Made Of Tears

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soul-stirring instrumental "Made of Tears" by Joe Satriani from his 2006 album Super Colossal for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, the ninth on the album, is a masterclass in emotional guitar work, blending Satriani’s signature melodic phrasing with a funky, heartfelt vibe. In a 2006 interview during the Super Colossal tour, Satriani described his albums as conceptual, with each song supporting a specific artistic narrative. For "Made of Tears," he aimed to craft a story through the melody, where the solo reacts to the song’s emotional core, evoking themes of struggle and resilience. Fans on platforms like Reddit have echoed this, with one cover artist dedicating their rendition to people worldwide facing poverty, war, and injustice, highlighting the song’s universal emotional pull.

Delving into the song’s creation, "Made of Tears" features renowned drummer Simon Phillips, who played on four tracks of Super Colossal, including this one. Satriani, in a podcast available on his official website, shared that the album’s recording process, which began around September 2005, allowed for creative freedom, with the band experimenting to capture the right mood. The track’s distinctive sound has inspired numerous fan covers, like one on YouTube, where a guitarist used an ESP LTD M-100FM electric guitar and Logic Pro X to recreate its funky essence. Another fan on Amazon noted tearing up the first time they heard "Made of Tears," praising Satriani’s ability to convey deep emotion without lyrics. The song’s live performance, captured on the 2006 Satriani Live! album at The Grove in Anaheim, further showcases its raw power, with over 9,767 Shazams recorded for that version.

Joe Satriani, born July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, began his musical journey as a self-taught guitarist, inspired by Jimi Hendrix and the vibrant rock scene of the 1970s. By his teens, he was already teaching guitar, counting future stars like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, and Larry LaLonde of Primus among his students. After moving to Berkeley, California, in 1978 to pursue music, Satriani’s reputation as an instructor grew, but it was his 1987 album Surfing with the Alien that launched him into the spotlight as a solo artist. This instrumental rock masterpiece became one of the first of its kind to chart highly, earning platinum status and establishing Satriani as a guitar virtuoso. His innovative style, blending technical prowess with melodic storytelling, has since garnered 15 Grammy nominations and over 10 million album sales, making him the bestselling instrumental rock guitarist ever.

Satriani’s career expanded beyond solo work. In 1988, he toured with Mick Jagger, and in 1993, he briefly joined Deep Purple, filling in for Ritchie Blackmore. He founded the G3 tour in 1996, a platform for showcasing guitar talent alongside peers like Steve Vai and Eric Johnson. His commitment to music education shines through his support for Little Kids Rock, where he’s helped raise funds to provide instruments and lessons to underserved schools. Satriani’s influence is felt across genres, from his work with Chickenfoot to collaborations with artists like Alice Cooper and Brian May. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares tour updates and new releases, like the 2024 Satch/Vai tour.

For Zoo Freaks craving more Satriani, fan communities offer a deep dive into his world. The Joe Satriani Universe website is a treasure trove of interviews, tour archives, and discography details. On Facebook, groups like the Joe Satriani Fan Group buzz with discussions about favorite tracks and live shows. These platforms reflect the passion of fans who’ve followed Satriani’s 35-year career, from his early days teaching in Berkeley to headlining global tours. Whether it’s the emotive strains of "Made of Tears" or his sci-fi-inspired anthems, Satriani’s music continues to captivate, and the Zoo Crew is keeping that vibe alive for all the freaky listeners out there.