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Other Stuff => Other Bands + Music => Topic started by: Deenfan on Sat, 2008-03-15, 20:51:14

Title: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Sat, 2008-03-15, 20:51:14
This is a spin-off from a thread that went off topic and off section...

Quote from: Nicky007 on Sat, 2008-03-15, 11:22:50
I couldnt disagree more with you, Appy and Deenie  :)

I love Arena music, period !  However, for me, DT have settled at the absolute top, beyond all competition, the greatest rock group since Pink Floyd's Dark Side to The Final Cut period. All DT albums from Images on are masterpieces, and DT are simply getting better and better, increasingly varied and striking in their expression  *horns*

You can listen to a DT album a million times, and the million and first time, you'l still be hearing new things and having new experiences.

Nicky.

Well, if I had to listen to five Dream Theater albums tomorrow, I'd play "When dream and day unite" five times. "Images and words" is a masterpiece, but I think I've worn it out. "Awake" still has some magic, but LaBrie has started singing ugly and it is less melodic. The best moment is "Space-dye vest", which is Kevin Moore's farewell, and a very strong moment. I almost want to cry, because it's the last song on the album, and it's the last, strong blast of magic from a dying sun. :-[
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2008-03-16, 10:11:05
I say

:o ::) ??? :'( :-\ :P

but also

:)

Deenie, you added some strong Dijon to provoke, you rascal you (veeery Eeenglish)  :D

Nicky.

Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Mon, 2008-03-17, 10:21:05
Deenie,

We had a few exchanges about DT here : http://shattered-room.net/index.php?topic=990.50

But it's more appropriate to create a dedicated topic as you just did.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Tue, 2008-03-18, 22:20:45
 :-[ :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Tue, 2008-03-18, 22:28:58
But will you look at this!?

Quote from: Peter on Wed, 2007-05-23, 10:04:31
Well, I'm not the one who stands beside everyone with a stick in his hand to smack 'em up, right...

The rule of staying on topic in a thread makes sense, though, if you look at the following scenario: a reader (like many) uses the "unread posts since last visit" funtion to see what's new. Now people post about DT in a thread called "Nicky's faves". Maybe a reader is not so interested in "Nicky's faves", so he dismisses the thread, but might be interested in DT nevertheless and then misses the discussion...

:D

The guy's a genius. No wonder he's the mod! Spot on what happened to me.

I will return with my own take on the DT discography. I will be sure to upset and engage... ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2008-03-18, 23:52:40
Quote from: Deenfan on Tue, 2008-03-18, 22:28:58
I will return with my own take on the DT discography. I will be sure to upset and engage... ;D

You already have, Deenie  :o

Maybe a good start would be to listen to the post-Scenes albums  ;)

And Space-Dye Vest is hardly a DT-song. Portnoy and Petrucci only included it on Awake because they're such nice guys  :) :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2008-03-19, 00:02:04
Quote from: Peter on Wed, 2007-05-23, 10:04:31
Maybe a reader is not so interested in "Nicky's faves" ....

Impossible scenario  8)

;D

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2008-03-19, 11:47:50
Quote from: Nicky007 on Tue, 2008-03-18, 23:52:40
And Space-Dye Vest is hardly a DT-song. Portnoy and Petrucci only included it on Awake because they're such nice guys  :) :)

Nicky.
It's more DT than almost every song after that :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-03-19, 12:00:55
Quite correct, and Portnoy shows what he's made of when he says about the best song on the album that they wouldn't have included it on the album if they knew Kevin would quit. He's obviously off his head and has no concept of magic or quality.

So, there... ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2008-03-19, 12:54:01
For me, Space-Dye Vest is a sleepytime song. There's no real beginning, no ending, no real highs and lows.

I like dramatic music, or we can also say memorable or standout songs, stuff that grips you (at the b*s, m/f) and keeps movin around in your head, long after you've actually played it on your CD-player.

You can take a look at the songs on my LP. They're all like that (at least the later ones).

DT are the incarnation of drama and exploration !

If you dont have the b*s to take it (or to be taken at), it's your problem guys  8)  :)

Nicky.

Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-03-19, 16:45:04
Quote from: Nicky007 on Wed, 2008-03-19, 12:54:01
I like dramatic music, or we can also say memorable or standout songs, stuff that grips you (at the b*s, m/f) and keeps movin around in your head, long after you've actually played it on your CD-player.

One of the best descriptions of "Space-dye vest" and it's effect on the system I've ever read. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Wed, 2008-03-19, 17:26:40
Well, I guess it's all a matter of taste.
So I think we should let this rest. There's no point in convincing the "other side"...

We all like Arena! :)


-Paco
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-03-19, 18:04:37
Sensible, absolutely correct... and boring... :-[

:D The good thing about expressing your meaning is that someone out there will feel justified in thinking along the same lines.

It is also good to shake some established truths at times.

Best Dream Theater singer? -Charlie Dominici, of course!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Wed, 2008-03-19, 18:20:59
Quote from: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-03-19, 18:04:37Sensible, absolutely correct... and boring... :-[

:D The good thing about expressing your meaning is that someone out there will feel justified in thinking along the same lines.

It is also good to shake some established truths at times.

Best Dream Theater singer? -Charlie Dominici, of course!  ;D

Alright then... :D
For me it's Scenes and onwards!
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2008-03-19, 18:39:50
Quote from: PH on Wed, 2008-03-19, 17:26:40
We all like Arena! :)

Betcha ... and we all like - no, love - you Paco  :-* :-* :-*

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2008-03-20, 09:38:56
Quote from: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-03-19, 18:04:37
:D The good thing about expressing your meaning is that someone out there will feel justified in thinking along the same lines.

So true ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Thu, 2008-03-20, 22:45:46
 ;)

Did I mention that John Petrucci had a distinctive style of his own on the first album, something that got a bit lost after that?! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2008-03-21, 10:48:40
Looks like we have the Devil's advocate here - or maybe just a little devil ?

;D

No, it's OK, Deenie. I believe in freedom of speech. Just looks like you'r not getting anywhere with your undertaking here. You'r up against a bunch of diehard DT-fans, as you would have realised had you looked in the archives.

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Fri, 2008-03-21, 12:28:47
I might have all albums, but I'm certainly not a die hard fan :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Fri, 2008-03-21, 13:40:10
Phew... I don't want to be up against you!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Fri, 2008-03-21, 19:28:56
I'm just one of those people that collects. If you look at my album list, you'll see I've got (almost) complete album collections of most bands like Arena, Threshold, Ayreon,  SX, DT etc...
For some bands, the latest album might be missing, just because I don't like the style the've envolved into anymore, or the first albums, because they didn't had the style I like yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Sat, 2008-03-22, 14:40:57
Like myself and Rush, DT, Black Sabbath... a lot of bands.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: johninblack on Fri, 2008-03-28, 03:06:23
Quote from: PH on Wed, 2008-03-19, 18:20:59
Alright then... :D
For me it's Scenes and onwards!

I would have to say that it's the same for me, not that I dislike the pre-scenes albums, it just seems to me that scenes has a mix of the earlier DT style and the more recent and mostly heavier style. Perhaps that is why irrespective of a preference for either the earlier or later albums most people like SFAM.

Quote from: Appelmoes?? on Fri, 2008-03-21, 19:28:56
I'm just one of those people that collects. If you look at my album list, you'll see I've got (almost) complete album collections of most bands like Arena, Threshold, Ayreon,  SX, DT etc...
For some bands, the latest album might be missing, just because I don't like the style the've envolved into anymore, or the first albums, because they didn't had the style I like yet.

Same here, I do exactly the same.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2008-03-28, 11:23:50
I consider I&W a masterpiece, period. It's just that DT have evolved sooo much. In fact, I can only think of Beatles and Floyd to compare with the enormous territory that DT has explored successfully. So when I hear I&W today, it sounds thin; not that I&W is bad, it's just that the later DT albums are so awesome.

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Fri, 2008-03-28, 16:30:44
Quote from: Nicky007 on Fri, 2008-03-28, 11:23:50
I consider I&W a masterpiece, period. It's just that DT have evolved sooo much. In fact, I can only think of Beatles and Floyd to compare with the enormous territory that DT has explored successfully. So when I hear I&W today, it sounds thin; not that I&W is bad, it's just that the later DT albums are so awesome.

Nicky.

Even if a bit dated (that drums sound  :() I&W is still awesome to my ears. On par with SDOIT  *horns*
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Fri, 2008-03-28, 18:04:19
Love the drum sound! ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Mon, 2008-03-31, 09:18:55
Quote from: Deenfan on Fri, 2008-03-28, 18:04:19
Love the drum sound! ;)

???  ...  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Fri, 2008-05-30, 12:28:09
Ok, this should better be done here:

Quote from: Nicky007 on Tue, 2008-05-27, 11:42:38
And lyrically the later DT albums are sooo much better, but OK, they're about fate, love, sin, suffering, redemption, soulmates, and other dull matters  ;)

The topics might be great, but they are awkwardly and sometimes downright badly written, when compared to the earlier stuff. (And such topics are often hard to write about without falling into all kinds of traps. So often I cringe when I read ambitious works that is apparently promising ideas, but not very gracefully transferred to paper. Stratovarius might be a good example of lyrical helplessness).  Especially Portnoy should consider putting his pen down. It's not his thing. Not that he really needs another thing, what with all the talent he's got elsewhere. If only Myung (their current "by miles the best lyricisit") could write more. He was almost up there with Kevin Moore. Petrucci is sort of fluent at times, but I wonder at times if it's just a lot of obscurity and cool words. I never really feel anything when I read his lyrics.

