Crave: So Derek, how’s the tour with Billy Idol been this time around? Derek: It’s going pretty good. The tour’s been going on for about 10 weeks now, with 8 more weeks ahead after this short break. During which, I’ll be recording for the new Planet X record.
Crave: Your latest solo album “Mythology” features a wide range of players from Zakk Wylde to Simon Phillips to Steve Stevens. With so many musicians as apart of the record, how long did the album take to record? Derek: The album took about 6 months to record. Ya know, you obviously have to work around everybody’s schedules and all of that. So yeah, I’d say all in all it took about 6 months to complete.
Crave: Were there any songs from “Mythology” you had more enjoyment creating and recording than others? Derek: Well, I had a good time recording all of the songs. I just love the writing process and how everything comes together. So I had a great time with all of it.
Crave: How did the idea of “Mythology” come about? Derek: Well, when I was younger I was way into Greek mythology and saw a lot of the characters as heroes and that was kind of a representation of all of the musicians I had on the record. Many of them I consider my heroes. So in that sense “Mythology” seemed to work well.
Crave: How would you compare your writing/playing on the latest record to your past solo work? Derek: It’s definitely a lot heavier than my previous solo stuff. I was trying a lot of things on this record that I hadn’t done before.
Crave: Shifting gears a little, over your career, you’ve played with some of the greatest musicians alive and been apart of numerous bands. If you had to pick one experience as the most memorable time you’ve ever had as a musician, which would it be? Derek: Well, wow, there’s been a lot. I’m definitely having a great time on this Billy Idol tour. It’s the first tour I’ve done where I get to fly in a charter jet, so that’s pretty cool. But at the same time I’ve played with so many people, it’s all been great. I’ve had a really good time playing with Steve Lukather, I’ve always loved his playing. There’s been a lot of memorable times.
Crave: While we’re on favorites, I read that you were influenced at a young age by Elton John. Who are some other influences of yours or what other keyboardists do you admire? Derek: Let’s see, Keith Emerson, Van Halen, Ozzy. Just a lot of different people from different musical styles have influenced me. I like to make my music metal, but with fusion stuff mixed in and my influences are probably mostly in those two areas.
Crave: So what are your plans once this run with Billy Idol wraps up? Derek: I plan on finishing up the next Planet X record and then I’ll probably start thinking about my next solo album.
Crave: So you won’t be playing on any other bands’ records or anything like that? Derek: Nope, at this point it’s just gonna be Billy, Planet X, and my solo stuff.
Crave: Well, that concludes the interview. Derek: Thank you for your time David.
