MP Interview on Backstage Axxess makes me nervous!

[switzman]

https://www.backstageaxxess.com/index.php/interviews/335-mike-portnoy-interview

When asked about 2011 DT plans he's really vague and doesn't rule out a more permanent position w/ A7X.

Am I the only one who wonders if all is happy in DT land? Between this and the LaBrie comments from last week.

Hmmm...

[glaurung]

I think you're reading way too far into these things.

[Birch Boy]

I think you're reading way too far into these things.

I'd like to believe this as well.

[switzman]

Hope U R both right! Just seems like after Prog Nation 2009 they've all been a bit lukewarm about what's next. I guess 25 years on the road could do that to a person!

[Mebert78]

If he left DT, they would crumble.  He is the band's personality. 

[switzman]

If he left DT, they would crumble.  He is the band's personality. 

Indeed. It just got me wondering if they are heading for a Phish-style hiatus. Hopefully his tour w/ A7X is all the hiatus they need.

[KevShmev]

Working with AS might push DT stuff back a bit (as he might need a break in early 2011, just to keep his sanity), but DT will always be his number one priority.

Personally, I would just hate to see AS become his most important and time-consuming non-DT project.  We finally got Transatlantic back, and I would hate to see him not have time for that, thanks to working with AS too much.  Given how much fun the four of them seemed to have this year, I can't imagine Transatlantic going on another long hiatus again; they seem to like working together way too much.

[Mebert78]

I mean, a hiatus or his leaving down the road is possible.  No one can say it's not.  From this interview, he clearly seems interested in a permament position with A7X.  He didn't tell the interviewer, "No, I'm with Dream Theater.  Everything else is just a side project."  He left the door open.  And if he's splitting time with DT and AX7, it's only a matter of time before it becomes too much and he picks the band he's most enjoying at that time or the band that frustrates him the least.  I guess we'll have to wait at see how it plays out.

But if he ever left DT, I don't think they could survive.  He is the face of the band.

[Super Dude]

He also comprises DT's ass and balls.

[ariich]

Definitely overreacting, he even said he'd love to play with A7X but only if the scheduling worked out with his work in DT, and he's vague about 2011 because the band don't know exactly when they'll be going into the studio, but Mike has previously confirmed that it will be sometime next year.

[The Letter M]

I mean, a hiatus or his leaving down the road is possible.  No one can say it's not.  From this interview, he clearly seems interested in a permament position with A7X.  He didn't tell the interviewer, "No, I'm with Dream Theater.  Everything else is just a side project."  He left the door open.  And if he's splitting time with DT and AX7, it's only a matter of time before it becomes too much and he picks the band he's most enjoying at that time or the band that frustrates him the least.  I guess we'll have to wait at see how it plays out.

But if he ever left DT, I don't think they could survive.  He is the face of the band.

Exactly. And I believe MP himself has said, while he enjoys being in control of things (with DT), he likes the idea of just being a session drummer for A7X and being able to tour without having to worry so much about the things he does (setlists, meet-and-greets, setting up things, etc. etc.). Even though it's touring, he's probably taking a HUGE breath in that he doesn't have to do anything more than just play drums.

Over the last year, he's toured two legs with DT, and toured NA and EU with Transatlantic, and in both bands he's had drumming and vocal duties, and done a lot for them. Now he just has to play drums, which is probably very appealing to him, but I doubt he'll ever quit or drop DT because he probably enjoys the aspect of directing a band too much to give it up. A7X is just a short breath of fresh air for him, and I'm sure he'll get into the studio with DT in the winter or spring with them, and they'll be on their way again next year.

-Marc.

[Mebert78]

I mean, a hiatus or his leaving down the road is possible.  No one can say it's not.  From this interview, he clearly seems interested in a permament position with A7X.  He didn't tell the interviewer, "No, I'm with Dream Theater.  Everything else is just a side project."  He left the door open.  And if he's splitting time with DT and AX7, it's only a matter of time before it becomes too much and he picks the band he's most enjoying at that time or the band that frustrates him the least.  I guess we'll have to wait at see how it plays out.

But if he ever left DT, I don't think they could survive.  He is the face of the band.

Exactly. And I believe MP himself has said, while he enjoys being in control of things (with DT), he likes the idea of just being a session drummer for A7X and being able to tour without having to worry so much about the things he does (setlists, meet-and-greets, setting up things, etc. etc.). Even though it's touring, he's probably taking a HUGE breath in that he doesn't have to do anything more than just play drums.

