Touring Lineup
Mexico / South America
September 2001

Yngwie Malmsteen (guitars)
Doogie White (vocals)
Derek Sherinian (keyboards)
Mick Cervino (bass)
Patrik Johansson (drums)

Anne: You seem to have a lot of solo projects underway... what attracted you to spending the month of September in South America playing for Yngwie Malmsteen?

Derek: Yngwie called me 2 weeks ago, and asked me if I wanted to play and I said yes. Yngwie is one of the greats and I am flattered that he even knows who I am. At this point in my career, I am in it for the adventure.

Anne: Are you relatively new to Yngwie's music, or have you followed it over the years?

Derek: I have been a fan of Yngwie since he was in Steeler. When I was going to Berklee College of Music in 1983, the Alcatrazz album came out, and EVERYONE was talking about Yngwie. I remember running up to Yngwie at a NAMM show in 1986 asking him for his autograph!!

Anne: How do you think your playing style fits into his neoclassical shred approach? Will you be playing the songs as close to the recorded originals as you can, or do you plan to work out your own interpretation of them?

Derek: I will play all of the material authentically, but I will do my own solos. Yngwie said that I could do a solo spot , so I will work out some kind of routine.

Anne: Mats Olausson's keyboards anchored Yngwie's live shows for nearly 10 years - how do you plan to take on this challenge?

Derek: I am just learning the tunes, and I will be ready to hit Sept 9. That's it.

Anne: As you may know, Yngwie is an extreme showman onstage, where his improvization skills are legendary. In various reviews, the same has been said of you. How do you think this chemistry will work onstage together?

Derek: I am 100% there to support Yngwie. I will do whatever he needs me to do.

Anne: You mention on your website that Yngwie has agreed to appear on your next solo album. What type of music do you anticipate making with him for that recording?

Derek: Yngwie is also very influenced by Hendrix, and Allan Holdsworth. I would love to tap into that aspect of his playing for sure. It is so cool to be able to record with your favorite players.

Anne: Any comments you'd like to add for the fans before rehearsals start in Miami?

Derek: It has been since 1998 Monsters of Rock with Dream Theater since I have been to South America, so I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.