Nice review, Paul. I'm not sure, but I think the drummer wears headphones to keep right with the metronome, because there may be pre-programmed sounds coming out somewhere. I haven't seen the concert, and I don't know if Joe uses programming during his shows, but if he does, then timing is everything, and someone needs to keep track of it. Otherwise, yeah, who needs 'em? Listening to the big game during the show?

I'm a guitar fan, and Satch is technically near the top as far as rockish electric guitar playing goes (God forbid I should get into another Rolling Stone Top 100 debate, but Vai is better), but the reason I really enjoy listening to his playing is his superb tone, his precision, his control of sustain and feedback, and his tasteful use of effects. I own a JS1000 Ibanez (one of his signature series - he uses a bunch of JS1200s, which are a little hotter pickupwise), and I just love the thing.

Unfortunately, I don't think he's much of a songwriter, and I wish he would team up with someone who is fer chrissakes. I had the same problem with van Halen/Hagar -- what a waste of guitar talent. But I'm sure Joe has it just the way he wants it -- total control.

Thanks Duane, I figured the headphones were for timing purposes, or to just hear yourself play better over all the other noise, but why can 99% of the other live drummers do just fine without them? I agree with you about Vai, I am a bigger fan of his playing style, but, just like with Satriani, I'd love to see him work with a singer/songwriter. Neither guy can carry a whole album with their songwriting.

You are certainly correct about Eddie Van Halen squandering his guitar talent during the last 15 years. The guy is still in his prime, so let's home he comes back with a vengeance this year. Don't even get me started on Jimmy Page!

Thanks for a great review. Satriani is an all time favorite.

Gotta love Satch. I don't think he is a bad song writter.

Yeah, have you heard that Eddy Van Halen is now doing the music for pornos?

Jimmy Page, hah, I laugh at that tool.

Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.

Thank you very much for this review! And for the link. I will definitely buy it!