SINGAPORE – The first time Steve Vai came to Singapore, back in 1997, the crowd at the Hard Rock Cafe - for that was where it was held (no, really) - pushed and shoved so hard, my photographer friend broke a camera lens. Vai even had to stop the show three of times because there was too much pushing and shoving - mostly from the security guys pushing back.

Here’s what he said on his website: “In Singapore I had to stop the show 3 times because the police were bludgeoning people in the front row. I was surprised that they all knew the words and were singing with me as they were getting trounced. Nobody was hurt, by the way. I talked to the government police afterward and told them that I was very concerned with the safety of the kids, the band, and myself and that they can’t be beating people just because they’re screaming and having fun. I was surprised by their response; they apologized and said they would have it under control next time and that they didn’t mean the kids any harm.”

Of course, we were all young then - and now we’re not, so the pushing and shoving at his upcoming show at the Star Theatre on March 21 will be diminished somewhat. Probably.

According to organisers LAMC, audiences can be treated to some of Vai’s classic hits, For The Love Of God, Tender Surrender, Racing The World, Answers and Gravity Storm (although my personal favourites are The Audience Is Listening, Ya-Yo Gakk and Bad Horsie and practically all the tracks on The Story Of Light).

When asked about his thoughts on performing again in Singapore, Vai said in a statement: “This band is as oiled and ready as ever. I’m playing and performing better and more powerfully than ever before. The concerts are powerful and uplifting and I’m ready to take it to Singapore and give the best show we can.”

The three-time Grammy winner has gone from being a guitarist in Frank Zappa’s band to being one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time. He also has his own label, Favored Nations, and established the Make A Noise foundation with Ruta Sepetys, a non-profit that provides funding for music education and programmes for young people who are unable to pursue these activities due to limited resources.

If you like your rock with lots of whammy and sustain, then the Star Theatre is where you want to be come March 21, 8pm.

Tickets for Steve Vai’s concert are priced at S$78, S$98, S$128 and S$148 go on sale from Feb 21 at all Sistic outlets. (If you have purchased a Singapore Rock Festival ticket, produce the stub at any Sistic outlet to receive S$10 off your Steve Vai purchase. Terms and conditions apply.)