Mike Portnoy on wanting to rejoin Dream Theater

[ariich]

Portnoy certainly had the most stage presence of the five. But who knows, maybe the others will step up a bit more now.

JLB is always pretty good, but obviously he buggers off to dig holes in the instrumental sections.

[King Postwhore]

Portnoy certainly had the most stage presence of the five. But who knows, maybe the others will step up a bit more now.

JLB is always pretty good, but obviously he buggers off to dig holes in the instrumental sections.

Mabye he won't leave the stage as much cause the spitting camel has left the building.

[Adami]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

[King Postwhore]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

You'd still never see the white of his eyes.

[ariich]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

I do, but I was saying nothing while I copyrighted the idea.

You owe me money now.

[Adami]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

I do, but I was saying nothing while I copyrighted the idea.

You owe me money now.

lol

Jew owe me money!

[rumborak]

Regarding the leading of the band, IIRC in Rich's book there is mention where Mike "formalized" his leading role in the band, some time around SDOIT I believe.

Regarding the point that I see pop up ever so often in this thread that, "As long as one isn't a) the band or b) Mike Portnoy himself or c) his toilet seat, one can never know anything!!!!!", I think we're not too far off the mark, overall, in our speculations. I rather have the impression that some people here don't like the conclusions that arise from said 90%-on speculations.

rumborak

[ariich]

I rather have the impression that some people here don't like the conclusions that arise from said 90%-on speculations.

No, some of us just don't like speculation with little to no evidence, regardless of whether it is good or bad.

[Silver Tears]

Portnoy certainly had the most stage presence of the five. But who knows, maybe the others will step up a bit more now.

JLB is always pretty good, but obviously he buggers off to dig holes in the instrumental sections.

Yup.

[ReaperKK]

I for one am very sad Mike is gone, even with everything that has recently gone down. I'm more skeptical than excited about the future of DT, the live shows will never be the same.

IMO DT have always been a band that I saw live to see some great technical performances by all the members. They are near the bottom of the list of shows in terms of excitement and energy, and I've seen DT plenty of times.

There might be a good chance of DT shows getting better, maybe the other members will get some energy.

[goo-goo]

Again, please, stop speculating. Mike doesn't have an "I am the band" attitude, god knows how anyone else would react in the same situation. It's not as easy as it looks like.

Much of his comments in interviews, DVD commentary and Lifting Shadows, suggest otherwise.

I agree with Dark Master's statement but I think it's also the band's fault for letting MP assume those roles or letting him control the band's moves most of the times. The band got comfortable in trusting MP for the majority of the decisions (whether they were good or bad) and never said a word about it, until this thing with MP and his "break" happened.

And to  be honest, I look very forward to the new music that's going to be created. After Black Clouds, I was like "meh, another DT album". But after the MP fiasco, I'm "damn, another album..bring it!!"

[Perpetual Change]

I rather have the impression that some people here don't like the conclusions that arise from said 90%-on speculations.

No, some of us just don't like speculation with little to no evidence, regardless of whether it is good or bad.

I think we need a new world filter for "speculation." I'm just getting sick of reading the word in general 

[Pumpkin Pie]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

Hey, that's not a bad idea! Then we can have Rudess on roller-blades if he uses the Zen Riffer..... 

On a serious note, as far as JM is concerned, I think it would be a nice change of pace to go back to independent bass lines. You know, bass lines that aren't just doubling JP riffs for the most part! Not that the doubling riffs are bad, it works great for the style they've been exploring....also, more lyrics.

[ReaperKK]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

You know, bass lines that aren't just doubling JP riffs for the most part! Not that the doubling riffs are bad, it works great for the style they've been exploring....also, more lyrics.

Man his bass lines from WDADU where so epic, I would love to have him bring out some of the higher register work again.

[Pumpkin Pie]

No one else thinks a trampoline would be the greatest thing to happen to Myung?

You know, bass lines that aren't just doubling JP riffs for the most part! Not that the doubling riffs are bad, it works great for the style they've been exploring....also, more lyrics.

