Steve Vai, Tony MacAlpine: Steve talks about their relationship and how the guys met with guitarworld.com



Tell me about your relationship with Tony MacAlpine and how you guys met.

Back in the Eighties when there was this emergence of virtuoso-style guitar players, there was this handful of guys that had extraordinary chops and were always raising the bar. Tony was a part of that movement in a big way. He made some excellent records that really showcased his tremendous guitar finesse and virtuosity.

So I had always known of him, but it wasn’t until years later that we actually met. I was putting a band together and needed a guitar player who could also play keyboards, and I had heard that Tony could play some keyboards. I also knew having someone like Tony in the band would bring everything to a whole different level. It worked out great and we had so much fun. Tony’s a lovely guy and it was such a pleasure to tour with him. Some people are just naturally gifted, and Tony’s one of them.

So when Mike Mesker [Tony’s manager] called me about the benefit, I was completely on board. It’s since snowballed into what's going to be an absolutely incredible event to raise money to help Tony. There’s a tragedy in it, but there’s also the divine shining through from all the love and support he’s getting from everyone he’s worked with and who’s supported him.

Full interview http://www.guitarworld.com/steve-vai-discusses-tony-macalpine-benefit-show-upcoming-passion-and-warfare-remaster-and-next-vai-academy/25836


Steve Vai Feat. Tony Macalpine - Im The Hell Outta Here (G3, Live in Denver)



A Benefit Concert For Tony Macalpine: Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde & John 5
The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA

Sat, Dec 12, 2015 07:00 PM

Details: Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, John 5, Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Derek Sherinian
Please Note: Purchase your tickets at the Hollywood Palladium every Saturday from 10am-2pm


Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. Edge of Insanity, his classic debut album, was recently ranked by Guitar World magazine as one of the Top Ten Shred Guitar Albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including Planet X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati; PSMS (Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian); as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai's touring band The Breed. Tony’s most recent album Concrete Gardens was released in May.



Tony was hospitalized with severe stomach pains in August. After a number of misdiagnoses, doctors found a large mass in his intestine which they removed. Following biopsies, tests and a period where Tony became very ill after surgery, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Though the doctors were able to remove the tumor, he still needs at least 6 months of chemotherapy to ensure the cancer doesn’t spread. He was forced to cancel 2 months of international tour dates in Asia, Australia and Europe, leaving him unable to pay for his medical treatment. Adding to this already difficult situation, Tony’s wife was diagnosed in June with breast cancer, so it’s been a very rough time for them both.

Guitar legends Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde and John 5, along with drum powerhouse Mike Portnoy, bass icon Billy Sheehan and keyboard phenomenon Derek Sherinian are joining forces to play a benefit concert to raise funds to help with Tony's treatment.

The Benefit for Tony MacAlpine will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on December 12, 2015, at 7:00pm, featuring performances from John 5 & The Creatures, Zakk Wylde with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian; Steve Vai and band, and culminating in an all-star jam with house band Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian featuring special guests. Eddie Trunk will serve as master of ceremonies for the night. Tickets are on sale now.

Many fans who can't make it to the show, or are overseas, have expressed their desire to contribute to the benefit to cover Tony's medical costs, so we set up this GoFundMe campaign to help him. We are deeply grateful for all the offers of support Tony has received.

https://www.gofundme.com/BenefitForTony

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