]

Thing is, I've been playing guitar for well over 40 years. I'm pretty good. I wouldn't get on stage with this man! The command of the instrument coupled with his creativity scares me! Damn i love the way he plays!

[@colheg3113]

Remarkable Outstanding and mind-blowing to to see this gifted genius at work .....!!!

[@CursedLemon]

I just love how when Steve Vai plays like this, it's like he's exploring the guitar right in front of you. No prescripted bullshit for Vai.

[@steitler212]

Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan are both amazing

[@Adipsia1]

Beyond the sublime.

[@Adipsia1]

'Konx om Pax' - 'Light in Extension'.

[@Adipsia1]

And as a male of the species, I love it that he's able to multi-task, controlling his guitar and eyebrows whilst having his hair-dried. He's a poser of the first-order, but his posing only seems to enhance his virtuosity.

[@Pat54guitares_Uku]

I love how your sounds are described openly when playing in their expressiveness. That makes me smile because that’s so genius, and only passion of music… Music is a living Art very well expressed here I think. 😊

[@SirSnipesalot93]

It not only keeps him cool, but it keeps him looking cool.

[@RushFanPix]

I love watching Steve play. Always a great show and great energy when the performer is having a great time and doing something he so clearly loves! One of these days, I have just GOT to get to a Steve Vai show... *yeah, I keep dreaming...*

[@Scott1305]

Apart from the fact that Steve Vai is one of the greatest guitarists I think I've ever seen on a technical level, he's also the most creative I've seen or heard since Frank Zappa.......which I suppose is fitting. Also, as a bass player myself, I can't decide if Billy Sheehan is inspiring or if I want to give up and turn my bass into a coffee table!

[@arizona6494]

No one can make a guitar sound this B E A U T I F U L.......in LOVE~ Thank you Steve Vai. I love your hands. Incredible man you are...!!

[@chuckbeattyo]

The best in human history already.

[@BOOLsheet]

Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, Tony MacAlpine, Virgil Donati & Dave Weiner...greatest line-up ever

[@sulivandavi]

The best version of this song ever

[@christophercarson7733]

This is Steve's best lineup saw this tour still one of the best shows I've ever seen every hair ony body was standing up

[@MissRockOn17]

Oh My God, This Video. I do LOVE forever. Steve Vai is my idol. This was the first video I get of Steve vai and it will be my favourite for ever

[@yancruzz]

Uma incrível performance de um artista que provavelmente será único no planeta terra. Fico imaginando, a que ponto a mente dele teve a criatividade pra compor essa musica de uma forma que consiga expressar um sentimento em uma guitarra, GENIO sem mais. Sem contar que ele faz a guitarra parecer a alma dele conversando com o publico. Inexplicável!!!

[@lukebalane9024]

Superb Steve Vai. One of Berklee College of Music's Best

[@SlickRick47]

Vai you are yoda to me...i have a overwhelmingly feeling you are not of this world

[@unowhavethebiggay1430]

Just like mr.buckt

[@EricJMyrick]

My favorite song by Steve no doubt!

[@kristiankumanov5732]

Steve Vai is on another level musician! Not everyone can understand his genius. This is not Slash or John Mayer :D

[@the2otaku822]

Kristian Kumanov amen.

[@ccasche5088]

Huge agree. No disrespect to others, but Steve has always had this genuine mystique.

[@LucaTalkinBout]

talking like slash and John Mayer are bad 🙄

[@andrewhowse2670]

Exactly

[@Pat54guitares_Uku]

Every musician is different with his personality, playing. That’s a question of affinities with hearing, loving and understanding a piece of musical work I think. And I agree that not every one can understand Steve Vai’s musics and sounds.

[@SmackDownBrown49]

Total awesomeness AND with my man Virgil Donati on drums this tops the perfection cake off wonderfully. Heaven eat your heart out.

[@albertocasaresrobaina4217]

my favourite song

[@dalanahouser7900]

+Alberto Casares Robaina mine too !!

[@albertocasaresrobaina4217]

and Sisters is another magic song =)..

[@Fazman81]

Mine too since 1998!

[@willgilkey8789]

Yeah! The best guitar player, best bass player and best drummer all rolled into one joint venture!!! Rock & Roll at it's best. Did I mention, this is the best rock concert video?!!!

[@PC-pb3tn]

masterpiece

[@canadianrocker93]

Steve my friend , you are a musical genius

[@4everPalmeirense]

ele é o melhor, sem igual...o mais criativo guitarrista

[@krollaostmedburger]

the clean tone in this song sounds like it comes from heaven

[@lindsaymcburney1367]

no genius is fitting for vai!!! he's the end all be all to me guys

[@leddrain]

totally right steve vai is a master of expression with facial and guitar ... son of a gun

[@medtekin]

3:02 Billy - Hey Steve am i playing well? Steve - You rock billy.. You rock!

[@lateforteenband123]

Fantastic song . . your awesome!!. .and your my guitar inspiration!. . thanks sir steve

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Still have the Guitar Player Magazine SOUND PAGE version from 1985. Different from the PASSION AND WARFARE version, but equally brilliant! I waited 16 years to hear him play it live...and he nailed it. Bravo. Jai Vai!

