Sons Of Apollo

Sons of Apollo formed as a progressive metal supergroup when Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian, both formerly of Dream Theater, assembled the project. Joining them were Billy Sheehan, known from Winery Dogs and Mr. Big, along with Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, previously with Guns N' Roses, and Jeff Scott Soto, who had been part of Journey.

Portnoy described the band's origins as emerging in a natural manner. Following his departure from Dream Theater in 2010, he and Sherinian quickly reconnected through an instrumental touring ensemble named PSMS, which also featured Sheehan and Tony MacAlpine. This marked their initial collaboration since the 1990s. Although conceived as a single event, the group performed shows throughout 2012 and 2013. Subsequently, Sherinian pressed Portnoy to establish an ongoing band. Because of Portnoy's demanding calendar, nearly three years elapsed before late 2016, when the remaining musicians joined and the concept materialized.

Their first record, Psychotic Symphony, appeared in 2017 via InsideOut Music. Portnoy and Sherinian, referred to affectionately as "The Del Fuvio Brothers" from their time in Dream Theater, handled production duties. The live recording Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony came out in 2019.