Sons of Apollo

Lore & Background

Sons of Apollo was formed in 2017 after keyboardist Derek Sherinian asked drummer Mike Portnoy to join a full-time project. Portnoy agreed when his schedule allowed and suggested vocalist Jeff Scott Soto and guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal to complete the lineup. The band's name was proposed by Sherinian after he saw the word "Apollo" among a list of suggestions from Portnoy; it was chosen because Apollo is the god of music, and variations were considered to avoid conflict with another band named Apollo.

The group released their debut album, Psychotic Symphony, on October 20, 2017, produced by Portnoy and Sherinian under the alias "The Del Fuvio Brothers." A live album, Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony, filmed at the Plovdiv Roman theatre in Bulgaria, followed on August 30, 2019. Their second studio album, MMXX, was released on January 17, 2020.

In an October 2023 interview, Thal stated that the band had broken up, saying that after the pandemic, not everyone was committed to continuing. In early 2024, Sherinian referred to MMXX as the band's "second and final album" on Instagram. Sherinian and Thal later formed a new band, Whom Gods Destroy.

Reader's Guide

Sons of Apollo represents a notable convergence of virtuosic musicians from the progressive metal and hard rock scenes. The band's significance lies in its assembly of established talents—Portnoy and Sherinian from Dream Theater, Sheehan from Mr. Big, Soto from various hard rock projects, and Thal from Guns N' Roses—into a cohesive unit that released two studio albums and a live recording. Their debut, Psychotic Symphony, and follow-up, MMXX, showcased the members' technical prowess and collaborative songwriting. The group's insistence on being a full-time band, rather than a side project, underscored their commitment, though the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately led to their dissolution. The legacy of Sons of Apollo is preserved through their recorded output and the subsequent formation of Whom Gods Destroy by Sherinian and Thal, continuing the creative lineage.

Did You Know?

• The band's name was chosen because Apollo is the god of music, and variations were considered to avoid conflict with another band named Apollo.
• Portnoy considers guitarist Tony MacAlpine part of Sons of Apollo's history and 'part of the extended family' due to their work together on the project PSMS.
• The band's debut album, Psychotic Symphony, was produced by Portnoy and Sherinian under the alias 'The Del Fuvio Brothers.'
• In early 2024, Sherinian referred to MMXX as the band's 'second and final album' on Instagram.