Over the last year, he's toured two legs with DT, and toured NA and EU with Transatlantic, and in both bands he's had drumming and vocal duties, and done a lot for them. Now he just has to play drums, which is probably very appealing to him, but I doubt he'll ever quit or drop DT because he probably enjoys the aspect of directing a band too much to give it up. A7X is just a short breath of fresh air for him, and I'm sure he'll get into the studio with DT in the winter or spring with them, and they'll be on their way again next year.

-Marc.

Yea.  You're probably right.  MP is very hands-on and he needs project where he is the man and is in control of things.  That's DT for him.  But also, it's probably refreshing for him just to play drums.  That's a good point.  Maybe he could do both.  Until scheduling conflicts arise, which is likely.

[The Letter M]

Besides, there is this-

https://www.avengedsevenfold.com/news/mike-portnoy-will-be-drumming-a7x

Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority (that is my baby after all!), and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011....

Granted that quote was from July 16th, but it's recent enough that I doubt he'd change his mind about it. And he does say "some point in 2011", which could mean January through December... It really does just depend on when the other guys are ready. JLB will be touring for Static Impulse, JMX will be working on and releasing the third Jelly Jam album, JP is working on his second solo album, and JR has his symphony to write (and who knows what else). Everyone will be busy between now and New Year's, I'm sure, so January is probably too soon for them if they want a reasonable break.

-Marc.

[switzman]

Over the last year, he's toured two legs with DT, and toured NA and EU with Transatlantic, and in both bands he's had drumming and vocal duties, and done a lot for them. Now he just has to play drums, which is probably very appealing to him, but I doubt he'll ever quit or drop DT because he probably enjoys the aspect of directing a band too much to give it up. A7X is just a short breath of fresh air for him, and I'm sure he'll get into the studio with DT in the winter or spring with them, and they'll be on their way again next year.

-Marc.

Good point. Plus he's really at a different place in life from the A7X boys. He's a family man in his 40s and I'm sure there's a comfort w/ all the other DT guys that he could never find w/ A7X.

[perfectchaos180]

Does MP not realize what a terrible band AS is???

(Don't take this post too seriously)

[Super Dude]

Although you're right; I can count the number of good A7X songs on one hand.

[Durg]

https://www.backstageaxxess.com/index.php/interviews/335-mike-portnoy-interview

When asked about 2011 DT plans he's really vague and doesn't rule out a more permanent position w/ A7X.

Am I the only one who wonders if all is happy in DT land? Between this and the LaBrie comments from last week.

Hmmm...

What were LaBrie's comments?  I missed that.

[Arcaeus]

Honestly, I personally wouldn't mind if he stuck with A7X for awhile, he's a great fit, provided he did focus 100% on DT afterward. Though I say this because I couldn't care less about any of the other bands he's in, but I'd feel bad for the fans (though I think an artist should never do something according to what the fans want if it conflicts with what they want to do).

[rumborak]

All other members (JLB, JP, JM, maybe JR) are doing solo things right now, which when released will potentially have followup gigs attached to them. So MP is probably somewhat vague due to that too.

And frankly, if MP chose A7X over DT, I think it would be over with MP anyway.

rumborak

[John94]

They (Avenged) should ask David Silveria to pick up the sticks. They know him well and he isn't doing anything other than modeling and his bar work. But I did hear that someone said that Silveria doesn't even own a drum stick anymore...

I can probably see a name change coming after this touring business for Avenged too...

[Mebert78]

One question that needs to be asked is, is MP now too metal for DT?  Or is DT not metal enough for MP?  We all know he's been nudging the band in that direction the last few albums.  Maybe the constant nudging isn't enough for him anymore.

Wait, A7X is metal right?  I've never really heard them.  I just assumed.

[bosk1]

Please keep threads like this in the Octavarium subforum.  Thanks.

[ariich]

One question that needs to be asked is, is MP now too metal for DT?  Or is DT not metal enough for MP?  We all know he's been nudging the band in that direction the last few albums.  Maybe the constant nudging isn't enough for him anymore.

Wait, A7X is metal right?  I've never really heard them.  I just assumed.

I assume you're unaware of the whole Transatlantic reunion album and tour in the last year then?

[OperantChamber]

One question that needs to be asked is, is MP now too metal for DT?  Or is DT not metal enough for MP?  We all know he's been nudging the band in that direction the last few albums.  Maybe the constant nudging isn't enough for him anymore.

