Dream Theater Family Tree

in

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

dreamtheater.png

Dream Theater although not the first progressive metal band have become probably the most quintessential and most popular one. The core line up has only had a few changes over the years with Guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung have been with the band since the beginning. Other than the first album, James LaBrie has been on vocals. The fist album had vocalist Charlie Dominici. Mike Portnoy was on drum till 2010 when Mike Mangini took over. Three Keyboardist have been in the band starting with Kevin Moore, Derek Sherinian, and since 1999 Jordan Rudess. All members have been part of the writing process over the years.

 

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was a baroque period composer. Derek said he studied him. Jordan said he grew up playing his music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a prolific and influential classical composer. Derek said he studied him. James named him as a favorite composer.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven is easily the most famous classical composer. Derek said he studied him. James named him as a favorite composer.

Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin was a romance period composer and piano virtuoso. Jordan said he grew up playing his work.

Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt was a romance period composer and piano virtuoso. Jordan said he grew up playing his work.

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff was a romance period composer and piano virtuoso. Jordan named him as an influence.

George Gershwin

George Gershwin was an American pianist and composer in the early 1900’s. Jordan named him as an influence.

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was a hugely popular singer in his time. James named him as one of his vocal heroes.

Nat King Cole was a hugely popular singer in his time. James named him as one of his vocal heroes.

Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich is one of the most influential big band jazz drummer. Mangini named him as an influence.

Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Smith is an important jazz organist. Derek named him as an influence.

The Beatles are one of the most famous rock bands of all time. They are one of Portnoy’s earliest influences and a band he learned to play to. Charlie also named them as an early influence. Myung is a fan and said they are one of the reasons he picked up bass.

The Beatles are one of the most famous rock bands of all time. They are one of Portnoy’s earliest influences and a band he learned to play to. Mangini also named Ring as his first influence. Charlie also named them as an early influence. Myung is a fan and said they are one of the reasons he picked up bass.

Chick Corea

Chick Corea is an influential jazz player who’s notably played with Return to Forever, and Miles Davis. Derek named him as an influence.

David Bowie was on the artsy side or rock. Portnoy named him among the bands he grew up listening to.

David Bowie was on the artsy side or rock. Portnoy named him among the bands he grew up listening to.

Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart is a well known pop / rock singer. James named him as one of his vocal heroes.

Rod Stewart is a well known pop / rock singer. James named him as one of his vocal heroes.

The Rolling Stones are a legendary rock band. Portnoy named them as a band he grew up listening to.

The Rolling Stones are a legendary rock band. Portnoy named them as a band he grew up listening to. Charlie named them as an early influence.

The Who are a influential band. They are an early influence on Portnoy and a band he learned to play to. Seeing Keith Moon inspired him to become a drummer. Myung named them as an influence.

The Who are a influential band. They are an early influence on Portnoy and a band he learned to play to. Seeing Keith Moon inspired him to become a drummer. Myung named them as an influence.

Frank Zappa was and early pioneer in experimental and progressive rock. Portnoy named him as a big influence and also named drummer Terry Bozzio and Vinnie Colaiuta.

Frank Zappa was and early pioneer in experimental and progressive rock. Portnoy named him as a big influence and also named drummer Terry Bozzio and Vinnie Colaiuta.

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary player. Portnoy named Hendrix as one of the first things he was drumming to.

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary player. Portnoy named Hendrix as one of the first things he was drumming to. Charlie him as an early influence. Jordan named him as an influence.

Cream were an important blues based psychedelic band. Portnoy named them as one of the first bands he was playing along to.

Cream were an important blues based psychedelic band. Portnoy named them as one of the first bands he was playing along to. Charlie named them as an early influence.

Pink Floyd is one of the best known and influential progressive rock bands. Petrucci named them as band he grew up with and looks up to David Gilmore for his melodic leads. Portnoy named The Wall as an favorite album and named Floyd as one of the bands he grew up listening to.

Pink Floyd is one of the best known and influential progressive rock bands. Petrucci named them as band he grew up with and looks up to David Gilmore for his melodic leads. Portnoy named The Wall as an favorite album and named Floyd as one of the bands he grew up listening to. Charlie named them as an early influence. Jordan named them as an influence.

