My Prog Hero – Inspiring the wider music world... Steve Vai

Steve knows a good guitarist when he hears one, and sings the praises of his fellow axe god, Berklee alumnus and nice guy, John Petrucci.

“I had a friend who turned me on to the prog of the 70s. It was sometimes a little heady and meandering for me, and I liked rock more. When I was at Berklee [College Of Music, in the late 70s] I got much more into fusion-y prog, and not long after that I met John, back when Dream Theater were brand new. I started to follow him, and he’s never ceased to amaze me.

“I’ve watched John progress through the years, and I’ve played with him [on the bill of Joe Satriani’s G3 tour], and he’s just a completely full, rounded, authentic prog demi-god.

“All the elements are in place. He has fierce, fierce technique, and I know what it takes to gain that kind of technique, and to withhold it. Discipline alone doesn’t do it – you need passion, you need to really want it and have a deep interest.

“He’s continued to evolve Dream Theater’s prog roots into contemporary times. When the seven-string guitar came out and people started tuning down, this whole subculture that emerged – djent, whatever you want to call it – and John really makes the most of that. The band’s prog has cerebral stimulation to it, and when he starts cutting loose on guitar, it’s fascinating. His chops and his choice of notes continue to grow, and he has stunning intonation, which is a big thing for me.

“John’s a very prolific guy too, very organized and professional. His last solo record [Terminal Velocity, 2020] has just got some crazy, stunning stuff on it, but one of my favourites of is actually An Evening With John Petrucci And Jordan Rudess [2000]. I think John had [an electric] guitar with a pickup on it so it sounded like an acoustic, and he could really rip on it, with Jordan playing the piano. It was a live recording – a great record.

“And, anybody that doesn’t get along with John Petrucci must be a really big asshole. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in this business. He’s great to tour with, funny, and very supportive of his fellow guitar brothers, including beginners. I’ve never heard him say a bad word about anybody. Don’t get the wrong idea – he’s a badass, but he’s a kind soul, a gentleman. With a big hairy face...”

—GRM