John Petrucci
Encyclopedia
John Peter Petrucci is an American
guitarist
and songwriter
best known as a founding member of the progressive metal
band Dream Theater
. Along with his former bandmate Mike Portnoy
, he has produced
all Dream Theater albums since their 1999 release, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
. He is also a backing vocalist for Dream Theater.
Petrucci was named as the third player on the G3 tour six times, more than any other invited guitarists. In 2009 he was named the No. 2 Best metal guitarist by Joel McIver
in his book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists
. He was also named as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" by GuitarOne magazine.
New York
to an Italian American
family. He picked up the guitar at the early age of 8 because his older sister was allowed to go to bed later in order to practice the piano. However he decided to quit the guitar when his attempts to stay up late were unsuccessful. He would later pick up the guitar again at the age of 12 when his childhood friend and future Dream Theater
keyboardist Kevin Moore
invited John to join his cover band.
John attended Berklee College of Music
in Boston with childhood friend John Myung
(bass
), where they met future bandmate Mike Portnoy
(drums
). These three in addition to Kevin Moore, formed the band Majesty, which would later become Dream Theater.
While Dream Theater is what Petrucci is most commonly associated with, he is also a part of the project band Liquid Tension Experiment
and has appeared as a guest on several records by other artists such as the Age of Impact
album by the Explorer's Club
.
Petrucci has released a guitar instructional video, "Rock Discipline", which covers warm up exercises, exercises to avoid injury while playing, alternate picking, sweep picking, chords and other techniques for developing one's guitar playing. Petrucci also has a book named "Guitar World presents John Petrucci's Wild Stringdom", which was compiled from columns he wrote for Guitar World magazine, bearing that same title.
In 2001, John Petrucci was invited by Joe Satriani
and Steve Vai
to tour with them on the popular G3 guitar tour
, which exposed him to a massive number of new fans and inspired him to record a solo album. The album, Suspended Animation
, was released on March 1, 2005, and was made available for order from his web site. Petrucci also appeared on the 2005 and 2006 G3 tours, and in 2007, went on G3 tour again, this time with Paul Gilbert
and Joe Satriani
. In a recent video with Larry DiMarzio, Petrucci revealed that he's been working on a follow up to his 2004 album, "Suspended Animation" along with the new Dream Theater album.
Petrucci also wrote and recorded two instrumental soundtrack songs for a Sega Saturn
game titled Digital Pinball: Necronomicon
. Each track is roughly two minutes long and they are simply titled "Prologue" and "Epilogue".
According to the spoof
rock band
Nightmare Cinema
(the Dream Theater members changing instruments playing a gig) he got the "alternate stage name" Johnny James.
Dream Theater bandmate Jordan Rudess
revealed in an interview that Petrucci is a practicing Catholic
. He currently lives in St. James, New York
with his wife Rena Sands, a guitarist in the all-female heavy metal band Meanstreak, and they have 3 children, Samantha and Reny (who are twins), and Kiara. He is also an avid fan of bodybuilding
and dedicates much of his off time to weight training
.
He is a voting member of NARAS
.
' live album. Another example occurs in Dream Theater's live DVD 'Chaos in Motion', during the extended version of 'Surrounded'. Here, Petrucci incorporates the guitar solo from 'Mother' by Pink Floyd. The varied examples of this further demonstrate Petrucci's wide range of influences.
In addition, Petrucci is the only band member to have contributed lyrics to every album; he's written lyrics for at least three songs for every single album. These include, among others, the fan favorite Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper, the heartfelt The Spirit Carries On, the politically-charged The Great Debate and the epic In the Presence of Enemies. Furthermore, Petrucci has used real-life experiences for lyrical inspiration, which includes songs as The Count of Tuscany, A Nightmare to Remember, and Endless Sacrifice.
's backing vocalist since the Awake's Tour. His singing is much darker than James Labrie
's and is often used in bridges like "Solitary Shell", and in choruses of songs such as "Forsaken" and "In The Name of God". On the EP Wither
Petrucci performs lead vocals on an alternative, demo version of the title track. He had previously done his own vocals for "The Spirit Carries On". During live performances before the departure of Mike Portnoy
, he only sang small sections of backing vocals or harmonies.
