The Generation Axe Tour roared into Jacksonville, Florida with strings and picks, with a cast of some of greatest talents ever to hold a guitar.

The historic Florida Theater in Jacksonville, Florida was the setting for what will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most amazing displays of diverse guitar talent ever to grace its stage at one time. An idea given life by guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Vai, the Generation Axe tour showcases the individual talents of Vai, Tosin Abasi, Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Zakk Wylde. Referred to as “A Night of Guitars”, the five along with a backing band of Pete Griffin (Zappa Plays Zappa) on bass and Nick Marinovich (Yngwie Malmsteen) on keys, and Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) on drums would shake the theater for three amazing hours.

The concert began with Abasi, Bettencourt, Malmsteen, Vai, and Wylde soon yielding to the stunning fret skills of Abasi as he filled the room with an incredible range and a sound resembling a soul itself speaking from the guitar. Abasi would be joined by Bettencourt; then Bettencourt would settle in for his own set. The individual performances would meld into collaborations with others as the floor was given to each to showcase their individual personalities and extreme talents.

In the three hours of ear blistering volumes, Malmsteen would sling and fling his guitars along with so many picks, that the guitar tech could barely keep him supplied throughout.

A duet of Bettencourt and Wylde covering Citizen Cope’s Sideways was an unbelievable vocal performance. Wylde with his familiar style of hard rock and metal continued to keep an already standing crowd on its feet. Wandering through the crowd on down all three aisles Wylde and his over the shoulder playing only further pumped up the crowd.

As Vai returned to the stage, the waters parted, and the crescendo of cheers was deafening. Whether solo, duet, or the full five on stage, the virtuoso evening backed by an incredible band was one incredible show not to be missed. It is the tour you feel like following around the country.

The show is part rock concert, part symphony, and all parts amazing. With rock, metal, funk, ballad, and instrumental anyone in the audience would be hard-pressed not to find a connection to the set list. So many surprises but expect to hear N.I.B. by Black Sabbath, Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix, Whipping Post by The Allman Brothers Band, Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group, Building the Church by Steve Vai, and too many more too mention.

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Tours dates are coming up in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Check for tickets to Generation Axe in your area.

Generation Axe Tour
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Tosin Abasi
Website

Nuno Bettencourt
Website

Yngwie Malmsteen
Website

Steve Vai
Website

Zakk Wylde
Website

About The Author

Photojournalist

Photography has always been part of my life. From the days of film back in the early 80s to present day digital. The view has always been the same...to capture an emotion, a moment, a feeling, or provoke a thought. Since the early days I’ve had the opportunity to capture sports, weddings, architectural details, wildlife, automobiles, landscapes, concerts, and portraits. Be it an album cover, advertisement, newspaper, magazine, gallery, or social media, my greatest joy comes from knowing someone loves my work enough to place it in their own home. That is true satisfaction...knowing that I have touched something deep inside another person’s soul. I am a native Floridian currently residing in St. Augustine, Florida. A proud graduate of Flagler College and a lover of music and small details that go unnoticed by most, I continue to explore the reaches of my own mind through writing, photography, and constant introspection.