Supergroup SONS OF APOLLO's live set from 2019 out on 4LP vinyl box set in May Sons Of Apollo was an American progressive metal supergroup active from 2017 to 2023 and composed of drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Steve Vai, David Lee Roth), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol), vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey), and guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses). The combination of the members proved to be irresistible on their 2017 debut album Psychotic Symphony. Now, this special live release from 2019 will finally be available on vinyl for the first time in May 2026 via Svart Records.
Live With The Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony was recorded at the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on September 22nd, 2018. The band's performance was divided into two sets, the second of which saw them joined by a full orchestra and choir. There are a number of cover songs from Dream Theater, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Rainbow, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Pink Floyd, and Van Halen performed in both sets and it was down to Portnoy to choose which tracks were done with the orchestra and choir: "I have to say that all of the covers you'll get to hear us do in the second part of the performance were only done that night and no other on the tour, which helps to make this unique.”
Portnoy is delighted with the final product, believing it to be a triumph that encapsulates just how tremendous this band is.
“This is a very special release. It magnificently captures what happened on that night and the atmosphere that surrounded the occasion.”
Mike Portnoy – drums and vocals
Derek Sherinian – keyboards
Billy Sheehan – bass
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal – guitar and vocals
Jeff Scott Soto – vocals
The second set of the show features the Plovdiv Symphony Orchestra, dubbed the “Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony” for the night.
Side A : 1. God Of The Sun / 2. Signs Of The Time / 3. Divine Addiction
Side B : 1. That Metal Show Theme / 2. Just Let Me Breathe / 3. Billy Sheehan Bass Solo / 4. Lost In Oblivion / 5. Jeff Scott Soto Spot (The Prophet's Song / Save Me)
Side C : 1. Alive / 2. The Pink Panther Theme / 3. Opus Maximus
Side D : 1. Kashmir / 2. Gates of Babylon
Side E : 1. Labyrinth / 2. Dream On / 3. Diary Of A Madman
Side F : 1. Comfortably Numb / 2. The Show Must Go On / 3. Hell's Kitchen
Side G : 1. Derek Sherinian Keyboard Solo / 2. Lines In The Sand
Side H : 1. Bumblefoot Guitar Solo / 2. And The Cradle Will Rock / 3. Coming Home