Since the Train of Thought World Tour, John has used two footrests made by Patrick Slaats (who also designs Jordan Rudess
's keyboard stands), such that they are book-ends for his pedalboard. These are utilised whenever Petrucci plays difficult-to-play passages within his songs, as he practices using proper classical guitar techniques - meaning that he must rest his guitar on his left thigh when sequences get difficult. Before this, he used regular stage monitors to do this. He stated in the Live at Budokan DVD that he also has "spit shields" around his cabinets, in order to avoid getting them defaced by Mike Portnoy
's "gobs of goobers" (spat-out chewing gum). It would seem that this isn't used, now that Mike Mangini
is in the band.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
best known as a founding member of the progressive metal
Progressive metal
Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal originating in the United Kingdom and North America in the late 1980s...
band Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
. Along with his former bandmate Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy
Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as the temporary drummer for the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his drumming prowess and technical...
, he has produced
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
all Dream Theater albums since their 1999 release, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory is the fifth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in 1999. It is a concept album that deals with the story of a man named Nicholas and the discovery of his past life, which involves love, murder, and infidelity as Victoria Page...
. He is also a backing vocalist for Dream Theater.
Petrucci was named as the third player on the G3 tour six times, more than any other invited guitarists. In 2009 he was named the No. 2 Best metal guitarist by Joel McIver
Joel McIver
Joel McIver is a British author. The best-known of his 20 books to date is the bestselling Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica, first published in 2004 and selling close to 50,000 copies in nine languages since then. McIver's other works include biographies of Black Sabbath, Slayer, Ice...
in his book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists
The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists
The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists is a book by British author Joel McIver, published in 2009 by Jawbone Press and featuring a foreword by Glen Benton of Deicide. Foreign-language editions appeared shortly after the original English language version. It contained a list of 100 guitar players in...
. He was also named as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" by GuitarOne magazine.
Biography
John Petrucci was born on July 12, 1967 in Kings ParkKings Park
Kings Park is the name of several parks and locations:* Kings Park, Western Australia, a park near central Perth, Western Australia* Kings Park, New South Wales* Kings Park, South Australia* Kings Park, Victoria* Kings Park, New York* King's Park, Glasgow...
New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
to an Italian American
Italian American
An Italian American , is an American of Italian ancestry. The designation may also refer to someone possessing Italian and American dual citizenship...
family. He picked up the guitar at the early age of 8 because his older sister was allowed to go to bed later in order to practice the piano. However he decided to quit the guitar when his attempts to stay up late were unsuccessful. He would later pick up the guitar again at the age of 12 when his childhood friend and future Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
keyboardist Kevin Moore
Kevin Moore
For the blues singer, see Keb' Mo'.Kevin Moore is a keyboardist, vocalist and composer and founder of the Chroma Key music project. He is also a former member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater, co-founder of the progressive rock supergroup O.S.I. and has composed film soundtracks...
invited John to join his cover band.
John attended Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
in Boston with childhood friend John Myung
John Myung
John Ro Myung is an American bassist, Chapman Stick player and a founding member of the progressive metal group Dream Theater. He is considered a virtuoso player who is widely recognized for his technical proficiency....
(bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
), where they met future bandmate Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy
Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as the temporary drummer for the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his drumming prowess and technical...
(drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
). These three in addition to Kevin Moore, formed the band Majesty, which would later become Dream Theater.
While Dream Theater is what Petrucci is most commonly associated with, he is also a part of the project band Liquid Tension Experiment
Liquid Tension Experiment
Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock/metal supergroup, founded by Dream Theater's former drummer Mike Portnoy in 1997. The band has released two albums through Magna Carta Records...
and has appeared as a guest on several records by other artists such as the Age of Impact
Age of Impact
-Personnel:*James LaBrie – lead vocals*Bret Douglas – lead vocals*Matt Bradley – lead vocals*D.C. Cooper – lead vocals*Trent Gardner – keyboards, trombone, lead vocals*Wayne Gardner – electric and acoustic guitars, some bass...
album by the Explorer's Club
Explorers Club (artist)
Explorers Club was a progressive metal/rock supergroup headed by the Gardner brothers of Magellan featuring, among others, James LaBrie, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, and Derek Sherinian , Billy Sheehan , James Murphy and Steve Howe of Yes.Their first album, Age of Impact was released in 1998, and...
.
Petrucci has released a guitar instructional video, "Rock Discipline", which covers warm up exercises, exercises to avoid injury while playing, alternate picking, sweep picking, chords and other techniques for developing one's guitar playing. Petrucci also has a book named "Guitar World presents John Petrucci's Wild Stringdom", which was compiled from columns he wrote for Guitar World magazine, bearing that same title.
In 2001, John Petrucci was invited by Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani
Joseph "Joe" Satriani is an American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, with multiple Grammy Award nominations...
and Steve Vai
Steve Vai
Steven Siro "Steve" Vai is a three time Grammy Award-winning American guitarist, songwriter and producer who has sold over 15 million albums. Steve Vai is widely known as a flamboyant guitar virtuoso....
to tour with them on the popular G3 guitar tour
G3 (tour)
G3 is a concert tour organized by guitarist Joe Satriani featuring him alongside two other guitarists. Since its inception in 1996, G3 has toured most years and has featured many guitarists, including Steve Vai , Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Robert Fripp,...