Deep Purple were an influential hard rock / early heavy metal band. Portnoy said he was into them in the 70’s James named Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes as favorite singers.

Deep Purple were an influential hard rock / early heavy metal band. Portnoy said he was into them in the 70’s James named Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes as favorite singers. Derek said John Lord was a little bit of an influence.

Jethro Tull were a progressive rock band known for their front man also playing the flute. Myung named them as a favorite.

Jethro Tull were a progressive rock band known for their front man also playing the flute. Myung named them as a favorite.

Glenn Hughes

Glenn Hughes has played in several bands including Trapeze, Deep Purple, and even a short stint with Tony Iommi as “Black Sabbath”. James named him as a favorite singer.

Jan Hammer

Jan Hammer jazz fusion and synth pop player who played with several notable bands including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jeff Beck, Al Di Meola, and many other important people. Derek named him as an influence.

Keith Emerson

Keith Emerson is most notable for his time in Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. Derek and Jordan named him as an influence. Jordan says hearing him got him into keyboards and not just classic piano.

Jeff Beck is an influential guitarist out of the 60’s, often considered one of the best of his time. Derek named him as an influence. Mangini named Blow by Blow with drummer Richard Bailey as an influence.

Blood, Sweat & Tears was a jazz-rock band. Mangini named them and Bobby Colomby as an influence.

Yes were an influential progressive rock band. Petrucci name them and guitarist Steve Howe as an influence. He learned how you can use orchestration differently than the standard rock band. He says he listened to Close to the Edge repeatedly and it had a big impact on him. Portnoy named Bill Bruford as an influence.

Yes were an influential progressive rock band. Petrucci name them and guitarist Steve Howe as an influence. He learned how you can use orchestration differently than the standard rock band. He says he listened to Close to the Edge repeatedly and it had a big impact on him. Portnoy named Bill Bruford as an influence. Derek named Rick Wakeman as an influence. Jordan named them and Patrick Moraz as an influence.

Genesis is an influential progressive rock band. Portnoy named them as a band he got into and has talked about looking up to Phil Collins for his leadership role in the band. Myung named them as a favorite

Genesis is an influential progressive rock band. Portnoy named them as a band he got into and has talked about looking up to Phil Collins for his leadership role in the band. Myung named them as a favorite. Jordan named them as an influence.

King Crimson are an influential progressive rock band. Portnoy named them as one of the bands he got into and named Bill Bruford as an influence.

King Crimson are an influential progressive rock band. Portnoy named them as one of the bands he got into and named Bill Bruford as an influence. Mangini also named them and Bruford as an influence. Jordan named them as an influence.

Led Zeppelin are one of the biggest and earliest hard rock bands. Petrucci and Portnoy named them as an early influence. Portnoy named Bonham; Zeppelin were a band Portnoy learned to play to. James named Robert Plant as a favorite singer.

Led Zeppelin are one of the biggest and earliest hard rock bands. Petrucci, and Charlie named them as an early influence Portnoy and Mangini named Bonham; Zeppelin were a band Portnoy learned to play to. James named Robert Plant as a favorite singer.

Chicago were a popular band blending rock and horns. Mangini named them and Danny Seraphine as an influence.

Allan Holdsworth

Allan Holdsworth is an influential jazz guitarist. He is listed as an influence on Petrucci’s website.

Allan Holdsworth is an influential jazz guitarist. He is listed as an influence on Petrucci’s website. Dereck also named him as an influence.

Bill Bruford

Bill Bruford is best known for his numerous albums with Yes and King Crimson, but has done a ton of other work as well. Portnoy named him as an influence.

Bill Bruford is best known for his numerous albums with Yes and King Crimson, but has done a ton of other work as well. Portnoy named him as an influence. Mangini named him as a huge influence.

Paul Rodgers

Paul Rodgers sung for bands including Free and Bad Company. James named him as an influence.

Elton John

Elton John is well known piano pop musician. Derek named him as an influence. DT has done Elton John Covers.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Petrucci named them as an early influence. Portnoy named Bill Ward as an influence. Myung named them as an influence. James named Dio as one of his heroes.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Petrucci named them as an early influence. Portnoy named Bill Ward as an influence. Myung named them as an influence. James named Dio as one of his heroes.

