DT's New Drummer (merged thread)

[sneakyblueberry]

I really wouldn't want Thomas Lang in DT, eh.  From the instructional DVDs of his I've seen he just seems super cocky and maybe even more excessive than MP in terms of gear. 

As for Thomas Pridgen; The gospel element in his playing would make for some awesome, diverse stuff.  But I think he just has a tendency to overplay.  One live TMV clip in particular I've seen (Roulette Dares) where he totally ruins what should have been a nice, simple groove with too much showing off; overusing fills, extra kick notes, etc.

[Bertielee]

I definitely think Marco Minnemann would be great. Very technical, groovy and melodic at the same time. Just seen one  of his solos and Wow!

[Fnejk]

I would actually want to see Tomas Haake or Martin Lopez in DT  (would be interresting imho)

[?]

I really like Martin Lopez but he's had those anxiety attacks so it'd be difficult to tour with him. Also, he (and Haake too) lives in Sweden so it'd be quite difficult to fly to USA from there so often.

[The Awesome]

I really wouldn't want Thomas Lang in DT, eh.  From the instructional DVDs of his I've seen he just seems super cocky and maybe even more excessive than MP in terms of gear.

He's actually quite personable, and his clinics are very entertaining/humorous. Even if he wasn't, cocky is perfectly fine when you can back it up to that level. As for excessive gear, let the roadies worry about that.

Lang would certainly extend the theme of "no limitations" in a BIG way.

[ScioPath]

Not this guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyxbcE0uwog

[LTE]

I really wouldn't want Thomas Lang in DT, eh.  From the instructional DVDs of his I've seen he just seems super cocky and maybe even more excessive than MP in terms of gear.

He's actually quite personable, and his clinics are very entertaining/humorous. Even if he wasn't, cocky is perfectly fine when you can back it up to that level. As for excessive gear, let the roadies worry about that.

Lang would certainly extend the theme of "no limitations" in a BIG way.

Yeah, I've never gotten the feeling that he's cocky. I think you're mistaking his quirkiness for cockiness.

[Nick]

First off, anyone who is suggesting drummers like Gavin Harrison that are established in bands that are nearly as big as Dream Theater are being dumb. Dream Theater requires a full time commitment and as such they need a drummer who can commit to them and no one is going to leave their current big band for another.

That said the perfect guy is in a band a few notches below Dream Theater's popularity, and that is Nick D'Virgilio of Spock's Beard. For the past many years Spock's Beard has been a back burner band, with the guys doing their own thing for money and doing albums and shows as time and finances permit. Nick currently works for Cirque De Sole (sp?) in Montreal and I could see him giving that up if the opportunity was extended to him to play with Dream Theater full time for a length of time. I doubt Dream Theater will bring anyone in under the guise of full permanence considering their statements and the statements of Portnoy, however I think given what Portnoy has said they could offer Nick a solid 2 or 3 year guarantee.

That said Nick not only brings the drumming talents, but singing talents that surpass that of Portnoy and a song-writing ability that perfectly compliments what Dream Theater currently has in its two main writers. You have John who brings the metal element, Jordan who brings the experimental element, and Nick would bring the song element.

On top of that Nick has several times stepped in and played shows or tours with bands with minimal rehearsal or preparation (Frost*, Fates Warning, Karmakanic, Agents of Mercy), so him learning a lot of Dream Theater material given proper preparation would not be an issue.



I have been thinking about this for a few days now and I simply can not think of a more perfect match then Nick D'Virgilio.

[Adami]

Nick, the only problem with your post is that petrucci has clearly stated that they're not looking for a temp drummer in any way.

[Nick]

Stated or not you think there is going to be a drummer that comes into the fold without wondering, "so what will actually happen if Portnoy decides he wants to come back?"

[hefdaddy42]

True.  I actually love the idea of NDV joining, if he's really committed to it.

[Adami]

Stated or not you think there is going to be a drummer that comes into the fold without wondering, "so what will actually happen if Portnoy decides he wants to come back?"

Not the point. You said the bands statements show that they will find a temp drummer. And I'm sure while Portnoy would love that, John has clearly stated that's not the case. Whether portnoy comes back or not is not important, they won't hire a drummer on a temp basis.

[Nick]

I believe the statement was saying they are not looking to get a drummer for this album, another for the tour, then perhaps another for the next album. I don't think we can say with certainty that they want the next drummer to be irrevocably permanent.

