Coffee With Michael Romeo / Symphony X

[@clarkbalte0329]

OMG! It's Michael Romeo. Didn't see it coming. Thank you OLA!

[@EISENKEILER]

right :)

[@TheGuitarWorkout]

Romeo is quite a private person, so it's a real pleasure to watch a 30-minute chat with him, especially when he talks about the roots of the band, which is rarely mentioned. Thanks Ola, and long live Symphony X!

[@derekmcdonald2991]

@@TheGuitarWorkout hearing how he started it was hilarious! "Ya I got a band like that" starts calling people lol

[@Metalbass1979]

Wow! I couldn't click this fast enough! Best band in history. I met them in 2002 in Chicago. My brother was supposed to go, but ended up in the hospital. When I stood with Jason and Michael Lepond, I told them how bummed he was. They were like, 'That sucks. Let's call him.' Total class act.

[@LydianSea]

WOW!!!! ROMEO IS SUCH AN AMAZING COMPOSER!! I'm really looking forward to this.

[@TheJLPShow]

THE most underrated guitarist and songwriter in metal. A true genius. Humble, grounded and real. 🤘🏻

[@Lord_Raptor]

FACTS!

[@TheLotusEater725]

OMFG, THANK YOU OLA! To this day, MR is the most humble guitarist i have ever met. 17 year old me met him at a fan greet during Gigantour, Holmdel NJ 2006...Naturally, being a jersey kid, he was "our" guy, y'know? Sayreville was only 20 minutes away, and i had been trying to land lessons with him for years. When i finally met him, my exact words were "DUDE YOU ARE LIKE JASON BECKER AND YNGWIE COMBINED!" He actually blushed a little, just smiled, laughed and said " Man, i am nowhere near as good as those guys." That was such a pivotal learning moment, beyond humbling, exactly what i needed to hear from someone i practically worshipped. I knew i wasn't alone, even my heroes had difficulty accepting their own talents, as i did with mine. More importantly, i learned that people who are the best at their jobs have very little ego and are kind and forgiving towards their "inferiors." I needed that lesson, really bad... Thank you, Mr Romeo. You helped me become a better person with that small moment of humility. I hope to run into you again someday.

[@jalalfaruque9527]

Thanks a million Ola for bringing the legendary Romeo 🎸❤️🎸🎸

[@achillesamusic]

I could easily watch Ola praising him for 30mins straight :)

[@progarrett]

Guess we'd all do the same. Guy is a legend

[@kordaxmint533]

Holy sh, I can't believe that! He's my guitar hero, and Symphony X, oh man... This is the best interview ever.

[@adamwakeling]

Hearing Symphony X The Odyssey for the first time was a life changing experience for me.

[@Steve_plays_guitar]

He’s such a bad ass player, seems like a nice guy too.

[@delvk]

One of the greatest composers of our time and extraordinary guitar player. Big fan! Thanks!

[@encompassthyeclipse7278]

This guy is my guitar hero. Dime died years ago and left me without a living idol and the torch was passed to Romeo, I have them both immortalized in ink on my back. Phenomenal and creative players.

[@bruth6138]

Awesome. Michael is in my top 5! What a dude. While his soloing is so good, he writes some super delicious riffs.

[@josedaliortega1975]

Man, I'm 11 again!!!!! Thanks, Ola! That Inferno (Unleash the Fire) first riff changed my life and the way I see guitar. The Odyssey was their first album I listened to. Then I spent the rest of my teenage years with Symphony X on loop.

[@Caioalecrim84]

I am very happy they are working on a record. I love these guys. As a singer and a guitar player, Romeo and Allen are the guys I look up to…

[@FilipFichoBoshevski]

Just the best guy ever, i love Michael Romeo. My spirit animal :)

[@HighlandViking]

The most underrated metal guitar player ever! Romeo is absolutely amazing 🤘

[@Molokh80]

What a treat ! I love the guy as a guitarist and composer what a nice surprise !!! Thank you so much ❤

[@gouedallica]

The one and only, the best of ALL FCKIN TIME : Mr Michael Romeo.