As for preferring WDADU, it might have something to do with the magic of finding this mysterious, breathtaking band by pure chance, and wondering for years if they still existed - having never heard anything like it. That side of it is as exciting now as discovering Beyoncé, or how you spell it. It's got nothing to do with the music, of course, but it's got something to do with the perception of it.

All opinions based on how I view things. Of course.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Fri, 2008-05-30, 14:35:33
Quote from: Deenfan on Fri, 2008-05-30, 12:28:09
Especially Portnoy should consider putting his pen down. It's not his thing.

I used to share this point of view and I couldn't stand some of his lyrics but I have changed my mind and now, for instance, I love those of Never Enough or As I Am. Not that I necessarily agree with their content nor, more generally, with Portnoy's thoughts but I find that (hum, what word could I use  :-\) they strike ! I mean they perfectly match the music.

Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-06-11, 22:38:26
I will be sure to either make an effort digging deep enough into the matter, OR point out that my opinions are founded on a less than perfect knowledge about the matter. In this case, I haven't read deeply into Portnoy's lyrics the last few years. Fact remains, though, that while Myung and Moore really grabbed me by my intellectual and artistic balls with their astonishingly clever and well written lyrics (from the starting point of having never heard of either of them), I was repeatedly struck with the sensation that Pornoy's lyrics came across as a bit "foolish" for want of a better word. Very plain and a bit... nose-wrinkling! :D

I guess my opinion is the right one as long as you share my set of preferences. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Thu, 2008-06-12, 09:42:25
Quote from: Deenfan on Wed, 2008-06-11, 22:38:26
... intellectual balls ...

Good'n, Deenie !  "Baby, dig my intellectual balls ! "   ;D

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2008-06-12, 11:56:18
Quote from: Nicky007 on Thu, 2008-06-12, 09:42:25
"Baby, dig my intellectual balls ! "   ;D

Yes, if you propose the sentence to Portnoy, I am sure it will be in the next DT album  ;D ... but I am less sure that you will be credited as the lyricist ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Mon, 2008-06-16, 10:46:20
I wish no credits for any lyric of his... ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Mon, 2008-06-23, 11:01:40
Quote from: Bupie on Thu, 2008-06-12, 11:56:18
Yes, if you propose the sentence to Portnoy, I am sure it will be in the next DT album  ;D ... but I am less sure that you will be credited as the lyricist ...

That's so right! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Sat, 2009-11-14, 19:31:14
My God, LaBrie's inability to pronounce words and sing at the same time comes in handy when you want to have fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxchg8E3FBE

:D
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Peter on Mon, 2009-11-23, 11:17:51
Quote from: Deenfan on Sat, 2009-11-14, 19:31:14
My God, LaBrie's inability to pronounce words and sing at the same time comes in handy when you want to have fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxchg8E3FBE

:D

great, that made my day... :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Deenfan on Tue, 2009-11-24, 11:48:49
 ;) Good, then.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Tue, 2009-11-24, 21:37:04
(http://cache2.hyves-static.net/images/smilies/default/smiley_rolling.gif) (http://cache2.hyves-static.net/images/smilies/default/smiley_lollegs.gif) (http://cache2.hyves-static.net/images/smilies/default/smiley_lollol.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2010-09-09, 09:35:54
Sad news, people!

Quote from: Mike PortnoyI am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write:

After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater...

Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...

Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...

But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a "hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"...

Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....

Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about "always following your heart and being true to yourself"...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be "going through the motions", and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within....

You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)

Sadly...

Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,

MP

:'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2010-09-09, 09:38:31
This is the reaction of the rest of Dream Theater on their site. (http://www.dreamtheater.net/)

Quote from: Dream Theater homepageTo all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.

While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.

Fans and friends: File this episode under "Black Clouds and Silver Linings." As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "The Spirit Carries On."

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed.

Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2010-09-09, 09:50:07
Wow : this is IMHO the most unexpected musical news of the 21st century so far !

Big shoes to fill for the next DT's drummer :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Thu, 2010-09-09, 11:55:24
I'm dumbstruck !  I actually never imagined this. I knew that he was having a good time with the A7 guys - understandably  *horns* - but to leave DT  ??? ??? ???

Well, Mike should of course be allowed to follow his musical instinct. He's been a most fabulous drummer and leader of DT. He's afforded soooo many of us unbelievable musical and philosophical experiences  8)

Obviously he has a lot burnin in him that he feels he can pursue better other places. And understandably the amazing genius of the A7 guys gave him some wholly new experiences and challenges. It's all fully understandable  :)

And sad  :(

An epoch is over with Mike leaving the band.

Well, there's still a lot in the Johns (capital  ;D ) , James (singular  :D ), and (River  ;) ) Jordan.

Who to imagine as new DT-drummer ? ..... Oh yeah, Scott Travis - but wait a minute, he's already busy with Priest  ;D

Who has the sufficient maturity, versatility and imagination to match the DT-guys ?

Iac let's wish Mike all the best. He sure deserves it  :)

Edit: Reading the messages again, and this time pondering along the way, I got the impression that Petrucci and Co. already have a drummer in waiting position. What do you guys think ?  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2010-09-09, 14:11:41
To answer your last question, Nick D'Virgilio is the first name that comes to my mind.

He has no real metal background, even if he has already played for Fates Warning on tour, but I think he could fit.

Maybe the choice of a new drummer will depend on the musical orientation, though. I have the feeling that Mike was the one strongly pushing towards metal. Will the lasting members go more towards prog and will Roadrunner agree with such a direction ?

Lots of questions ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: funkster on Thu, 2010-09-09, 14:39:18
A bit of a surprise  ???

Best of luck to both parties for the future
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2010-09-09, 14:42:43
I can't possibly explain how sad I'm feeling right now. Dream Theater is my abolute favourite band (and has been for more than 10 years) and Mike Portnoy is my all-time favourite musician. I admire and look up to this man so much! I'm really shocked by this.

:'(

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Peter on Thu, 2010-09-09, 18:31:08
Wow. More than 20 years.

He wasn't the singer, though, was he? Ah, shikes. (<- mixture of "yikes" and "oh, sh...t", I shouldn't have asked that...)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2010-09-09, 22:48:43
MP just posted a link on his Facebook-page minutes ago to a blog some guy posted about him leaving DT. Here's what's in that blog (http://paulgargano.blogspot.com/2010/09/mike-portnoy-quits-dream-theater-can.html):

Quote
I'm a big fan of irony.

Earlier this afternoon, I loaded the entire Dream Theater catalog onto my iPod. Until this afternoon, only two of the band's 10 studio albums were found on the 80GB drive. Why the sudden urge to drown myself in musical theory? Avenged Sevenfold.

A quick timeline: In 1985 - one year after the youngest member of the band Avenged Sevenfold is born - Mike Portnoy forms the band Majesty while attending the Berklee College of Music. Majesty would become Dream Theater.

Over the next quarter-century, Dream Theater would release ten studio albums and come to define the progressive metal genre. Likewise, Mike Portnoy is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time.

That youngest member of Avenged Sevenfold was drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who died of a drug overdose late last year. In the most unlikely of announcements, Mike Portnoy was enlisted to record drums on the new Avenged Sevenfold record, Nightmare, as well as accompany the band on this year's tours to support the album.

Earlier today, on Twitter, I said of the record: The new @TheOfficialA7X is musical quicksand - it's got me waist-deep and keeps pulling... (Pull me under, I'm not afraid.)

Absorbed in Nightmare, I was inspired to listen to more Dream Theater. Makes sense, right? Not to Dream Theater.

About five hours after my Twitter post and ensuing addition of the Dream Theater catalog to my iPod, Mike Portnoy announced that he was leaving Dream Theater [read his full statement here].

I've been a fan of Dream Theater for the past two decades, and at the forefront of that fandom have been Mike Portnoy and frontman James LaBrie. Portnoy was the band's heart, LaBrie the band's soul.

Science was never my strong suit in school, but I'm fairly certain that losing your heart isn't a good thing.

The journalist in me wants to wait to hear both sides of the story, but this is a rare instance where I feel justified to overrule my professional sensibilities. Or, as my career has paralleled that of Dream Theater, perhaps I'm honoring those sensibilities...

A number of people have asked me how this happened, as well as why it happened. While I don't know anything more than I read in Mike Portnoy's statement, I can say this - when I made the decision to leave Metal Edge, a magazine I dedicated my blood, sweat and tears into running for a decade, people asked the same questions.

Sadly, sometimes the decisions that are the hardest for us to make, are also the easiest. Not because we want to make them, but because we know that we need to make them. By the time I left Metal Edge, I knew that there was no other option. The magazine was destined to fail under its new ownership, and I realized that I was in no position to prevent that from happening.

Two years and three editors later, Metal Edge went out of business.

What does this have to do with Dream Theater? Everything. I can relate to Mike Portnoy's decision, because I know exactly how it feels to know that you're out of options.

And he was clearly out of options - you don't walk away unless you have no other choice.

So, yes, the irony isn't lost on me that on the day I plunged back into the swirling waters of Dream Theater, their drummer made the choice to climb out of the water and towel off.

I'm the first person in the world to defend Journey without Steve Perry, Van Halen after they hired Sammy Hagar, and KISS with only half their original members.

But Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy?

Where's the heart?

So, does that mean that he thinks DT won't survive this because he ('the heart') left? If that's the case, there seems to be some bad blood after all, unlike what the press-releases say...

Further, Jordan posted his musical reaction to the news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgqm8g95wwI

Hauntingly beautiful piece of improvisation, but you can tell by the last chord he isn't too happy about the whole situation either.