Gentle Giant were a British Prog rock band. Jordan named them as an influence.

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer was a progressive rock super group. Jordan named them as an influence. Both Jordan and Dereck named Keith Emerson as an influence.

Tangerine Dream were an early electronic band. Jordan Phaedra as an important album to him saying it offered something that couldn’t come from classical or rock.

Neal Schon

Neal Schon is best known for his work as Journey guitarist. Petrucci named him as an influence and looks up to his melodic leads.

Neal Schon is best known for his work as Journey guitarist. Petrucci named him as an influence and looks up to his melodic leads.

Rick Wakeman

Rick Wakeman notably played in Yes, but has done a ton of other work. Derek and Jordan named him as an influence.

Patrick Moraz

Patrick Moraz is a keyboardist who has notably played with Yes and The Moody Blues. Jordan named him as an influence.

Billy Cobham was a jazz / fusion player who notably played with Miles Davis and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Mangini named him as an influence.

Return to Forever was a jazz fusion band with several influential members including Al Di Meola. Petrucci named them and Meola as influences.

Return to Forever was a jazz fusion band with several influential members including Al Di Meola. Petrucci named them and Meola as influences. Derek named Chick Corea as an influence.

Scorpions are German hard rock / heavy metal legends. Portnoy said he was a fan.

Scorpions are German hard rock / heavy metal legends. Portnoy said he was a fan.

Queen is an influential rock band, definitely more proggy than often credited for. Petrucci named Queen and Brian May as an influence. James named Freddie as his favorite vocalist and biggest influence.

Queen is an influential rock band, definitely more proggy than often credited for. Petrucci named Queen and Brian May as an influence. James named Freddie as his favorite vocalist and biggest influence.

Aerosmith are one of the most iconic American hard rock bands. James is a fan and named Steven Tyler as a favorite vocalist. Derek named them as an influence.

Steve Gadd

Steve Gadd is an influential drummer. Mangini named him as an influence noting his work with Al Di Meola and Chick Corea.

Rush are an influential progressive hard rock band. Petrucci named them and Alex Lifeson as an influence and favorite band. He named Neil Peart as a big lyrical influence as well and names 2112 as one of the greatest albums. Charlie also named Rush as an influence on them. Portnoy named Neil Peart as one of his biggest influences. Myung named them as a favorite. Myung named them as an influence.

Rush are an influential progressive hard rock band. Petrucci named them and Alex Lifeson as an influence and favorite band. He named Neil Peart as a big lyrical influence as well and names 2112 as one of the greatest albums. Charlie also named Rush as an influence on them. Portnoy named Neil Peart as one of his biggest influences. Myung named them as a favorite. Myung named them as an influence. Mangini named Neil Peart as an influence.

Kiss are one of the biggest hard rock bands. Portnoy said they inspired him to want to be a touring musician and named Peter Chris as an influence.

Kiss are one of the biggest hard rock bands. Portnoy said they inspired him to want to be a touring musician and named Peter Chris as an influence.

Jaco Pastorius is an influential virtuoso bassist; he played in the fusion band Weather Report. He is listed as Myung’s influence on the DT website.

Jaco Pastorius is an influential virtuoso bassist; he played in the fusion band Weather Report. He is listed as Myung’s influence on the DT website.

Judas Priest are probably the most quintessential heavy metal band. Portnoy said he was really into them in the 70’s. James names Halford as a favorite.

Judas Priest are probably the most quintessential heavy metal band. Portnoy said he was really into them in the 70’s. James names Halford as a favorite.

Rainbow were a hard rock / early heavy metal band that combined a legendary group. Portnoy said he was a fan. James named Dio as one of his heroes.

Rainbow were a hard rock / early heavy metal band that combined a legendary group. Portnoy said he was a fan. James named Dio as one of his heroes.

Kansas were a progressive rock band. Charlie named them as an influence on them.

Kansas were a progressive rock band. Charlie named them as an influence on them.

Lou Gramm

Lou Gramm is best known for his time as Foreigner front man. James named him as a favorite singer.

