Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater

The keyboard whizz’s star-studded instrumental tour de force

Dr. Tim: Which movie could your latest set soundtrack?

Jordan Rudess: Tron.

DT: Have you done anything that fans may not know about?

JR: Johnson & Johnson’s Band-aids advert, age 13.

DT: With whom would you like to make a split 7”?

JR: Steven Wilson.

DT: Where were you when you first heard one of your own songs on vinyl?

JR: Speedway Blvd at home in 1980.

DT: What record made you want to go pro?

JR: ELP Tarkus.

DT: Who’s taken music forward in the last decade?

JR: Autechre, Aphex Twin.

DT: Which of your songs is the most personally meaningful?

JR: ‘Off The Ground’ talks about the recurring flying dreams that I’ve had ever since I was a kid.

DT: Of all the people that you’ve worked with, who taught you the most?

JR: Steve Morse taught me how to be very conscious of everyone else and their role in a band – how to lay back and give space.

DT: What backstage incident makes you laugh most?

JR: Sitting in Mexico City practising before the show and, suddenly, an earthquake!

DT: What music that you like may surprise fans?

JR: Sigur Rós.

DT: Do you keep a diary?

JR: I started about six months ago and I’m really enjoying it.

DT: Dying peacefully on your deathbed, what’d you’d like to hear?

JR: The Dark Side Of The Moon. I find it relaxing and uplifting.