Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci recently sat down with Consequence of Sound's Heavy Consequence to talk about the band's new album Distance Over Time and supporting tour. Petrucci and his bandmates have often stated in the past how much of a huge influence Rush has been on Dream Theater and prog-rock in general. In response to recent revelations that Rush is likely done as a band, Petrucci had the following to say:

... "To me, [Rush] was the band that changed everything," Petrucci told us. "When music just hits you in such a way, especially when you're young ... and you're sort of developing your tastes - that band, there was something about it. I just loved it. And so I got completely sucked into all things Rush." ... "One of my greatest musical memories has to do with them 'cause Rush was the first concert I ever went to. Back in 1982, they were on the Signals tour, they were playing the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island - I went there and had the worst seats ever. They were so far away, but I just couldn't believe that this was a band that I was listening to all this time, and here I am in the same building as them. How was that possible? I was just blown away by the show and the production. And you can imagine what impact that had on me, eventually making that my career." ...

You can read the entire article and watch the video of Petrucci discussing Rush at this location.