Marco Mendoza Talks September 2025 UK Tour, Instruments And More

Aug 9, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Rockstarpix: Dalila Kriheli

Legendary bassist Marco Mendoza is heading to the UK this September for a string of very special, intimate shows following his return to the UK in 2025 as part of the Satriani/Vai band on tour this summer. He took time out of his busy schedule chat:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Starting to Play Piano with My Grandmother teaching.

When did you begin songwriting?

I’ve been writing ideas (Sketches of songs) for quite a while, but its until the past 10 to 15 years that a Got a bit more serious about it .

You have been touring as a member of the SatchVai Band across the UK and Europe recently. What has that experience been like and do you have any special memories/highlights?

Well we are still on that tour as I’m answering this, we are currently in Belgrade, on our way to Croatia…
Its been quite an Experience sharing the stage with Joe Satriani , Steve Vai , Kenny Aronoff and Pete Thorn. The catalog of both Satch and Vai is just amazing musically – Definitely a Highlight Of My Career .

You will be embarking on a headline UK Tour in September 2025. How are you feeling about the tour and do any of the venues/cities hold any personal significance to you?

Well I’ve been touring the U K for quite a while now .. With the Bigger Projects I’ve been fortunate to be part of, but playing there with my own music is quite rewarding. Its cool to show up and have Fans and friends show up to Support you and celebrate with you and your music. I love coming to the UK , I cant wait to be honest!!

Who is in your touring band and what do they play?

I have returning with me Drew Lowe on Guitar and Vocals, Session guitar player and a brilliant player and this time I will Have Nolan Richard On Drums and Vocals. Excited to see what we can do musically.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

There are so many to be honest but it all depends on my state of mind. I always try to deliver the lyrics with a commitment and let the songs take me where they can. But it also depends on the audience – how receptive they are and how familiar they are with my music and songs.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Orange County , Ca – Beautiful, Sunny, Peaceful and HOME !!!

How do you look after your voice?

I try my best not to talk that much during the travel or down time , Ginger , Honey , Lemon tea. But I also have learned to work with whatever I have for that day – sometimes when we do back to back shows my voice will change slightly but it can also work and have a different texture that I also dig sometimes.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I always like to think that in the 2 hours that’s we spend on stage that we bring a bit of joy , entertainment , and deliver messages that are Positive , Optimistic , uplifting and full of Hope!!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Right now I discovered BLACKSTAR BASS AMPLIFICATION and with my music, I recorded the Bass straight in with no effects so no pedals. Shure Mics as well.

Is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a song selection process?

That’s always a bit of a puzzle , but we manage to play and include the songs that are the favourites from my catalogue and then tip my hat to some of the big bands I’ve been fortunate to be part of in the past. But we try to keep it changing and moving as much as possible.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

The Beatles , Stones , Led Zeppelin , E L P, Stevie Wonder, all the Motown Artists, Weather Report , and ON and On and ON!! Yes we are working on it stay tuned to marcomendozaofifcial for new and updates.

What makes Marco Mendoza happy and what makes you unhappy?

Music , Family , Special people in My Life makes me Happy. Anger , Envy , Jealousy and WAR… makes me unhappy

Feature Image Photo Credit: Rockstarpix: Dalila Kriheli

Shoot for the Stars Tour 2025 – UK Dates:

Sept 17 – Trillians, Newcastle
Sept 18 – Molly’s Chambers, Birkenhead
Sept 19 – The Patriot, Crumlin
Sept 21 – Upstairs, Inverness
Sept 23 – Tunnels, Aberdeen
Sept 24 – Bannermans, Edinburgh
Sept 25 – Yardbirds, Grimsby
Sept 26 – Queens Hall, Nuneaton
Sept 27 – The Cavern Club, Exeter
Sept 28 – The Joiners, Southampton