What a day this has been... ::) :-\ :'(

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2010-09-10, 09:01:36
Here are John Petrucci's and James LaBrie's reactions:

Quote from: John Petrucci
Obviously you've all heard the news of Mike's departure from Dream Theater by now.
I felt it important to open up a line of communication in an effort to kill any rumors and to promote clarity.
I love Mike and really hope he's happy and successful in whatever he does.
I realize that Mike was always the one to actively stay in touch with our fans, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to try to be at least a bit more present on both mine and DT's websites and to let you all know that I am here.
To me, Dream Theater's story is one of defying the odds, standing for true integrity in music and creating our own success through perseverance and hard work, so although Mike's leaving is heartbreaking, I still look forward to an amazing musical journey that continues on with some of the most talented and respected musicians and composers on the planet!
-JP

Quote from: James LaBrie
Hi Everyone,

Thought I would give you time to digest the news of Mike's departure. MIke stated that he was burnt out with the DT world and needed a break. We have to respect where he is at and where this will lead him at this particular point in time. With that being said, we are more than pumped to continue the legacy of DT and jump full on into the next chapter. Rest assured it will be great. You can count on it.

On another positive note. Matt and I are psyched with the reaction and reviews Static Impulse is receiving around the world. We can't wait until everyone can get their hands on the complete disc. and hear it the way it was intended.
I will be around more often to see how you're all doing and to fill you with any and all news. Take care and not long now until the 27th or 28th depending on where you live.

Kick it up a notch,

James.

For anyone who doesn't know yet: Static Impulse is JLB's new solo-album. It will be released at the end of this month.

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2010-09-10, 12:52:15
Quote from: Peter on Thu, 2010-09-09, 18:31:08
He wasn't the singer, though, was he? Ah, shikes. (<- mixture of "yikes" and "oh, sh...t", I shouldn't have asked that...)

Cap, he was the lead didgeridoo player  :P


Quote from: Bupie on Thu, 2010-09-09, 14:11:41
To answer your last question, Nick D'Virgilio is the first name that comes to my mind.

Right, Bups, I too think that he would fit well into the DT mix.

But now they got Spock's Beard moving again, and he probably wants to put his energy there.


Quote
Maybe the choice of a new drummer will depend on the musical orientation, though. I have the feeling that Mike was the one strongly pushing towards metal. Will the lasting members go more towards prog and will Roadrunner agree with such a direction ?

How about progmetal, Bups  ::)


Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2010-09-10, 09:01:36
For anyone who doesn't know yet: Static Impulse is JLB's new solo-album. It will be released at the end of this month.

I didnt, for one  ???

The title is a bit like Systematic Chaos  :)

Let's get some reviews in this thread (even just a sentence or two)  ;)


Quote
What a day this has been...   

Betcha  :-\

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Peter on Fri, 2010-09-10, 14:19:01
Quote from: Nicky007 on Fri, 2010-09-10, 12:52:15
Cap, he was the lead didgeridoo player  :P

What I actually wanted to transport, was the first feeling I had when I read that someone has left DT: let it be LaBrie, so that they find a new voice that I can listen to for more than 5 minutes without bleeding ears.... but hey, who am I to wish for such things :P *runs*
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2010-09-10, 15:47:53
Quote from: Peter on Fri, 2010-09-10, 14:19:01
who am I to wish for such things :P *runs*

You'r the Captain of the Room alright, but fortunately not of DT  ;D

So

Quote
let it be

Beatles  8)

Bicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2010-09-10, 15:53:11
Quote from: John Petrucci:

"To me, Dream Theater's story is one of defying the odds, standing for true integrity in music and creating our own success through perseverance and hard work, so although Mike's leaving is heartbreaking, I still look forward to an amazing musical journey that continues on with some of the most talented and respected musicians and composers on the planet!"

So true ! - and I'm fully in  *horns* *horns* *horns*

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Fri, 2010-09-10, 23:46:02
Quote from: Nicky007 on Fri, 2010-09-10, 15:53:11
Quote from: John Petrucci:

"To me, Dream Theater's story is one of defying the odds, standing for true integrity in music and creating our own success through perseverance and hard work, so although Mike's leaving is heartbreaking, I still look forward to an amazing musical journey that continues on with some of the most talented and respected musicians and composers on the planet!"

So true ! - and I'm fully in  *horns* *horns* *horns*

Nicky.


So he's still hungry.
The band is too.

What troubles me though is that they could so easily except or better yet, drive Mike into the position of leaving.

That puzzles me.

Especially after I read the story Tom posted.

I'm ... sad actually.

Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2010-09-09, 14:42:43
I can't possibly explain how sad I'm feeling right now. Dream Theater is my abolute favourite band (and has been for more than 10 years) and Mike Portnoy is my all-time favourite musician. I admire and look up to this man so much! I'm really shocked by this.

:'(

Tom

I perfectly know what you mean, Tom.
I basically feel the same thing.

Indescribable.  :-\ :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2010-09-11, 00:24:35
Quote from: Nicky007 on Thu, 2010-09-09, 11:55:24
Edit: Reading the messages again, and this time pondering along the way, I got the impression that Petrucci and Co. already have a drummer in waiting position. What do you guys think ?  ;)

Nicky.

I don't think so, though they must already have a short-list by now.
I think that the rest of the band, though they probably saw it coming was still surprised.
Mike was struggling with it for over a year, I'm sure as friends and band-mates they felt it too.
I don't think it is a hasty decision of both of them, the band and MP.
DT wanted to move further, Mike couldn't. How hard it might be.

Though I always thought that Dream Theater as a band would split up in it's entirety, or maybe the retreat of let's say either James or John Myung (I always felt that the main force in DT are Mike, John P. and Jordan Rudes), I never could've guessed that Mike Portnoy would be the first one to throw the towel in.
I respect his decicion to leave the band on his terms, in good harmony and friendship before anything would blow up in their faces.
It's a brave way to leave the building like that.
Especially for someone who's been the engine (together with John Petruci) of DT for so long.
On one hand I'm thrilled that the band already pointed that Black Clouds won't be their swan-song but on the other hand I'm afraid that something bad will come out of this.

There are a lot of doom thinkers (is this correct in English? :o) on this planet but the story that was posted by Tom doesn't bring me good vibes in my system.
Maybe (and hopefully) I'm too negative about this.
But somehow these negative thoughts keep roaming my mind.  :-\

But ... let's brainstorm about this.
Dream Theater without Mike.

Who could possibly become the new drummer of Dream Theater?

In the past few days I've heard a few rumors or suggestions about who the new drummer would or should be. (how strange this would seem but life does go on).
Funnily enough, the name that you could hear the most was...Nick D'virgilio. (Spock's Beard anyone?)

No doubt in my mind that he is a great drummer and would probably easily fit the melodic Dream Theater but he's not a metal kind of guy.
More a prog rock drummer.
He could always do the drums for the record and then Dream Theater could go on tour with a different drummer, especially for the metal-stuff but somehow I don't think that that would fit in Dream Theater's agenda.
They aren't the kind of band that hire one man for the studio and hire a different man for the tour.
I know, in retrospect Derek Sherinian was what you call a hired gun but the band only recruited him because Jordan was working with the Dixie Dregs on that time.

But...maybe I'm way off on this ...

What about Mark Zonder? (<---formally the drummer of Fates Warning)

Besides the fact that he's a superb technical drummer, he also has the 'metal' touch.
I know he has his own band/project right now (slaviour) but to my knowledge it doesn't really do what Mark hoped it would do.

To me he would fit quite well.

What do you guys think?

In fact, come to think of it, as a drummer (not as the engine of DT) it might be quite easy to replace Mike.
Let's face it, though he is an excellent drummer, he is not the only one that can chop the sticks that way.
In fact, go surf through Youtube and you can see a lot of so called amateurs who record whatever cover of DT they are playing. And most of the time they do that quite well to say the least.


Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2010-09-11, 09:53:20
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2010-09-09, 14:42:43
Mike Portnoy is my all-time favourite musician.

I'm actually surprised about this. I would'v thought a guitarist  ???

But sure, Mike certainly has some real great qualities: a fabulous drummer, and at the same time down to earth, eye-to-eye, and humorous  8)

DT won't be the same ... but there's still enuff genius left to give us a good ride  *horns*


Quote
Dream Theater is my absolute favourite band (and has been for more than 10 years)

I actually didnt know this either, Tom, altho I have no problems at all understanding it  :)

I too had DT as overall fave band for some years.

Now it's Priest, as I must have rubbed in by now.

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2010-09-11, 10:19:13
Quote from: maddox on Sat, 2010-09-11, 00:24:35
What about Mark Zonder?

What do you guys think?

I'd be very happy with that. He's always been one of my fave drummers, and as you say, Mad, his playing would fit well into DT + he has the natural authority to match Petrucci and Rudess + there's an age-old bond between DT and FW + as you say, Mad, Slaviour has not really been a success (I still have'm on my SL, but they sink lower and lower there).


Quote
In fact, come to think of it, as a drummer (not as the engine of DT) it might be quite easy to replace Mike.

I'm sure that's wrong.

You know how picky the DT guys are, Mad.

Back in the days after Charlie's departure, they tried out a whole telephone catalog of singers, and it took them a painstakingly long time before they chose James. And it's questionable whether he really was the right choice, but maybe the best among those available (not to cater to Cap's and Greenie's antipathies, I personally would have preferred a more metal singer like Russ Allen or Rob Halford, but I'm quite happy with Jamie).

But today it should be easier for them to find a good drummer, with all the respect, and solid economy, they have - merited  *horns*

Nicky.

Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Iggy on Sat, 2010-09-11, 11:04:44
The point I got from MP is that he is happier being in a band than leading a band. I guess it would have been too difficult to hand the reins over top someone else. At least they all seem to want to be friends which is a good thing.

He did seem insanely happy when I wnet to see Transatlantic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2010-09-11, 13:01:00
Quote from: Iggy on Sat, 2010-09-11, 11:04:44
He did seem insanely happy when I wnet to see Transatlantic.

I know what you mean!
I had the same feeling when I saw them in Tilburg.
It may have to with recording and touring with Avanged Sevenfold.
They're young, fresh and with no bonds if you know what I mean.
Call it a mid-life crisis or something but maybe Mike just want that fresh feeling back.

That might be a valid reason you give there, Iggy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2010-09-11, 13:17:24
Here's an interview with Mike regarding his departure from Dream Theater (thanks Pink <--though you probably won't see this. ;)) :

Former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy discussed his departure from the band for the first time during an appearance on tonight's (Friday, September 10) edition of Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM. A BLABBERMOUTH.NET transcript of the chat follows below (only slightly edited for clarity).

Q: Clearly you weren't just some drummer — you were very much a focal point and driving force [behind DREAM THEATER]. So what went down and how did we arrive at this point that you are no longer a member of DREAM THEATER?

Portnoy: Well, I don't know how to sum it up, but I guess I could sum it up by just saying I was put in a position where I kind of had to quit in order to move forward. I love DREAM THEATER, I love the guys, it's been my baby for 25 years, but I just needed a break from DREAM THEATER. And a lot of people have already misinterpreted my press release, saying, "Well, if he needs a break, why is he playing with all these other bands?" I didn't need a break from playing and from touring and doing projects — I really just felt like DREAM THEATER needed a break. We have been on a write-record-tour cycle for a solid 12, 15 years — almost 20 years at this point — without any real breaks, and I was just feeling like it was... I don't know... It was just a pattern that needed to be broken. And this isn't something that I just started feeling and decided overnight; I mean, this dates back to last year. I was already feeling it [back then]. We were in Europe on the Progressive Nation tour last fall and I even suggested to the guys, "Why don't we not tour as much in 2010?" We were gonna do an American tour in the spring and we ended up blowing that out — just 'cause I really felt the need to shake up the cycle and break the pattern that we'd been doing for so long because it was starting to become a little stale to me. I would go off and do these other projects and they were very refreshing to me and yet I'd come back to DREAM THEATER, and as much as I love the music and as much me and the bandmembers are brothers, I just felt like we needed a break from each other in order to reignite the flame. Dating back to last fall I was feeling it, and then when I was out with TRANSATLANTIC this last spring, I was talking about it with some people on that tour. And then when we were out with [IRON] MAIDEN this summer, I knew it was coming to a head. And finally I brought it up to the guys and suggested, "Why don't we just take a little bit of a break? We've been going non-stop for so many years, I think maybe a couple of years' hiatus would do us good. It would give us each a chance to recharge our batteries and be reinspired." And those guys didn't agree with me. They wanted to keep going, and they wanted to start a new album in January [2011], and I just really felt strongly that a break could do us some good. And we just disagreed on that point. And, basically, it came to... After this initial discussion, we went off for about a week or so to think about it, and we came back together a couple of nights ago to talk about it, and they didn't wanna budge; they really wanted to start the album in January — with or without me. And I really felt if I was forced to go into the studio in January feeling the way I'm feeling that my heart wouldn't be in it and I would be going through the motions and not really doing what I really, really felt in my heart I should be doing, which is getting a breather... And that's what happened. Basically, I was put in the position where I either had to do the album in January against my will or I had to say goodbye, and I chose to say goodbye. It was the hardest decision I've ever made in my life and I feel really sad about it, and those guys are really sad about it. It's kind of weird that it came to this because none of us really wanted it, but inevitably this is the way it went down.

Q: You didn't wanna quit and obviously they didn't want you out. It really just seems like it was a disagreement as to where you were in your life with the band and what they wanted to do, and I guess the odds came out to four against one, and they decide they're going without you.

Portnoy: That's exactly it. I mean, I didn't wanna quit and they didn't want me to leave, but yet here we are; it was the only way that they could happily move on and I could happily move on. It's a weird kind of break-up, because it was a break-up where we still loved each other. I got, like, the nicest e-mail today from John Petrucci [DREAM THEATER guitarist] and I got a great e-mail today from Jordan [Rudess, DREAM THEATER keyboardist]. They miss me and they're sad about this, and I'm sad about it and I'm heartbroken, but we just strongly disagree. I really think that the band could have used a few years to recharge our batteries and so many bands have done it — whether it be SOUNDGARDEN, ALICE IN CHAINS, JANE'S ADDICTION, PHISH, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE... A lot of bands, when you're going this long and this strong, they take a break and then come back bigger and better than ever, and that's kind of what I hoped would happen with DREAM THEATER, and I was hoping that would be the path we could take together, but it was not to be.

Q: How much do you think that playing with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and the other projects that you do — you're always busy working creatively, doing other things, whether it's DREAM THEATER or not — played a role in this coming down, if any?

Portnoy: Well, it absolutely had nothing to do with my initial thoughts, because, like I mentioned earlier, I was already discussing this with the guys last fall. And last fall, The Rev [late AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer] was still alive and well and I had nothing to do with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and I was already feeling these feelings last September/October. If you watch the "Wither" video that we shot on that tour, almost all the footage is me hanging out with Mikael Åkerfeldt [of OPETH] or Damon Fox [of BIGELF]; I was already feeling some separation from the guys in DREAM THEATER. The groundwork in those feelings was already laid down back then. So, really, the feelings had nothing to do with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and once 2010 rolled around, I went and did some shows with HAIL!, and then I went and did a couple of months of touring with TRANSATLANTIC, and then I started the tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and all three of those projects — not just AVENGED, but all three of those projects — equally showed me how I was feeling very comfortable and happy and refreshed with some of these other bands. And I go back to DREAM THEATER, like on the MAIDEN tour, and the relationships between the five of us in DREAM THEATER were a bit strained; everybody was kind of just burnt out on each other — sitting in different dressing rooms and not hanging out, and like I mentioned, if you watch the "Wither" video... There was a bit of that strain, and 25 years together sometimes will do that. We love each other, we're brothers, and we're family, but sometimes you kind of grow apart and need some space, and that's what I was feeling. Honestly, this all was brewing way before AVENGED SEVENFOLD, but AVENGED SEVENFOLD, the experience with them kind of just opened my eyes a bit, as did the TRANSLATLANTIC tour, and as did the HAIL! shows. It just opened my eyes up to what a fresh relationship can be... I don't know... It's real tough for me to put in words and I really don't wanna be misnterpreted. I really don't want people to think that I left DREAM THEATER for AVENGED SEVENFOLD — I am not a member of AVENGED SEVENFOLD; I'm just touring them and helping them out, and we're having a great time. I just felt like I wouldn't have my heart into going back to DREAM THEATER in January without having some sort of a break. I mean, the way it is now with AVENGED, I guess we'll just ride this out together, because they're a band without a drummer, and now I'm a drummer without a band. We haven't made any decisions or have even discussed where we go from here. It's just for now I will continue playing with them and we'll see where we go from there.

Q: The first thing I thought about when I heard about this, and I'm sure a lot of fans did as well, was that the other guys in DREAM THEATER probably said , "Well, he's playing with all these other bands, but when need to work, he doesn't have time for us, so that's that." But you're saying that really wasn't it.

Portnoy: I don't know... Yeah, maybe they do feel that way.

Q: Kind of like your girlfriend is off doing other stuff and then when you need her, she's not available.

Portnoy: You know, I cannot ever be accused of not having my heart into DREAM THEATER. I mean, I've literally spent 25 years... It's my baby . . . I mean, I almost felt like I had to sacrifice myself from the situation so I wouldn't be holding them back and I wouldn't be doing something against my will. It's incredible for me to think that they're carrying on without me, but I guess that they're... I used to joke with them all the time. I used to say, "If I ever die, don't say 'He would have wanted us to carry on.' Because I wouldn't want you to carry on without me.'" The last thing I ever wanted to see was a DREAM THEATER without Mike Portnoy in it, so I used to always joke with them about that. But now, here when faced with this reality... I mean, sure, the selfish side of me doesn't wanna think of that band without me, and I kind of wish we would have just taken a break, but then there's the side of me that... I can't hold them back. They're my friends and they're my brothers and if they really wanna continue, then I can't say no; I don't wanna be an a-hole and do that to them. It's a strange situation, and luckily it ended on good terms and those guys have made it blatantly clear that the door is always open for me. So, I mean, it's a weird thing because I would go back to them in a heartbeat, just not now. I just need a break.

Q: How much time did you feel that you needed that you told them that you wanted away [from DREAM THEATER]?

Portnoy: When I proposed it, I proposed an indefinite hiatus, as so many bands go on, and all of whom have come back bigger and better than ever. But that didn't go over [well with the other guys], so then, after talking about it, I said, "Well, then how about, let's say, a year [or] a year and a half? Why don't we take off 2011 and reconvene in 2012?" John Petrucci could do a solo album — he's been talking about that for the longest time — and James [LaBrie] just did a solo album, and John Myung just did a JELLY JAM album, and Jordan's got plans... It made sense. It's like, "Let's just take off 2011 — everybody could do their own thing — and reconvene in 2012." And that didn't go over [well] either; they didn't wanna do that either. I even offered to do various work with them in 2011 — even though it wasn't what I wanted, I was willing to do it just to keep the band afloat. It just didn't fly. It's just unfortunate that that's the way that the chips fell.

On how his role in DREAM THEATER and whether he thinks he can be easily replaced:

Portnoy: The two situations I could think of that are similar [to this] — Tommy Lee with MÖTLEY CRÜE and maybe Phil Collins with GENESIS — and in both of those cases they both left, and in both of those cases they came back, so you know what?! Maybe that will be the case here... I don't know. But to be honest with you, to me the thing that is so weird about this is that my role in DREAM THEATER just went so beyond the drumming. Honestly, I think there's thousands of drummers that could walk into DREAM THEATER right now and could do a great job drumming-wise, but what about the other thousand things that I had to do in DREAM THEATER?! . . . I think they'll have no problem getting a great drummer — there's lots of great drummers out there — but I think they're gonna have to really step up to the plate to cover all of the other responsibilities; they're gonna each have to put in 500 percent more to cover that ground. And I guess they're up to it. I've already seen John Petrucci doing Q&As [question-and-answer sessions] on his web site, which in all these years I've never seen him do, so I guess they're each gonna step up to the plate and cover that ground that I used to cover. You know, I never in a million years thought I would ever see a DREAM THEATER concert, and I'm looking forward to one day doing it. [Laughs]

Q: If I'm a betting man, I have to say that it won't be more than a year or two before you return to that gig under some circumstance.

Portnoy: Well, you know what?! If that was to happen, then I got what I wanted [laughs] — I got my break from them and they got what they wanted; they got to continue on. Maybe a couple of years from now we'll get back together and we'll live happily ever after. I don't know. But there's been so many cases — you've seen it; history has shown — and I've already cited MÖTLEY CRÜE and GENESIS, but you could talk about... AEROSMITH went on without Joe Perry and MAIDEN went on without Bruce [Dickinson] and [JUDAS] PRIEST without [Rob] Halford... Ultimately, they all came back together and I would love it if some day that happens with us . . . The whole thing is as tough for me to swallow as it is for the fans. I feel really bad for the fans, 'cause I spent my entire career making decisions for them and trying to feed the fanbase, and I knew this was one decision that wouldn't be a popular one with the fans, but for once in my life — for once — I had to do what Mike Portnoy felt was right and not what was best for DREAM THEATER. I mean, what would have been best for DREAM THEATER, in my opinion, would have been to just take a few years off — everybody do their own thing, recharge the batteries and come together. But we're five different people with five different personalities, and I guess we differed on that subject . . . We've mentioned these other scenarios [where the members parted ways and then] all [came] back together. The thing that scares the crap out of me, though, is I see a similarity to maybe Roger Waters with PINK FLOYD and that never came back together, and that scares the crap out of me. It would be a tragedy if I never got to be on stage with DREAM THEATER again . . . I'm at peace with [my decision to leave the band] — I really am. I'm depressed and sad and shocked over it, but I am indeed at peace with it, and I think it was the right thing [to do], because I had to follow my heart. I've never been a fake or a B.S. person, and if I would be forced to go into the studio in January, I would feel resentments, and I can't do that. I need to love what I'm doing, and I've never done a project or an album or anything with any other musician that I didn't believe in.

Q: You're out with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, which is gonna continue into the New Year, so at this point, you're just gonna hold with that gig and continue playing with those guys and I imagine you're having fun doing it, right?

Portnoy: Well, yeah. I am indeed having a great time with these guys, so there's no denying that. They're a great bunch of guys, the show is awesome, their fans are awesome, and they've been great to me. The thing with them is they need to take small baby steps because of the situation they just went through with their drummer dying, so they're really in no rush to get a permanent drummer, and they're taking baby steps one day at a time. And I'm in the same boat now, because I don't wanna make any major decisions right now either and now I'm gonna take baby steps and just take this one day at a time. And I guess right now there's no pressure for me, and there's no pressure for them, to make any decisions for awhile now; we can just carry on with their tour, and we have the luxury of time now without any pressure hanging over either of our heads. So I'll carry on with them and then when the time comes that I have to make a decision to do something else, I'll climb that hill when I get there. But right now, it's nice to not have the pressure and I could just play.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2010-09-11, 17:18:19
Thanx for all the material that you'v supplied, Mad  :)

Anyone listened to Jelly Jam, where John M plays bass (when he's not doin it in DT) ?  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2010-09-11, 18:32:24
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2010-09-09, 22:48:43
Further, Jordan posted his musical reaction to the news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgqm8g95wwI

Thanx to you too, Tom  :)

Wonderful - and sad - piece of music  8)

Here's another fine piece by Jordan:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxKFwAXWTU&feature=related

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2010-09-11, 19:47:52
Here's another one I'd like to add:

What about...Rod Morgenstein? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgDTjd4TL4o)

Not unfamiliar with Jordan and I bet that also counts for DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2010-09-12, 09:40:20
Quote from: maddox on Sat, 2010-09-11, 19:47:52
What about...Rod Morgenstein? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgDTjd4TL4o)

Yup, very convincing  *horns*

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sun, 2010-09-12, 16:30:50
Mike's sister Sam also reacted about Mike's departure and most of all about the misunderstanding regarding his departure.

Here it is:

Quote from: SamBefore I write this, understand that this is MY statement.  Mike might kill me for speaking up, but I just can't sit by quietly.  I guess I'm like Mike in that way.

PLEASE stop reading between the lines with this whole situation. There is no hidden meaning in all of this (is there ever with Mike?  The guy is an open book with his fans!!).  Everything Mike said in his interview with Eddie Trunk, in his press release or otherwise is everything he has been saying to me for the past year, at least.  He LOVES the other (DT) guys and their families.  They have grown up together, married women that were (and are) best friends, have raised their kids as best friends.  They are family.  This was not an easy decision for him as a drummer, founding band member (and band leader) or person. 

Let's put 25 years into perspective.  I am 40.  I met John and John when I was 15.  How many friends do I still have that I have had to live AND work with for the past 25 years?  Not a single one.  I can't imagine looking at the same group of people for that many years and being able to come up with new, fun ideas (that will then be judged the world over).  My friends and I get stuck on doing the same things on random weekend gatherings!     


Remember, this is strictly my perspective here...

You'd think that being a rock star would be 100% fun 100% of the time.  But I know that Mike works extremely hard and takes every bit of this experience to heart.  You might think you know, but you have no idea (to borrow a line from Behind the Music).  It is a part of who he is as a person, it is definitely not just a job.  He's been running at a pace (WITH DREAM THEATER) most people couldn't keep up for a few months, much less 25 years.  He just wants a break.  He wants to have the chance to play with other musicians and be reminded of how special this all is.  He wants to have fun and not be in charge of every detail for a bit.  (And for those of you thinking he should just let others take the reins in DT, all I'll say is that you have no idea what you are talking about.) 

The way I see it, it's not a matter of Mike not wanting to be in DT (Remember, he DOES want to be in DT... he NEVER wanted or planned to leave the band).  Giving up Dream Theater must be like giving up a child for him.  I know it's been horribly painful.  But I am extremely proud of him for recognizing that he needs to be reinvigorated and for doing what he needs to do to make that happen.  You know Mike.  He does not do anything half-assed.  He wants every drop of music that Dream Theater releases to be perfect and fulfilling for everyone.  Right now, he is guaranteeing that he can't do that.  Maybe (apparently) the other guys don't feel the same about this situation, I can't speak to that, but he knows that he needs a break to be able to bring the best of himself to the table.  There is no alterier motive.  He genuinely just needs a break.  He needs a break that allows him to find new inspiration and have some down time.  When he has done his other side projects, if you think he was not also working on DT stuff, you'd be incredibly mistaken.   

I guess I got a bit long-winded there... sorry, but it's torture to sit back and watch my brother getting ripped apart or criticized for making this incredibly INCREDIBLY hard choice.  And for those of you who are supporting/understanding of his decision, I want you to know HOW MUCH it is appreciated. 

Thanks for listening...
~ Sam
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2010-09-13, 09:44:19
Quote from: Nicky007 on Sat, 2010-09-11, 09:53:20
I'm actually surprised about this. I would'v thought a guitarist  ???

But sure, Mike certainly has some real great qualities: a fabulous drummer, and at the same time down to earth, eye-to-eye, and humorous  8)

Yeah, that might seem a little strange to you, but he's mainly my favourite musician because of everything he does/did for DT apart from just drumming, if that makes any sense at all... ;D

He would produce DT's cd's (together with JP), he directed every DVD, he was managing and overseeing every aspect of DT's music in general, the Official Bootleg-series were made possible by him and the way he keeps in touch with the fans through his forum is second to none. Next to all of this he also seems to be a very like-able and - as you said - down to earth kind of guy. And of course he is a great drummer as well... Actually, he is the only drummer I can watch without ever getting bored.

Quote
I actually didnt know this either, Tom

You didn't? :o

By the way, here are professionally recorded video's of A Rite Of Passage and Wither from what would be MP's last performance with Dream Theater. Make sure you watch them in HD!

A Rite Of Passage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njOOt-THock
Wither: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxJKqpYYWy0

Knowing what we know now, I think you can clearly see that MP looks a bit burned out, especially on Wither. Don't you think?

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2010-09-13, 11:49:15
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2010-09-13, 09:44:19
drumming, if that makes any sense at all... ;D

I'v actually drummed myself (both senses) a few times for fun. I can pretty well keep the basic beat, but that's about it  ;D


Quote
Actually, he is the only drummer I can watch without ever getting bored.

8) ... altho Hellhammer, Danny Carey, and Adel Moustafa (of Deadsoul Tribe) can keep me attentive too  *horns*


Quote
MP looks a bit burned out, especially on Wither.

Kinda fits, dunnit ?

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Iggy on Mon, 2010-09-13, 21:59:10
Here is some perspective for you. In 12 days it will be 30 years since one of the greatest drummers of all time died. I am sure most of the older roomies will remember it well. 

Thank goodness MP has only left a band he is still alive and making music.  *horns*
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Tue, 2010-09-21, 19:11:57
Just read this horrible news on the interwebs. I think this is one of the worst things to have happened in Prog Land.
Who can imagine Dream Theater without Mike???
When I read it, I couldn't believe it at first. And to be completely honest with you guys: it almost feels like my parents divorce. I felt a very deep and black sadness when I read about it.

I have a very big respect for Mike. Not only because of his drumming (he's good, but not the only good drummer), but also his dedication to the band, the fans, the music. He was the heart, but also the face of the band. And he was the one with humour.

All the stuff behind the scenes, it was all up to Mike.

I might regret the following statement later, but I think it would be better to temporarily rename the band.
Hopefully Mike will be back in a few years.


--Paco--
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2010-09-22, 11:37:56
Hi Paxi  :)

You think you might wanna stay for a beer or two this time ?  ;)


Quote from: PH on Tue, 2010-09-21, 19:11:57
When I read it, I couldn't believe it at first. And to be completely honest with you guys: it almost feels like my parents divorce. I felt a very deep and black sadness when I read about it.

Yeah  :(


Quote
it would be better to temporarily rename the band.

How about anagrammatising it to Threat Deamer  :P


Quote
And he was the one with humour.

He sure has. But so do the others. Those guys are full of dedication, warmth, and humor  8)


Quote
Hopefully Mike will be back in a few years.

Maybe, maybe not  ???

Priest got Rob back after 12 years, and they were a completely transformed band, particularly with Nostradamus.

Conversely, Kevin left DT, and (after Derek) they got Jordan, who was much more like Petrucci and Portnoy, much wilder than Kevin. I sure hope that Jordan stays, and it seems like he thrives with the other DT guys  8)

We simply don't know what would'v happened if ..... - only God does, Paxi  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2010-09-25, 11:16:40
I think it makes sense that Mike left at this point:

He had finished his 12-point AA series, and that with bravura !  So that's his Fortress, and now it can be shattered.

His Dad had died, who had conjured up the name Dream Theater, and had stood by Mike's side all along the way. Mike's tribute to his father is the excruciatingly beautiful The Best Of Times !

And so some doors had closed, and some new exciting ones had opened, especially A7 and Transatlantic.


And it's understandable that the other guys wanna continue with DT: Altho Mike was DT's liason with the fans, Petrucci was the philosopher, and the one with the magic touch of melody, so in a deeper sense I think that DT was more Petrucci's baby than Mike's. Jordan joined with Scenes, so it's understandable that he as a superartist in a superband wants to get more outta DT. Jamie's side projects havent really yielded much of interest, his identity is really as the singer of DT. And I guess it's a similar thingy with Myung.

And I can only be happy that DT don't hiatus. If you fathom how they have progressed from album to album, I think ya can only be excited about the upcoming one.

In a word: Formidable band  *horns*

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Tue, 2010-12-28, 21:33:48
Read this story/rumour. (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151559)

Went searching for this fellow on Youtube among others and he's gifted alright.

Marco Minnemann.

A Name to Remember?
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2010-12-28, 21:56:43
Quote from: maddox on Tue, 2010-12-28, 21:33:48
A Name to Remember?

Yup, Minnemann  ;)

Sounds real promising  8)

Interesting that he's played in Necrophagist  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Tue, 2010-12-28, 23:04:57
Quote from: Nicky007 on Tue, 2010-12-28, 21:56:43
Yup, Minnemann  ;)

Ah, you mean 'myman'?  ;D

Quote

Interesting that he's played in Necrophagist  :)

Nicky.

Don't know that band.
Black metal?
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2010-12-29, 10:36:12
Quote from: maddox on Tue, 2010-12-28, 23:04:57
Don't know that band.

That's where Sami comes from  ;)  - but of course, you always fall asleep when you read my posts

:P

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2010-12-29, 13:51:10
Quote from: maddox on Tue, 2010-12-28, 21:33:48
Read this story/rumour. (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151559)

Obviously I don't really know what's going on behind the scenes but Blabbermouth is a site that is mainly based on 'rumors'. If you read the article you'll notice they don't even have a source for these rumors, so... maybe they made it up? Wouldn't surprise me the least!

If it turns out to be true after all I will swallow my words of course...

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2011-04-18, 17:41:03
DT are now working hard at finding "the best fit behind the kit":

www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Dream-Theater---An-Exclusive-Look-into-The-Bands-Search-for-a-New-Drummer-22916.aspx?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=FB%2B(DT%2BDA%2BPt1)&utm_campaign=FB%2B(DT%2BDA%2BPt1))

Most of all I feel: it's strange  :-\

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2011-04-18, 17:44:10
Quote from: Nicky007 on Mon, 2011-04-18, 17:41:03
DT are now working hard at finding "the best fit behind the kit":

www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Dream-Theater---An-Exclusive-Look-into-The-Bands-Search-for-a-New-Drummer-22916.aspx?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=FB%2B(DT%2BDA%2BPt1)&utm_campaign=FB%2B(DT%2BDA%2BPt1))

Most of all I feel: it's strange  ;)

Nicky.

Damn, you beat me to it by a minute! ;)

Oh well, the excitement begins NOW! *horns* *horns* *horns*

BTW: The 21st is one day after Mike Portnoy's birthday. Could this be his present to the fans? :P

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2011-04-19, 16:43:03
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2011-04-18, 17:44:10
Could this be his present to the fans? :P

That's pretty roundabout, Tom  :P

I'm of course curious to see who the DT-guys choose as their new drummer, but I'm equally curious to see where Mike finds his new lasting base. I'm sure you share this position, Tom  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Tue, 2011-04-19, 17:00:32
Quote from: Nicky007 on Tue, 2011-04-19, 16:43:03

I'm of course curious to see who the DT-guys choose as their new drummer, but I'm equally curious to see where Mike finds his new lasting base. I'm sure you share this position, Tom  :)

Nicky.

I doubt that Mike will join a different band, so soon.
He stated that there will be plenty projects in the near future that has the name 'Mike Portnoy' in it.
And since he will also tour with Neal during his Testimony II tour in the states, and that project with Morse, Morse, LaRue and Mcpherson I bet he's pretty busy at the moment.

I really doubt that Mike is still in DT or has returned.
If it's A: than a lot of die-hard DT fans will be very angry at him/them and if it's B: that would be a strange turn of events considering what they have said to each other through the media aften Mike left.

But...miracle do happen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2011-04-19, 19:28:41
Quote from: Nicky007 on Tue, 2011-04-19, 16:43:03
I'm of course curious to see who the DT-guys choose as their new drummer, but I'm equally curious to see where Mike finds his new lasting base. I'm sure you share this position, Tom  :)

Yes I do indeed! 8)

Quote from: maddox on Tue, 2011-04-19, 17:00:32
He stated that there will be plenty projects in the near future that has the name 'Mike Portnoy' in it.
And since he will also tour with Neal during his Testimony II tour in the states, and that project with Morse, Morse, LaRue and Mcpherson I bet he's pretty busy at the moment.

You forgot his as of yet unnamed project with Russell Allen and a guitarist called Mike Orlando. *horns*

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2011-04-21, 18:01:49
Guys, if you have a Facebook-account (hello Nicky, hello Mad), go to Dream Theater's page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180

They still haven't made an announcement regarding the new drummer, but there is a video in which you can see 7 contestants audition for the job. The video is set up like a trailer for a movie so they're still not giving anything away. I'm not sure if I like it though. On one side I do, it's nice to see that the band is alive and kicking, but on the other side I'm dying to know who the new drummer is and they still won't say! Plus, it seems that my favourite band is turning into some kind of marketing-machine so in that respect I'm a little disappointed.

Hmm, I guess I'm undecided. :-\

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Thu, 2011-04-21, 18:45:41
I expect they'l choose a suitable drummer, and make another great album, but I'm not so much of a fan that I need to follow all the inbetweenies.

In my book, DT is definitely one of the most exciting bands around, together with Priest and Nevermore/Loomis. And there are lotta other great bands - all my pantheon bands, and many more  *horns*

I'm quite comfortable leaving it to Petrucci & Co. to choose the best fit for the kit  :)

But I'm sure as hell gonna miss Mikey on that post  :'(

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2011-04-21, 21:46:05
Well, I didn't reckognize all of them but I certainly recognized Aquiles Priester and I am sure that, as a musician, he would be a great choice  *horns*
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Fri, 2011-04-22, 07:00:09
I did recognize a few.
Marco Minnesmann for instance, and Mike Mangini.

Great drummers indeed!

Marco already pointed out that he won't be the new DT drummer so that means : 1 down, six to go.

I'll put my money on Mike Mangini.
That dude is fast!

He holds the world record for the most single strokes per minute. 1247 hits, if i'm correct.  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Fri, 2011-04-22, 09:53:27
Mangini is a clear favorite according to the leaks.

Anyway, the announcement created an incredible buzz. So many people visited the facebook page of the band. The real winner here is the company that is producing the documentary to come. I don't know if it will be sold separately or in a SE of the forthcoming album but I admit that the trailer arose my curiosity, which was obviously the purpose.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Sat, 2011-04-23, 09:42:45
A show-off video of each of the contenders towards the end of the page : http://forum.tdoe.net/viewtopic.php?t=3983&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60

I also found those statements on the web, supposed to come from the JP forum :

Peter Wildoer:
My audition started with two jams where we set the levels for in ears and just felt eachother out, musically that is.  After that we went through the three songs they sent me. I guess you'll get to know what songs it was on the next ep...isode of the DT video.  At last they wanted to try some new ideas. This was HAAAAAAAAARD! The ideas were in weird odd times and not one bar with the same meter. Very cool ideas and I got my head around it so and so after a while. If those ideas end up on the new DT album it will be PROG!  All drummers used the same kit, yes. Auditions were held in New York so no chance to bring my own. Chris, we had more than enough time to set up the drums how we wanted them. There was also a drum tech who helped out. I had no problems as I'm used to play rental kits etc when on tour.


Derek Roddy:
We jammed a little while....was cool but, the environment (in ears, video, etc...) didn't lend itself to a lot of creative moments...plus the fact that these guys we're trying to "jam" in odd times, etc....
Then they threw some riffs at me to see how quickly I could spit out complex stuff.
Now this...was fun but, at the same time....I could tell that they were looking for a dude that will come in....and record an entire record in the studio...on the spot.
I've never wanted to work that way..... as I believe that if the business (need to put out a record quickly) over trumps the musical vision (taking time and creating the best you can)
then that ultimately directs where the band ends up in the future.
I like to sit on riffs for a few days.... at least and create the best possible part (as opposed to the automatic one)
As far as the band being up front with their fans.......I'm sure they want too but, there are some legal issues that needs to be addressed and that takes precedence over what "can be said or announced".
I'm sure you guys can figure it out......and, I am certain that they knew who they wanted before these auditions were even thought about.
One thing that was said directly to me was....."whoever it will be.....it's got to be the fans choice...someone the fans are completely happy with".
I was very busy during that time period....only had a few weeks to learn a 20 minute song, a ballad, and a tech song with 30 part changes within the space of 3 minutes! Haha.


So we can conclude that it won't be Derek Roddy neither.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2011-04-23, 10:21:57
Quote from: Bupie on Sat, 2011-04-23, 09:42:45
the JP forum

'JP'  meaning what, Bups ?

Interesting comments. Thanx, Bups  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Sat, 2011-04-23, 12:51:07
You're welcome Nicky  ;)

JP = John Petrucci (but I found the infos on a French website).
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2011-04-23, 21:42:29
Quote from: Nicky007 on Sat, 2011-04-23, 10:21:57
'JP'  meaning what, Bups ?

I'll put my money on John Petrucci. ;)

Edit: Right. ... .  ::) ;D

QuoteInteresting comments. Thanx, Bups  :)

Nicky.

Interesting indeed!
I agree on your assumption regarding that Roddy dude.
By the looks of it, he actually says that being in DT or in any band for that matter isn't the way he likes it to be.

That means ... two down, five to go?

Must add that I do not really like Peter Wildoer's style.  ???

More metallish than proggy to my liking.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-04-24, 10:21:40
Quote from: maddox on Sat, 2011-04-23, 21:42:29
I'll put my money on John Petrucci. ;)

I don't give a damn for yer marshmonies  :P

In my world, JP can equally well mean Judas Priest, or Just Playing - or John Pyung  :P :P

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2011-04-25, 19:14:52
Here is the first episode featuring what went on since September last year and Mike Mangini's audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L609JsPFmmI&feature=channel_video_title

I believe there will be 2 more episodes after this one...

Exciting times!

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2011-04-25, 20:52:34
Good lord!!!

John .... Spoke!!!!  :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Tue, 2011-04-26, 14:25:16
Despite the marketing buzz, I really liked this first episode and I am happy that it was delivered for free.

Plus, during the 20 minutes, somebody new to DT can hear so many great songs in the background  *horns*

About Mangini, I have to say that I am afraid of the "too much" syndrom. If he gets in a competition with Rudess and/or Petrucci to see who can play the fastest-most complex parts, this could come to the detriment of the melody. This is already what I feel about Rudess solos and Rudess/Petrucci interplay so I'd better see a drummer who would lead the band to more sobriety while still bringing in new ideas. Minnemann would maybe be the best choice in this perspective (even if he denied on his website, according to Mad).
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2011-04-27, 09:31:21
Quote from: Bupie on Tue, 2011-04-26, 14:25:16
..(even if he denied on his website, according to Mad).

At the time I wrote that, I wasn't sure where I read it but now I do.
I actually read it at the Blabbermouth site and given the fact that Blabbermouth is more rumour than reality sometimes, it easily could be a false statement.
They aren't always a reliable source.
If you give this some thought, it could actually make some sense though...

Just slightly spread the rumour that Marco isn't the 'one' and it will make it's way to the fans and critics. The chances are high that they will believe it then and that gives DT the chance to record the new album without anyone paying attention at Marco.
This could be a tactic move. :)

And about the vid's; it's beginning to look like that this is the DT version of a soap.
I think that the guys wanted to use it to bring DT closer to the fans, or give the fans a look inside the DT-kitchen but I'm sure it's also a great marketing move.

Clever dudes, those guys from DT and Roadrunner.
They know how to handle the media.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2011-04-27, 10:41:25
Quote from: maddox on Wed, 2011-04-27, 09:31:21
Blabbermouth is more rumour than reality sometimes

Sometimes? :o

;D

By the way, keep an eye on RoadRunner's Youtube-channel as they will be uploading the second episode today around 5 PM (Dutch time ;))!

It's online: http://www.youtube.com/user/RoadrunnerRecords?blend=6&ob=5

And now I'm off to watch it! :)

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2011-04-27, 17:36:44
Woaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I want Marco Minneman to be in Dream Theater! What a great guy! *horns* *horns* *horns*

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2011-04-28, 00:35:43
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2011-04-27, 17:36:44
Woaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I want Marco Minneman to be in Dream Theater! What a great guy! *horns* *horns* *horns*

Tom

He is!  *horns*
Cool t-shirt by the way.  ;D

I was a bit dissapointed with Roddy (actually the first time I saw and heard him play) and Thomas Lang did okay but the two drummers in this episode clearly were Donati and Minneman.  *horns* *horns* *horns*

But... overall I must say that Virgil, whilst he's very good indeed, won't fit the profile that the guys have in mind and I do believe that both Mangini and Minneman have the best odds for now!

But then again, we haven't watch the third episode yet.

Now ... as a appatizer. ... read this. ;) (http://sem-bolasha.livejournal.com/811.html)

I rest my case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-04-29, 17:45:40
The third and final episode (including the announcement of the new drummer!!): http://www.youtube.com/user/RoadrunnerRecords#p/u/0/2QHMQjH17aw

I shall refrain from spoilers for now. :)

*horns**horns**horns*

Tom
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Sat, 2011-04-30, 00:44:11
Disappointed twice.

First with Priester's performance, he seemed so stressed and worried :P

Second with Mangini's choice and reaction : so too much, so ... American  :( and the use of the word "tsunami", even if it was told and recorded before the actual tsunami is not exactly subtle after the japanese tragedy.

Worst of all, I fear that DT becomes some kind of technical circus where everyone (but JM) tries to show that he is the best musician in the world to the detriment of music sobriety. Too bad, just when MP had completed his AA program  :(

I hope they will prove me wrong, though ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2011-04-30, 11:01:01
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-04-29, 17:45:40
The third and final episode (including the announcement of the new drummer!!)

Man, these guys are supercool, including their visiting drummers  *horns*

And that Aquiles had problems gettin his visa for an audition with the one and only DT  ::)

Can't people recognise talent any longer  :'(

Whew, I really enjoyed watching the videos, much more than I expected - as enjoyable as watching a Kubrick movie. What genius !!!  Thanx, Tom  8)

I havent gotten to the end yet, so I still donno  ???

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2011-04-30, 12:15:18
Quote from: Nicky007 on Sat, 2011-04-30, 11:01:01
so I still donno  ???

Well, this wasnt a secret for long, it's pasted all over progworld  ;)

Yeah, understandable, the guys want a drummer who's top professional; they are themselves  *horns*

Grats and Welcome, NewMike, let's see what you bring to this great band  8)

I'm sure stoked for their upcomin album .....

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sat, 2011-04-30, 17:51:10
Man, these DT videos really grip me  *horns*

Great to see Mike I again, and hear the guys' thoughts re this surprising situation. And the music snippets bring back sweet memories and remind me how much DT have filled my life with pleasure and wonder. Whew  *horns* *horns* *horns*

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2011-04-30, 23:13:21
I'm quite happy with the outcome, really.
At first I was placing my bets upon either Mike Mangini or Marco Minnesmann. I've saw quite a few tubes from him and he was really fun to watch! A bit clownish.
He could bring something new to the DT table, some new vibes!
But Mike Mangini is worth to mention as well.
Never new this dude before the auditions but in the last few weeks I got a crash-course into him and man, he's good!
Did you know that he holds the world record of the most single strokes in one minute? 1247 times!
I'd be lucky if I would reach 200!!!

But it did made me wonder though: towards the end of episode three they were recording in the same studio where they also recorded Train of Thought.
But they were without Mike Mangini.  :-\
I know that filling him into the Dream Theater world in just a few months can be a difficult task but still, I would've guessed that he also would be in the studio's with his new bandmates.

Just curious... 
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-05-01, 11:13:05
Quote from: maddox on Sat, 2011-04-30, 23:13:21
Mike Mangini or Marco Minnesmann

Yeah, they seem to have some Mania  ;D


Quote
Did you know that he holds the world record of the most single strokes in one minute?

What really matters is that he masters all the small nuances of the drumming craft, and is attentive and creative. My sense is that he is that fully. And he seems to be a cool guy too. So I'm very happy with their choice.

I just wonder why they didnt take him straight on, without creating that high pitch of expectation about other drummers. Of course it was fun to experience all those excellent drummers, and it probably adds substantially to their CV to have been to a DT audition, but it must be a terrible downer to have been so close ... and then "Sorry ...".

Maybe they wanted to see just how much Mike II wanted the job. And he sure did want it !