[@acidbath3226]

I was also partial to Symphony X when everyone was raving on Dream Theatre. Whenever people would show me Dream Theatre I would show them bands like Symphony X, Bal Sagoth, etc and they were always blown away

[@bouyabouya]

Omg !!!! A proper good interview of the master ❤thank you very much

[@jorgeserafini2994]

I didn’t see it coming!!!!!! Michael Romeo Rules!!! Thanks for this interview!!!! 🙏🙏🙏💯💯💯💯💯

[@spaomalley]

Michael Romeo’s solo on “Dawn of a Million Souls by Ayreon is 11/10 amazing. Starts at 6:39. AMAZING solo!!!

[@Delarammirnaghibi]

Thank you for this interview Ola! Really enjoyed it! He is such an icon 🤘🏽🤘🏽❤

[@SagaBKSFolkearth]

Michael Romeo is the absolutely classy humble ultra talented guitar player. Great pleasure to see him in you Coffee with Ola !

[@andonivillarreal9877]

What a legend, thanks Ola

[@panospeeay5466]

Few players in metal have Michael's approach to melody and aggression, so glad to see him here!

[@marcelo.bassalo]

Saw Symphony X in Brazil. They are awesome live :)

[@MrAnorexemon]

My only problem with this interview is that it wasn’t 5 hours long! Thank you so much, Ola!

[@GuiAnarc]

Oh my god !! The master Michael Romeo 💛💛

[@migueldonneys]

Thanks for bring a true guitar hero! Every time Romeo speaks, he teaches you something. The key word for me in this interview was “concept”, a lot of guitarists play very good but no body tells a story like he does! Thanks romeo! I saw them live a couple of months ago and after all this years they still leave you with a big smile after a great show.

[@ReubensLair]

Arguably the most underrated shredder out there. V was my introduction to symphony x and odyssey is probably my favorite of theirs. Guys a beast

[@axemanfishing2703]

Holy SHIT MAN. Freaking Michael Romeo, guy is a WICKED assed guitarist and major COOL fella too. Down to earth, easy going, play through anything and make it sound GREAT!

[@SalvoVecchioGuitar]

Waiting for this moment, thanks for this Ola

[@keolahutchinson7687]

Yes!!! Michael Romeo absolutely rules!!! Thanks Ola!

[@damjankalauz5788]

Iconoclast what a work...thanks Michael

[@tvchannelnewz]

I haven't seen a second yet, but I already know this is gonna be my favorite Coffee With Ola!

[@shredd5705]

One of best metal guitarists... seriously underrated

[@maximilianoviola]

Great. Everything about Michael Romeo is good and enjoyable. Thanks you Ola...

[@MegaDeox]

Hell yeah, new album next year! I'm stoked.

[@psionic6126]

Finally! This man is such a underrated guitarist. When it comes to neo-classic, everyone's talking about Yngwie, but Michael Romeo is just so much better in every possible way.

[@metusaalemi]

Shit yeah!!! What an interview!!! Heartfelt thank you's once again Ola for a dream come true video!!! For me as well DT and SymX were two of my biggest influences back in early 00's and this channel is just a gift that keeps on giving!

[@johnnyteres]

I'd say Michael Romeo is one of the most underrated guitarists out there but he's been making music for us since 1994, and to be honest, if you are a guitarist and don't know who Michael Romeo and Symphony X are, you've been living in a cave for 30 years. Like Ola, my first album was Divine Wings of Tragedy which is an absolute freaking monster of album. If Yngwie had an evil cousin on guitar, it's Michael Romeo. Insane amount of talent and has never disappointed on any level. Michael Romeo is in the same epic upper echelon of guitarists as Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, etc, he just delivers way more chunkola which sets him apart from the others. Absolute freaking LEGEND ❤🔥

[@felipousismix]

It's clear that Ola had a good time with Michael, this was a very friendly interview and all was flowing nicely. Michael's playing is just flawless and melodic without becoming boring, and Symphony X is just one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Thanks Ola for doing this!