, which exposed him to a massive number of new fans and inspired him to record a solo album. The album, Suspended Animation
Suspended Animation (John Petrucci album)
Suspended Animation is a studio album by Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, released on March 1, 2005 through Sound Mind Music. The tracks "Glasgow Kiss" and "Damage Control" have been played during the G3 tour, and are featured as openers to the 2005 DVD and live album, G3: Live in Tokyo...
, was released on March 1, 2005, and was made available for order from his web site. Petrucci also appeared on the 2005 and 2006 G3 tours, and in 2007, went on G3 tour again, this time with Paul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert
Paul Brandon Gilbert is an American guitarist. He is well known for his technical guitar work with Racer X and Mr...
and Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani
Joseph "Joe" Satriani is an American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, with multiple Grammy Award nominations...
. In a recent video with Larry DiMarzio, Petrucci revealed that he's been working on a follow up to his 2004 album, "Suspended Animation" along with the new Dream Theater album.
Petrucci also wrote and recorded two instrumental soundtrack songs for a Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
game titled Digital Pinball: Necronomicon
Digital Pinball: Necronomicon
Digital Pinball: Necronomicon is a pinball video game created for the Sega Saturn by KaZe in 1996. Only released in Japan, this high-resolution 2D game draws much of its graphical and audio inspiration from the metafictional Necronomicon.-Gameplay:...
. Each track is roughly two minutes long and they are simply titled "Prologue" and "Epilogue".
According to the spoof
Spoof
-General uses:* Parody by imitation* Satire, a literary technique of writing or art which principally ridicules its subject* Forgery of goods or documents* Spoof , a guessing game...
rock band
Rock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
Nightmare Cinema
Nightmare Cinema
Nightmare Cinema was a spoof rock band whose lineup comprised members of Dream Theater playing instruments other than their usual instrument of choice. During concert encores, starting on November 1, 1997 at the House of Blues in Chicago, Nightmare Cinema began their tradition of jamming on one...
(the Dream Theater members changing instruments playing a gig) he got the "alternate stage name" Johnny James.
Dream Theater bandmate Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess is an American keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment.-Biography:...
revealed in an interview that Petrucci is a practicing Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
. He currently lives in St. James, New York
St. James, New York
St. James is a census-designated place in Suffolk County, New York, United States. The population was 13,268 at the 2000 census. St. James is part of the Town of Smithtown, New York, located on the North Shore of Long Island. The zip code is 11780....
with his wife Rena Sands, a guitarist in the all-female heavy metal band Meanstreak, and they have 3 children, Samantha and Reny (who are twins), and Kiara. He is also an avid fan of bodybuilding
Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is a form of body modification involving intensive muscle hypertrophy. An individual who engages in this activity is referred to as a bodybuilder. In competitive and professional bodybuilding, bodybuilders display their physiques to a panel of judges, who assign points based on their...
and dedicates much of his off time to weight training
Weight training
Weight training is a common type of strength training for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. It uses the weight force of gravity to oppose the force generated by muscle through concentric or eccentric contraction...
.
He is a voting member of NARAS
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., known variously as The Recording Academy or NARAS, is a U.S. organization of musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its...
.
Guitar Technique
Petrucci is respected for his variety of guitar styles and skills. One of the most notable of these is his high speed alternate picking which, as he himself claims, requires a "strong sense of synchronization between the two [playing] hands." John is notable for frequent use of the seven-string electric guitar, which he states is used as a "writing tool", taking advantage of the extended range both for heavier riffing (The Mirror) and to play extended range runs as part of a solo (This Dying Soul). Petrucci has also been known to directly incorporate riffs and solos from other bands into live Dream Theater performances. For example, Pink Floyd's 'Have a Cigar' and Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' are referenced during the performance of 'Peruvian Skies' from the 'Once in a LivetimeOnce in a LIVEtime
-Disc two:-Covers and tributes:Dream Theater have often placed riffs or parts of other band's songs into their songs when playing live. On this album, there are several examples of this....
' live album. Another example occurs in Dream Theater's live DVD 'Chaos in Motion', during the extended version of 'Surrounded'. Here, Petrucci incorporates the guitar solo from 'Mother' by Pink Floyd. The varied examples of this further demonstrate Petrucci's wide range of influences.