AC/DC are perhaps the most quintessential hard rock bands as well as one of the most popular. Petrucci named them as an early influence.

AC/DC are perhaps the most quintessential hard rock bands as well as one of the most popular. Petrucci named them as an early influence.

Stevie Ray Vaughan is a legendary blues player. Petrucci named him as an influence and Couldn’t Stand the Weather as one of his biggest influences.

Stevie Ray Vaughan is a legendary blues player. Petrucci named him as an influence and Couldn’t Stand the Weather as one of his biggest influences.

Journey are were and still are a hugely popular arena rock band. James named Steve Perry as one of his vocal heroes. Petrucci named Neal Schon as an influence.

Journey are were and still are a hugely popular arena rock band. James named Steve Perry as one of his vocal heroes. Petrucci named Neal Schon as an influence.

Terry Bozzio

Terry Bozzio is an inflectional drummer, formerly he played with Frank Zappa. Portnoy named him as an influence.

Terry Bozzio is an influential drummer, formerly he played with Frank Zappa. Portnoy and Mangini named him as an influence and noted his work with prog band U.K..

Steve Morse / Dixie Dregs

Steve Morse was the found and guitarist of Dixie Dregs, he later would release some instrumental rock solo albums, and join Kansas and Deep Purple. Petrucci named him and Dixie Dregs as an influence and named Steve as his favorite guitarist.

Steve Morse was the found and guitarist of Dixie Dregs, he later would release some instrumental rock solo albums, and join Kansas and Deep Purple. Petrucci named him and Dixie Dregs as an influence and named Steve as his favorite guitarist.

Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola is an influential jazz guitarist who was in jazz fusion band After Forever. Petrucci named him as one of his biggest influences.

Al Di Meola is an influential jazz guitarist who was in jazz fusion band After Forever. Petrucci named him as one of his biggest influences. Derek named him as an influence as well.

Ramones are the fathers of punk and known for their simplistic writing in contrast to DT. Portnoy said in the late 70’s he got into some punk bands including the Ramones.

Ramones are the fathers of punk and known for their simplistic writing in contrast to DT. Portnoy said in the late 70’s he got into some punk bands including the Ramones.

Sex Pistols are among the most influential punk bands. Portnoy said he was into them in the late 70’s

Sex Pistols are among the most influential punk bands. Portnoy said he was into them in the late 70’s

Motorhead are hard rock / heavy metal legends. Portnoy said “Overkill” was one of the songs he learned double bass from.

Motorhead are hard rock / heavy metal legends. Portnoy said “Overkill” was one of the songs he learned double bass from.

Simon Phillips

Simon Phillips is a prolific session drummer who’s played with a ton for bands from Judas Priest to Toto. Portnoy named him as an influence.

Simon Phillips is a prolific session drummer who’s played with a ton for bands from Judas Priest to Toto. Portnoy named him as an influence.

The Clash are a legendary punk band. Portnoy named them as one of the punk bands he was into in the late 70’s.

The Clash are a legendary punk band. Portnoy named them as one of the punk bands he was into in the late 70’s.

The Police were a popular post punk band. Portnoy named Stewart Copland as an influence, James’s DT website bio lists Sting as one of his influences.

The Police were a popular post punk band. Portnoy named Stewart Copland as an influence, James’s DT website bio lists Sting as one of his influences.

Yngwie Malmsteen is known as heading the neo-classical metal sound. Petrucci’s website lists him as an influence.

Yngwie Malmsteen is known as heading the neo-classical metal sound. Petrucci’s website lists him as an influence. Derek named him as an influence.

Van Halen was a revolutionary band. Petrucci named Eddie as an influence. Portnoy named Alex as an influence. James’s bio on the DT website says he is a fan.

Van Halen was a revolutionary band. Petrucci and Derek named Eddie as an influence. Portnoy named Alex as an influence. James’s bio on the DT website says he is a fan.

Iron Maiden are one of the most influential metal bands, and are known for soaring vocals and guitar harmonies. Petrucci named them as an influence. Portnoy is also a fan. Myung named them as an influence.

Iron Maiden are one of the most influential metal bands, and are known for soaring vocals and guitar harmonies. Petrucci named them as an influence. Portnoy is also a fan. Myung named them as an influence.

