Derek Sherinian - Return to Planet X

A short documentary about the making of the groundbreaking instrumental record.

[@ggdd1299]

Planet X's Moonbabies, is probably one of the most amazing instrumental prog-metal albums ever. I wish Derek would reunite the Moonbabies line-up and record another Planet X album!!

[@elartedelte]

Absolute agree. This record change my life literally

[@osanan]

I second that!

[@PASHKULI]

Will never forget their show in Bulgaria back in 2001. Thank you, Derek for the superb music!

[@oleksybabansky]

Planet X music helped me survive very bad times in war occupation. There was no other music that could express the tumultous emotions and life in that situation. Thanks, Derek, Virgil and Tony!

[@iamscythed]

I completely relate to this on every level.

[@Abonoli]

This album is the resume of what DTheater didn't had the courage to do instrumentally and what was holding Derek back at the time! They unleashed the beast and then, we had this glorious prog metal record. It's a master piece.

[@santyrush]

Exactly. Acord.

[@sergiozdrums]

DEREK!!! thank you for PLANET X! the band has meant a lot to me !!! i can't even put it into words

[@dereksherinian3382]

Sergio Zambrano Thank you for listening

[@soundcrafter]

@@dereksherinian3382 I gotta echo what Sergio said. I came upon Planet X as a teen and it had a huuuuuge influence on my love for heavy, heavy progressive fusion - it started it, really. Your music holds a special place within me

[@atakdragonfly1675]

This is one of those albums that can always be playing for me. The technicality, mixed with intense groove. I love Derek playing those insanely dark parts!! Such beautiful atmospheric composing...

[@dougmorato]

If you want Planet X albums available on Streaming services, like it.

Only the first one is on the streaming, the rest is not available.

[@davelocke]

It's better for the artist if you just buy the cds. Streaming companies take most of the money.

[@darkswan80]

Awful sound quality coming from streaming services. I think that Derek's music should only be released in the highest definition possible.

[@hellion605]

@@darkswan80 have you heard about “lossless”?

[@darkswan80]

@@hellion605 of course I have. I was referring especially to Spotify, which has a very bad compression algorithm (I mean both dynamic compression and data compression). I don't like, but It's just my opinion 😉

[@markototev]

Still my favourite instrumental band!

[@michaelmaier7262]

No joke! I talk up Derek's solo stuff and Planet X every chance I get.

[@dereksherinian3382]

Michael Maier thank you Michael!

[@edoardozampetti4601]

Derek you are a great i love your composition TROJAN HORSE...very explosive progressive music..

[@ezemusic8140]

@@davidunderwood8684 what i hear here is more about atmosphere and lyricism and exquisite chords in the vein of Allan Holdsworth. The shred stuff is more popular but this is much more refined and unique.

[@davidunderwood8684]

@@ezemusic8140 uhhhh, that's because Holdsworth played with Derick many times, and I THINK it started with guesting on planet x

[@NMBKevino]

6 years after this video was made and we STILL love Planet X and are eagerly waiting for you and virgil to get back in the studio! Such a legendary album!

[@TheGodlessGuitarist]

Planet X was a watershed moment in progressive rock and fusion musicianship and creativity. You manifested something truly otherworldly with this project Derek. Always a pleasure to listen to. If Planet X was the cost of you exiting DT, damn, find another band to exit!

[@brainbox9219]

You really are truly underrated, Moonbabies is one of my favorite and most listened to prog metal albums, those grooves and changes are like nothing else, miss it so much, thank you 🙏🏾

[@shawnwilliams562]

Respect to Mike Varney,he has introduced me to so many great Guitarists and bands,since the 80s,Respect 🙏

[@ilyagenov9944]

Very personnel record for me. If Billy Sheehan in 2001 was my introduction for being a professional bass player, so this particular album and lineup inspired me to be mesmerised by a fusion music eternally. Never came back. Another dimension, another thoughtful and very intimate way of perceiving music. Derek, it was you who taught me a lesson of what a joy it is to be in a band. Your respect to all this amazing musicians throughout your solo career costs a million words. Cheers!

