The New G3 Lineup is: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and...John Petrucci of Dream Theater(?). That's right, John will be accompanied onstage by Mike Portnoy on drums and Dave LaRue of the Dixie Dregs on play bass. We have no idea what they'll play, but we do know that it'll sound amazing. Tour dates can be found at G3tour.com. In related News, Joe Satriani is slated to release a double-live CD recorded at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco, CA in December 2000. Also scheduled for release (date not yet determined) is a double-disc DVD of the same performance, plus non-performance bonus footage (backstage, etc). Eddie speaks out about Cancer "I'm sorry for having waited so long to address this issue personally. But, cancer can be a very unique and private matter to deal with. So, I think it's about time to tell you where I'm at. I was examined by three oncologists and three head and neck surgeons at Cedars Sinai just before spring break and I was told that I'm healthier than ever and beating cancer. Although it's hard to say when, there's a good chance I will be cancer free in the near future. I just want to thank all of you for your concern and support. Love, Eddie" Guitarist Steve Vai ' 79 honored at Berklee's Fall Convocation Boston, Sept. 12, 2000 - Rock guitar hero and Berklee alumnus Steve Vai '79 received honorary doctor of music degrees during Berklee College of Music's 2000 Entering Student Convocation on September 8. In accepting his doctorate, the honoree addressed students and helped welcome the Class of 2004, Berklee's largest-ever entering class, with over 900 students from 75 countries. Some of the college's most outstanding current students also welcomed new students with a concert featuring the music of the honorary doctorate recipient, including a medley of Vai's "The Attitude Song" and "For the Love of God". President Lee Eliot Berk recounted many of Vai's impressive accomplishments as he presented him with his honorary doctor of music degree. Vai's astonishing technical wizardry and hard-rock sensibilities have propelled him to hero status in the world of rock guitar. Shortly after leaving Berklee in 1979, he began his distinguished career as a guitarist for the legendary Frank Zappa. From this auspicious beginning, he went on to perform with David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Alice Cooper, Joe Jackson and others. He also released a series of solo albums, including "Alien Love Secrets" and "Passion and Warfare," that have become both critical and cult favorites, inspiring legions of devoted fans around the world. Vai addressed students after accepting his honorary degree, fondly recalling his time at the college. "My years at Berklee are probably the most cherished memories I have," Vai said. "You've got so much here. It really gives you the opportunity to create a community of musicianship that you won't find out there in the world." Vai said the friends he made at Berklee (notable among them is bassist Stu Hamm '80) have remained with him his entire life. Vai also thanked his parents for their longtime support of his musical career, starting with their ignoring neighbors' requests to turn down the volume on young Steve's amplifier. As Vai grew up, his parents continued to encourage his musical pursuits. "My father actually sold his life insurance policy so that I could come to this school," Vai told students. Immediately following the Convocation ceremony, Berklee students and faculty paid tribute to Vai by performing some of the songs that have played a pivotal role in their career. Faculty member Jon Finn and student guitarist Daisuke Kunita of Sapporo, Japan did justice to Vai's blazing guitar opus "The Attitude Song/For the Love of God." Founded in 1945, Berklee College of Music has been advancing careers in contemporary music for more than 50 years. The world's largest independent college of music, Berklee has a multi-cultural enrollment of more than 3,500 students, 40 percent of whom are international. The college's alumni include some of the most respected figures in contemporary music, including many multi-Grammy award winners. Press Release Satriani nominated for Grammy Until We Say Goodbye from Joe Satriani's 'Engines of Creation' has been nominated for a Grammy in the "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" category. Joe is up against Peter Frampton, Metallica, Phish, and Kenny Wayne Shepard. The 43rd Grammy Awards show is Feb 21. Best of luck to Joe! Eric Johnson releases Alien Love Child Grammy Award-winning guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson has always recognized that creativity is a sudden spark that needs to be cherished. Though chance provides the opportunity, it is care that preserves the special moment. Eric's new release, Alien Love Child - Live and Beyond, embodies the artist's belief in this, as it captures Eric's veritable rainbow of sounds as they were conceived before a concert audience. Along with Bill Maddox and Chris Maresh, collectively known as Alien Love Child, Eric Johnson takes a bold new musical step forward with a live record of all fresh material that displays the guitarist at his most inspired. As a recording artist and performer, Eric Johnson's body of work holds an important place in contemporary music. Fans and music journalists discovered his unmistakable technique and tone long before Eric became known to the world. Guitar Player magazine even went as far as featuring the then obscure musician with a cover story, with the byline "Who is Eric Johnson and Why is He on Our Cover?" He has gone on to grace the cover of every major guitar magazine, several times, and won too many Reader Poll Awards to list. To several generations of musicians and music lovers, there is no one in the world like Eric Johnson. Guitar World Do you have a worthy News story? Well, contact us and we'll consider posting your article here.