[Nik]

Originally Posted by David

yeah, personally, I think MacAlpine can do better than that with his abilities, but to each their own.

Vai is a musician that is loads more financially successfull than Sherinian and gang and I'm sure he brings a lot more dough home because of being Vai's right-hand man.

[Kamin]

yeah, and he will get more exposure in vai's band than planet x, its not like that'll be his position until he dies...

[David]

Originally Posted by Nik

Vai is a musician that is loads more financially successfull than Sherinian and gang and I'm sure he brings a lot more dough home because of being Vai's right-hand man.

if it were about the money, or the fame and popularity nik, I wouldn't be playing this music... I think I'd have a $150 squire and be playing powerchords.

[Nik]

Originally Posted by David

if it were about the money, or the fame and popularity nik, I wouldn't be playing this music... I think I'd have a $150 squire and be playing powerchords.

Hey, I'm not saying I agree with what he's doing, but that'd be my guess. Plus, Vai is a pretty good musician, so if you can play with him AND rake in the money, then that's great.

I agree; I don't care about making loads of money or being famous. As long as I can earn a decent living and make the music I want, I'll be happy in life.

[Padraig]

Originally Posted by Mark. A

Ahh yes, leaves a great band to be a secondary player to Vai...what a life.

Yeah man, get your hands on Howe's hot licks video :O

Its all about the money. Your gonna make a much better living touring with Vai than being in Planet X. I'd say Enrique Iqlesias (or however you spell it) will be much higher on Greg Howe's list than Planet X as well.

[Oogadee Boogadee]

Tony gets to play guitar and keys on fun challenging music with Vai, touring the world, making more money, with full-on road crews and stuff... he gets to play toe-to-toe with one of the best guitarists in the world, in front of a larger audience than Planet X would ever get on their own, for maximum exposure, playing chops music that he digs. why not do it while you can?

[WayneCustom7]

Originally Posted by Oogadee Boogadee

Tony gets to play guitar and keys on fun challenging music with Vai, touring the world, making more money, with full-on road crews and stuff... he gets to play toe-to-toe with one of the best guitarists in the world, in front of a larger audience than Planet X would ever get on their own, for maximum exposure, playing chops music that he digs. why not do it while you can?

Fuck I would give my left nut just to re-string Vai's guitars, let alone share a fuckin stage with him...this is a no brainer!

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by David

yeah, personally, I think MacAlpine can do better than that with his abilities, but to each their own.

I think Tony MacAlpine is way too good for Vai IMO.

[noodles]

Vai's the kind of guy that is confident enough in his abilities that he lets his band step out. As a guitarist, I know I rather be playing next to someone who will constantly challenge me and force me to take it to the next level. You don't get much more challenging than playing with Vai.

[jacksonplayer]

Originally Posted by noodles

Vai's the kind of guy that is confident enough in his abilities that he lets his band step out. As a guitarist, I know I rather be playing next to someone who will constantly challenge me and force me to take it to the next level. You don't get much more challenging than playing with Vai.

And conversely, MacAlpine is certainly confident enough in his abilities that he doesn't feel like taking the Vai gig is a 'step down' or that he has to show off his ability 100% of the time. I recall he has said that he really enjoys the Vai gig and that it's not just a paycheck. Though I'm sure the paycheck doesn't hurt...

I also think there was more to his leaving Planet X than the money issues, but that's based only on my fuzzy recollection.