Each of the three currently available "G3" CDs has its merits, but if I were to pick the "third" player that fits most comfortably with Vai and Satriani, it's GOT to be John Petrucci. That's not a statement about the talents of Eric Johnson OR Yngwie Malmsteen...just an observation on the obvious chemistry found on "Live In Tokyo." Dream Theater...and John Petrucci by default...are part of the second wave, post-Yes / Genesis / ELP / King Crimson school of Progressive Rock. Because of that, Petrucci gets pegged by some as a "prog player" rather than simply a virtuoso guitarist. The jam on "Smoke On The Water" is red hot, as is "La Grange." The playing on "Foxey Lady" is explosive, but Satriani's monotone vocal takes a bit of the edge off. Events like this area always hit and miss, but this one hits so often that the misses are hardly worth mentioning.

John Petrucci comes first and plays only 2 tracks from his new Album, Suspended Animation 1)Glasgow Kiss and 2)Damage Control. The price is worth only these two songs. I am sure Petrucci sounds a lot lot better live, the trade mark feel in his playing that simply makes you sway your head. Since I have this DVD only once I have seen the whole show and for the rest of the million times I have seen only John performing those 2 tracks.

Vai comes second and Satriani in the last, both played their usual stuff.

In the end all 3 guitar virtuosos came on stage to perform Foxy Lady, the Hendrix classic and once again Petrucci's performance was really outstanding.

Buy this DVD, you won't be disappointed, that's for sure.

This is a great G3 live performance and a superb recording. John Petrucci's performance is mind blowing, even though he only performs two tracks from his new solo CD.

Petrucci in some ways outshines Vai and Satriani on this disc. I think his performance is most impressive when you consider that he is basically backed only by drums and bass - whereas Vai and Satriani are augmented with keyboards and extra (rhythm) guitarists. Petrucci manages to sound like several guitarists ... it's amazing how much sound he gets out of his guitar!

Don't get me wrong - Vai and Satriani's performances are fantastic as well. I think the biggest difference is, Petrucci's material is all new, whereas Vai and Satriani deliver previously released material.

If I was to make any suggestion to Vai and Satriani regarding future G3 releases, it is that they should take opportunity to introduce at least some new material to their fans in a live format. This would probably go a long way to increase the sales of these G3 releases ...

Aficionados of power lead guitar will not be disappointed with yet another live offering of G3, this time featuring what could be its most powerful and complementary iteration in Joe, Steve and John Petrucci. Petrucci's playing is simply wonderful, one of the few guys I know that can sweep pick and shred with the best, yet also knows how to bend a wire and produce a melody you can actually whistle along with...to wit, his infectious "Glasgow Kiss" track. Steve, the Jimi of our time, is his usual playful self and sounds more inspired than ever on this live album. Joe simply rules, especially with his weird, trance-inducing Doors-ian tune in "D" that precedes a chugging, kick-arse Up in Flames - his most powerful adrenalin-rush since Summer Song. The boys come together at the end with a classic rock setlist replete with jaw-dropping fretboard acrobatics. Highly recommend purchasing the DVD as a companion to this instant live classic!