Accept are an important Germen heavy metal band. Portnoy said he was a fan. He named “Fast as a Shark” as one of the songs he learned double bass from.

Accept are an important Germen heavy metal band. Portnoy said he was a fan. He named “Fast as a Shark” as one of the songs he learned double bass from.

Twisted Sister are heavy metal to often lumped in with the glam bands because of their looks. Portnoy said he was a fan and at one time filled in as their drummer. Portnoy took a few lessons from an early Twisted Sister drummer when he was young and that is where he first started learning double bass.

Twisted Sister are heavy metal to often lumped in with the glam bands because of their looks. Portnoy said he was a fan and at one time filled in as their drummer. Portnoy took a few lessons from an early Twisted Sister drummer when he was young and that is where he first started learning double bass.

Vinnie Colaiuta

Vinnie Colaiuta has played on a ton of albums, notably he has played a bunch with Frank Zappa. Portnoy named him as an influence.

Vinnie Colaiuta has played on a ton of albums, notably he has played a bunch with Frank Zappa. Portnoy named him as an influence.

Steve Vai is an influential virtuoso guitarist. He is listed as an influence on Petrucci’s website.

Steve Vai is an influential virtuoso guitarist. He is listed as an influence on Petrucci’s website.

Ozzy had incredible guitar players to work with over the years. Petrucci named Randy Rhoads as a big influence on him. Portnoy is also a fan.

Ozzy had incredible guitar players to work with over the years. Petrucci named Randy Rhoads as a big influence on him. Portnoy is also a fan. Derek named Randy as an influence.

Motley Crue are a huge glam metal / rock band. Portnoy named “Red Hot” as one of the songs he learned double bass to.

Motley Crue are a huge glam metal / rock band. Portnoy named “Red Hot” as one of the songs he learned double bass to.

Metallica are the fathers of thrash. Petrucci name them as a massive influence. He said the way the guitar and drums synch on Master of Puppets became a staple of DT. Charlie also named them as an influence on them. Portnoy named Lars as an influence, not just for his drumming but also his leadership role in the band. He named Kill ‘em All as having a huge impact on him. James’s bio on the DT website says he is a fan.

Metallica are the fathers of thrash. Petrucci name them as a massive influence. He said the way the guitar and drums synch on Master of Puppets became a staple of DT. Charlie also named them as an influence on them. Portnoy named Lars as an influence, not just for his drumming but also his leadership role in the band. He named Kill ‘em All as having a huge impact on him. James’s bio on the DT website says he is a fan.

Anthrax are one of the “big 4” of thrash. Mangini praises his single stroke foot work on State of Euphoria saying it’s the best he’s heard.

Marillion is the biggest of the new-progressive scene that merged prog rock with post-punk. Petrucci named them as an influence.

Marillion is the biggest of the new-progressive scene that merged prog rock with post-punk. Petrucci named them as an influence.

Sting got his start in The Police, but has a successful solo career as well. James named him as an influence.

Dennis Chambers

Dennis Chambers is a jazz / fusion / funk drummer. Mangini named him as an influence.

Queensryche are among the earliest progressive metal bands. Charlie named them as an influence on them. I’ve seen them listed as one of Petrucci’s influences, but I have not confirmed that.

Queensryche are among the earliest progressive metal bands. Charlie named them as an influence on them. I’ve seen them listed as one of Petrucci’s influences, but I have not confirmed that.

After his time with Black Sabbath and Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio stared his own legendary band. James named Dio as one of his heroes.

After his time with Black Sabbath and Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio stared his own legendary band. James named Dio as one of his heroes.

Horacio Hernandez

Horacio Hernandez is a Latin Jazz / rock drummer. Mangini named him as an influence.

Joe Satriani is an influential instrumental rock guitarist. He is listed as Petrucci’s influence on his website.

Joe Satriani is an influential instrumental rock guitarist. He is listed as Petrucci’s influence on his website.

Virgil Donati

Virgil Donati is relatively more modern drummer. Mangini named him as a more recent influence, specifically noting his work with Planet X.

Autechre are an electronic duo. Jordan named them as an influence.

Aphex Twin is an electronic musician. Jordan named him as an influence.

