Originally published in Metal Edge magazine · January 2002
Derek Sherinian interview (excerpt)
InterviewDerek Sherinian1 min read
ME: What was it like playing for Dream Theater audiences, as opposed to arena rock audiences?
DS: Honestly, the arena rock audiences could give a s*** who’s on keyboards. They’re not listening to what’s going on. And that was the great thing about the Dream Theater experience: The fans are really listening to every note you’re playing. The music isn’t there just as a backdrop for picking up chicks or drinking or whatever. The people that are at those shows are there to listen, and that really helped me a lot as a musician and player because it makes you play more spot-on and know that everything counts.
ME: Most of the women that are at those gigs are being dragged there by their boyfriends anyway.
DS: What women? What was great about the KISS tour – and that’s the opposite side of the spectrum – is that gigs like that are all about the circus. And it’s great. It seems like in the last five years since Dream Theater, I’ve really gravitated to what I do best, and that’s the musician-oriented thing. I’ve been very fortunate to hook up with some really great players since Dream Theater.