Joe Satriani at the Golden Gate Park (1991)

Live performance by Joe Satriani at the Golden Gate Park (1991). This concert marked the end of an era, but also memorialized Bill Graham in a manner that was fitting — a free concert in the heart of where it all started. The sad circumstances aside, this was truly a celebration of Graham’s life and as the poster for this event noted, it was to be a day filled with Laughter, Love, and Music.

After introducing his band members, which include Randy Jackson (now well known for his seat as an American Idol judge) on bass, and drummer, Denny Carmassi, as his rhythm section, the group launches into “The Crush of Love,” a pummeling instrumental workout, again featuring extraordinary guitar work from Satriani, while raising the bar for all the performers yet to come.

If after watching this video, somebody still says that Joe Satriani is a shreder without feeling, that person is a rock unable to feel anything. Joe Satriani is one of the best guitarists ever, not only for his outstanding technique but also for his incredible sensibility, groove and feeling.

Joe Satriani at the Golden Gate Park (1991)