[@NaanProphet]

I’ll never forget, the first time I saw Dream Theater, Derek played a really pretty sounding atmospheric keyboard part while the crew were setting up a more intimate setting to play Anna Lee and Speak to Me. After his debut came out, it turns out it was the piano to pt 2 of Atlantis. I also saw him at one of the shows right before they fired him that he mentioned . Getting to hear a couple of the songs that didn’t make Falling into Infinity live as well as one of the very few times they actually played Hell’s Kitchen (and not part of Burning My Soul) will always mean a lot to me.

[@hollowoxhollowox4870]

Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati work is Stellar . moonbabies is really an instrumental masterpiece

[@u.v.s.5583]

Yeah, Moonbabies, an all time favourite disc!

[@BenCohenGuitar]

Planet X reunion please!

[@hugohinojosa7646]

No matter when you read this.

[@jeremythornton433]

I'd love that too!

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

It’s always time for THAT! Bring back the original trilogy and take my damn money!

[@Drdemiurge]

@@user-hk7hz9cn7vpersonally I’m a big fan of the Tony MacAlpine addition

[@Thallesss]

Please!

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

I come back to this documentary from time to time for inspiration. A truly inspirational album and an absolute work of art! The one that started a long line of amazing masterpieces from Derek and friends. Keep up the great work Derek!

[@stefanofalanga5753]

Thanks Derek! Still kick butts 20+ years later

[@dewittk9404]

I will never forget seeing you guys live in Dallas, TX for the MoonBabies tour. Title track opening with the big E-chord on the organ. Planet X has always been sacred to me and I hope one day there could be a reunion effort. Looking forward to it!

[@Jedizen07]

I'm happy seeing ( and hearing ) that Mike/Derek are working together again. Sons Of Apollo is a great band/project. Planet X ( DS' solo disc and the band ) material is some of the best songs ever written. Thanks for this documentary!

[@linsk78]

I have this CD and every time I listen to any of Derek's music I think of outer space. That's Derek's magic.

[@Ulghart]

This is the band's name, not the album name. And also, it wasn't Derek's solo album. This whole album was created and written by both, Derek and Virgil. Virgil is one of the most capable musicians out there. He does not only play drums at a level that very few can dream to reach, but he is also a very accomplished musician. He plays piano, reads music and writes it. It was their creation.

[@dereksherinian3382]

Ulghart The album was written and created by both of us. I morphed Planet X from my solo project into a band, the same way Chick Corea did with Return To Forever.

[@Ulghart]

@@dereksherinian3382 Well, you are right about you ! Can't argue there. I was checking my CD collection and I think that at that point Planet X (the band) was still a project. Did you name the band after this record? By the way, Quantum is my favorite album. Would love to see you guys playing together again !

[@isaacdavidmartin8987]

To me, this album is one of the greatest ever made!! A real trailer of the music of the future that even 20 years later, no one gets close to it. Absolutely brilliant in every aspect!! I’m also very grateful for this documentary. Thanks a lot!!

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

Remember, this is Derek's solo album called, "Planet X", made with Tony Franklin and Brett Garsed. This is NOT the debut album "Universe" from the band called Planet X with Tony MacAlpine. Two different bands, but Derek and Virgil are part of both.

Brett and Tony are both amazing.

[@monafam]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@graphicsociety1]

That's right. Both amazing creative work.

[@ntefanuk]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@DanielVerberne]

I'm a big fan of Dream Theater and Planet X and each of it's musicians. I can understand how the 'Planet' camp feels negative about Dream Theater, but I find much to love from all parties and just hope all parties are finding their own enjoyment.

[@j.carlosescobarr.6422]

I love!! You are great!! You are an influence in my life. What a great news!!!! Planet X in my heart !!!😭🙏🏻😭🙏🏻😭🙏🏻😭

[@Matt_Holcomb]

I have this cd in my car and listen to it atleast twice a week

[@timelostX]

Some of my dearest and deepest teenage memories are bonded to this masterpiece,I still love today.Thank you Derek.

[@dereksherinian6631]

Prego Fabrizio!

[@michaelgaraphoto]

I'd love to see Derek, Tony and Virgil back together! Saw them in Sydney and Newcastle in 2001!

[@jan2xmotionmusic]

we're still waiting for this!

