Guitarists Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde and John 5, along with drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Billy Sheehan and keyboardist Derek Sherinian are joining forces to play a benefit concert for guitar and keyboard virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.
The Benefit for Tony MacAlpine will take place at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on December 12, featuring performances from John 5 & The Creatures, Wylde with Portnoy, Sheehan and Sherinian; Steve Vai and band, and culminating in an all-star jam with house band Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian, and featuring special guests.
Vai, John 5, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, and Joe Satriani have all donated personal guitars to be auctioned during the event. Renowned rock bassist Rudy Sarzo has offered private lessons as an auction item, and Simon Phillips has donated a signature snare. Tony’s gear manufacturers Ibanez, Hughes & Kettner, EMG, Ernie Ball, Source Audio and Voodoo Lab have also donated equipment to be raffled.
MacAlpine’s diagnosis comes on the heels of his wife’s diagnosis with breast cancer in June.
“Tony is a dear friend, an absolutely sweet human being and one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever worked with,” said Portnoy, “We are coming together to help raise money and awareness to help him fight his battle and come out on top!” Adds Steve Vai, “It’s a great privilege to take to the stage with my friends Zakk, John, Mike and Billy in support of our dear friend Tony. Tony has always been blessed with an exceptional talent and more so, he’s an exceptionally cool guy. It’s a great cause and will be a magical evening of guitar extravaganza.”
“Tony has been such an inspiration to me,” said John 5 “He is an incredible musician and an unbelievable talent. Please let’s all come together and beat this!”
“Tony is our brother. We look forward to making a historical night, and raising a lot of money to help our friend in need.” added Sherinian.
MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. Edge of Insanity, his classic debut album, was recently ranked by Guitar World magazine as one of the Top Ten Shred Guitar Albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including Planet X with Sherinian and Virgil Donati; PSMS (Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian); as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai‘s touring band, The Breed.
MacAlpine’s most recent album Concrete Gardens was released in May. He toured the US in June, but was forced to cancel tours of Asia, Australia, and Europe when his health deteriorated.
Tickets will be on sale starting November 7 at 10 am (Pacific Time) through LiveNation.com with all proceeds going to help MacAlpine and his family. A GoFundMe campaign will be set up for fans who can’t make the show, but still want to contribute. Doors will be at 7 pm with the show set to begin at 8 pm.
