Steve Vai and Martin Turner (formerly of Wishbone Ash) guest on episode 167 of One On One With Mitch Lafon.

In the episode's first interview, guitar legend Steve Vai discusses the upcoming Tony MacAlpine benefit show, his time with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Eat 'Em And Smile album, bee keeping, working with Ozzy Osbourne, his guilty pleasure desire to join the Alice Cooper band and much more. The second interview is with former Wishbone Ash member, Martin Turner, who talks about his new album Written In The Stars, classic Wishbone Ash albums, twin guitars and much more.

Quotes from the Steve Vai interview:

On Whitesnake: "I started getting full of myself and to David Coverdale's credit he tolerated it all."

On almost joining Ozzy Osbourne's band: "I love Ozzy, but can you picture me touring with him? I can't see myself playing Paranoid every night. When it came to the Ozzy thing, saying that it would be step backwards is too strong, but I'd done it. I'd been with the big rock stars doing that kind of thing. My instincts said, 'no no no'."

On wanting to play with Alice Cooper: "I would have to say yeah... I could do this for a while (like a tour). How cool would that be?"

Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde and John 5, along with drum powerhouse Mike Portnoy, bass icon Billy Sheehan and keyboard phenomenon Derek Sherinian are joining forces to play a benefit concert for guitar and keyboard virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.

The Benefit for Tony MacAlpine will take place at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on December 12th, at 7 PM, featuring performances from John 5 & The Creatures, Zakk Wylde with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian; Steve Vai and band, and culminating in an all-star jam with house band Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian, and featuring special guests. Eddie Trunk will serve as master of ceremonies for the night.

In addition to this extraordinary musical event, Steve Vai, John 5, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, and Joe Satriani have all graciously donated personal guitars to be auctioned during the event. In addition, Rudy Sarzo has offered private lessons as an auction item, and Simon Phillips has donated a signature snare. Tony’s gear manufacturers Ibanez, Hughes & Kettner, EMG, Ernie Ball, Source Audio and Voodoo Lab have also generously donated equipment to be raffled.

Tony’s cancer diagnosis comes on the heels of his wife’s diagnosis with breast cancer in June, making the situation even more trying for Tony and his family.

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

Adds Steve Vai, “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.”

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

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

Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. Edge of Insanity, his classic debut album, was recently ranked by Guitar World magazine as one of the Top Ten Shred Guitar Albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups 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 The Breed.

Tony’s most recent album Concrete Gardens was released in May. Tony toured the US in June to promote the album, but was forced to cancel tours of Asia, Australia and Europe when his health deteriorated.

Tickets are on sale Saturday, November 7th at 10 AM PT through LiveNation.com, with all proceeds going to help Tony and his family. A GoFundMe campaign will be set up for fans who can’t make the show, but still want to contribute.

Doors will be at 7 PM with the show set to begin at 8 PM. For tickets, visit livenation.com.