Jam with Satriani and Vai in Helsinki, Finland: an unforgettable night!

On June 29, 2025, I had an incredible experience in Helsinki, Finland. I was invited by Joe Satriani to attend the show of the SatchVai Band tour, which also features Steve Vai, Peter Thorn, Marco Mendonça, and Kenny Arnoff. I had sent Satriani an email saying I’d be in the area and would love to come by to see the show and say hi. He replied inviting me to bring my guitar and jam with them. Of course, I said yes.

I arrived around four in the afternoon, went straight to the dressing room, and was warmly welcomed by everyone. The idea was to do a quick soundcheck, so I brought my guitar and played through Satriani’s own amp. Everything happened very naturally. Nothing super planned. It was just that vibe of: “You're around? Get up on stage with us.”

At the end of the show, they opened up space for a jam and we played the classic “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf together. It was a real guitar party — everyone taking turns with solos, enjoying the moment. One of those experiences you don’t expect much from but that ends up becoming a very special memory.

Beyond the music, there were great backstage conversations. We talked about everything — music, kids, daily life, health, culture, life between Los Angeles and Finland... Vai and Satriani know my work well, they spoke about my technique, Open Source, commented on my style... It was a genuine, easygoing exchange, without that distance that sometimes exists.

After the show, the vibe stayed chill. Piano in the dressing room, laughs, relaxed chats. I was there from around 4 PM until almost midnight. In the end, it was a night of music and connection, that happened organically and sincerely — and something the “15-year-old Kiko” could never have imagined experiencing.

There’s even a video of the soundcheck on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLiKtQQMdho/
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