Joe, I truly had a really tough time working up my courage to write to you. The reasons for this are countless… First of all: I was really troubled finding the words, that would even be even partially suitable enough to express what I truly intend to wish you, and would make it sound the way I mean it to. I’ve failed to congratulate you last year at your fiftieth anniversary, and I’m really sorry about this. And I know, that what I’m about to say goes way to far of the true purpose of this message, which is to wish you: all the best in every possible way, to always be surrounded by health and true happiness, and of course by endless inspiration, leading you towards the creation of songs, that will continue defining the meaning of true rock and guitar masterpieces for many years to come. But I know that I had to do this. Since a long time I’ve kept asking myself: what should I say, and how should I say it to the person, whose magical musical creations and personal influence not only showed me the true power of the guitar, but also helped me survive and overcome the tragic events, that took place during the last two years of my life – the death of the person, that I loved the most in this world – my mother, who was forced to fight a hopeless battle with a brain cancer. It might sound bizarre, but one of the things, that kept me from falling apart after this, were exactly the magical creations of a living legend, THE MUSIC OF THE TEACHER, YOUR MUSIC! I’m perfectly aware, that this letter may never reach you, but I’ve decided to follow the advice of a very good friend of mine – “do not hold back the expression of your admiration and respect, first of all because they are sincere, they come from your heart and soul, and second – if you don’t do it, you can never call yourself “a true fan of Joe Satriani” and will never be able to forgive yourself for failing to say what you truly wanted to.” And finally, once again: happy birthday from a true fan and admirer: