Adrian Belew’s extraordinary touring celebration of his iconic ’80s collaborations with King Crimson has captured widespread attention and acclaim since its announcement last April. Guitar virtuoso Steve Vai recently indicated that Beat, the ensemble featuring renowned Tool drummer Danny Carey and legendary bassist Tony Levin, is contemplating the possibility of creating new music together. This prospect excites many fans who appreciate the innovative blend of talents.

During a recent interview on the UCR Podcast, Vai shared insights on the current mission of the band. “We discuss it regularly,” he mentioned. “Our immediate goal is to pay tribute to the remarkable music of King Crimson in the best way possible while performing wherever we can. However, this endeavor has a limited duration. After touring the globe, I wouldn?t want to repeat the experience indefinitely, as there are countless creative avenues to explore.” His words resonate with the inherent desire of artists to evolve and innovate.

Reflecting on his busy schedule, Vai explained that Beat is set to regroup in May for a series of performances across Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. As we conversed, he was engaged in reviewing video footage from their livestream concert held in Los Angeles last October. “I’m currently listening and working on that,” he said. “We are striving to create a video for future release.” This dedication to their craft shows the band’s commitment to delivering exceptional live experiences.

Additionally, Vai is celebrating the release of G3 Reunion Live, a new compilation of concert recordings marking the 2024 tour dates that reunited him with close friends Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson. Together, they recreated the original lineup of G3, which first toured in 1996. The latest live performances smoothly transitioned into further touring for both Satriani and Vai, who recently unveiled a new single titled “The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1,” along with plans for their inaugural collaborative album. This is a significant milestone, especially considering their extensive history of working together for 50 years without joining forces in the studio.

Vai expressed his admiration for Adrian Belew’s artistry while discussing the livestream footage of their Los Angeles performance. “Adrian Belew is an exceptionally unique artist,” he stated. “His acute hearing and intonation are remarkable, but his ability to generate distinct sounds from the guitar and seamlessly integrate them into a musical composition is extraordinary. I find myself in awe of him every night because he stands apart from everyone else I?ve ever collaborated with. Each artist is unique in their own way, but Adrian?s creative playground is truly unmatched.” His respect for Belew highlights the deep appreciation that musicians have for one another’s talents.

Vai also praised his fellow bandmates, emphasizing their individual contributions. “To fully appreciate Tony’s parts, you must listen to them solo,” he noted. “It’s simply fantastic to hear his unique approach on the Chapman Stick. Each phrase he plays carries a distinct personality. And what an incredible person he is! The same goes for Danny. While I was familiar with Tool and adored their music, witnessing Danny?s drumming firsthand is a marvel. He excels at tackling intricate rhythms, yet what truly astounds me is his ability to improvise without ever repeating himself.” These insights reflect the collaborative spirit that drives Beat’s musical endeavors.

Exploring the Future of New Music Creation with Beat

Looking ahead, Vai is enthusiastic about what possibilities the future may hold for Beat, even if it requires time to materialize. “Performing this music has been an evolving experience for us,” he explained. “Should we embark on this journey again, it would be exciting to introduce something new. We often discuss this potential. However, the core of our band is rooted in the King Crimson ethos,” he elaborated. “There are specific elements inherent to a King Crimson song. While we may not embody King Crimson in its entirety?I?m not Robert Fripp, and my musical perspective differs?we can draw from that legacy while developing our own unique sound.” His insights emphasize the balancing act of innovation and homage in music creation.

“This presents an enjoyable challenge. Years ago, when Adrian first invited me to join the band, it sparked an idea in my mind about the type of music I could contribute to Beat,” he continued. “I quickly began crafting a riff, recording it on my iPhone, which remained untouched until Adrian arrived years later. When I picked up my guitar and played it, he immediately said, ‘Alright, let?s keep that on the shelf.’ It is these organic moments of creation that yield the best results. We hope that our collaborative process will naturally evolve?this is just one riff I?m referencing. Once we open the floodgates of creativity, an abundance of ideas will flow, but for now, our energy is directed elsewhere.” His reflections highlight the organic nature of musical collaboration and creativity.

Listen to Steve Vai on the ‘UCR Podcast’