Jordan Rudess Joins Dream Theater, Replacing Derek Sherinian

Jordan Rudess became a member of Dream Theater in 1999 after making two albums with Liquid Tension Experiment alongside John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy. Rudess joined Dream Theater by firing Derek Sherinian, and the new keyboardist made a dazzling impact on the fifth album Metropolis Pt.2: Scenes From A Memory. Rudess joined the band immediately prior to the recording of Metropolis Pt.2.

Rudess said Dream Theater appeared on his radar around the time they had Kevin Moore on keyboards with the album Awake [1994]. Rudess played one show with Dream Theater at an event called the Foundations Forum after being asked to audition. Rudess said he had a small child and a wife at the time, and being with them seemed better suited to his life, so he chose to decline Dream Theater and stay with the Dregs. Rudess said he had said no to Dream Theater but welcomed the call inviting him to play with John and Mike.

Rudess said he brought his interest in orchestration to Dream Theater, which changed the whole sonic picture. Rudess said the band was excited about his compositional ideas and playing, but at first his desire to push buttons made them a little nervous. Rudess said that because of his experience with Liquid Tension Experiment, acceptance happened pretty much right away, and the band made him a full-time member.

Rudess said the other band members are influenced by Iron Maiden and Metallica, plus prog acts such as Yes and Queensrÿche, while he comes from classical music first, followed by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, Gentle Giant and Pink Floyd.