Since its founding in 1985, the legendary American progressive rock band Dream Theater has sold over 8 million records worldwide.
The group has released 13 studio albums, including their 1992 breakout gold record “Images and Words” and their last two bestsellers, the self-titled “Dream Theater” from 2013 and last year’s “The Astonishing.”
Although not much of a singles act, Dream Theater has had several chart and radio hits over the course of their career, including “Pull Me Under,” “Another Day,” “Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper,” “The Gift of Music” and “Our New World.
The band is also known for their lengthy, diverse and elaborate live shows, most of which have been documented in eight live albums. Now in the midst of their “Images, Words & Beyond 25th Anniversary Tour,” Dream Theater is scheduled to perform this Monday, September 25, at the Kia Theater.
Over the course of their career, the group has undergone several line-up changes. In addition to founding John Petrucci on guitars and John Myung on bass, the band is currently composed of lead vocalist James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess on keyboards and Mike Mangini on drums and percussions.
In a recent interview with InterAksyon, Rudess, who has been with the band since 1999 and is scheduled to be inducted to the Hall of Heavy Metal History next year, admitted that everyone in the band was influenced by the prog rock movement, as typified by bands like Yes, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Gentle Giant.
“The metal part of things also had a very big impact [on us] like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Rush,” he revealed. “The other thing that influences me a lot these days is Electronic Music. I really love what’s going on with that. And I also like groups that are kind of really spacey rock music like Sigur Ros.”
“It’s always been a real mixture of elements, given the background that everybody has in the group. And as a keyboard player, even though I tend to go more to the prog and the classical side of things, I also really like the metal side. I enjoying composing in that genre.”
Being in a progressive band, Rudess in particular has always maintained a progressive mindset as well and always keeps his ears open for something that he could bring to the table to keep things fresh for Dream Theater.
“For me, it’ a matter of kind of like always being aware of what’s happening in the music scene, in music evolution, with technology, and bringing elements into the music, that kind of keep it fresh and inspiring and new,” noted the virtuoso keyboardist.
Asked if there is any secret to the longevity of Dream Theater, Rudess, who was also associated with the prog rock supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment, points to a more personal dynamic between him and his bandmates.
“It’s like a family. There’s got to be kind of balance and a lot of give and take in a band situation with all the different personalities. We always been able to really have that—this very distinct personalities in the group. And it creates a structure that is… you know it takes work for sure. But we’re lucky that we have that management around us, with the nice people. And we’re all being responsible guys, then I think it’s really wanting it to work and working on it.”
For a group that is constantly touring around the world, it has somehow remained a mystery that it took quite a while for Dream Theater to perform in the Philippines.
“I don’t know, whenever I think about it, when I talk to the people who booked me to tour, it always amazes me how complicated [touring] is. So I’m just happy that actually on this particular tour we managed to like open up some new places, like we’re coming to you guys, which will be really exciting. And we’re going to India for the first time, [and] in Dubai.”
As Rudess enjoys travelling to new places, he is looking forward to meeting several interesting people in Manila.
“I love going to new places and hopefully I’ll be able to meet with people when I’m there, and make some new friends, and meet some of the musicians, which would be really, really cool,” he concluded.
For ticket information on Dream Theater’s “Images, Words & Beyond 25th Anniversary Tour,” visit ticketnet.com.ph. Dream Theater was brought to Manila by people who requested for the band through MyMusicTaste.com. Those who wish to see more of their favorite acts to come and perform in Manila may request for them at mymusictaste.com.