[@maciejburniak128]

Derek, you are the most.... you are the greatest, the best, the most talented, influential musician I've ever heard! I love all of your work. Alice Cooper, or Kiss or Billy Idol... solo work, Planet X, Dream Theater, Black Country Communion or Sons of Apollo.. doesn't matter. You are always shining like star !!! Can't wait to see you again in Europe!!!

[@dereksherinian3382]

Maciej Burniak Thank you🙏

[@moonbabiefactor5526]

Im in love with this video!!!!!!! THANKS A LOT! Planet X reunion PLEASE!!!!!!! The best band in the universe!!!

[@nightsdew8136]

Oh man I dream about that day now and then.

[@graphicsociety1]

Moonbabie Factor I totally agree. I’m kinda glad Derek left DT. He had the opportunity to produce something way more sophisticated and yet memorizing to listen to.

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

A studio playthrough of the whole album with the gang back together would be incredible!

Planet X, Moonbabies, and my personal favourite Inertia, these are all legendary albums! Thanks so much Derek for this wonderful music

[@theadamblock]

The way Tony MacAlpine plays those riffs and solos is a perfect fit for Planet X. Miss them. Moonbabies is one of favorite all-around albums.

[@Anty7]

Me too. There are few of us out there! I love Garsed though, he's a better jazz/fusion player.

[@eyeheartmusichella]

Moonbabies is killer!!!

[@Inverse_Sense]

One of the greatest records of all time.

[@georgeavouris8539]

Progressive Delirium.Derek you are a great inspiration for me.

[@elpablosky6300]

The band is coming !!! Tony Macalpine , Derek and Virgil ! Comebacks on 2020 if you read this today must be pay attention to the tony Macalpine instagram and the Derek too !

[@MErthal21]

For years my biggest dream is to buy a Planet X mega-show on Blu-ray, with DTS-HD Master Audio. Please Derek, think about it. A show with thirty or more songs and solos.

[@CarlosJimenez-mb4ty]

Hello, Derek. You are my favorite Keyboard player, a GREAT inspiration. If it is possible, please come back with Planet X, this band, this music is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL, you have to continue with it.

[@leperking84]

i played this album (along with universe) almost everyday on my way to college back in the early 2k's love it to death it brings back such good memories

[@MrSandieman666]

The ambient Key-parts and the bass sound on that alb is delicious ❤️

[@prograven4844]

leaving DT sounds hard but you have shown the world your full potential outside of it.. thanks to all your projects.. specially new favorite SOA

[@bahaachic8377]

Please just one more album for the love of music and creativity , we still waiting.

[@naughtydog1376]

Planet X for me is Derek's response to DT guys after they drop him out, like "Hey! You listened to this? That's the sound you could never achieve 'cause you dropped me out, fuckers" And wow he succeed on that at the time

[@donakiss475]

Derek you're a sound god I love everything you create

[@dereksherinian3382]

Tommy Mollynas Thank you 😊

[@bettywilson1966]

When I discovered this album I was blowned away. You're the best...

[@Inverse_Sense]

All we need is a reunion tour!!

[@kemala1281]

My favorite keyboardist Derek

[@andrewcomplainer]

Derek quit everything and make Planet X again!!!!

[@Abonoli]

Please, don't! Keep BCC in parallel for a while... :) Just to have fun on "simple 12 bar songs"! LOL

[@viniciussilveira906]

I'M FUCKING GLAD TO SEE THAT!! PLANET X AWAYS WAS MY FAVORITE INSTRUMENTAL BAND!!

[@Convisis]

Brett is the most humble dude ever.

[@Justin.87]

Deserves way more credit

[@briankaupas2740]

I love both Planet X albums. Totally unique. I’ve been searching since 2007 for something remotely similar.

[@iamscythed]

Make Planet X Great Again

[@Karthik-nv6ry]

if i ever had a band it would be just like planet x technical, melodical, metal and obscure

[@IgnotusPerIgnotium]

From Planet X I remember buying Universe..and of course Moonbabies later and the other releases...but Universe still is my favorite from this band...I consider it on of the top instrumental albums of the decade.

[@RushianRichard]

As a drummer I can only say DS/Planet X was/is a game changer. So happy with their music. Inspiration for life. \m/

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

For the love of all that is holy please do some Planet X shows preferably an NYC, MA or CT venue. I NEED to see you guys live. Greatest and most technical instrumental band of all time

[@marcoghiotti7153]

They showed us how to be complex and musical at the same time. Something not many theatrical bands can do as well.

