Recently, I reviewed the upcoming CD release of G3: Live in Tokyo, as it happens I have also been able to sample the DVD release of the same show. It is a pre-release copy, and as such does not have the final audio, or any extras, it doesn't even have menus. What it does have, however is the video of the performances.
So just to recap what is on the disk, in terms of the songs. John Petrucci performs "Glasgow Kiss" and "Damage Control." Steve Vai performs "The Audience is Listening," "Building a Church," and "K'm Pee Du We." Joe Satriani performs "Up In Flames," "Searching," and "War." Finally, there is the jam session featuring Jimi Hendrix' "Foxey Lady," ZZ Top's "La Grange," and Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water." If you want to read my review on the performances, please refer to my review of the CD.
The DVD is the way this show should be seen. Just being able to hear this trio of virtuoso's is a treat in and of itself, but being able to see them play, watching them make it look so easy, that is the way to go. Watching as John Petrucci takes the stage with fellow Dream Theater alum, drummer Mike Portnoy in tow, is great. I have seen him in person with Dream Theater, but this is the first I have seen him perform solo material, and proving he is the real deal next to the legends of Vai and Satch. Next up was Steve Vai, with one of the best bass players, Billy Sheehan, joining him. Vai was possibly my first guitar hero, he was the first solo player I had ever really listened to, and watching his fingers fly over the fretboard, and clearly having a good time in front of the crowd, was magic. Not to mention his assist of Sheehan on bass. And of course, how could we forget Satch? I am least familiar with his work, but he is the elder statesman of the group, and founding member of the G3 tour, once again letting his fingers do the talking.
Article comments