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MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
It’s been a while since we chatted, can you catch the readers up on what you are up to these days? |
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I am currently in Bucharest , Romania on tour with Billy Idol having a great time. I am also doing European press to promote Blood Of The Snake. |
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MSJ: You’ve been playing for quite a while now. How do you keep the experience fresh both for you and the fans? |
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The key for me is to always play music that is inspiring to me, and to surround myself with great musicians. |
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MSJ: Your latest disc features a lot of guests – I’m going to come back to that with a second question in a minute, but - John Petrucci happens to be one of those guests. During one interview I did with you it seemed that there was some bad blood regarding your departure from Dream Theater. Does this mean that things have been resolved between you and the DT guys? |
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I have never had hard feelings with Dream Theater. It was great to work with John again, I think that he did a great job. |
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MSJ: So, going back to the guests on the disc, are there any particular moments that stand out for you on this one? |
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There were many- the Zakk Wylde sessions were a lot of fun, and it is always cool to work with Yngwie in the studio. |
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MSJ: You covered the song “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry. How did that come about? |
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The song was a childhood favolrite of mine. Billy and I had discussed covering this song before. He suggested that Slash should play guitar, so we called him up! |
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MSJ: Are there still musicians out there you’d like to play with, but haven’t had the chance? |
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I have said many times that I would love to work with Edward Van Halen and Jeff Beck. |
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MSJ: Do you think that downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? It’s been said by the major labels that it’s essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales – would you agree? |
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Y es, illegal downloads cut into the artist profits in a huge way. I wish that it could be enforced more |
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MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans taping and trading live shows? |
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I think that fans should respect the bands that they listen to, and not cheat them out of monies. |
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MSJ: What kind of touring plans do you have? |
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I have no solo touring plans. I will stay on the road with Billy Idol until August 19. |
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MSJ: Finally, are there any closing thoughts you’d like to get out there? |
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There are music samples of "Blood of the Snake" on dereksherinian.com, Thanks for your support! |
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