Jeff Buckly

Jeff Buckley was a folk rock singer/song writer. James named him as a favorite.

Muse are an alternative rock based band, occasionally prog rock. Jordan said at one time DT was taking inspiration from their sound.

Coldplay are a pop/alt rock band. Jordan said at one time DT was taking inspiration from their sound.

Mutemath are an alt rock / post rock band. James named singer Paul Meany as a favorite. (I noticed he reminded me of Rod Stewart and Sting, so this makes a lot of since given his taste.)

Onerepublic are a pop/rock band. James is a fan of singer Ryan Tedder.

Young The Giant are an indi rock/pop band. James named singer Sameer Gadhia as a favorite newer singer.

Nothing But Thieves are a far more recent alt/indi rock band. James named singer Conor Mason as a favorite singer.

Petrucci says he doesn’t listen to a lot of classical, but has and it has been an influence. He said he is a fan of John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

Original vocalist Charlie Dominici named early influences as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Iron Butterfly, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

I’m uncertain of original keyboardist Kevin Moore’s influences.

Portnoy’s dad was a rock DJ, so he grew up with early rock music. He named Phil Collins and Don Henley as influences for their leadership roles in their bands (Genesis, Eagles). He named Radiohead’s Ok Computer as one of the greatest albums.

Myung played violin 10 years as a kid before picking up bass.

James named favorite composers as Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven.

Derek was with the band on keys for a much shorter time than Kevin or Jordan, but did and EP and Album. He is influenced by guitar players as well as key players. After his time with DT he sites influence from composer Béla Bartók.

Jordan says his foundation comes from classic piano. He is also a fan of Sigur Ros, Super Furry Animals, Radio Head, and Porcupine Tree.

Mangini named Ringo, Seraphine, Colomby, Bonham, Peart, Rich and Bazzio (all noted above). He said that he tried to learn everything they did to the best of his ability.

 

Sources:

https://web.archive.org/web/20141006133221/http://wikimetal.uol.com.br/site/interview-with-john-petrucci-dream-theater/
https://johnpetrucci.com/biography/
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/john-petrucci-dream-theater-interview-2011/
https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dream-theaters-john-petrucci-the-11-greatest-prog-rock-albums-of-all-time-548955
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dream_theaters_john_petrucci_names_3_albums_that_influenced_him_most_as_guitarist.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfXZr0sP6EM
https://www.musicradar.com/news/interview-john-petrucci-2021
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theaters-john-petrucci-on-eddie-van-halen-his-influence-globally-on-the-guitar-community-is-just-unfathomable/
https://www.guitarworld.com/features/john-petrucci-prog-whisperer
https://www.eternal-terror.com/articles/index.php?id=264&type=B
https://www.revolution-inc.dk/tekst/dominici
https://www.mikeportnoy.com/
https://en.beatit.tv/mike-portnoy-talks-about-his-influences/
https://eddietrunk.com/drummer-mike-portnoy-discusses-his-biggest-influences-and-the-winery-dogs/
https://www.loudersound.com/features/mike-portnoy-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life
http://rockandrollgarage.com/mike-portnoy-reveals-the-10-drummers-that-changed-his-life/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-portnoy/id1541924407?i=1000500966667
https://loudwire.com/mike-portnoy-on-three-double-bass-drum-songs-that-influenced-him/
https://johnmyung.tripod.com/mainpages/john_ty.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20140405033255/http://www.forbassplayersonly.com/Interviews/John-Myung.html
https://dreamtheater.net/band/john-myung/
https://www.musicradar.com/news/james-labrie-my-top-five-vocal-heroes
https://eddietrunk.com/dream-theaters-james-labrie-discusses-the-bands-latest-album-the-hardest-songs-to-sing-live-and-his-favorite-singers/
https://dreamtheater.net/band/james-labrie/
https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/james-labrie-of-dream-theater
http://www.ram.org/music/articles/sherinterview.html
https://meaww.com/derek-sherinian-mmxx-sons-of-apollo-interview-king-of-delusion-bela-bartok-van-halen-influences
https://proglodytes.com/2017/08/04/interview-with-derek-sherinian-dream-theater-planet-x-and-sons-of-apollo/
https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055050/http://www.jordanrudess.com/jordan/faq.html
https://www.goldminemag.com/articles/10-albums-that-changed-jordan-rudess-life
https://renderedgemedia.com/the-maestro-an-interview-with-jordan-rudess-from-dream-theater-part-1-influences/
https://loudwire.com/dream-theater-metallica-jordan-rudess/
https://www.therockpit.net/2018/interview-jordan-rudess-dream-theater-from-bach-to-rock/
https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153546/http://www.dprp.net/wp/interviews/?page_id=1659
https://web.archive.org/web/20141031155451/http://mikemangini.com/MDAug99Interview.htm
https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/dream-theaters-mike-mangini-my-10-most-influential-drum-albums-553178

