Steve Vai Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Guitar, Albums, Height, Movies

Steven Siro Vai also known as Steve Vai is an American musician renowned for his virtuosic guitar skills, innovative techniques, and contributions to instrumental rock.

A three-time Grammy Award winner, he has worked with artists like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, and is celebrated for his solo albums, particularly Passion and Warfare.

Profile

• Full Name: Steven Siro Vai
• Stage Name: Steve Vai
• Born: June 6, 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Carle Place, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Guitarist, Composer, Songwriter, Producer
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Parents: John Vai, Theresa Vai
• Siblings: Michael Vai, Lillian Vai, Pamela Vai, Tina Vai
• Spouse: Pia Maiocco
• Children: Julian Angel Vai, Fire Vai
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $14 million USD

Early Life and Education

Steve Vai was born on June 6, 1960, in Carle Place, New York, USA, to John Vai and Theresa Vai, descendants of Italian immigrants. The fourth of five children, he grew up with siblings Michael, Lillian, Pamela, and Tina Vai in a Roman Catholic household.

After graduating from Carle Place High School in 1978, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying music composition and theory.

During his fourth semester, he moved to California to work with Frank Zappa, later earning an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee in 2003.

Career

Steve Vai began his career in 1978 as a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa, transcribing complex works like “The Black Page.”

He joined Zappa’s band in 1980, touring until 1983, earning the nickname “little Italian virtuoso” for his “stunt guitar” parts.

In 1983, he moved to Sylmar, Los Angeles, built a home studio, and released his debut solo album, Flex-Able (1984), through his label Akashic Records (later Light Without Heat).

His composition “The Attitude Song” (1983) and “Blue Powder” (1986) gained attention in Guitar Player magazine.

In 1984, he replaced Yngwie Malmsteen in Alcatrazz, recording Disturbing the Peace.

In 1985, he joined David Lee Roth’s post-Van Halen band, contributing to Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986) and Skyscraper (1988), both commercial successes.

He designed the Ibanez JEM guitar in 1986, revolutionizing guitar features.

In 1989, he played for Whitesnake’s Slip of the Tongue and toured with them.

His second solo album, Passion and Warfare (1990), reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 and is considered a landmark in instrumental rock.

He formed a band in 1990 with Devin Townsend, T.M. Stevens, and Terry Bozzio, releasing Sex & Religion (1993).

Subsequent albums include Alien Love Secrets (1995), Fire Garden (1996), The Ultra Zone (1999), Real Illusions: Reflections (2005), and The Story of Light (2012).

He has toured with G3, Zappa Plays Zappa, and the Experience Hendrix Tour, and collaborated with artists like Public Image Ltd, Alice Cooper, and Polyphia.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @stevevaihimself
• Facebook Handle: Steve Vai
• Twitter Handle: @stevevai
• YouTube Channel: @stevevai

Personal Life

Steve Vai, 65, has been married to Pia Maiocco, a former bassist for Vixen, since 1988, whom he met at Berklee College of Music.

They have two sons, Julian Angel Vai and Fire Vai, and reside in Encino, Los Angeles.

A vegetarian and avid beekeeper, he sells honey through his Make a Noise Foundation to support music education for underprivileged youth.

He holds a black belt in karate, practices meditation, and reads spiritual literature.

Vai incorporates martial arts discipline into his guitar playing and uses a unique fabric-based method to visualize song structures.

He supports charitable causes, including music programs, and is known for his innovative “Seven String Jibboom” technique on a seven-string guitar.

Discography

• Flex-Able (1984, Album)
• Flex-Able Leftovers (1984, Album)
• Passion and Warfare (1990, Album, Gold-certified)
• Sex & Religion (1993, Album, with Devin Townsend)
• Alien Love Secrets (1995, EP)
• Fire Garden (1996, Album)
• The Ultra Zone (1999, Album)
• The Seventh Song (2000, Compilation)
• Alive in an Ultra World (2001, Live Album)
• The Secret Jewel Box (2001, Compilation)
• The Infinite Steve Vai: An Anthology (2003, Compilation)
• Real Illusions: Reflections (2005, Album)
• Sound Theories Vol. I & II (2007, Album, with Metropole Orchestra)
• The Story of Light (2012, Album)
• Modern Primitive (2016, Album, Passion and Warfare 25th Anniversary)

Filmography

• Crossroads (1986, as Jack Butler, Devil’s guitar player)
• Dudes (1987, performed “Amazing Grace”)
• Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991, music featured)
• Ghosts of Mars (2001, music featured)
• Live at the Astoria, London (2001, Live DVD)
• Visual Sound Theories (2007, Live DVD)

Net Worth

Steve Vai has an estimated net worth of $14 million USD. His wealth is derived from selling over 15 million records, including solo albums like Passion and Warfare and collaborations with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake.