The Haunted guitarist, Ola Englund, has shared the video below, in which he test drives John Petrucci's tour rig.
Says Ola: "So while Dream Theater was in Stockholm Nov 2024 I also got a chance to try his amazing rig. Thanks to Dream Theater Production Manager and Guitar Tech Matthew for showing me around the rig! Unfortunately I didn't get to bring my recording equipment so you will have to endure the camera audio and the cabs being backstage."
Englund recently released the latest episode of Coffee With Ola, featuring Dream Theater's John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy. Watch below.
Said Ola: "So this insane thing happened; Earlier this year when Dream Theater announced that they're rolling through Stockholm for a tour, I casually wrote on the Instagram post that John need to stop by for another Coffee With Ola BUT to bring Mike Portnoy with him. An insane honor to have both these legends in my office."
John Petrucci has announced John Petrucci’s Guitar Universe 5.0, taking place at Hilton Lake Las Vegas from August 7-10 2025.
Says John: "We have a stacked lineup of guest instructors including Rena Sands Petrucci, Tosin Abasi, Chris Broderick, Nili Brosh, Mike Dawes, Guthrie Govan, Martin Miller, Jason Richardson, Angel Vivaldi, Dave LaRue, and for the first time Mike Portnoy! These events always sell out so don’t miss your chance to join us at what will be a very special event!"
John Petrucci’s Guitar Universe 5.0 is an event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests, and tastes. Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four-day programs offer activities and workshops for you. Our environments are non-competitive and are strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely surroundings!
More from Petrucci: "I’m thrilled to invite guitar players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to join me at Guitar Universe 5.0, taking place August 7-10, 2025, at the scenic Lake Las Vegas Hilton Resort. This year, we’re bringing our Guitar Universe to the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Las Vegas – a location where you can truly immerse yourself in a transformative musical experience while enjoying the beauty and serenity of this desert oasis.
"A Star-Studded Faculty as always, we’ve assembled an incredible lineup of some of the world’s greatest guitarists. Returning JPGU alumni are the phenomenal; Tosin Abasi, Guthrie Govan, Rena Petrucci and Jason Richardson. I’m also excited to welcome some new guest instructors this year, including the talented Chris Broderick, Nili Brosh, Mike Dawes, Martin Miller and Angel Vivaldi. As always I will be performing with my solo trio featuring the amazing Dave LaRue on bass and my dear friend and Dream Theater bandmate Mike Portnoy, who will be making his first-ever appearance at Guitar Universe, making this an event you won’t want to miss!
"Each day is packed with classes and workshops led by our esteemed instructors, covering a range of styles from jazz fusion to metal and beyond as well as masterclasses by yours truly on technique, guitar tone, soloing, songwriting and more! In the evenings we’ll host unforgettable events, from special showcases and nightly concerts, including an acoustic night, to late-night jam sessions featuring our guest instructors, tech classes and more! I really encourage musician camaraderie at these events and want them to be as welcoming and feel as ‘camp-like’ as possible so there will be plenty of casual hangs and great meals together including my famous BBQ by the pool plus other fun events! The week will culminate with a grand concert featuring my solo band, making for a spectacular end to an incredible four days.
"One of the core values of Guitar Universe is inclusivity. Our faculty represents a cross-section of the guitar community across style, age and nationality, and we are committed to showcasing diverse perspectives in music. We’re especially thrilled to continue featuring amazing guitarists of all ages, styles and genders and to create an environment where everyone-no matter their background-feels welcome. I’m excited to have Rena, who will be performing with her band, and Nili join us, as I feel it’s important to showcase the very talented female guitarists in our community and in fact, I encourage all the women shredders out there to join us. If you’ve been thinking about it, please don’t hesitate and go for it this year. Guitar Universe is for everyone, and we want you here!
"Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s a place for you here. Guitar Universe is designed to be inspiring, not intimidating. You don’t have to worry about being put on the spot; this is a supportive community where we’re all here to grow and learn together. In fact, even if you’re just a fan of music and not a guitarist yourself, you’ll find a welcoming community of like-minded people and plenty to enjoy.
Join the Guitar Universe Community. This camp is more than just a music retreat; it’s a celebration of the guitar community. After four days of music, connection, and inspiration, you’ll leave with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a renewed love for music and guitar. I can’t wait to share this experience with all of you and witness the incredible community we build together.
"I hope you’ll join us at Guitar Universe 5.0 for what promises to be our best year yet! Let’s make music, share our passion, and continue this amazing journey together.
"See you there!"
For further details, head to johnpetruccisguitaruniverse.com. Watch the video below:
