Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Mike Portnoy, bass icon Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian and many more will perform at a benefit concert for guitar and keyboard virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.  

In addition to his long, successful solo career, Tony has also been part of several rock super groups including Planet X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati; PSMS (Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian); as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers.   MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai‘s touring band.

This past summer, Tony toured the US to promote his newest erlease (Concrete Gardens), but was forced to cancel shows in Asia, Australia and Europe.
The benefit concert will take place at the Wiltern Theater on December 12, 2015, (Doors will be at 7PM with the show time around 8PM – tickets on sale this Saturday, November 7, via LIVE NATION), featuring performances from John 5 & The Creatures, Zakk Wylde with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian, Steve Vai and his band and will conclude with an all-star jam including Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian, and  special guests.

Eddie Trunk will serve as master of ceremonies for the night.

Steve Vai, John 5, Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani will donate personal guitars for auction during the event.

Raffles will also be held Tony’s by gear manufacturers:   Ibanez, Hughes & Kettner, EMG, Ernie Ball, Source Audio and Voodoo Lab.

“Tony is a dear friend, an absolutely sweet human being and one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever worked with.  We are coming together to help raise money and awareness to help him fight his battle and come out on top!” – Mike Portnoy

“It’s a great privilege to take to the stage with my friends Zakk, John, Mike and Billy in support of our dear friend Tony. Tony has always been blessed with an exceptional talent and more so, he’s an exceptionally cool guy. It’s a great cause and will be a magical evening of guitar extravaganza.” – Steve Vai

“Tony has been such an inspiration to me,  “He is an incredible musician and an unbelievable talent. Please let’s all come together and beat this!”  – John 5

“Tony is our brother. We look forward to making a historical night, and raising a lot of money to help our friend in need.”  – Derek Sherinian

Tickets for the WILTERN are on sale Saturday November 7 at 10am PT through LiveNation.com, with all proceeds going to help Tony and his family. 

A GoFundMe campaign is in the works for fans who can’t make the show, but still want to help Tony.