Gojira Family Tree

in

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Gojira.jpg

Gojira are a progressive metal band heavily rooted in groove metal with some death metal elements. Their first album has the most death metal style vocals and the death metal influences persist after that but they have become far less death metal over the years. Their line up has been consistent from the first album. On guitar/vocals Joe Duplantier, second guitar Christian Andreu, bass Jean-Michel Labadie, and drums Mario Duplantier. Early album have writing credits shared but later albums are noted as being written predominantly by Joe and Mario. With a more openness to non metal influences in recent years, I will be curies to revisit this in the future and see if they are naming some of those influences to a greater extent.

Led Zeppelin are hugely influential and among the first hard rockers. Joe said the band all have a Zeppelin influence.

Led Zeppelin are hugely influential and among the first hard rockers. Joe said the band all have a Zeppelin influence.

Mike Oldfield

Mike Oldfield is a multi genre musician mostly known for his progressive rock. Mario said that he was an influence on Joe.

Mike Oldfield is a multi genre musician mostly known for his progressive rock. Mario said that he was an influence on Joe.

Metallica are the Fathers of thrash. Christian, Joe and Jean-Michel name Ride The Lightning as a big influence on them. Joe and Jean-Michel both said “Fade to Black” was the first song they learned to play. Joe said that Master of Puppets defines …

Metallica are the Fathers of thrash. Christian, Joe and Jean-Michel name Ride The Lightning as a big influence on them. Joe and Jean-Michel both said “Fade to Black” was the first song they learned to play. Joe said that Master of Puppets defines metal for him. Mario said that Lars was his biggest influence when he started out. Jean-Michel said Jason Newsted is the reason he plays bass and names Metallica has his biggest influences.

Slayer were pushing the aggression that thrash was capable of. Joe said he would listen to South of Heaven riding the bus to school to prepare himself for the day. He also praises Tom as a frontman.

Slayer were pushing the aggression that thrash was capable of. Joe said he would listen to South of Heaven riding the bus to school to prepare himself for the day. He also praises Tom as a frontman.

Death are often seen as the fathers of death metal and went into a progressive direction with it. The whole band names them as a huge influence.

Death are often seen as the fathers of death metal and went into a progressive direction with it. The whole band names them as a huge influence.

Sepulture are best known for their death/thrash sound. Early on they were pioneering death metal and later they became influential for their groove metal as well. Joe said that Chaos AD was a huge influence on them. Mario named Igor as one of hi…

Sepulture are best known for their death/thrash sound. Early on they were pioneering death metal and later they became influential for their groove metal as well. Joe said that Chaos AD was a huge influence on them. Mario named Igor as one of his main influences.

Morbid Angel are an important and influential Death metal band. Joe and Jean-Michel named them as an influence.

Morbid Angel are an important and influential Death metal band. Joe and Jean-Michel named them as an influence.

Meshuggah are a progressive/groove metal band with thrash origins. The Djent style is attributed to them. Joe has mentioned being a fan on several occasions.

Meshuggah are a progressive/groove metal band with thrash origins. The Djent style is attributed to them. Joe has mentioned being a fan on several occasions.

Cannibal Corpse are one of the most well known death metal bands. Jean-Michel named them as a band they listen to.

Cannibal Corpse are one of the most well known death metal bands. Jean-Michel named them as a band they listen to.

Pantera are the fathers of groove metal. Jean-Michel named them as a big influence.

Pantera are the fathers of groove metal. Jean-Michel named them as a big influence.