In addition, Petrucci is the only band member to have contributed lyrics to every album; he's written lyrics for at least three songs for every single album. These include, among others, the fan favorite Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper, the heartfelt The Spirit Carries On, the politically-charged The Great Debate and the epic In the Presence of Enemies. Furthermore, Petrucci has used real-life experiences for lyrical inspiration, which includes songs as The Count of Tuscany, A Nightmare to Remember, and Endless Sacrifice.
Singing
Petrucci has been Dream TheaterDream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
's backing vocalist since the Awake's Tour. His singing is much darker than James Labrie
James LaBrie
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:...
's and is often used in bridges like "Solitary Shell", and in choruses of songs such as "Forsaken" and "In The Name of God". On the EP Wither
Wither (EP)
Wither is a single and EP by progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on September 15, 2009, it was their first EP since A Change of Seasons...
Petrucci performs lead vocals on an alternative, demo version of the title track. He had previously done his own vocals for "The Spirit Carries On". During live performances before the departure of Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy
Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as the temporary drummer for the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his drumming prowess and technical...
, he only sang small sections of backing vocals or harmonies.
Studio albums
| Album | Amplifiers |
|---|---|
| Majesty/When Dream And Day Unite | Randall Randall Amplifiers Randall Amplifiers is a manufacturer of guitar amplifiers, a subsidiary of U.S. Music Corporation. Its products are/were used by artists such as Chuck Schuldiner, Dimebag Darrell, Metallica, King's X, Nirvana and Anthrax... RG100ES |
| Images and Words | Mesa Quad Preamp, Mesa Triaxis/2:90, Marshall Marshall Amplification Marshall Amplification is a British company, founded by drummer Jim Marshall, that designs and manufactures music amplifiers, brands personal headphones/earphones , and, after acquiring Natal Drums, drums and bongos. Marshall amplifiers, and specifically their guitar amplifiers, are among the most... JMP1 for Metropolis Pt.1, Roland JC120 Roland Jazz Chorus Roland Jazz Chorus is the name given to a series of solid-state instrument amplifiers produced by the Roland Corporation in Japan since 1975. Its name comes from its built-in analog chorus effect, and its "pristine, clean sound" was often used in 1980s music by, for instance, funk musicians.The... for cleans |
| Awake | Only album to be quadruple layered. 2 takes using Dual Rectifier, 2 takes using Mark IIC+ |
| A Change Of Seasons | Mark IIC+, Mark IV, TriAxis |
| Falling Into Infinity | Dual Rectifier, Mark IIC+, Mark IIB, Mark IV, TriAxis |
| Metropolis Pt.2: Scenes From A Memory | Mark IIC+, Mark IV, TriAxis, Formula, Dual Rectifier |
| Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence | Mark IIC+, Dual Rectifier (for The Glass Prison) |
| Train Of Thought | Road King Series I |
| Octavarium | Road King Series I, Mark IV, Lone Star |
| Systematic Chaos | Lone Star, Mark IV, Dual Rectifier (for Forsaken) |
| Black Clouds & Silver Linings | Lone Star, Mark IV, Mark IIC+, Mark V |
| A Dramatic Turn Of Events | Mark V, Roadking II |
| Suspended Animation | Roadking Series 1, Mark IIC+ |
| Liquid Tension Experiment | TriAxis, 2:90 power amp |
| Liquid Tension Experiment 2 | Mark IIC+, Mark IV |
Live
- I&W Tour: 2 Triaxis Preamps (one for backup), 2:90 power amp, Mesa Abacus+Mesa Midi Matrix for switching
- Scenes From NY: Triaxis, Dual Rectifier, Mark IIC+, Mark IV, Formula Preamp, 2:90 power amps
- Live At Budokan: Road King Series 1 (x3), Lonestar (x2)
- Score: Custom Built by Mark Snyder "Nynya" Preamp, Formula Preamp, mesa 2:100 power amp, 4 Mesa 4x12's and 4 Mesa 2x12's. Midi switching by Steen Skrydstrup.
- 2005/2006 Octavarium tour: Road King (x3), Lonestar (x2), 4 Mesa 4x12's and 4 Mesa 2x12's (custom built with octavarium design). Midi switching by Steen Skrydstrup.
- 2005 G3 Tokyo: Dual Rectifier (x2) Road King (x2)
- 2007 G3 tour: Mark IV (x2), Formula preamp
- 2007 Systematic Chaos Tour: Mark IV (x2), Lonestar (x1), TC Electronic 2290, M3000, Eventide Ultra Harmonizer, Jim Dunlop rack wah & various stomp boxes. Midi switching by Axess Electronics.
