The guitar GOD himself, Michael Angelo Batio (MAB) gave Wellington (NZ) metallers, and guitar enthusiasts a treat last night, performing LIVE in clinic.

not a "concert" per se, but a "clinic" format, complete with discussion, anecdotes, tales from an illustrious touring career "...still playing 3 shows a week..." (quote) some awesome shredding, and some hyperactive, and enthralling humour, from the man himself - this was an awesome experience. all this for $10!!!!!!

Michael Angelo Batio is all class, and committed himself to signing "any and all" autographs for die-hard fans, after shredding out classic excerpts including many "Speed Kills" mainstays. CLASS ACT.

Fucking awesome show from a true METAL legend.

any of you guys been to either that, or any other, MAB concerts or clinics?

Was any of this recorded for our viewing or hearing pleasure?

at least 50% of the audience was rocking cameras, phones etc. may want to check youtube over the next few days. hope someone got quality stuff. i would post my pic with him, but don't know how, plus, that would likely be frowned upon, i'd imagine?

I have an autographed MAB poster on my wall. He's a fucking killer guitarist. I'd die to see one of his clinics.

surprised he's not doing that shit in the US.(considering the above quote about playing 3 shows per week)I think a chain of Rock Music stores here brought him over. He's a pretty down to earth dude, full of enthusiasm, even after signing 200 autographs from 14 year old Marilyn Manson fans and the like.

He does do it often here, I'm just in a "shit-out-of-luck" type location.

can't be worse than New Zealand dude, but then again, Iron Maiden did just confirm that "Somewhere Back in Time Tour", albeit 9hr drive away from here.

New Zealand kicks ass as far as I know. At least you guys aren't known for your cows, corn, and Carhenge.

NZ is pretty sweet, just not for getting to see international acts. in that respect its shit. and if they do come, its usually just to Auckland (9hr drive-away from here). and do'nt be so sure about that, apparently NZ (according to many australians at least, has a reputation as a bunch of backward sheep-fornicators.

I've been to a couple of clinics. First one was a John Petrucci one while he was doing the G3 Oz tour a few years ago. It was really good except for all the stupid, stupid questions some members of the audience asked ("Can you play flight of the bumblebee?"). He said some funny stuff and hes just an awesome guy. Dave LaRue did a thing as well to start it off for bass which kinda interested me more (being a bass player). He's cool as well.

I went to Paul Gilbert clinic early this year and it was probably better than the John Petrucci one. Paul is just such an awesome guy, amazing guitarist. I never realised how tall he was!!! The worst thing about this was the amount of Ibanez promotion he had to do (fair enough).

I haven't heard much MAB and I don't have any of his CDs or Nitro. I don't like him from what I've seen. He seems really cocky (more so than Yngwie). I mean 'quadguitar'? Just seems pretentious to me.

On a side note I have a Iron Maiden book (just a plan writing book with a hard cover) where I keep all my collectable things from concerts/clinics and signatures. I have signatures from John Petrucci, Dave LaRue, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert and Mike Portnoy. As well as Steve Harris' sweatband/armband.

He's not cocky at all. Just because someone plays something outrageous. I mean fuck, isn't playing guitar for an audience about showing off anyways? Why not do it TIMES FOUR!?!?!

My point is, he puts on great shows, and he has good abilities. That makes him cocky?

No his personality makes him cocky. From what I have seen on DVDs, youtube footage, etc, at least. I'm not saying I'm right. I'm just saying that's what I see of him.

From what I have seen he is actually the opposite.

I went to his clinic in Groton, CT a few months ago; the guy was pretty down to earth and damned amusing. I wasn't exactly 'blown away' but when all you listen to is shred and fusion in the first place, how ofter are you going to be really impressed?

I was astounded to find he was born in 1956 - I'd assumed he was in his 30s. To be half a century old and shredding like that is mind-boggling.

it was well worth it ($10) would recommending doing it even if you have to travel an hour or so. excellent stuff.

I am not really into just shredding and that, I just find it boring when entire songs are just guitar wankery. But still, it would be kind of cool to see someone like him play. And the price was more than acceptable.

I guarantee you he won't play anywhere within 5 hours from where I live.

EDIT: But now that I think about it, I missed the first 3 days of school, and drove 15 hours to see the Metal Masters tour this year. Heh.