Rage Against The Machine are pioneers of rap/rock. Joe named their self titled album as a favorite. Mario and Jean-Michel also have praise for it.

Rage Against The Machine are pioneers of rap/rock. Joe named their self titled album as a favorite. Mario and Jean-Michel also have praise for it.

Tool are an influential alternative/progressive band. Mario, Joe, and Christian all name them as an influence.

Tool are an influential alternative/progressive band. Mario, Joe, and Christian all name them as an influence.

Machine Head are a groove metal bands formed by an ex thrasher of Vio-lence. Joe named them as an influence.

Machine Head are a groove metal bands formed by an ex thrasher of Vio-lence. Joe named them as an influence.

Strapping Young Lad was an extreme metal band led by Devin Townsend. Joe said he is a fan of Devin and Mario said that Joe picked up some things after getting into his work and working with him.

Strapping Young Lad was an extreme metal band led by Devin Townsend. Joe said he is a fan of Devin and Mario said that Joe picked up some things after getting into his work and working with him.

Devin Townsend put out solo albums and also album sunder Devin Townsend Project. Again, Mario said that working with Devin had an influence on Joe’s approach to music.

Devin Townsend put out solo albums and also album sunder Devin Townsend Project. Again, Mario said that working with Devin had an influence on Joe’s approach to music.

Mastodon are a progressive metal/rock band. Joe is a fan and has said talking with them has helped him learn to appreciate his more non metal influences.

Mastodon are a progressive metal/rock band. Joe is a fan and has said talking with them has helped him learn to appreciate his more non metal influences.

Mario and Joe are brothers. As kids they heard the music their mom would play. Mario played she played The Beatles, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson. After that they got into Metallica.

Mario said “At 12 years old I started my own band with a friend from school. We played Nirvana covers, Metallica covers and Sepultura. When I turned 13 I was really into death metal.” He said his brother got into death metal later than him. Later Mario took drum lessons for seven years consisting of “one hour of jazz, one hour of rock, one hour of Afro-Cuban. I learned a bit of everything.”"

When talking about their move way into a less metal sound Mario said they still love their metal influences but also like bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Radiohead, and James Blake. He also said him and Joe were both exposed to classical music early on and have a love and understanding of it.

Joe said as a kid he heard a lot of bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Dire Straits on the radio. He said his favorite French singer is Alain Bashung.

In several interviews in the most recent years, Joe talks about trying to be less constrained and bringing in non metal influences from their younger years.

When asked about favorite current bands, Joe names Massive Attack, Portishead and Radiohead. As well as, Meshuggah, Tool, Devin Townsend, The Atlas Moth, Die Antwoord, and The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices.

Bands influenced by Gojira!

As this project advances, bands will be added here…

Groove/Melodic Death

Groove/Melodic Death

Progressive Death

Progressive Death

Sources:

https://www.telerama.fr/sortir/les-cinq-albums-de-metal-qui-ont-change-la-vie-de-gojira,143153.php
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/gojiras-joe-duplantier-my-10-favorite-metal-albums-201839/sepultura-chaos-a-d-1993-193622/
https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2004/07/16/259032-rock-tellurique-avec-les-landais-de-gojira.html
https://www.lemonde.fr/musiques/article/2016/06/16/gojira-le-metal-c-est-de-la-dentelle_4951952_1654986.html
https://loudwire.com/gojira-joe-duplantier-early-music-influences-french-curse-word-of-choice/
https://www.musicradar.com/news/gojiras-mario-duplantier-reveals-all-about-his-astonishing-technique
https://www.kerrang.com/features/inside-gojira-new-metal-masterpiece-fortitude-and-their-fight-for-our-future/
https://metalinsider.net/interviews/gojiras-joe-duplantier-discusses-fatherhood-sea-shepherd-2
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/gojira.htm
https://ainhoaaristizabal.wordpress.com/tag/joe-duplantier/
http://www.radiometal.com/article/gojiras-subconscious,69268
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojiras-mario-duplantier-lars-ulrich-was-maybe-the-only-influence-i-had-when-i-was-starting-out/
http://liveandloudmagazine.com/2012/09/live-n-loud-meets-gojira/