The newly formed SatchVai Band, the electrifying collaboration between legendary guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, returns with their second studio single I Wanna Play My Guitar, out today (5/8), through earMUSIC. Featuring powerhouse vocals from Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion), the tune arrives just one month ahead of the band’s European summer tour, their first full run as a unified group.
Following the cinematic instrumental release of their debut collaboration The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1 (see the video here) in March 2024, I Wanna Play My Guitar adds another dynamic layer to the SATCHVAI catalog, blending hard rock, blues, and arena-sized energy. Anchored by Hughes’ unmistakable voice and backed by an all-star rhythm section, the song is a rousing celebration of six-string obsession and pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Directed by ZZ Satriani, son of Joe Satriani, the video for I Wanna Play My Guitar captures the electric chemistry between the newly formed SATCHVAI band and iconic guest vocalist Glenn Hughes. Watch the video below and stream the song, here.
“When I started writing this song I had no idea how important the contributions from Glenn and Steve would be. What they brought to the track made it all happen. My original idea was to have Glenn Hughes and Justin Hawkins do the vocals together. I got this crazy idea on the Monsters of Rock Cruise where Glenn and Justin were both performing. Unfortunately, when I got back from the cruise I tested positive for Covid and I entered into a 10-day fog, forgetting if I had sent the invitations to collaborate. When I finally recovered, I heard back from Justin‘s people that The Darkness was going to be releasing a record at the same time and he wouldn’t be able to contribute to the song, so, I sent a rough demo to Glenn and he was into it. I pray no one ever hears that demo of me singing into my iPhone!,” states Joe Satriani
“This song depicts all that Joe and I used to think about as teenagers. All of the things we loved about pounding rock ‘n’ roll and the glorious Guitar. It is an absolute phenom for us to be able to present to you now our teenage aspirations in this song. I remember those days and how absolutely exciting it was to play the guitar. Our whole world revolved around it as if it was a mysterious monolith, as it is, and I know that there are teenagers right now that are feeling the same thing about this sacred instrument when they play it. It feels like freedom and joy and I recommend everybody find some time in their life to PLAY THE GUITAR. And to be able to hear the mighty voice of one of our childhood heroes on this track, the great Glenn Hughes is more than the icing on the cake, enjoy!, adds Steve Vai.
Full Track Lineup:
- Glenn Hughes – Lead Vocals
- Joe Satriani – Guitars
- Steve Vai – Guitars
- Marco Mendoza – Bass
- Kenny Aronoff – Drums
- Eric Caudieux – Keyboards
- Background Vocals by Derek Day, Steve Vai, and Doug MacArthur
