PLANET X Part Ways With Guitarist, Announce Replacement

Progressive instrumentalists PLANET X have parted ways with longtime guitarist Tony MacAlpine. MacAlpine played on the band's first three albums, "Universe" (2000),"Live in Oz" (2002) and "Moon Babies" (2002). Keyboardist Derek Sherinian (ex-DREAM THEATER, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and drummer Virgil Donati have already announced Tony's replacement — T.J. Helmerich. The trio have been working on new material "for several weeks now," according to a posting on the band's web site. "T.J.'s unique approach to the guitar and his blistering two handed tapping technique will bring an exciting new character to the PLANET X sound."

(Thanks: Anthony Durante)