Man his bass lines from WDADU where so epic, I would love to have him bring out some of the higher register work again.

Amen.

[Major Thirteenth]

Dark Master, the point we are making is that is a world of difference between a creative leader and a logistic leader. Yes maybe he overstates it somewhat, but based on the personalities of the members it wouldn't surprise me at all if he took on most of the practical and logistical duties right from the start.

He never claimed to be the creative leader, and I doubt he ever would.

This is correct. The business of running a band well requres a personality that does not shy away from conflict and is not afraid to tell someone: "no effin way". You are dealing with a plethora of opportunists with a variety of agendas who want to take advantage of situations and screw you out of money or recognition or want to suck up to you to get backstage passes or free tickets or book deals or endorsementrs or other favors. From A&R to studio guys to agents to label guys to road crew to booking people to opening acts and even to family and friends, the list goes on and on. Mike is abrasive and is not afraid of a little conflict. Anyone who has spoken to him for 10 minutes knows that. The rest of the guys are all quieter, more circumspect, and gentler. That's just the way it is. Mike's personality was best suited to taking over the logistical/business aspects of running the band and that is pretty much what you would expect to happen, and that is pretty much what did happen. However, as good as those qualities are for dealing with externalities, they can, and did, generate internal stresses and conflicts that built up over the years. The breakup was just an event waiting to happen, all it would take was the proper catalyst. Enter Avenged Sevenfold and all the ingredients were present for the chemicals to properly mix and finally ignite.

The situation is now a bit interesting. At the moment, all we have is nice guys. Someone is going to have to "mean up" to take Mike's place. It can be a dirty job but someone will have to do it.

[axeman90210]

for the record, I am 100% behind the Myung Trampoline and the Rudess Zen Riffer-blades

[i am fabio]

I don't think the other guys will change on stage too much because it's hard to change who you are you know? My bass player is a beast and loves every second of every concert we play but he is pretty emotionless on stage. He is full of energy and optimism but just has a very laid back introverted personality. Thats kinda how I see DT. Portnoy was the opposite but if one of the others wanted (or had it in them) to be so loud and outgoing they would have done so along with MP. Not to say they might not have a little extra pep in their step i just doubt anything extreme will come about. Play your personality i guess.

[sneakyblueberry]

How awesome would it be if, first show with the new drummer, Myung and JP come charging out at the first song, a la Live in Tokyo.  

/fanboyish optimism

[lord-ruler]

I've seen DT three times live but now I live in Montana so I don't care how DT is onstage.   The time I saw them in Pittsburgh the sound was terrible.  Sounded like blown speakers.  I think DT should just write songs with each other using skype then put out one song a month for people who subscribe.

[Orbert]

Wot?


When Neal Morse left Spock's Beard, it was huge, as he was clearly the main songwriter and literally the voice of the band.  The first album without him was pretty shaky, but they've now settled into a sound that works and isn't bad.  Everyone else had to step up, and sure, they weren't used to doing it because they never had to before, but they did.  There are still some talented guys in that band.

Mike leaving Dream Theater is much less severe.  The remaining members have all written words and/or music in the past and there's plenty of seasoned talent still in the band ready to fill in the hole created by one guy leaving.  It will be different of course, but I honestly expect the next album to be pretty good, possibly better than other recent albums, and overall I expect DT to continue without breaking stride.

[BRGM]

I've seen DT three times live but now I live in Montana so I don't care how DT is onstage.   The time I saw them in Pittsburgh the sound was terrible.  Sounded like blown speakers.  I think DT should just write songs with each other using skype then put out one song a month for people who subscribe.