[@duxgarnifex3678]

There was a subtle flex in the background with a John Bowen Solaris synthesizer. Did you see it... awesome players, awesome gear-- makes awesome music.

[@manifestgtr]

I’m a career guitar player of many years and there are a few things I “won’t try to touch”...Planet X is one of those things. Any DT thing, I’ll sit down and work through if it piques my curiosity. Aristocrats, Guthrie, Satch, whatever...but Planet X is one of those things best left untouched in my mind. Tony, Allan, etc do such a pitch perfect job nailing those guitar lines on top of the wild things that Derek and Virgil come up with...I’d rather just sit back and take it all in.

[@martinperez5102]

Still one of my favorite bands!!!!!!!

[@6WireBender]

Thanks so much Derek. One has to agree with what Brett says in this documentary, yes, this amazing album has and still is aging damn sweet well !

[@stratrovarius]

This band and The Chick Corea Elektric band & Tribal Tech are the pinnacle of modern instrumental music, each in it`s own right. Personally, "Мооnbabies" just blew my mind and is still untouchable almost two decades later.

[@DRUMPROGRESS]

when a drive with my family in the car i told to my wife the wonderful and outstanding musiciant involve in this work thanks very much derek for this master piece¡¡

[@matrixgatex]

Clonus and Ataraxia by far the most wicked instrumentals

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

Moonbabies and Quantum are regular listens for me over the last nearly 10 years, eagerly anticipating some new Planet X over the next few years. Thanks for the music Derek and Virgil! (And everyone else involved over the years).

[@Luxdg]

This world need a reunion of Planet X, a new album and so many gigs near my town! 🙊

[@ALBundy73]

2001.... Adsl connection.... Peer to peer downloading.... Planetx discovering.... Incredible music experience....

[@adam872]

I really need to get more of Derek's solo work. I've got a reasonable collection of individual tracks, but I think I need more. For me he's the best combo of Jon Lord, Keith Emerson and Jan Hammer in the one package, which is dynamite.

[@dereksherinian3382]

adam872 Thank you Adam, you can get my solo records directly from me!

[@HaykMartirosyan]

Great to hear! This is funny update, Derek. Yesterday we were remembering Planet X performance in Yerevan back in 2008 :) Backstage and all the memories, you know... And I said that probably need to ask you what up with this project :) ... and here comes your video :) Cheers & all the best from Yerevan! \m/

[@dereksherinian3382]

Hayk Martirosyan 🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲

[@AtanasovPetar]

I still remember when Planet X came to Bulgaria in 2001. I was 14 years old and mostly Yngwie fan. This band opened my eyes to a lot of things.

[@chrislestermusic]

Man, what a cool story. So many people would have been crippled by what Dream Theatre chose to do and you went and just created something astounding out of it. It shows so much of your character that you responded with something creative. I love that you got pissed and went into action. It's also cool that you helped show Tony Franklin what he is capable of, and he was already an amazing player before this albumm. Well done!

[@dereksherinian6631]

Thank you Chris for your kind word!

[@jfo3000]

Derek, I saw you with DT in Cleveland years ago. You started the DT set with a keyboard solo that was unbelievable. You've been my favorite keyboardist ever since, I tell everyone about you and your work.

[@dereksherinian3382]

Jim Foster Thank you Jim!

[@dereksherinian3382]

Jim Foster Make sure you check out my new band Sons Of Apollo!

[@jfo3000]

I will do that. Thanks for the replies.

[@Truthinshredding1]

This is a brilliant album, play loud and enjoy... Brett Garsed is just awesome.

[@Justin.87]

I kind of feel like he always lacks the credit he deserves. Everything he said was praising the other musos, yet the only person who mentioned his name was Virgil (except for the credits). Im sure the others respect him though. Theres not many players that intimidate Brett, nor show him up, yet hes never been an egotistic player.

[@Gaslionel]

One of my top 3 bands, i love Planet X!

[@graphicsociety1]

Who are the other two?

[@franciscojavier980]

Moonbabies is the most insane prog fusion album I've heard...

[@jamoe666]

Planet X is such an awesome band, creative geniuses. I’m hoping to see and hear a new album in a near future.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Awesome video of most likely my favorite keyboardist!

