Season 10, Episode 1 – John Petrucci of Dream Theater

A Christmas Gift to the Guitar Hang Community

As a special thank-you to the loyal listeners of The Guitar Hang Podcast, this Season 10 premiere is offered as a Christmas gift — and there’s no better way to begin than with John Petrucci.

John Petrucci is one of the most influential guitarists of our time — an artist shaped by heroes, and now a hero to generations of players around the world. In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation, John opens up about the musicians who inspired him, the responsibility that comes with influence, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right creative team over a long career.

We also dive into Dream Theater’s powerful new release, Quarantieme: Live a' Paris — a stunning document of a band still connected, still inspired, and still performing at the highest level.

This episode isn’t about speed or technique — it’s about legacy, gratitude, discipline, and the long game of making music that matters.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The heroes who shaped John Petrucci’s musical voice
 • Becoming an inspiration to your own heroes
 • The value of long-term creative relationships
 • Leadership, humility, and artistic responsibility
 • Dream Theater’s Quarantieme: Live a' Paris album and tour
 • What it takes to sustain excellence over decades

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting The Guitar Hang Podcast. Your loyalty makes these conversations possible.

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I’m Jon Stankorb,
and this is The Guitar Hang Podcast.

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