Q. Do you hear yourself compared to Kevin Moore a lot? If so, how do you feel about that?

Derek: Whenever you replace an original member, comparisons are inevitable. I just do my thing.

Q. What was is like touring with legends like Alice Cooper and Gene Simmons (Kiss)? Was it ever a possibilty for you to be a permanent band member?

Derek: Working with Alice and Gene was like studying with the finest of rock n roll finishing school professors. Those guys have seen it all. Gene Simmons' relentless work ethic inspires me.

Q. As the newest member of Dream Theater, how would you say you "mesh" with the group? Do you ever feel like an outsider?

Derek: I think that I add a rock n roll vibe to DT. The guys have made me feel welcome from day one.

Q. On that same note, how much would you say you contribute to the overall DT sound? Do you feel you have a significant input?

Derek: My initial seeds for Falling into Infinity were 'Lines in the Sand', 'New Millenium', 'Anna Lee', and 'Hells Kitchen'. The guys were very receptive to my ideas.

Q. Do you enjoy touring? You have a great showmanship style. Are you having as much fun onstage as you appear to be?

Derek: I love touring! I love the whole lifestyle of being in a rock band.

Have you heard anything from Nicky lately? Will we ever see him again?

Derek: Nicky has been extremely unavailable.

Q. The ytsegirls want to know: is it true you prefer blondes? (Be careful how you answer: drugstores all across the country may run out of peroxide)

Derek: I do not discriminate against women.

Q. What's happening with your side project, Ethyl Mertz? Is there a cd in the works?

Derek: Ethyl still plays without me in NY.

Q. Who would you credit as major influences to your musical style?

Derek: Early VH, Randy Rhodes, Jazz Fusion

Q. If you could pick only 5 albums to listen to, what would they be?

Derek: First 5 VH albums

Q. Where did you get the lava lamps for the stage?

Derek: Greenwich Village

Q. Where do you buy your funky clothes? Ever considered being a model?

Derek: Milan, La, NY, and London. I model 24/7!

For more information on Derek and his other side projects, be sure to visit the OFFICIAL Dream Theater website, Under A Cyber Moon at its new url... http://www.dreamtheater.net

~Pam Doise