“It Was So Close to Happening. Then Jeff Bailed at the Last Moment”: Joe Satriani Almost Signed Jeff Beck for G3—Before the Guitar Legend Suggested Prince Instead
The world of guitar virtuosos is filled with legendary collaborations, but one near-miss has left fans wondering what could have been. Guitar maestro Joe Satriani recently revealed that Jeff Beck was just days away from joining his iconic G3 tour, only to back out at the last moment. And if that wasn’t enough of a surprise, Beck had a jaw-dropping suggestion for his replacement—none other than Prince.
G3: A Celebration of Guitar Greatness
For those unfamiliar, G3 is Satriani’s brainchild, a tour that brings together three of the world’s most elite guitarists for a night of jaw-dropping solos, intricate shredding, and unforgettable performances. Since its inception in 1996, G3 has hosted some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, and John Petrucci.
Having Jeff Beck—a guitarist whose innovative style reshaped rock and fusion—on the lineup would have been an unparalleled moment in G3 history.
So Close… Then Beck Pulled Out
In a recent interview, Satriani shared the behind-the-scenes story of how Beck was this close to joining G3, only for the deal to fall apart unexpectedly.
“We were literally days away from getting Jeff Beck signed on for G3,” Satriani explained. “It was one of those dream moments where I thought, ‘This is really happening.’ But then, at the last moment, Jeff pulled out.”
Beck, known for his perfectionism and unpredictable nature, ultimately decided not to commit to the tour. While Satriani didn’t reveal the exact reason for Beck’s withdrawal, it’s widely known that the Yardbirds legend was selective about live performances and often avoided extensive touring commitments.
Beck’s Shocking Suggestion: Prince
Just when it seemed like the dream was over, Beck left Satriani stunned with an unexpected recommendation.
“Jeff looked at me and said, ‘You should get Prince instead,’” Satriani recalled. “I thought, ‘Wait… what?’”
It’s no secret that Prince was an extraordinary guitarist, though he was often overshadowed by his reputation as a pop icon. Many guitar enthusiasts, however, regard him as one of the most underrated shredders of all time. His performance at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where he stole the show with a breathtaking solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, cemented his status as a guitar god.
What Could Have Been…
Sadly, Prince never became part of G3. Whether it was due to scheduling conflicts, creative differences, or simply Prince’s unpredictable nature, the collaboration never materialized.
Still, the idea of a G3 lineup featuring Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, and Prince is something guitar fans can only dream about. Each brought a unique style—Satriani’s melodic virtuosity, Beck’s genre-blending innovation, and Prince’s raw, soulful expression.
Final Thoughts
G3 has seen its fair share of legendary performances, but the near-miss of having Jeff Beck and Prince on the same stage remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in guitar history. Even though it never happened, Satriani’s story is a reminder of how the music world is filled with almost-legendary collaborations that fans can only imagine.
Would Prince have said yes? Would Jeff Beck have changed his mind? We’ll never know, but one thing is certain—this would have been a G3 for the ages.