[@Nedwin]

I know there are a lot new great keyboard players out there. But to me personally, Derek is still the big influence to my music. He is the one and only. The arrangement, the solo, the nuance, he is such an amazing musician. And hey, the genius Brett Garsed is there too!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@driggerfireon5760]

Guess one of the best thing that happened to you, us is leaving DT. You went on the lead & made all this incredible stiff. Plowed into a genre that is your own.

[@ronchiles399]

Derek is fantastic!

Derek, I know that Planet X stuff is not that much fun for you to play, but there is a small niche of us that ADORE what you did with Planet X. Please consider taking some time together with Virgil and whoever​ is available at the time to make another one.

[@graphicsociety1]

Best thing that could happen musically.

[@phpngpl]

I still remember going to the record store and buying the CD... Then going back home, popping it in the stereo... listening to it... Those were probably the most carefree and fun months of my life, being constantly mind-blown by the brilliance of this music. It might sound odd but I'm really happy Derek left DT. Hadn't he done so, he and his band mates would have never produced this MASTERPIECE.

[@ericlarkins]

Derek, a big heartfelt thanks to every contributing member of the group - could never thank you guys enough or fully express how much I've enjoyed the creativity and virtuosity of you guys - absolutely stellar! (And to be let go by DT only to blow them away was no easy feat. To not let your ego get in the way of already established working relationships with those guys, which subsequently led to future touring work, also set a big example.) Wish you many blessings!

[@dereksherinian3382]

Eric Larkins thank you Eric!

[@mikeepatrick1]

Still one of my favorite discs of all time. That lineup...

[@ak_jam]

Planet X is the best! I wish there was more of it, reunion please!

[@Mike_Isakov]

Wow ! i love it so much! awesome album and band! Russia with you!

[@cheezruff]

Love this Planet X CD, when it came out it was in heavy rotation with On The Virg, listening to them constantly. Derek, great playing, composing and sounds. I always felt like the keyboard sounds had a UK/Eddie Jobson vibe going on, creating a vision of an infinite universe and a connection to the beyond. Still sounds incredible to this day!

[@AA-cn2vd]

One of the best albums ever, such a blessing

[@michaelmaier7262]

"I just skipped to the stage of being fucking pissed." I will take ANY PLANET X or Derek Solo CD over anything DT put out after he left.... no question.

[@cerveshred]

True

[@bacchusendo9032]

i discovered dream theater and derek long after their involvement with each other and by coincidence i find myself liking dream theaters album less and less after falling into infinity and just straight up gobbling up his solo releases like a fat downs a chocolate cake. this keyboard driven prog rock fusion he does is so different and out there and i cant get enough.

[@einarabelc5]

One of my favorite prog bands

[@georgebarabas]

Love this album! So inspiring!

[@ImChrisLuke]

Thanks Derek! You rule!!!!

[@viniciussilveira906]

Please, come back with your songs... I cannot see anybody who can do it so god like all you (Virgil, Derek, Rufus and Tony) Come Back!!!!!

[@swaugh1]

Indeed that album out Dream Theatered Dream Theater, so much emotion evident in the songwriting but it was cohesive, complemented each other, key for me every track title was exactly the feel I got from the music, something that is missing in the instrumental albums out now. Glad I came across this and subscribed all the way here in the land of Virgil (Oz), look forward to more music. Simon

[@seanmiller7889]

Remains one of my top albums today. Absolutely fucking brilliant!

[@Jmusicguitar]

I've listened to live at Oz so many times in the last 20 years lol

[@gktde9874]

When I hear this record....It`s more like....Derek kicked Dream Theater out.

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

Seriously! The trilogy is more complex and insane than anything Dream Theater has done. When you watch Mike Portnoy playing Apocalypse live you can see he’s having trouble keeping up. That’s a huge compliment to Virgil

[@gacsizclickon]

exactly.

[@MrTeopantli]

"...added that heavy metal edge"...that's what drew me in to all things sherinian...I as never even a metal fan. As a keys player it made me think I wasn't crazy for approaching keys as the way I did. this video is great. renewed appreciation for this amazing album. I cam across this a while back through some friends who first introduced me to prog...and bam I was hooked. cheers!