[@marianomazzieri6560]

Yeeaaaahh!!! My favourite guitar player. Can't wait for a new album.

[@chopshop777]

Fantastic, finally, awesome work big Ola.

[@shen1658]

My favorit guitarist and band since 1997, a legend. Can't wait the next album.

[@joetal]

Nobody is hardly ever talking to Michael Romeo! Thanks Ola for hunting him down and interviewing him. The guy is criminally underrated.

[@CristianoTonelFetter]

The maestro! One of my favourite for sure. I'm looking forward to see Symphony X live some day.

[@ラージャン怒りの鉄拳ラーメン大]

His technique and the music he creates are amazing! I would love to have a live show in Japan too!

[@seananderson5334]

Nice! This wasn't an interview I was expecting. Romeo has made some of the best guitar riffs ever. The man is a machine!

[@antoniusmetal]

Man! I haven't played Symphony X for a while, I decided to listen to Damnation game, and this pops up as I'm listening!! Awesome that Ola got him of the show.

[@scottyknows]

Hearing The Odyssey back when I was in high school, with a couple guitar years under my belt, changed my life.

[@cesarguitar1313]

OMG..!! Thanks Olad for interviewing one of my top guitar heroes of my life.

[@JonYadonJr]

Sooo good!!! Two LEGENDS right there! 🤘🎸⚡️💚🔥

[@moyzhenrique803]

Romeo is a legend. I also learned a lot from his lessons back in the day. I love his playing. He's a complete outstanding guitar player. One of the best out there. Period.

[@rogermcp]

Too short! Please schedule a part 2 sometime soon. Thank you for having him on. He is the most underrated guitarist ever. Symphony X’s music is so addictive. Sorry to hear about all the struggles they endured, but I’m thrilled to hear they’ll be working on a new album soon. It’s been a really long time. Every album is a classic! I love the different motifs Romeo adds to his solos and the arrangement. I think Russell is the best rock singer out there for the last decade! Anyway, thanks again bro to both of you!

[@ninkichan7209]

Michael Romeo deserves more attention and accolades. One of the best Guitar Players out there that came from the late 80's -90's era..

[@EJ_Celis]

The last time I saw him talk was like the first youtube years in his instructional video. This is gold!

[@majzako]

I haven't even started watching this video yet and my jaw dropped when I read this title. Michael Romeo is SOOO underrated and under appreciated. You rarely see him or Symphony X get any kind of exposure and it's amazing to see him here. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@BEARDEDCLAMUSA]

Great interview, Coffe with OLA and Michael Romeo 🤘I've been lucky to see Symphony X in Dallas, Tx!

[@hellrazor67]

Michael Romero!! Duuuuuuuude.....love love....fanboy.....ahhhhh! Great job, Ola. 🤘

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

He's so god damn good at playing guitar! Incredible composition and technique truly a generational talent. No flash all substance.

[@blakeanderson7906]

Great interview!

[@m.a.6478]

Man, great to see Michael here! I saw their show a few months back and it was just impressive. Saw them already 20 years ago and their still killin' it! Michael is one of the most underrated players out there IMHO.

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

Really cool interview!

[@NeroTheIncredible]

Love Michael Romeo . First Time I heard Sea of Lies it was just "Yngwie on steroids with killer speedy riffs" but its a lot more than that ! LOVE SYMPHONY X ! 🤘🤘🤘

[@luigizanellato2959]

Wow, this came completely out of left field! Awesome! I’ve been listening to Symphony X and his solo albums for 4 years now.

[@caladan_brewed]

I've been a huge Symphony X fan since the late 2000's when I found a copy of Paradise Lost through the public library. Great interview!

[@erikrevier4053]

one of my all time favorite guitarists ever. great interview. can't wait for the next SX record.

[@patspat]

Michael true genius! Love his music. He is a outstanding musician

[@bigjermboktown6976]

See this is what's crazy about music cuz I have no idea who this guy is and don't know if I've ever heard symphony x. But I'm going to check them out now and it just always reminds me of how there's probably so many really good bands and musicians that you've just never heard of

[@majorlee1]

What!! Oh man Symphony X! Love that band! As a drummer Jason Rullo blew my mind when I was a kid. I saw them live at the galaxy theater in so cal and was just in awe. Amazing musicians.