- 2009 BC&SL Tour: Mark V(x3), 3x Mesa/Boogie Mark V, 1x TC Electronics C400XL Compressor/ Gate, 3x TC Electronics M3000, 1x TC Electronics 1210 Spatial Expander/Stereo Chorus/Flanger, 1x Eventide H7600 Harmonizer, 1x Dunlop DCR-IFC Rack Wah, 1x Keeley Modded Tube Screamer TS-9DX Flexi, 1x MXR EVH Flanger, 1x MXR EVH Phaser, 1x Axess Electronics FX-1 Midi Foot Controller w/ expander,2x Dunlop DCR-IFC Wah Controllers (one for pedalboard and one on center stage for solos), 1x Ernieball 25k Stereo Volume Pedal,1x Boss TU-2 Tuner
- 2010 Iron Maiden Supporting Tour: Mark V (x3), Dunlop Rack Wah, Fractal Audio Axe-FxFractal Audio Axe-FXFractal Audio Axe-Fx is an all in one electric guitar preamplifier/effects processor made by Fractal Audio Systems LLC., in Plaistow, New Hampshire. The processor is a two-space rack unit. The first version, called simply Axe-Fx, was introduced in 2006. Axe-Fx Ultra was introduced in 2008...
Ultra - 2011 A Dramatic Tour Of Events: Mark V (x3), 2x12 Rectifier Cabinets (x3), 4x12 Rectifier Cabinets (x3)
Since the Train of Thought World Tour, John has used two footrests made by Patrick Slaats (who also designs Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess is an American keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment.-Biography:...
's keyboard stands), such that they are book-ends for his pedalboard. These are utilised whenever Petrucci plays difficult-to-play passages within his songs, as he practices using proper classical guitar techniques - meaning that he must rest his guitar on his left thigh when sequences get difficult. Before this, he used regular stage monitors to do this. He stated in the Live at Budokan DVD that he also has "spit shields" around his cabinets, in order to avoid getting them defaced by Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy
Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as the temporary drummer for the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his drumming prowess and technical...
's "gobs of goobers" (spat-out chewing gum). It would seem that this isn't used, now that Mike Mangini
Mike Mangini
Mike Mangini is an American drummer, and the current drummer for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He has played for Annihilator, Extreme, James LaBrie, and Steve Vai, among others. He lectured at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is also known for his work as a session musician...
is in the band.
Discography
| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
| 1986 | The Majesty Demos Majesty Demos - Ytsejam Records re-release track listing :- Personnel :* Chris Collins – vocals on tracks 18-23* Kevin Moore – keyboards on tracks 18-23* John Myung – bass* John Petrucci – guitars* Mike Portnoy – drums; keyboards on track 6... |
The Original CD had no label. It was just for the students at Berklee Berklee College of Music Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip... . Ytse Jam Records then re-released the album in 2003 |
A rare CD recorded for Berklee College of Music Berklee College of Music Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip... with Kevin Moore as their keyboardist and Chris Collins as their singer. Ytse Jam Records then re-released the album as an official bootleg. They play a song of this album called Another Won on their 20th Anniversary DVD, Score. |
| 1989 | When Dream and Day Unite When Dream and Day Unite -The Killing Hand:The lyrics of the song describe a man who wakes up unaware of where he is. He looks around to see walls covered in names of people who have died. He wants to find out why, and travels back in time to find out... |
MCA/Mechanic | First Dream Theater Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would... studio album. |
| 1992 | Images and Words Images and Words Images and Words is currently ranked #2 on Digital Dream Door's list of the top 100 progressive metal albums of all time. Music critic Piero Scaruffi includes the album at number 8, just after Fear Factory's Demanufacture and before Sepultura's Roots, in his classification of the best metal albums... |
Atlantic/ATCO | Again with Dream Theater, introducing the new lead singer James LaBrie James LaBrie Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:... . |
| 1993 | Live at the Marquee Live at the Marquee Live at the Marquee may refer to:*Live at the Marquee , an annual music festival in Cork, IrelandMusic*Live at the Marquee *Live at the Marquee *Live at the Marquee ... |
WEA International | First Dream Theater live album. |
| 1994 | Awake Awake (Dream Theater album) Awake is the third studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on October 4, 1994 by East West Records. It was the last Dream Theater album to feature keyboardist Kevin Moore, who announced his decision to leave the band during the recording of the album.Much of the... |
EastWest | The last Dream Theater album with Kevin Moore Kevin Moore For the blues singer, see Keb' Mo'.Kevin Moore is a keyboardist, vocalist and composer and founder of the Chroma Key music project. He is also a former member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater, co-founder of the progressive rock supergroup O.S.I. and has composed film soundtracks... as keyboard player. |
| 1995 | A Change of Seasons A Change of Seasons -Credits:* James LaBrie – Vocals* John Myung – bass* John Petrucci – guitars* Mike Portnoy – drums* Derek Sherinian – keyboards-Chart performance:Billboard 200:* A Change of Seasons – #58UK Albums Chart... (EP) |