Wait, A7X is metal right?  I've never really heard them.  I just assumed.

Dream Theater is more metal than A7X.

[ScioPath]

Please keep threads like this in the Octavarium subforum.  Thanks.

[TL]

One thing that weirded me out was talk from some A7X fans over the past few months, many of them assuming MP would just up and leave DT to join A7X, not understanding why he wouldn't.
I'm not too concerned. Dream Theater is Mike's baby. It's always going to be his main gig. As someone said, A7X is a nice break for him, since he can just play drums without having other responsibilities. His answer seemed diplomatic in the sense that he didn't want it to seem like he was abandoning them (A7X) before they find a permanent drummer. He even specifically says that he won't quit DT for A7X.

[InTheNameOfGod]

I wouldn't be that bothered if MP decided to move on from DT.

Although it is highly unlikely.

I believe the band's lyrics are mostly down to Portnoy himself, and the lyrics have been extremely poor for the past couple of albums atleast. The remaining 4 would have no trouble creating great music. Finding a suitable replacement would be hard, if they went down that road.

DT will have to end eventually. Better get used to the idea. I see 1 or 2 more albums tops. And i'd be perfectly happy with that. DT haven't done anything new in years and are not the be all and end all in progressive music. Far from it.

[robwebster]

I believe the band's lyrics are mostly down to Portnoy himself

You'd be surprised.

JOHN PETRUCCI
The Answer Lies Within
These Walls
I Walk Beside You
Panic Attack
Bits of Octavarium
In the Presence of Enemies
Forsaken
The Dark Eternal Night
The Ministry of Lost Souls
A Nightmare to Remember
A Rite of Passage
Wither
The Count of Tuscany

MIKE PORTNOY
The Root of All Evil
Repentance
The Shattered Fortress
Never Enough
Constant Motion
The Best of Times
Bits of Octavarium

JP dwarves Portnoy.

[Perpetual Change]

Portnoy's only written 4 songs on the last two albums combined  

[Birch Boy]

I wouldn't be that bothered if MP decided to move on from DT.

I... what?

[InTheNameOfGod]

I believe the band's lyrics are mostly down to Portnoy himself

You'd be surprised.

JOHN PETRUCCI
The Answer Lies Within
These Walls
I Walk Beside You
Panic Attack
Bits of Octavarium
In the Presence of Enemies
Forsaken
The Dark Eternal Night
The Ministry of Lost Souls
A Nightmare to Remember
A Rite of Passage
Wither
The Count of Tuscany

MIKE PORTNOY
The Root of All Evil
Repentance
The Shattered Fortress
Never Enough
Constant Motion
The Best of Times
Bits of Octavarium

JP dwarves Portnoy.

Yeah, and those songs under Portnoy have awful lyrics.

He is definitely the 'leader' of the band in that sense.

[robwebster]

Yeah, and those songs under Portnoy have awful lyrics.

He is definitely the 'leader' of the band in that sense.

Okay, with utmost respect, I am actually at a loss for words at how ridiculously little sense that made.

[contest_sanity]

Yeah, and those songs under Portnoy have awful lyrics.

He is definitely the 'leader' of the band in that sense.

Okay, with utmost respect, I am actually at a loss for words at how ridiculously little sense that made.

We all know their lyrics are getting worse and worse, and Portnoy is clearly leading the charge: until one day soon their lyrics will be nothing but a never-ending chorus of "God is great, like ass and balls," with "God is great" inappropriately being growled by MP and the rest meekly spoken by John Myung.

[glaurung]

Yeah, and those songs under Portnoy have awful lyrics.

He is definitely the 'leader' of the band in that sense.

Okay, with utmost respect, I am actually at a loss for words at how ridiculously little sense that made.

We all know their lyrics are getting worse and worse, and Portnoy is clearly leading the charge: until one day soon their lyrics will be nothing but a never-ending chorus of "God is great, like ass and balls," with "God is great" inappropriately being growled by MP and the rest meekly spoken by John Myung.

[ClairvoyantCat]

We all know their lyrics are getting worse and worse, and Portnoy is clearly leading the charge: until one day soon their lyrics will be nothing but a never-ending chorus of "God is great, like ass and balls," with "God is great" inappropriately being growled by MP and the rest meekly spoken by John Myung.

I see no problem with that.