[@rbrtfsco]

huge fan. Divine Wings of Tragedy is such a banger.

[@bee663]

Great interview Ola. I really enjoyed this one. Romeo is an amazing amazing amazing player.

[@bryanm7953]

It literally is crazy how great he is. He makes Ola look like a day 1 beginner.

[@_antwalls]

OMG thank you for this interview, love you Ola

[@richcorec9613]

🤘 My friend Tommy Walling ,R.I.P., was blessed to play drums for this band. May the Force be with you!

[@kevinprowse406]

@@richcorec9613 did he play on Twilight in Olympus? Great album and great drumming!

[@Alex_Alx]

Nice! Finally some new interview, and about long-awaited album as well.

[@zacharyseibert6788]

Yes! Romeo is brilliant!

[@endryus75]

Mike is my hero !! I've met him last month again, real cool dude. I love everything he plays, what a genius !! Thanks for this interview, Ola !!!

[@JorgeRodriguez-yz4pw]

Thank you so much Ola for such an incredible episode......Michael Romeo is one of the greatest guitar virtuosos ever. It is a shame that Symphony X is not as famous as Dream Theater is, I think they deserved to be on top like many other famous prog bands. Ola, I have one complaint, bro....Why didn´t you offer him a sponsorship with Solar Guitars? I know that Romeo is one of your guitar heroes and also mine. It would be awesome having Michael Romeo with Solar guitars and of course with a signature (6 & 7 strings) guitar. Nice episode bro, regards from Vietnam!!

[@godmachine999]

Dude, this is an AMAZING interview!!! Keep the good stuff coming Ola!

[@LucasBarnery]

Thank you so much Ola. Romeo it's my biggest inspiration at the guitar. Amazing content. Thank you so much

[@Nick-72]

Probably one of The Smallest Hand on Guitar but with a Speed, Precision , Timing , Cleaness .....Out of The real World.

[@spinalcorde2705]

Michael Romeo is a great musician. Ola you are awesome

[@heteroyngwielover]

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Michael in Istanbul, where we enjoyed a latte together. He is an amazing and kind person, possessing extraordinary skills and musical genius. It truly feels like a privilege to share the same time period with someone of his talent.

[@patrickfouhy9102]

A few times a year I'll put one some Symphony X and every single time I forget how much of my style was influenced by Michael. This is an incredible thing to see, I don't think I've ever seen an interview with him before. Read quite a few. But this is so cool to see.

[@thenoodleking]

Such a down to earth guy. Had the opportunity to sit down with the whole band back stage at a show in Quebec City. Took a bunch of time before the show started to talk to my friend and I and even let us try his guitar.

[@anestheticolor]

Hell yeah Ola, great man that you did it 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@GideonSC2]

This dude is so incredibly underrated.

[@Nikita_Kash93]

I was surprised when John Petrucci came to Coffee and now I'm completely surprised to see Michael here 😮 Keep it going, Ola! And thank you for great stuff :)

[@Romy-kh4pd]

Thanks a lot for this interview Ola. One of my favorite players

[@vegangreen1269]

Miss him! A true master of his craft!

[@leonardoutria]

Beyond astonishing, thanks Ola for this lml

[@murphyto69]

Wow - what the cool man he is. Unbelievable! We don’t see him much out here.. and still he has so many things to say. Incredible.. Greetings Michael! See You very soon in Europe tour again!!! Cheers!

[@Scherzo-mk4ih]

Michael Romeo is easily my favorite guitar player. Not only does he have the craziest and most beautiful solos… but he has countless sick riffs!

[@sethjohnson5243]

Romeo is the greatest. Awesome composer and player. Genius in music and technique. Also his Caparison guitar is insanely good.

[@MrPFMneto]

Oh my god! I love Symphony X. I was justing to them yesterday!!