What do you get when you put five of the greatest guitarist on the same stage, a sold out show at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. on a Sunday night. The Generation Axe tour stopped at the historic theater off of Pennsylvania Avenue on the April 24th. The tour features guitar greats Tosin Abasi, Nuno Bettencourt, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai. The show kicked off with all five guitarists jamming together before each of them breaking off to perform their own solo sets. One of the many highlights of the evening were Nuno Bettencourt and Zakk Wylde performing the cover of “Sideways” by Citizen Cope. Getting things started with the solo performances was Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders. Being born in Washington D.C. this was a homecoming show of sorts for him and the crowd greeted him with cheers through out his set. Best known as the guitarist for the hair metal band Extreme, Nuno Bettencourt was up next. He performed the song “Sideways” with Zakk Wylde which transitioned into Zakk’s solo set which included classic covers by The Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath, and Jimi Hendrix. Up next was legend Yngwie Malmsteen who got the crowd up on their feet showing them why he is the legend that he is. Closing out the solo performances for the night was Steve Vai. Before calling the three plus hour show a wrap all five guitarists returned to the stage to perform a cover of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star”.