That's one of the worst things they could do

[rumborak]

You know, it's bizarre. Even though it transformed a key DT member into "roadkill" on the way, this was probably the best thing for the band PR that could have happened. I don't know how many times I've read the sentiment "I was meh about them for the last few years, but now I'm really excited" on this forum. And for that reason, Mike should really stay away from internet forums, especially this one (he's probably not gonna read that exact sentiment on his own forum).

rumborak

[RazielSR]

You know, it's bizarre. Even though it transformed a key DT member into "roadkill" on the way, this was probably the best thing for the band PR that could have happened. I don't know how many times I've read the sentiment "I was meh about them for the last few years, but now I'm really excited" on this forum. And for that reason, Mike should really stay away from internet forums, especially this one (he's probably not gonna read that exact sentiment on his own forum).

rumborak

IMO the best for DT is to have the Mike we know NOWADAYS, out of the band. With his behaviour, now MP was bad for the band. But the same way that people is having a lot more interest now, that could be easily erased if the album doesn't work. I mean, those are just feelings, not reality.

[lordxizor]

You know, it's bizarre. Even though it transformed a key DT member into "roadkill" on the way, this was probably the best thing for the band PR that could have happened. I don't know how many times I've read the sentiment "I was meh about them for the last few years, but now I'm really excited" on this forum. And for that reason, Mike should really stay away from internet forums, especially this one (he's probably not gonna read that exact sentiment on his own forum).

rumborak

I'd be curious to see what this does to their overall popularity. You have to admit that we're a strange group here at DTF. We're mostly previously huge fans of DT who have soured on them in recent years. So of course change would be great for us. I'd be curious if our opinions represent the average DT fan.

[OperantChamber]

@Jcrudess
Jordan Rudess
Karma's a bitch

https://twitter.com/#!/Jcrudess/status/17613866150137856

[Vivace]

DT is just a band.
Portnoy quit the band. He tried to re-join. They said "No."

That about sums it up fo rme.

And me as well.

[wkiml]

Portnoy certainly had the most stage presence of the five. But who knows, maybe the others will step up a bit more now.

JLB is always pretty good, but obviously he buggers off to dig holes in the instrumental sections.

Now he can dig the holes on stage.....slap a tamborine and the handle of the shovel and hes all set

[ddtonfire]

@Jcrudess
Jordan Rudess
Karma's a bitch

https://twitter.com/#!/Jcrudess/status/17613866150137856

He's had some... interesting... tweets lately.

Like so: https://twitter.com/Jcrudess/status/17036940331192320

[rumborak]

I'd be curious to see what this does to their overall popularity. You have to admit that we're a strange group here at DTF. We're mostly previously huge fans of DT who have soured on them in recent years. So of course change would be great for us. I'd be curious if our opinions represent the average DT fan.

Obviously whatever emotions come up on this forum are very exaggerated when compared to the average fan I think. That said, quite a few of my friends I would classify as casual DT fans, and most of them stopped going to concerts and buying their albums after ToT or so. For them the departure of MP is just another page in Rock 'n Roll antics we know of so many bands. But, I think it also generated at least a bit of new interest, if only because it's very convenient to offload everything one doesn't like about DT onto MP.

rumborak

[Dream Team]

Dark Master, the point we are making is that is a world of difference between a creative leader and a logistic leader. Yes maybe he overstates it somewhat, but based on the personalities of the members it wouldn't surprise me at all if he took on most of the practical and logistical duties right from the start.

He never claimed to be the creative leader, and I doubt he ever would.

This is correct. The business of running a band well requres a personality that does not shy away from conflict and is not afraid to tell someone: "no effin way". You are dealing with a plethora of opportunists with a variety of agendas who want to take advantage of situations and screw you out of money or recognition or want to suck up to you to get backstage passes or free tickets or book deals or endorsementrs or other favors. From A&R to studio guys to agents to label guys to road crew to booking people to opening acts and even to family and friends, the list goes on and on. Mike is abrasive and is not afraid of a little conflict. Anyone who has spoken to him for 10 minutes knows that. The rest of the guys are all quieter, more circumspect, and gentler. That's just the way it is. Mike's personality was best suited to taking over the logistical/business aspects of running the band and that is pretty much what you would expect to happen, and that is pretty much what did happen. However, as good as those qualities are for dealing with externalities, they can, and did, generate internal stresses and conflicts that built up over the years. The breakup was just an event waiting to happen, all it would take was the proper catalyst. Enter Avenged Sevenfold and all the ingredients were present for the chemicals to properly mix and finally ignite.