EastWest | Dream Theater EP, introducing Derek Sherinian Derek Sherinian Derek Sherinian is a rock keyboardist who has toured and recorded for Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiss, and Alice In Chains. He was also a member of Dream Theater and is the founder of the instrumental metal-fusion band Planet X... as new keyboard Player. |
| 1996 | Working Man | Magna Carta | A Rush Rush (band) Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart... tribute. |
| 1997 | Falling into Infinity Falling into Infinity -Personnel:* James LaBrie – vocals* John Myung – bass, Chapman Stick* John Petrucci – guitars, backing vocals* Mike Portnoy – drums, backing vocals* Derek Sherinian – keyboards, backing vocals-Chart performance:Billboard 200:* Falling Into Infinity - #52... |
Elektra | Last Dream Theater studio album with Derek Sherinian Derek Sherinian Derek Sherinian is a rock keyboardist who has toured and recorded for Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiss, and Alice In Chains. He was also a member of Dream Theater and is the founder of the instrumental metal-fusion band Planet X... . |
| 1997 | Dragon Attack | CNR Music | A tribute to Queen Queen (band) Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor... |
| 1998 | Guitar Battle | Viktor | Various Artists |
| 1998 | Liquid Tension Experiment Liquid Tension Experiment (album) Liquid Tension Experiment was released in 1998 by Liquid Tension Experiment through Magna Carta. The group is formed by John Petrucci , Mike Portnoy , Tony Levin , and Jordan Rudess . The album was written and recorded within one week of studio sessions.-Track listing:-References:... |
Magna Carta | Project with Mike Portnoy Mike Portnoy Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as the temporary drummer for the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his drumming prowess and technical... , Jordan Rudess Jordan Rudess Jordan Rudess is an American keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment.-Biography:... and Tony Levin Tony Levin Tony Levin is an American progressive rock musician, specializing in bass guitar, Chapman stick and upright bass .... |
| 1998 | Once in a LIVEtime Once in a LIVEtime -Disc two:-Covers and tributes:Dream Theater have often placed riffs or parts of other band's songs into their songs when playing live. On this album, there are several examples of this.... |
Elektra | 2CD recorded in Paris Paris Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region... , France France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... . |
| 1998 | Age of Impact Age of Impact -Personnel:*James LaBrie – lead vocals*Bret Douglas – lead vocals*Matt Bradley – lead vocals*D.C. Cooper – lead vocals*Trent Gardner – keyboards, trombone, lead vocals*Wayne Gardner – electric and acoustic guitars, some bass... |
Magna Carta | Explorers Club |
| 1998 | Wicked | The Orchard | Jon Finn Group Jon Finn Group The Jon Finn Group is a rock band formed and led by the Boston guitarist Jon Finn. The band plays instrumental progressive rock, sounding like a mix between Dream Theater and Dixie Dregs with a blues approach.... |
| 1999 | Liquid Tension Experiment 2 Liquid Tension Experiment 2 Liquid Tension Experiment 2 is the second album by the band Liquid Tension Experiment. The tracks were largely improvised with little rehearsal, and there are no vocals.-Track listing:-Personnel:*John Petrucci - guitars... |
Magna Carta | Second album with Liquid Tension Experiment Liquid Tension Experiment Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock/metal supergroup, founded by Dream Theater's former drummer Mike Portnoy in 1997. The band has released two albums through Magna Carta Records... |
| 1999 | Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory is the fifth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in 1999. It is a concept album that deals with the story of a man named Nicholas and the discovery of his past life, which involves love, murder, and infidelity as Victoria Page... |
Elektra | Jordan Rudess Jordan Rudess Jordan Rudess is an American keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment.-Biography:... as new keyboard player for Dream Theater, the band's first concept album Concept album In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing... . |
| 2000 | An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess is an album by fellow Dream Theater bandmates John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess . This album is unusual in being performed live by just these two musicians, and only guitar and keyboards... |
Sound Mind Music | A live album with keyboard player Jordan Rudess |
| 2001 | Feeding the Wheel Feeding the Wheel Feeding the Wheel is the fifth of many albums by keyboardist Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater and Dixie Dregs fame. Many other musicians perform on tracks on this album including Terry Bozzio , Steve Morse , and Dream Theater bandmate John Petrucci, who also worked with Rudess on Liquid Tension... |
Magna Carta | Jordan Rudess solo album, Petrucci is featured on guitar. |
| 2001 | Live Scenes From New York Live Scenes from New York -Disc two:-Disc three:-Personnel:* James LaBrie – vocals and percussion* John Myung – bass guitars* John Petrucci – guitars and backing vocals* Mike Portnoy – drums and backing vocals* Jordan Rudess – keyboards-Additional Personnel:... |