[The Letter M]

First off, anyone who is suggesting drummers like Gavin Harrison that are established in bands that are nearly as big as Dream Theater are being dumb. Dream Theater requires a full time commitment and as such they need a drummer who can commit to them and no one is going to leave their current big band for another.

That said the perfect guy is in a band a few notches below Dream Theater's popularity, and that is Nick D'Virgilio of Spock's Beard. For the past many years Spock's Beard has been a back burner band, with the guys doing their own thing for money and doing albums and shows as time and finances permit. Nick currently works for Cirque De Sole (sp?) in Montreal and I could see him giving that up if the opportunity was extended to him to play with Dream Theater full time for a length of time. I doubt Dream Theater will bring anyone in under the guise of full permanence considering their statements and the statements of Portnoy, however I think given what Portnoy has said they could offer Nick a solid 2 or 3 year guarantee.

That said Nick not only brings the drumming talents, but singing talents that surpass that of Portnoy and a song-writing ability that perfectly compliments what Dream Theater currently has in its two main writers. You have John who brings the metal element, Jordan who brings the experimental element, and Nick would bring the song element.

On top of that Nick has several times stepped in and played shows or tours with bands with minimal rehearsal or preparation (Frost*, Fates Warning, Karmakanic, Agents of Mercy), so him learning a lot of Dream Theater material given proper preparation would not be an issue.



I have been thinking about this for a few days now and I simply can not think of a more perfect match then Nick D'Virgilio.

This is what I've been saying for DAYS about NDV... his vocal abilities could create some awesome harmonies with JLB and JP. His song-writing could create some catchy, concise songs. His drumming definitely has up to part with MP and could totally work with DT.

Unfortunately, he DOES have a 2-year contract with Cirque Du Soleil, which I am sure is definitely a nice paycheck for him. And he does have duties with Spock's Beard, who are about to head up a tour in Europe (with a show in LA soon first). As much as I would LOVE to see him join DT, I don't see him giving up the Cirque gig, or leave HIS band, of which he is the frontman and lead vocalist of. I know the other guys in SB have other gigs and bands too, but I'm sure after the greatly received X, they're probably more excited than ever to be together!

I'm willing to be NDV does get a call from them, though... and who knows, maybe they'll work something out?

-Marc.

[Adami]

We are not looking to do anything "interim" or "temporary"


That's word for word Petrucci. Not sure how you can read that as "We want a temporary drummer".

[skydivingninja]

I don't see NDV joining DT because Cirque du Soleil probably give him more money, and he has his own band to FRONT, not just drum for.  He would be a good choice if those other things weren't in the way.

[Nick]

We are not looking to do anything "interim" or "temporary"


That's word for word Petrucci. Not sure how you can read that as "We want a temporary drummer".

And I don't understand how you fail to realize there is something called semi-permanent.

[skydivingninja]

tl;dr....

My boyfriend says Rod Morgenstein.

Your boyfriend knows his stuff.

[Adami]

We are not looking to do anything "interim" or "temporary"


That's word for word Petrucci. Not sure how you can read that as "We want a temporary drummer".

And I don't understand how you fail to realize there is something called semi-permanent.

Yes, it's called temporary. If I go into a job with a set ending, that's called temporary.

[hefdaddy42]

We are not looking to do anything "interim" or "temporary"


That's word for word Petrucci. Not sure how you can read that as "We want a temporary drummer".

And I don't understand how you fail to realize there is something called semi-permanent.

Nick, I don't understand.  There is no such thing as semi-permanent.  There is permanent, and not permanent.

[Nick]

We are not looking to do anything "interim" or "temporary"


That's word for word Petrucci. Not sure how you can read that as "We want a temporary drummer".

And I don't understand how you fail to realize there is something called semi-permanent.

Yes, it's called temporary. If I go into a job with a set ending, that's called temporary.

Except I never said there was a set ending. I said there would be a guarantee of 2 or 3 years, I did not say it would automatically end then.

[Adami]

Then what's the point of your argument? Why would any band offer a 2-3 year contract in the first place if it's not temporary?

[Nick]

My main point is this. It is FOOLISH to think that whoever they get to fill in has job security in the long run unless Petrucci clearly states that they are going to be behind the kit even if Portnoy wishes to come back.

[Nick]

Then what's the point of your argument? Why would any band offer a 2-3 year contract in the first place if it's not temporary?

To give security for a certain amount of time so they can look attractive to professional drummer like Nick D'Virgilio or any number of others.

