Since their formation in 2000, Planet X has included some of the most accomplished musicians around. The core of the group consists of Derek Sherinian (keyboards) and Virgil Donati (drums). 2009 sees virtuoso guitarist Tony MacAlpine return to the fold after a 5-year absence. During this time, Planet X worked with various guest guitarists including Brett Garsed, TJ Helmerich, Allan Holdsworth, and Alex Machacek.
Derek Sherinian is highly regarded both as a solo artist and for his work with the likes of Dream Theater, KISS, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, and many other giants of the music world. It's no wonder he boasts such an impressive résumé considering his phenomenal keyboard skills which are always in demand. In Planet X, we get to see Derek at his best, and to quote the man himself: "When I started Planet X, I had one goal: to start the sickest instrumental band in the world. I wanted to find musicians that played their instruments so fiercely, it would strike fear in the hearts of other musicians when they played." So now you know what you're dealing with! Derek is the founder of Planet X and has forged a crucial part of their signature sound; searing, almost guitar-like lead tones, complex aural landscapes, and all those subtle details that sometimes go unnoticed until many listens later... Planet X just wouldn't be the same without Sherinian. On the solo tip, Derek's sixth solo album, Musical Heinosity is due for release in the first quarter of 2008, and as always, he assembled another great team of performers. Featured artists this time are Zakk Wylde, Rusty Cooley, Tony Franklin, Virgil Donati, and Brian Tichy. Find all the latest news on the official Derek Sherinian website.
Virgil Donati, as many of you are already aware, is a true master of his art. Where most drummers would be content to sit at the back and keep it steady, Virgil projects an extraordinary presence in any musical situation he lands himself in; from his early work with fusion band Loose Change, to his tours with the Steve Vai Band, legendary French singer Michel Polnareff, his work with OTV, CAB, Tribal Tech, Ring Of Fire, Joel Hoekstra, Garsed & Helmerich, and countless projects in-between. In Planet X, Donati contributes a great amount of material and holds many of the writing credits. It's rare to find drummer who becomes such a vital part in any band, but this is far from the case with Virgil. Let's just say this -- it's impossible to sum up Virgil Donati in a single paragraph, so let's keep it simple... many of us who are familiar with his music wouldn't think twice about handing him the title of "greatest drummer in the world". There isn't much more praise anyone could give him, so let's allow the music to do the talking. Listen to Virgil and hear for yourself! Better yet, try to see this incredible musician live in action to fully appreciate the kind of skill that he possesses. Is this man an alien? Some of us wouldn't doubt it!
Planet X have released four albums to date; Universe (2000), Live From Oz (2002), MoonBabies (2002), and Quantum (2007), the first three of which feature the playing of virtuoso guitarist Tony MacAlpine. After Tony went on to assist the Steve Vai Band in 2004, TJ Helmerich handled live guitar duties for their 2004 tour, and fusion guitar legend Allan Holdsworth was announced as the player to fill the 6-string slot for the next album. After some scheduling difficulties and unfortunate delays, Allan was unable to complete the entire project, so Australian-based guitar great Brett Garsed stepped in at short notice to finish the remaining tracks. Both players feature on Quantum, with Garsed handling the bulk of the material. The results are impressive. Brett did an exceptional job, and Allan lends his unique sound and unmistakable style to the band with tremendous effect, most notably on the song Desert Girl.
Good that Tony's back, but i'm still waiting for that Planet X tour in Europe (the Netherlands). I can't wait to see some of the old Planet X songs being performed live again. Hurry up! thanks...
!!!!!! THREE PLANET X BASSISTS helped me record my CD. Doug Shreeve, Ric Fierabracci and Rufus Philpot - all with PLANET X at different times in their careers. Doug Shreeve co-wrote track 1, the title track "Eat Your Sad" of the CD of the same name. He plays lead and regular bass on the tune. On itunes or available as a physical CD from my site.... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello friends: Thanks for the add.Estamos esperando a que vengais a tocar a Euskal Herria y nos deleiteis con vuestro arte y de paso dar algun clinic. A los fans del grupo os invito a que escucheis mi música en myspace y opinéis ,Thanks.Salutes from Donostia-San Sebastian.
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