Guitar Legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai Reunite for Surfing With The Hydra 2026 Tour

Expect epic dual solos and shred mastery as the SatchVai Band hits the road with Animals As Leaders

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are reuniting as the SatchVai Band for a 40-date North American tour in 2026 called Surfing With The Hydra. The powerhouse lineup features Satriani and Vai on guitars, along with Kenny Aronoff on drums, Marco Mendoza on bass, and Pete Thorn on guitar. Special guests Animals As Leaders will provide mind-bending instrumental prog-metal support on every show. Fans can expect a full-band rock explosion with new material, beloved classics, iconic covers, and epic dual-guitar interplay.

Why it matters

The reunion of Satriani and Vai as the SatchVai Band is a highly anticipated event for guitar enthusiasts. The two virtuosos have not toured together since the G3 tours in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their technical mastery and creative chemistry on stage is legendary, and the addition of Animals As Leaders promises an unforgettable night of progressive instrumental music.

The details

The Surfing With The Hydra 2026 tour will feature a 40-date North American run, kicking off in April 2026. The setlists will include new material from an upcoming SatchVai album, as well as classics from Satriani and Vai's solo catalogs and highlights from their past G3 tours. Fans can expect a high-energy celebration of shred mastery, creativity, and shared history between the two guitar icons.

  • The Surfing With The Hydra 2026 tour will run from April to May 2026.
  • Tickets have been on sale since December 2025 through Ticketmaster/Live Nation and resale platforms.

The players

Joe Satriani

An American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected guitarists in the world.

Steve Vai

An American guitarist, composer, and record producer who is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and innovative musical style.

Animals As Leaders

An American progressive metal band known for their complex, technically demanding instrumental compositions.

Kenny Aronoff

An American drummer who has performed with numerous high-profile artists, including John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, and Melissa Etheridge.

Marco Mendoza

A Mexican-American bassist who has played with various rock and metal bands, including Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder.

Pete Thorn

An American guitarist who has worked with numerous artists, including Chris Cornell, Courtney Love, and Don Felder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tickets for the Surfing With The Hydra 2026 tour are on sale now through Ticketmaster/Live Nation and resale platforms like CapitalCityTickets.com. Fans can use the promo code CITY10 to unlock discounts on tickets.

The takeaway

The reunion of guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai as the SatchVai Band, combined with the technical prowess of Animals As Leaders, promises an unforgettable night of progressive instrumental rock for guitar enthusiasts. This tour is a must-see event for fans of virtuosic guitar playing and high-energy live performances.