Elektra | 3CD recorded in New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... , U.S. United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... featuring Scenes from a Memory in its entirety. First Official live album (audio of the DVD Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York is a VHS/DVD release by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. It was released on April 21, 2001 by Elektra Records... with featuring extra songs) with Jordan Rudess. |
| 2002 | Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is the sixth full-length studio album by progressive metal band Dream Theater. It was released as a double-disc album on January 29, 2002 by Elektra Records... |
Elektra | Dream Theater's first studio double album Double album A double album is an audio album which spans two units of the primary medium in which it is sold, typically records and compact discs.... . Notably heavier than previous releases, containing more prominent guitar riffing and solos than previous Dream Theater records. |
| 2003 | Train of Thought Train of Thought (Dream Theater album) -Chart performance:* Billboard 200: Train of Thought - #53* Billboard Top Internet Albums: Train of Thought - #53* UK Album Charts: Train of Thought - #146* Norwegian Album Charts: Train of Thought - #9-Personnel:* James LaBrie – lead vocals... |
Elektra | Dream Theaters heaviest release to date. |
| 2004 | Live at Budokan | Atlantic | Dream Theater 3CD/2DVD combination recorded in Tokyo Tokyo , ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family... , Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... . |
| 2005 | Suspended Animation Suspended Animation (John Petrucci album) Suspended Animation is a studio album by Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, released on March 1, 2005 through Sound Mind Music. The tracks "Glasgow Kiss" and "Damage Control" have been played during the G3 tour, and are featured as openers to the 2005 DVD and live album, G3: Live in Tokyo... |
Sound Mind Music | John Petrucci's first solo album. |
| 2005 | G3: Live in Tokyo G3: Live in Tokyo G3: Live in Tokyo is another G3 live performance which featured John Petrucci along with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai in the 2005 G3 tour. It was released as double live album as well as DVD with extra material: G3 Soundcheck featuring commentary by Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci.In this... |
Sony | Plays on G3, with guitarists Steve Vai Steve Vai Steven Siro "Steve" Vai is a three time Grammy Award-winning American guitarist, songwriter and producer who has sold over 15 million albums. Steve Vai is widely known as a flamboyant guitar virtuoso.... and Joe Satriani Joe Satriani Joseph "Joe" Satriani is an American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, with multiple Grammy Award nominations... |
| 2005 | Octavarium Octavarium (album) Octavarium is the eighth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on June 7, 2005, it was the band's final release with Atlantic Records. Recorded between September 2004 and February 2005, the album holds the distinction of being the last album ever recorded at The... |
Atlantic | Dream Theater's last album with Atlantic Records Group. |
| 2006 | Score Score (album) -Disc two:-Disc three:-DVD:Tracks 1 through 8 feature Dream Theater alone. Tracks 9 through 14 feature Dream Theater and The Octavarium Orchestra.-Disc one:#"The Root of All Evil" – 9:32#"I Walk Beside You" – 4:10#"Another Won" – 5:40#"Afterlife" – 7:28... |
Rhino Entertainment | 3CD/2DVD recorded at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006 New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... , U.S. United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... for Dream Theater's 20th Anniversary. |
| 2006 | Blood of the Snake Blood of the Snake Blood of the Snake is the fifth solo album by keyboard player Derek Sherinian. It has contributions from Billy Idol, Zakk Wylde, Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, in addition to previous collaborators Simon Phillips, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony Franklin, Steve Lukather and... - Derek Sherinian Derek Sherinian Derek Sherinian is a rock keyboardist who has toured and recorded for Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiss, and Alice In Chains. He was also a member of Dream Theater and is the founder of the instrumental metal-fusion band Planet X... |
Inside Out Music | Played guitar on first track "Czar Of Steel". |
| 2006 | Loudspeaker Loudspeaker (album) Loudspeaker is an instrumental album by the guitarist Marty Friedman, released in 2006 in Japan, and 2007 in United States. It entered the Japanese national chart at #33... - Marty Friedman Marty Friedman (guitarist) Marty Friedman is a guitarist, well known for his tenure as the lead/rhythm guitarist for thrash metal band Megadeth, which lasted almost a decade... |
Mascot/Avex | Special guest guitarist on "Black Orchid". |
| 2007 | Systematic Chaos Systematic Chaos Systematic Chaos is the ninth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on June 4, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 5, 2007 in the United States, Systematic Chaos was the band's first release through Roadrunner Records, which was sold to their previous label... |
Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:... |
First album released under Dream Theater Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would... 's new contract with Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:... on June 5, 2007. |
