Originally published in press release · January 1999
Dream Theater changes keyboard player
January 18th, 1999
NewsJordan RudessDerek Sherinian1 min read
For immediate release:
It is with much personal sadness that Dream Theater announce their decision to part ways with keyboardist Derek Sherinian.
Drummer Mike Portnoy: “Derek’s contributions to the band both musically and personally over the last 4 years is something that we will always treasure and we will all miss.
He will always be a part of the Dream Theater family.”
“With the recent release of our live CD & video, it seemed the right time to close this chapter and begin a new one...”
His replacement will be Jordan Rudess, who was once a touring member of the Dregs and has recently collaborated with Mike Portnoy & John Petrucci in their Liquid Tension Experiment project.
“After our experiences of working with Jordan in LTE, we came to the decision that his playing, writing and personality was more representative of where we would like to take Dream Theater into the 21st century.”
“We wish for nothing but the best in the world for Derek as we hope to always remain friends with him. We’re sure that he will continue to succeed in the music business as he always has, and wish him luck with whomever he decides to play with next.”