Or maybe there's other stuff involved that I can't see  ???

I have a hunch that a major part of it was to check out drummers for future side and solo projects  8)

Iac this band remains legendary, and the guys, including Mike I & II, are supercool  *horns*

Nicky.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Mon, 2011-05-02, 22:01:32
I've seen the three episodes and it was actually very fun to watch. Didn't expect that. I didn't know any of these drummers at all, but the ones who made a great impression on me were indeed Mike Mangini and Marco Minnemann. Mike Mangini clearly is Dream Theater's greatest fan, so it's a great choice for the band. But if they had chosen Marco Minnemann, it wouldn't have been bad either!

What I liked about Marco M. is that he really enjoyed it and was so obviously having fun. The guy was constantly happy! And funny too. His attitude would have worked with Dream Theater really well. No doubt!

To me it seems that Mike M. puts the rest of the band on a pedestal too much. That can be a problem in the future. I mean, he's a great drummer! He is on the same level as Mike Portnoy! Or any of the Dream Theater members for that matter. There's no question about that. When he idealizes and idolizes the band too much it can be at the expense of his creativity, his initiative in the writing process for example.

Marco M. was much more relaxed. So for that matter he's more in line with the other Dream Theater members. And man, was it fun to watch that guy play drums!

So for me, Marco would have been my first choice and Mike a (very very VERY) close second!

The rest was great too, but to be honest, I didn't have that same *feeling* I had with Mike and Marco. I don't think any of the other drummers would fit in Dream Theater.

All in all, I can say that these episodes made me very curious to the next Dream Theater offering! Can't wait to see the new Mike doing the best he can! I think it can only be great! (In the least!)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2011-05-02, 22:27:33
Everybody knows that Mike P. had an impressive drum kit(s) but the new mike, Mike M. has a pretty one himself as well!

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_keDTEW5wgK8/TbyDRqCL-HI/AAAAAAAAAX4/62ke21BUMRo/s912/MikeSetup.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Tue, 2011-05-03, 08:54:04
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2011-05-02, 22:01:32
To me it seems that Mike M. puts the rest of the band on a pedestal too much. That can be a problem in the future. I mean, he's a great drummer! He is on the same level as Mike Portnoy! Or any of the Dream Theater members for that matter. There's no question about that. When he idealizes and idolizes the band too much it can be at the expense of his creativity, his initiative in the writing process for example.
I wouldn't worry too much about that, PH, quite the contrary. Somebody with such a drum kit can't be as humble as you think he is. He played in G3, with Steve Vaï, Extreme, he is reckognized as a great drummer so I don't think he will have any complex when it comes to compare with the rest of the band  :D And if it doesn't fit, it won't be the end of the world for him.

BTW, what I liked most about the documentary is John Petrucci. He really seems to be a genuine nice guy  :) (and so does JM in his own way). Too bad he decided to lift weights one day ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Tue, 2011-05-03, 11:50:12
Quote from: Bupie on Tue, 2011-05-03, 08:54:04I wouldn't worry too much about that, PH, quite the contrary. Somebody with such a drum kit can't be as humble as you think he is. He played in G3, with Steve Vaï, Extreme, he is reckognized as a great drummer so I don't think he will have any complex when it comes to compare with the rest of the band  :D And if it doesn't fit, it won't be the end of the world for him.

From what I've seen, this guy is talented and he will fit very nicely in Dream Theater. I just noticed he is so excited about it and clearly dreamed about joining the band. It is his dream come true. (You can only love him for that of course!) As I said earlier, I don't know the guy, so what you say might well be true.

I am also very excited! *horns*

Quote from: Bupie on Tue, 2011-05-03, 08:54:04BTW, what I liked most about the documentary is John Petrucci. He really seems to be a genuine nice guy  :)

That's what I noticed too. Man, he is so nice. Musically he sets the bar really high for those musicians but he sets them at ease. He is so down to earth about it. He treats everyone with respect and consideration. I love him.
He goes one up on my respect-list. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Thu, 2013-09-19, 12:11:59
The new Dream Theater album can be streamed here:

http://www.lustforlifemagazine.nl/artikelen/specials/9040-exclusieve-stream-nieuwe-album-dream-theater

8)
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Thu, 2013-09-19, 16:36:01
A nice blooper vid!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qP6pmJdQZ0

;D

James LaBrie can't control his laughter anymore.
Hilarious!
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Fri, 2013-09-20, 00:22:48
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2013-09-19, 16:36:01
A nice blooper vid!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qP6pmJdQZ0

;D

James LaBrie can't control his laughter anymore.
Hilarious!

I love these guys, I really do! :) Probably the 15th time I watched this blooper video. Everytime with a smile on my face.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2013-09-20, 20:50:08
Thanx a lot, Paxi, I havent laughed that much for a long time. Man, I just about fell down from my computer chair. And there isn't even any punchline or anythin, it's just that their freakin out is so natural and funny  ;D

And you'r right: Petrucci really seems like a nice cool guy. He's so relaxed with Jamie. It seemed to me that Mike P was bossin Jamie around.

Interesting that their next album is self-titled. Wonder what that means ....  ???

- Nicky
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Sun, 2014-06-08, 18:00:28
Time to dig up this old topic.
I was listening to Dream Theater's latest three albums (selftitled excluded). And I thought about how I absolutely love some songs, while some others (in my opinion) are not that good. I couldn't help but think about what a Dream Theater album would look like if they took a four years (or so) interval between albums instead of two.
I was wondering what a 'best of' of these three albums would look like.
I came up with this:

1. The Ministry Of Lost Souls (14:57)
2. A Nightmare To Remember (16:10)
3. The Count Of Tuscany (19:16)
4. Bridges In The Sky (11:01)
5. Breaking All Illusions (12:25)

Total: 73:49

Wouldn't that have been their best album ever?! ;D

I left out the self titled album because I don't think I know this album well enough yet. Right now, any of the above mentioned songs beats any song on the self titled album by a mile if you'd ask me.

I limited myself to a single disc. Which, unfortunately, was not that hard... :-\

What would your 'best of' (2007-2013) album look like?


Man, reading this over I thought I looked like a bitter fan... Which is not really the case. I love this band. I really do. And I'm looking forward to new releases (probably 2015 eh?). But I'm with Portnoy here: I think Dream Theater could benefit from a temporary break.
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2014-06-09, 16:29:48
Paxi, play Self-titled five times thru. I think that'l make you change your mind  *horns*

- Nicky
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Mon, 2014-06-09, 17:13:31
That's not an answer to my question. ;)

I'm not complaining about their latest album here. "Dream Theater" is a nice album (does a bad Dream Theater album even exist?). I simply think that the above mentioned songs are better than anything that's on the self-titled album. The songs on "Dream Theater" are most of the time much better than the ones of 2007-2011 that are not mentioned above.

My top 3:
1. The above mentioned songs of the 2007-2011 albums
2. "Dream Theater"
3. The rest of the songs on the 2007-2011 albums
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2014-06-09, 18:31:19
To me, "best of" doesn't make any sense when we're talking about a top-league band: Dream Theater, Bal-Sagoth, Outworld (past 30 years). With such groups, everything they put out is best of, i.e. top quality *horns*

- Nicky
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: PH on Mon, 2014-06-09, 19:12:59
Ok. Fair enough. But you must have a few favourite songs right?

So what's your favourite songs on "Dream Theater", Nicky?
And what are your favourites on "ADTOE"? And "BC&SL"? And "SC"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2014-06-10, 08:57:27
Well, they usually have a catchy song on each album. Not that the catchy songs necessarily are less durable than the others, they'r just more accessible.

On Self-titled it's of course Along For The Ride - a wonderful song that, after playing, courses around in your head for quite a while.

On Dramatic it's not so obvious, but it would probably be Lost Not Forgotten. But also On The Backs Of Angels has a lot of catchiness.

On Scenes it's obviously The Spirit Carries On, and on Black Clouds The Count Of Tuscany.

But in the last end, each DT-album since I&W is marked by such supernal craftsmanship that every single moment is magic *horns*

- Nicky
Title: Re: Dream Theater
Post by: Bupie on Tue, 2014-06-10, 12:25:33
Quote from: PH on Sun, 2014-06-08, 18:00:28
Time to dig up this old topic.
I was listening to Dream Theater's latest three albums (selftitled excluded). And I thought about how I absolutely love some songs, while some others (in my opinion) are not that good. I couldn't help but think about what a Dream Theater album would look like if they took a four years (or so) interval between albums instead of two.
I was wondering what a 'best of' of these three albums would look like.
I came up with this:

1. The Ministry Of Lost Souls (14:57)
2. A Nightmare To Remember (16:10)
3. The Count Of Tuscany (19:16)
4. Bridges In The Sky (11:01)
5. Breaking All Illusions (12:25)

Total: 73:49

Wouldn't that have been their best album ever?! ;D

What would your 'best of' (2007-2013) album look like?
Interesting questions, PH.

To the first, I would answer no, Images & Words would still be better.

To the second, here's my take :

In the Presence of Enemies - Part I (9:00)
A Rite of Passage (8:36)
Wither (5:25)
The Best Of Times (13:09)
The Count Of Tuscany (19:16)
Breaking All Illusions (12:25)
Beneath the Surface (5:26)

Total time : 73:17

I tried to build a balanced album : a superb intro (ITPOE Pt 1), an energic rocker (AROP), two short ballads (Wither and BTS), a huge epic (Count) and two semi-long great epics (TBOT and BAI, the latter being possibly DT's best song ever). I entitled it Black Clouds and Lost Illusions and am rather proud of the result  8)

Oh, and we share two songs : not so bad after all  ;)