INTERVIEW: DREAM THEATER’s John Petrucci on ‘Images And Words’ UK Tour, Legacy & Next Solo + DT Album

When someone talks about concept albums in metal, Dream Theater’s ‘Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory’ is bound to come up; mainly because it was a landmark album that was universally admired both for its themes and musicianship. ‘The Astonishing’ (Click Here To Read Our Review) is the result of more than two years of work by John Petrucci and the band, and they have come extremely close to topping ‘Scenes from a Memory’, by taking you out of this world and into their fantastical land to tell you a tale of struggle, love, despair and hope. Since the release of the album, the band toured across North America and Europe which was a major success. Currently, the band is celebrating the 25 th anniversary of classic Dream Theater album ‘Images And Words’ and are heading to UK later this month.

Metal Wani’s Editor In Chief Owais ‘Vitek’ Nabi had a quick chat with DREAM THEATER mastermind John Petrucci. He discusses the ongoing European/UK tour celebrating 25th anniversary of ‘Images & Words’, why the band decided to take this album on road, celebrating 25 years of Dream Theater with old as well as new fans and how Dream Theater’s music are a source of inspiration for fans around the world.

He also talks about the crazy moments during the rehearsal which reminded them of the past, whether he still thinks about the ‘speed’ factor and getting faster on guitars, possibility of taking the tour to North America, Australia, other countries & challenges singer James LaBrie is facing on this tour.

He throws light on writing a traditional, heavy, progressive metal Dream Theater album after the tour and plans to record a solo album as well which has already been written. He also shares an incident with kids playing faster than him, possible debut Dream Theater gig sometime this year & more.

When asked about if he plans to record a new solo album, a follow-up to 2005′s Suspended Animation, Petrucci answered: “Yeah, definitely. I did ‘Suspended Animation’ back in 2005, I believe. It’s been so long since I’ve done one. And it’s probably the number one question I get asked personally, whether I’m [gonna release another] solo album. And the answer is yes, it’s just a matter of finding the time. I know that sounds like a lame excuse. I actually have the music written. I’ve actually played a few of the songs on the ‘G3′ tour I did a few years ago in South America with Joe Satriani and Steve Morse. It’s a matter of me stepping away from the schedule of Dream Theater and getting into the studio and recording the songs. So it’s definitely going to happen.“

We also asked John about the upcoming Dream Theater record. He said: “We have [‘The Astonishing’] out of our system and now it’s time to do something else. Then the next album will not be conceptual, it will certainly be – probably more traditional Dream Theater, definitely heavy.

Stream The Entire Interview Below:

U.K. dates run as follows:

Tue 18th Apr – BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall

Wed 19th Apr – MANCHESTER O2 Apollo

Thu 20th Apr – GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall

Sat 22nd Apr – CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena

Sun 23rd Apr – LONDON Eventim Apollo

Buy Tickets Here: www.dreamtheater.net/tour/.