About Me
Welcome to the Official Planet X MySpace. The intention here is to keep up with PX-related news, give the fans a chance to show their appreciation for the music, maybe pick up a few more listeners, then beat them into submission with some mind-bending sounds! Enjoy your visit.
Since their formation in 2000, Planet X has included some of the most accomplished musicians around. At the core of the group are keyboard player Derek Sherinian and drummer Virgil Donati. Since 2004 the line-up has also featured London-born bass player Rufus Philpot. The guitar position is currently vacant as Planet X continues to work with guests, and since the departure of Tony MacAlpine in 2004, guests have included Brett Garsed, TJ Helmerich, and Allan Holdsworth.
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 possesses such an impressive résumé considering his phenomenal keyboard skills. 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 he has formed a crucial part of their signature sound; searing, almost guitar-like lead tones, complex and vast landscapes, and all those little details that sometimes you don't even notice until a few hundred listens later... Planet X just wouldn't be the same without Sherinian. On the solo tip, Derek's fifth solo album, Blood of the Snake was released in 2006, and, as always, he assembled another great team of performers. Featured artists this time are Zakk Wylde, Slash, Billy Idol, John Petrucci, Steve Lukather, Simon Phillips, Tony Franklin, Yngwie Malmsteen, Brad Gillis 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 in action to fully appreciate the kind of skill that he possesses. Is this man an alien? Some of us wouldn't doubt it. His talent is truly not of this earth!
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 guitar playing of virtuoso musician Tony MacAlpine . After Tony went on to assist the Steve Vai Band in 2004, the exceptional 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 many unfortunate delays, Allan was unable to complete the entire project, so Australian 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. We think you will be impressed with the results -- Brett did a truly exceptional job, as always, and Allan lends his unique sound and unmistakable style to the band in several places with tremendous effect, most notably on the song Desert Girl.
Planet X has featured a number of guest bass players over the years, and in 2004 they teamed up with British-born Rufus Philpot , a player with some very impressive credits to his name, having worked with highly regarded musicians such as Al DiMeola, Gary Husband, Adam Nussbaum, and alongside Allan Holdsworth and Jerry Goodman on Derek Sherinian's Mythology album. In Planet X, this English gentleman brings a real touch of class and a rock solid low end. Rufus is an extremely well-schooled player and is currently working with Greg Howe. Hear him on Quantum along with the phenomenal Jimmy Johnson . A professional musician since 1969, Jimmy is well-known and greatly respected by fusion fans for his work with Allan Holdsworth.
Other guest bass players who have worked with Planet X:
Billy Sheehan , Ric Fierabracci ,
Philip Bynoe , Tom Kennedy , Dave LaRue , Kevin Freeby
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