Generation Axe: Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt, and Tosin Abasi
Generation Axe is a guitar-centric supergroup featuring five of the most technically skilled and influential rock and metal guitarists of their time: Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt, and Tosin Abasi. The project, envisioned by Steve Vai, is a celebration of electric guitar mastery, blending styles ranging from neoclassical shred to blues-inspired metal and progressive rock.
Steve Vai
A three-time Grammy Award winner, Steve Vai is one of the most respected guitarists in rock history. He gained fame as Frank Zappa’s guitarist before launching a successful solo career with groundbreaking albums like Passion and Warfare (1990). Vai’s virtuosic playing, use of whammy bar theatrics, and deep understanding of composition make him a standout musician. He has also played with David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, and countless other projects.
Zakk Wylde
Best known as Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist and the founder of Black Label Society, Zakk Wylde is a modern metal icon. With his signature bullseye guitar, powerful vibrato, and mix of bluesy phrasing with heavy riffing, Wylde’s playing is instantly recognizable. His work on No More Tears (1991) and Ozzmosis (1995) solidified his status as one of metal’s most influential players.
Yngwie Malmsteen
A pioneer of neoclassical metal, Yngwie Malmsteen redefined shred guitar in the 1980s with his lightning-fast arpeggios and violin-inspired phrasing. His 1984 debut album, Rising Force, is considered a landmark in guitar history. Malmsteen’s blend of Baroque and rock influences has inspired generations of guitarists.
Nuno Bettencourt
The guitarist for Extreme, Nuno Bettencourt is known for his funky, rhythmic approach to shredding, particularly on songs like Get the Funk Out and Play With Me. His work on Extreme’s 1991 hit More Than Words showed his versatility beyond rock and metal. He has also played with Rihanna and other pop artists.
Tosin Abasi
As the founder of Animals as Leaders, Tosin Abasi is one of the most innovative modern guitarists. He revolutionized extended-range guitar playing with his 8-string technique, incorporating elements of jazz, metal, and electronic music. His unique approach has influenced a new wave of progressive metal guitarists.
The idea behind Generation Axe was to not just have each guitarist play individual sets but to create an immersive collaboration, where they would join each other on stage for extended jams and intricate duets. The tour setlists often featured:
Collaborative openings where all five guitarists performed together.
Individual performances showcasing each guitarist’s unique style.
Surprise duets and trio jams throughout the night.
A full-band finale, often with classic rock and metal covers.
The 2018 North American Tour included a stop in Kitchener at Centre In The Square on November 26, 2018. This tour was part of a broader worldwide series of shows that began in 2016 and continued through various iterations.
Generation Axe has released a live album, Generation Axe – The Guitars That Destroyed the World: Live in China (2019), which captures the energy of their performances. The album includes songs like “Highway Star” (Deep Purple), “Frankenstein” (The Edgar Winter Group), and “Hocus Pocus” (Focus) alongside solos from each guitarist.
Generation Axe was more than just a rock guitar show—it was a celebration of the instrument’s power and versatility. It introduced audiences to different styles of playing and demonstrated how five virtuosos with distinct techniques and backgrounds could come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
The tour was a must-see for any guitar enthusiast, offering a rare opportunity to witness five legends sharing the stage, pushing each other to greater heights.
