Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess Hears About Grammy Nod From Guitarist

It was while having dinner Wednesday night in San Diego, on the eve of a tour stop, that Dream Theater keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess got the call that the progressive hard rock icons had just received their first-ever Grammy nomination for the song 'On the Backs of Angels' in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Category. The tune is the first single off their latest album, the critically acclaimed 'A Dramatic Turn of Events.'

And just who was calling Rudess to alert him of the news? None other than Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci. Noisecreep was on hand for the call and Rudess was clearly moved by the news.

"John is thrilled. I am thrilled. The whole band I know is thrilled. Man, this is amazing news," Rudess told Noisecreep after hanging up with Petrucci.

In the dimly lit Japanese restaurant just across the street from the historic Balboa Theater where the band was set to perform the next night, Rudess reflected on the band's last year. "We worked so hard on that record so this really feels good. I'm really happy for our fans, too. They're so dedicated, they're always there for us - this is such a cool thing. You could hear in John's voice too what this means. What a great way to get the news. This is really something."

Meanwhile, after wrapping their U.S. dates on December 4 in Mesa, Ariz., the band will perform three nights in Mexico (Monterrey Dec. 7, Guadalajara Dec. 9 and Mexico City Dec. 10). In early 2012, they head overseas for a European concert tour starting Jan. 23 in Finland and wrapping on Feb. 26 in Portugal.

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