[Adami]

How about "You're in the band". And then they deal with the rest later?


I mean, ANY drummer going in knows that they'll probably get the boot when portnoy wants to come back. But why should it be a legal deal? Band members can kick anyone out whenever they want, they don't need a clause in their contract about it.

[Nick]

Because nobody is going to want to join the band with the thought of Portnoy coming back in the back of their mind?

[Nick]

Marc, I didn't realize Nick was under contract with them, that throws a monkey wrench into my hopes.

[Adami]

Because nobody is going to want to join the band with the thought of Portnoy coming back in the back of their mind?

Why not? People join bands like Megadeth, Iced Earth, and so forth all knowing they will be asked to leave eventually.

What about when Robert Trujillo joined metallica? Surely he thought that if Jason wanted to come back, he'd be asked to leave. Or Tim Owens joining Priest. Plenty of people have been in that situation and didn't have a problem.

[Nick]

Because nobody is going to want to join the band with the thought of Portnoy coming back in the back of their mind?

Why not? People join bands like Megadeth, Iced Earth, and so forth all knowing they will be asked to leave eventually.

What about when Robert Trujillo joined metallica? Surely he thought that if Jason wanted to come back, he'd be asked to leave. Or Tim Owens joining Priest. Plenty of people have been in that situation and didn't have a problem.

With certain people that's fine, it's what they expect. However with someone like Nick D'Virgilio I can not see that situation. Sure, Dream Theater could get a thousand nobodies to play for them tomorrow, but if you want someone of Nick's caliber the rules change a bit.

[Adami]

Ok, but since he seems to be out of the picture anyway...........


I just don't see how this is different from any other band. When I join a band, I know that I am not legally there forever. They can fire me whenever they feel it's not working out anymore. DT is no different. If they find a drummer they REALLY like, then he might actually stay till the end. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

[hefdaddy42]

That wouldn't happen with a keyboardist.

AMIRITE?

[Nick]

I understand, I'll I'm saying is it would help them to say to a potential drummer, "Hey, we've talked to Portnoy and he's out for 2 years at least, but after that who knows. Obviously we might not work out for other reasons, but Portnoy coming back won't be a worry anytime soon".

[The Letter M]

Marc, I didn't realize Nick was under contract with them, that throws a monkey wrench into my hopes.

Yeah... who knows. Like I said, if Nick is really interested in it, he may try to find time to do it. SB aren't touring very often, and their European tour this month is only this month, so after this month, I think he goes back to Cirque for a couple more months. It just really depends on what he can do around SB/Cirque, and whether or not his contract with them is negotiable for change...that is, if he wants it to change.

Even if Nick left SB, which I highly doubt he'd ever do, Alan Morse has shown he can sing lead vocals, and Jimmy Keegan could be their studio drummer in addition to being their live drummer. It would be a bit less interesting for me, though, because I highly enjoy Nick's drumming and singing... so if Nick left, I'm, sure SB would be done but as I said, it's highly unlikely.

-Marc.

[emindead]

Stated or not you think there is going to be a drummer that comes into the fold without wondering, "so what will actually happen if Portnoy decides he wants to come back?"

Not the point. You said the bands statements show that they will find a temp drummer. And I'm sure while Portnoy would love that, John has clearly stated that's not the case. Whether portnoy comes back or not is not important, they won't hire a drummer on a temp basis.

Isn't that a contradiction between MP and the rest of DT?

[Nick]

Marc, I didn't realize Nick was under contract with them, that throws a monkey wrench into my hopes.

Yeah... who knows. Like I said, if Nick is really interested in it, he may try to find time to do it. SB aren't touring very often, and their European tour this month is only this month, so after this month, I think he goes back to Cirque for a couple more months. It just really depends on what he can do around SB/Cirque, and whether or not his contract with them is negotiable for change...that is, if he wants it to change.

Even if Nick left SB, which I highly doubt he'd ever do, Alan Morse has shown he can sing lead vocals, and Jimmy Keegan could be their studio drummer in addition to being their live drummer. It would be a bit less interesting for me, though, because I highly enjoy Nick's drumming and singing... so if Nick left, I'm, sure SB would be done but as I said, it's highly unlikely.

-Marc.

I don't see any problems with Spock's Beard, like I said as is the band operates when the members have the time and money, and I'm sure Nick would have plenty of time off in Dream Theater to potentially work with Spock's Beard.