Rain (Live 2000)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew, spinning the righteous vibes of "Rain (Live 2000)" by the shred-tastic Vinnie Moore from his album "Vinnie Moore Live" here at THE ZOO radio station! This track, recorded over two electric nights at The Edge in Palo Alto, California, captures Vinnie’s blazing guitar wizardry during the tour for his album The Maze. Fun fact: the live album, released on January 25, 2000, through Shrapnel Records, showcases Vinnie with a killer backing band, including Shane Gaalaas on drums and Barry Sparks on bass, delivering a set that mixes fresh cuts with longtime fan favorites. One Amazon reviewer, who caught Vinnie’s show the day after this recording, was so blown away they bought all his albums on the spot, calling his riffs “gonzo” and noting the neo-classical and bluesy flavors in tracks like “Rain.” Another fan, a jazz bassist, picked up the album after a Berklee clinic, praising its video game-like energy and stellar songwriting, comparing it to a “futuristic nightscape.”

Digging into the vibe of “Rain (Live 2000),” the song’s neo-classical shred and soulful grooves make it a standout. Fans on Amazon have raved about the album’s crisp production, where every instrument shines, and Vinnie’s technical skill blends with heart. One reviewer, a guitarist of 12 years, called it a masterclass for players, packed with Latin tunes, blues, and ballads. Interestingly, some fans noted the album feels almost like a studio take, with Vinnie hitting a rare bum note, adding a raw, human touch to the live energy. The track’s progressive metal roots and Vinnie’s ability to weave melody into his shredding have earned it love from folks who dig both Joe Satriani and Carlos Santana, especially since Vinnie once recorded a Santana tribute track, “Se a Cabo,” earning a personal thank-you note from the legend himself.

Now, let’s rewind to how Vinnie Moore kicked off his cosmic guitar journey. Born on April 14, 1964, in New Castle, Delaware, Vinnie’s path to six-string stardom began at age 12 when he spotted a guitar in a JCPenney catalog and thought, “Hey, that looks cool!” After getting one for Christmas, he initially let it gather dust but soon started lessons with local teacher Mary Biddle. A year later, he leveled up with Nick Bucci, a jazz-rock player studying under Pat Martino, who taught him theory and exercises that shaped his style. By 14, Vinnie was jamming in cover bands, but his real spark came when he quit to focus on writing original music, recording demos on a 4-track. His big break arrived when he sent a demo to Guitar Player magazine’s Spotlight column, run by Shrapnel Records exec Mike Varney. This led to a 1985 Pepsi commercial (featuring just his hands!) and his debut album, Mind’s Eye, in 1986, cementing him as a pioneer of the ‘80s shred boom.

Want to keep up with Vinnie’s groovy universe? Check out his official website for tour dates, gear info, and more. Connect with him on Facebook, where his fan page has over 22,000 followers vibing to his posts. Follow his Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and guitar eye candy. On X, Vinnie shares updates and interacts with fans, keeping the shred alive. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe, the Vinnie Moore Official Fan Page on Facebook is a rad spot to connect with fellow fans, swap stories, and celebrate his music. While no dedicated fan websites popped up in our radar, the Metal Storm community has a solid fanbase with 34 members digging his neoclassical and hard rock vibes. So, crank up “Rain (Live 2000)” and keep rocking with Vinnie Moore, Zoo Freaks!