Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Keyboardist Derek Sherinian and legendary guitarist Michael Schenker were recently honored in Japan’s Burrn! Magazine 2025 Readers’ Poll, with Sherinian winning the Best Keyboardist award for the fourth consecutive year (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), in addition to his previous win in 2020.

Sherinian’s four consecutive wins tie him with the legendary Jon Lord of Deep Purple, who also achieved a four-year winning streak in the Burrn! readers’ poll from 1984 through 1987.

Schenker also recently returned to Tokyo’s legendary Nippon Budokan for a sold-out performance — his first headlining show at the venue in 30 years — with Sherinian performing in the band, further connecting the two artists following their recognition in the Burrn! readers’ poll.

Sherinian has also received major international recognition for his playing, having been voted “Greatest Keyboardist of the 21st Century” and ranked #8 “Greatest Keyboardist of All Time” by MusicRadar, while Prog Magazine ranked him #9 Greatest Keyboardist of All Time.

Sherinian has distinguished himself through his versatility and aggressive, “guitaristic” keyboard approach. MusicRadar noted, “His virtuoso playing has seen him dubbed the keyboard-playing version of Eddie Van Halen.” David Coverdale has said that “Derek plays the Hammond organ like the son of Jon Lord,” while Glenn Hughes called him “the best living rock keyboardist.”

Beginning his professional career with Alice Cooper on the Trashes The World tour in 1989, Sherinian went on to tour and record with KISS, Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Billy Idol, and Whitesnake. He has released nine solo albums and co-founded the progressive bands Planet X and Sons of Apollo, and is currently a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion, alongside Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, and Jason Bonham.