Since T-Mac was brought up in another thread...

[Robert Burns]

I've seen T-Mac with Vai, he was great and he is a cool guy but Steve is clearly more advanced on a guitar and Tony seemed to be just a shadow... but what's worth mentioning is that Tony is a lot better pianist as he is as a guitarists... I mean he is really really amazing on the keys, a lot better than many acclaimed virtuosos.
I've also heard that he is a world class violinist.

**i agree with you..T-mac is a smooth monster fretboard wizard...but
has he made a deal with the devil like Vai? No! Vai is a much better showman...and his command of the whammy bar, is way better than T-mac imo. I like the Malmsteen comparison...T-mac does everything Yngwie does, only Better! Kudo's to Vai for not being having an Ego
so large that he cant share the stage with such an artist as T'.

[JC_Denton]

I've seen T-Mac with Vai, he was great and he is a cool guy but Steve is clearly more advanced on a guitar and Tony seemed to be just a shadow... but what's worth mentioning is that Tony is a lot better pianist as he is as a guitarists... I mean he is really really amazing on the keys, a lot better than many acclaimed virtuosos.
I've also heard that he is a world class violinist.

Here we go again MY friend good guitarist who also was at the very same stage, said exactly the opposite, that Tonys sound and playing was way better than Vai's.

If somone asked me i'd say i like TMac more but Vai has more different sides as a guitarst, Imo they are both as good. Tonys guitar work on Planet x album "Moon babies" was killer, and very original.

[thetroy]

There are a few moments of Vai's playing that I like as much as anything, but overall I'd rather listen to a whole album of MacAlpine's playing. He kicks ass on piano too

[Davey]

i met tony, when vai was playing here and i scored the interview with him (vai).
i was waiting to be let into the venue when tony steped out, headed my way and asked me, if i know where to find a taxi.. i told him that he has to be careful as to which taxi he goes into as they're a complete ripoff, to which he replies: what? fuck that man. want to go grab a beer? steve wont be out for another half hour.
so we had a beer and i met dave weiner and eric sardinas (who was opening for vai). only shame is, that i didnt have the chance to meet billy sheehan

http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a263/Igorin/Vai/