G3 Tour to Return in 2018, Will Feature Joe Satriani, John Petrucci and Phil Collen

The last time I attended a G3 tour was in 2005, with a lineup of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci. Petrucci’s presence brought this particular boy to the yard: he was promoting his new solo album Suspended Animation, and I friggin’ loved that thing.

A press release tells us that Petrucci will return to G3 along with Satriani and Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen on the 2018 iteration of the tour, its first in North America since 2007. Petrucci’s return might be enough to get me out to G3 once again, and I’d wager it’ll mean great business for the tour by pulling in other Dream Theater fans, too. It’s been a while since Petrucci toured on his solo material.

Petrucci’s inclusion also invites the question: is he planning a new solo release? He’s hinted at it at various times over the past several years, but hasn’t provided any details. Perhaps now the time is right with Dream Theater in between records.

Satriani just announced the release of his own new album, What Happens Next, on January 12th via Sony/Legacy Recordings; pre-order that here. Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple/Black Country Communion) and drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot with Satriani) play on the record.

Collen’s addition to the bill is certainly interesting, too. I’ve always thought he’s a fantastic guitarist, but I’ve never heard any of his solo material… I don’t think he’s ever released any, although he’s been involved in plenty of side projects. What’ll he play? I’m curious to find out.

Dates for the tour haven’t been announced yet, but we do know it’ll begin January 11 in Seattle, WA and end February 25 in Milwaukee, WI. More info will be posted here soon.