John Petrucci, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of Dream Theater, recently opened up about his perspective on the current state of modern metal and the misconceptions some fans, especially in the United States, have about the genre. Having played a pivotal role in shaping progressive metal for nearly four decades alongside Mike Portnoy and John Myung, Petrucci brings a seasoned and influential voice to the ongoing conversation about metal’s evolution.
In a recent interview, Petrucci spoke about his admiration for many contemporary guitarists. He referenced his annual John Petrucci Guitar Universe camp, which has already hosted four editions and is scheduled for a fifth in Las Vegas this August. Designed as a hub for guitar enthusiasts, the camp fosters a deep sense of community and camaraderie among players. Petrucci emphasized the profound experience campers gain by interacting directly with their favorite guitarists and forming lasting friendships. He explained that many of the guitarists invited as guest instructors at these camps are among his personal favorites.
Among those he highlighted were Joscho Stephan, a German gypsy jazz virtuoso, whose performance at a recent camp left a lasting impression. Petrucci also mentioned long-time friends and fellow guitar luminaries like Tosin Abasi and Guthrie Govan, both of whom have contributed significantly to the modern guitar landscape. Another prominent figure at the camps has been his wife, Rena Petrucci, who has participated as a guest instructor. John expressed pride in Rena’s talent and appreciated the dynamic she brings to the event.
When asked whether he and Rena had considered collaborating on a joint guitar-based project, Petrucci admitted that the idea has come up multiple times. Although the two have shared the stage occasionally, performing songs such as The Allman Brothers’ “Jessica” and Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein,” they have yet to record an album together. He noted that such a collaboration would be fun but remains elusive due to scheduling constraints.
Turning his attention to the broader metal scene, Petrucci praised the current state of modern metal guitar. He reminisced about Dream Theater’s early days when the term “prog metal” hadn’t even been coined. Since then, the genre has branched out considerably, encompassing a wide range of musical styles that retain a core metal identity infused with progressive elements. Petrucci highlighted his nephew Jake Bowen, a guitarist for the band Periphery, as an example of a modern musician carrying the torch of innovation in metal. He remarked that the genre is in excellent health, both creatively and technically.
However, Petrucci acknowledged that some American listeners struggle to grasp the contemporary relevance of metal, often associating it with past decades. He challenged this perception by pointing out the thriving metal scenes beyond the United States. According to Petrucci, countries in South America, Europe, and Asia continue to embrace metal with fervor, hosting some of the largest and most passionate rock and metal festivals in the world. These events serve as a strong testament to the genre’s enduring global popularity.
In closing, Petrucci emphasized the central role of the guitar in defining metal music. In his view, the genre simply wouldn’t exist without its signature instrument. While he admits to being biased, Petrucci believes that the guitar remains the most powerful voice in metal, anchoring its identity across generations and geographies.
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