I first got into Vai by listening to the “Sex & Religion” record. Yes, I admit that I bought it because of Devin Townsend (there’s a true genius), but that album has been very influential on me and has opened my horizons. Not very many people mention that album because it is so different from Steve’s other works. It showed that Steve can write a complete album with a very progressive style. The lyrics are great and the other musicians (Townsend, Bozzio, Stevens) show incredible ability, but Steve is the mastermind who put it together. I now also own “The Ultra Zone” and “Passion and Warfare”. Steve has also shown me the light of Zappa, which is becoming a costly yet rewarding path. Steve’s work helped show me that there is good music besides heavy metal. I just regret that the “Sex & Religion” tour was a little before my time. I’ve heard stories of Steve and Devin onstage and would love to have seen that for myself. I’m a very new fan and I guess you can thank Devin for bringing my interest to Steve’s music. I’m going to see Steve for the first time in two weeks in Phoenix and I can’t wait…
Bud Lyding