The situation is now a bit interesting. At the moment, all we have is nice guys. Someone is going to have to "mean up" to take Mike's place. It can be a dirty job but someone will have to do it.

Great post! I guess I'll be the first to respond . . . I think JLB is the only personality "fiery" enough to handle some of this stuff.

[YtseBitsySpider]

....Im all about the music.

I don't care who leads/lead them logistically
I don't care who leads/lead them creatively
I care about the finished product musically.
You can hide crappy guitar work
You can turn off maniacal robotic keyboards
You barely hear base guitars anyhow
And you can dig a whole if your singer is so-so after a bout of food poisoning.
But
BUT
You can NOT hide shitty drumming. And this band, has never EVER had shitty drumming.

whoever they get...male or female....better be tip top...a freaking prodigy.....WOW factor.

[rumborak]

You can NOT hide shitty drumming. And this band, has never EVER had shitty drumming.

They never had shitty drumming, but drumming also had taken a backseat over the years, almost into a commodity. I remember both when hearing Snakes and Arrows and The Incident thinking "that is some sweet-ass drumming". The last time this had happened for a DT record was around SFAM or SDOIT, at least for me. Might even have been before that.
I once auditioned a drummer (who passed us by in the end, he was too good actually ) for a previous band of mine, and he said that learning a Rush drum solo or fill is always a new experience, no matter how many he already learned. In contrast he said, once he had learned MP's toolbox he could just assemble new songs from that toolbox.

rumborak

[Jamesman42]

Dark Master, the point we are making is that is a world of difference between a creative leader and a logistic leader. Yes maybe he overstates it somewhat, but based on the personalities of the members it wouldn't surprise me at all if he took on most of the practical and logistical duties right from the start.

He never claimed to be the creative leader, and I doubt he ever would.

This is correct. The business of running a band well requres a personality that does not shy away from conflict and is not afraid to tell someone: "no effin way". You are dealing with a plethora of opportunists with a variety of agendas who want to take advantage of situations and screw you out of money or recognition or want to suck up to you to get backstage passes or free tickets or book deals or endorsementrs or other favors. From A&R to studio guys to agents to label guys to road crew to booking people to opening acts and even to family and friends, the list goes on and on. Mike is abrasive and is not afraid of a little conflict. Anyone who has spoken to him for 10 minutes knows that. The rest of the guys are all quieter, more circumspect, and gentler. That's just the way it is. Mike's personality was best suited to taking over the logistical/business aspects of running the band and that is pretty much what you would expect to happen, and that is pretty much what did happen. However, as good as those qualities are for dealing with externalities, they can, and did, generate internal stresses and conflicts that built up over the years. The breakup was just an event waiting to happen, all it would take was the proper catalyst. Enter Avenged Sevenfold and all the ingredients were present for the chemicals to properly mix and finally ignite.

The situation is now a bit interesting. At the moment, all we have is nice guys. Someone is going to have to "mean up" to take Mike's place. It can be a dirty job but someone will have to do it.

Great post! I guess I'll be the first to respond . . . I think JLB is the only personality "fiery" enough to handle some of this stuff.

If that ever turns out to be true, I hope for rants on how things start getting "pear-shaped beyond my wildest dreams" and "especially special specialties."

[YtseBitsySpider]

You can NOT hide shitty drumming. And this band, has never EVER had shitty drumming.

They never had shitty drumming, but drumming also had taken a backseat over the years, almost into a commodity. I remember both when hearing Snakes and Arrows and The Incident thinking "that is some sweet-ass drumming". The last time this had happened for a DT record was around SFAM or SDOIT, at least for me. Might even have been before that.
I once auditioned a drummer (who passed us by in the end, he was too good actually ) for a previous band of mine, and he said that learning a Rush drum solo or fill is always a new experience, no matter how many he already learned. In contrast he said, once he had learned MP's toolbox he could just assemble new songs from that toolbox.

rumborak

valid...and I agree....not shitty....but....just...muted..or passed by. Not the wow factor of those first few albums. Maybe that's what the band really needs in finding a replacement. Interesting that guy's "toolbox" comment.