| 2008 | Chaos in Motion 2007–2008 | Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:... |
A live album 3CD/2DVD documenting the band's 2007/2008 Chaos in Motion and Progressive Nation tours featuring several songs from the supporting album Systematic Chaos included extended versions of Take the Time and Surrounded and both parts of In the Presence of Enemies played as one song. Also features a medley of Trial of Tears, Finally Free, Learning to Live, In the Name of God, and Octavarium Octavarium (song) Octavarium is a song by progressive metal band Dream Theater, from the album of the same name.The song starts with Jordan Rudess using his Haken Continuum and his lap steel guitar, drawing references from Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", Tangerine Dream, Marty Friedman's Scenes, and... (using the final part Razor's Edge) titled Schmedley Wilcox. |
| 2009 | Black Clouds & Silver Linings Black Clouds & Silver Linings Black Clouds & Silver Linings is the tenth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on June 23, 2009 through Roadrunner Records. It is the band's last album to feature drummer and founding member Mike Portnoy before his departure on September 8, 2010. The album was... |
Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:... |
Released on June 23, this is Dream Theater's tenth studio album. Last album with Mike Portnoy, also recording of the last part of the Twelve-step Suite Twelve-step Suite The Twelve-step Suite , is a series of five songs by progressive metal band Dream Theater... dealing with Portnoy's alcoholism titled "The Shattered Fortress". |
| 2011 | A Dramatic Turn of Events A Dramatic Turn of Events A Dramatic Turn of Events is the 11th studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on September 13, 2011 through Roadrunner Records... |
Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:... |
First Dream Theater Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would... album with Mike Mangini Mike Mangini Mike Mangini is an American drummer, and the current drummer for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He has played for Annihilator, Extreme, James LaBrie, and Steve Vai, among others. He lectured at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is also known for his work as a session musician... on the drums. Released on September 13. |
Videography
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1993 | Images and Words: Live in Tokyo Images and Words: Live in Tokyo Images and Words: Live in Tokyo is the first home video release from American progressive metal band Dream Theater. It contains most of the band's performance from their August 26, 1993 show at Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo, Japan... |
First Dream Theater live DVD. Includes extended version of Take the Time. |
| 1995 | Rock Discipline - VHS | John Petrucci does a DVD on guitar warmups, tricks, exercises, and his gear. |
| 1998 | 5 Years in a LIVEtime 5 Years in a Livetime 5 Years in a LIVEtime is the second home video release by Dream Theater. The video contains a mix of concert footage, promotional video clips, and behind-the-scenes and interview footage from the five years in between the release of their previous home video, Images and Words: Live in Tokyo, and... |
The only live Dream Theater DVD with Derek Sherinian. |
| 2001 | Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York is a VHS/DVD release by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. It was released on April 21, 2001 by Elektra Records... |
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| 2002 | Rock Discipline - DVD | |
| 2004 | Live at Budokan | |
| 2005 | G3: Live in Tokyo G3: Live in Tokyo G3: Live in Tokyo is another G3 live performance which featured John Petrucci along with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai in the 2005 G3 tour. It was released as double live album as well as DVD with extra material: G3 Soundcheck featuring commentary by Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci.In this... |
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| 2006 | Score Score (album) -Disc two:-Disc three:-DVD:Tracks 1 through 8 feature Dream Theater alone. Tracks 9 through 14 feature Dream Theater and The Octavarium Orchestra.-Disc one:#"The Root of All Evil" – 9:32#"I Walk Beside You" – 4:10#"Another Won" – 5:40#"Afterlife" – 7:28... |
2DVD recorded at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006 New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... , U.S. United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... Celebrated Dream Theater's 20th Anniversary. They performed this concert with a symphony orchestra. |
| 2007 | Chaos in Progress: The Making of Systematic Chaos Systematic Chaos Systematic Chaos is the ninth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on June 4, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 5, 2007 in the United States, Systematic Chaos was the band's first release through Roadrunner Records, which was sold to their previous label... |
DVD included in the special edition of Systematic Chaos Systematic Chaos Systematic Chaos is the ninth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on June 4, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 5, 2007 in the United States, Systematic Chaos was the band's first release through Roadrunner Records, which was sold to their previous label... |
| 2008 | Chaos in Motion 2007–2008 | Released September 30, 2008. Documents the band's 2007/2008 Chaos in Motion and Progressive Nation tours. |