Concert Review: SatchVai "Surfing with the Hydra 2026 Spring US Tour" from the Palace Theatre in Albany, NY

SatchVai "Surfing with the Hydra 2026 Spring US Tour" from the Palace Theatre in Albany, NY, on May 21st.  A large crowd attended the beautiful Palace Theatre. The venue is perfect for an act like this, featuring a big stage, tall ceiling and an acoustically great sounding hall.   I think it's great that they decided to form a band; this setup gives fans the best of what they both offer.  

The opening act Animals as Leaders also played a great hour-long set, featuring a very talented band of lead guitarist Tosin Abasi, rhythm guitarist Javier Reyes, and Matt Garstka on drums.  They used a variety of lighting effects to create a mystical, chilling experience that was enjoyable to watch but hard to photograph.   On a side note, it was great to see and hear actual amps on stage, as many bands are going ampless with today's newer technology! It was a really great, enjoyable show.

Most of the SatchVai set featured both of them on stage—trading solos and harmonized solos, and at other times they played their solo hits separately.  Obviously Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are some of the greatest most innovative guitarists to have ever played, complemented by a stellar backing band featuring Kenny Aronoff on drums, Marco Mendoza on bass and Pete Thorn on rhythm guitar.   

This 40 date tour started on April 1st and finishing up on May 30th.  That's an impressive tour length for these days, you usually don't see a tour run for 40 dates.   It was a really great, enjoyable show, and the opening act Animals as Leaders also played a great hour set.   On a side note it was great to see and hear actual amps on stage, as many bands are going ampless with today's newer technology!   Enjoy the photos - I had a blast photographing such guitar legends!