John Petrucci (Dream Theater)

Name: John Peter Petrucci
Born: 12th July, 1967 (Kings Park, Long Island, NY, USA)

Profile: He is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band "Dream Theater" (DT), along with his bandmate Mike Portnoy, John has produced all DT albums since their 1999 release.

History: John began playing guitar at age 12 and quickly realized that music was his passion and that the pursuit of excellence on his instrument would consume him for the years to come. To that end, he practiced for at least 6 hours a day in an effort to further his understanding and technical abilities as a guitar player.

At age 18 after graduating from high school, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston along with schoolmate John Myung (bass), where they met future bandmate Mike Portnoy (drums). These three in addition to another childhood friend of John, Kevin Moore (Keyboards), formed the band "Majesty", which would later become Dream Theater.

In 1998, while DT is what John is most commonly associated with, he released "Liquid Tension Experiment" and "Liquid Tension Experiment 2" respectively, along with DT bandmates Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess and the inimitable Tony Levin on bass. Both albums would not only prove to be worthy and enjoyable side projects, but also favorites among fans worldwide and he also appeared as a guest on several records by other artists such as the "Explorer's Club".

In 2001 he 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.

In 2005 John released his first and much anticipated solo album titled, "Suspended Animation" on the Sound Mind Music label. The self-produced album of all instrumental guitar music featured Dave LaRue on bass and Dave DiCenso on drums.

John proceeded to take his band on a very successful musical journey including many gold and platinum CD and DVD releases as well as extensive world tours. He would go on to receive many notable awards in the various guitar publications throughout the world, including most recently the 2007 "Guitarist of the Year" as named by the readers of Total Guitar magazine.

Influences: Steve Morse, Al DiMeola, Steve Howe, Allan Holdsworth, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Alex Lifeson, Yngwie Malmsteen, Rush, Yes, Iron Maiden, The Dregs and Metallica.

Axology: Ibanez guitars, JPX guitar by Music-Man, Road King Series, Marshall JMP1 amplifiers

Signature song(s): Pull me Under - Dream Theater (Images and Words, 1992) and I Walk Beside You - Dream Theater (Octavarium, 2005)

Link(s):

http://www.johnpetrucci.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5t_b9xOY-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5VwPfyEq3w