[@hatmanhg]

Steve Vai is probably one of our times greatest guitarists both technicaly and in making music!!! you rock man!! also billy sheenan must be one of the greatest bassists in the world right know... that's my opinion

[@JoaoSilva-wi9rh]

👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍🙌🙌🙌

[@Vojife]

No instrument can ever be better than the electric guitar

[@jamesha175]

the double-neck electric guitar is twice as better

[@rexgodland765]

@@jamesha175 triple neck

[@vojinljubisavljevic-origin2354]

Guitar is definetly one of the best instruments ever made.But each instrument is the best in it's own way.Guitar gives us powerful solos(i ain't talkin just about shred solos),kickass power and simular chords,pinch and other harmonics,and also if you use clean you get a unique and special sound.Violin has that classic unique sound that is the best in it's own way.If you combine more violins,violas,contrabasses you get such a dramatic sound.Like that,a piano also has unique sound.Humans voice is unique and kickass in it's own way.And if you combine all those and more instruments,you can get such godlike art.

[@robenhood7_517]

Heh try the kazoo 😏

[@sneed777]

the articulation that is possible with a guitar is present in no other instrument...except a synth maybe idk

[@markrodrigue6768]

So fine!!! He totally rocks the house down... Lead changes are just awesome!!! Such versatility!!! My inspiration definitely!!!

[@JAF2991]

OOOOooooOOOOHHHhhhhh!!!! fuckin damn! this is good!

[@peterhubek]

He expressed so many moods in one song. One of his best.

[@dimebagjosh2007]

I can't even process 3:12-3:17 with my dumb little head.

[@LordPrutsikas]

processing wont get you very far.....to really play these things you need to feel them.....

[@Stzar]

STEVE VAI ~ you are A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dapperdanman1956]

sending a prayer out for tony mccalpine who has cancer

[@tritone3284]

God bless him.

[@chambeet]

Didn’t know that. Sad to hear. Hope he’s recovered by now.

[@bubbahogg-buga4613]

looks like you healed him

[@marcelomartins1887]

Billy and vai are the best . Beautiful music

[@Joepepelombardo]

arf!! he said

[@hairman63]

!!!!!! More than amazing !!! LOVE the DVD!!! Awesome combination of topmusicians ... Steve, Billy, Virgil ánd Tony on one stage! And don't forget Dave ....

[@JaybeeDefiance]

Good music for the ufo in flight entertainment

[@urbsurbisf]

Thirty years since its release and it has not ceased to give me Chernobyllic goosebumps every.single.time. I used to have nightmares where I knew how to play this, and was in a pickle as in: where do I go from here? This is the limit of what is humanly possible 🙂 So, dear Steven, in the words of Eros Ramazzotti, grazie d'esistere ❤️

[@MaelstromTheDemon]

Vai.....bro's got an ego the size of the Sears tower but damn he's amazing on that 6 string!

[@karemare6426]

Steve being Steve, and having the time of his life :D I love it.

[@andyreasoner5289]

The beginning sounds like very nice blues riff and Steve easily could develope this using pentatonic in blues solo. So Steve is really very modest teling he don't fell blues well and don't play this or something like that :)

[@mattowen2749]

Andy Reasoner da fuk

[@DavidCrites07]

..I’m not understanding you

[@slitherlock]

many years ago these guys didn't even know each other...what we are seeing here are dreams of the young spirit coming to reality.

[@AntonioGazzaneo91]

nobody plays like him

[@quebuenaviola]

gilmour is better

[@jarrod4115]

@@quebuenaviola tf

[@RushFanPix]

Brilliant! "Soulgasm!" is my new favourite word... :-)

[@fredriklindkvist7809]

Vai's best compsition by far!

[@YECHNOMUSIC]

Wonderful. Can you beat that!.. you are from Planet called Vai.. no human can do this! Thats awesome music. Thank you Steve! Five Star *****

[@BluesMan88]

Billy Sheehan is to bass as Steve Vai is to guitar. Just amazing to see probably the best Guitar/ Bass Combo Together

[@Mofozofo]

R.I.P "The Astoria". One of the most popular theatres in music history

[@vintagesounds5150]

Awesome My Brotha Stevie Vai 🎶🎶🎶🏆🏆🏆🎸🎸🎸☮️☮️

[@diegoalejandrocostanzo7414]

This guy is of the another planet!!!!!

[@jakejackson09]

i dont think ive ever seen anyone play as clean as steve vai does live..... its amazing

[@DidooFilm]

Trust me - It floats by itself . The man is THAT great...

[@LesPaulSatriani]

i cant get enough of this song

[@klarkiiboy]

damn! all of them are good!! the bass is a kick ass!!!

[@jeremyswalley8625]

I took his little bar bouncing on the strings technique to another level!!

[@megadezhernandez.646]

I can listen to Vai all day long!

[@endezeichengrimm]

This concert needs a Blu Ray Remaster.

[@heryblax]

Finally, someone who thinks and understand the "guitar expression at the best". when I practice my gtr-playing at home, it depends on the feeling to make those faces (mind+heart connected) as a result of what you're playing. Not many people gets this. Only who knows and love guitar music like this.