AFTER working alongside the the likes of music legends Kiss and Alice Cooper, you could say that Planet X member Derek Sheridan has had his fair share of memorable musical experiences.
Founding member of Planet X and a keyboard wizard, Sheridan will join the US-based group on stage when they perform a set of their instrumental material at SJ's Hotel on Wednesday, June 6.
Sheridan's career in music kicked off while studying at the Berklee College of Music, where he jammed with Al Pitrelli of Megadeth and ex-Living Colour member William Calhoun. In 1987 he began a tour of R&B clubs around the US with Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsies drummer, Buddy Miles. Sheridan then went on to play 250 shows with Alice Cooper and tour with Kiss on their 1992 Revenge tour.
As the mastermind behind the group, Sheridan recorded the first Planet X album with the help of Melbourne-born drummer, Virgil Donati. 'I knew after jamming with him that I wanted to do a band with him,' Sheridan said.
Labelled as 'a legend in the making' by Modern Drummer magazine, Donati began his career working as a session drummer before moving to Los Angeles in 1996.
Planet X guitar virtuoso Tony MacAlpine has had a successful career in his own right and boasts a total of 11 solo albums.
'The interaction between Derek, Tony and myself is very creative,' Donati said.
'Our use of modulation from one key to another, changes of tempo, orchestration and other rhythmic devices contribute to the listener's experience'.
The group will also perform at the Ultimate Drummers Weekend on Saturday and Dixie Dregs bassist Dave La Rue will join them on stage.
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