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Aramatheis · March 24, 2011, 08:07:42 PM

Hi everyone!
I just wanted to start a thread where anyone could post the experiences they've had meeting or corresponding with the members of DT (past members and current members).
Sorry if it's been done before.

I for one, have sadly never had the pleasure of meeting a member, though on the bright side, I did get to see them play with Maiden on July 17th (their third last Final Frontier show in North America), and I must say, it was an amazing experience! So many people in the crowd weren't familiar with DT, but you could easily spot the ones who were

They all looked like this

I must say, with complete certainty, that it was best evening of my life

So please, share your stories with the rest of us, and spread the joy!

Scrub206 · March 24, 2011, 10:28:49 PM

i met portnoy at a signing.. he was angry.. at pineapple for some reason...

VioletS16 · March 27, 2011, 10:44:36 AM

Quote from: Scrub206 on March 24, 2011, 10:28:49 PM
i met portnoy at a signing.. he was angry.. at pineapple for some reason...

$:-\$

I haven't been to a Concert yet, so I definatley haven't met the members, but I plan to. I would actually rather bump into one of them in a restaraunt or something and spy rather than go up and talk. I wouldn't know what to say. Wouldn't that be akward?
Me: "H-H-H-Hi"
Member: "Hi!"
Me: ...
Member: ...
Me: "I like...your music?"
Member: "Cool"
Me: *shuffles feet*
Member: ...
Me: "...bye...I guess."

:/ That wouldn't be a good experience.

MajorMatt · March 27, 2011, 11:12:29 AM

DT were staying in the same hotel as me so i bumped into them in the lounge, all apart from MP who was already at the venue. Very cool experience, all are such down to earth, friendly people! Had a chat with each and did the usual autograph/photo thing, and then the next day they had left a proper promo pic signed by all members at the box office for me - very cool!

Matt

Aramatheis · March 27, 2011, 11:33:14 AM

Quote from: MajorMatt on March 27, 2011, 11:12:29 AM
DT were staying in the same hotel as me so i bumped into them in the lounge, all apart from MP who was already at the venue. Very cool experience, all are such down to earth, friendly people! Had a chat with each and did the usual autograph/photo thing, and then the next day they had left a proper promo pic signed by all members at the box office for me - very cool!

Matt

Lucky.

Quote from: VioletS16 on March 27, 2011, 10:44:36 AM
I haven't been to a Concert yet, so I definatley haven't met the members, but I plan to. I would actually rather bump into one of them in a restaraunt or something and spy rather than go up and talk. I wouldn't know what to say. Wouldn't that be akward?
Me: "H-H-H-Hi"
Member: "Hi!"
Me: ...
Member: ...
Me: "I like...your music?"
Member: "Cool"
Me: *shuffles feet*
Member: ...
Me: "...bye...I guess."

:/ That wouldn't be a good experience.

I'd be happy with that

orcus116 · March 27, 2011, 03:00:43 PM

Met Portnoy in a parking garage while we were waiting to get our cars. My friend had a bag of White Castle he was planning on taking to work tomorrow and when Portnoy said he'd pay $5 for a cheeseburger my friend, more out of defense of his lunch, just went "...nah". We laughed pretty hard about it on the way back.

Knguro · March 27, 2011, 04:44:24 PM

Agst 23rd 2009 Chicago Theater, Concert.

March 11th 2011, JL said happy b-day to me!!!!

Dont belive me?
https://twitter.com/#!/Piratecjs/status/46250535619268608

ReaperKK · March 27, 2011, 05:06:42 PM

Met JP at a guitar clinic a few years back, couldn't be cooler. Talk about Ocatavarium and the tour as well as his guitar. He signed my guitar and took a pic.

Chino · March 27, 2011, 06:54:55 PM

I met MP at a Daddy's Junky Music for a meet and greet.

Zook · March 27, 2011, 07:51:47 PM

Met Portnoy at a signing. Was so nervous I forgot to get a picture with him and I had a camera in my hand the whole time.

Aramatheis · March 27, 2011, 07:58:57 PM

Nice stories

Keep em' coming DTF

Elsydeon · March 27, 2011, 08:06:48 PM

I met Petrucci at one of his guitar clinics, got a picture with him and he signed my guitar (really cool).
Then I met Portnoy at the same signing as Chino, signed my copy of six degrees

KevShmev · March 27, 2011, 10:43:24 PM

When four of us went down to Orlando for the M:2000 show at the House of Blues, we met Mike Portnoy and John Myung at separate times at Disney World a few hours before the show. Both were really cool about having pics taken with us. And John Myung even briefly spoke. Really. I heard it!

Chino · March 28, 2011, 03:11:16 AM

Quote from: KevShmev on March 27, 2011, 10:43:24 PM
And John Myung even briefly spoke. Really. I heard it!

I'm calling bullshit.

TAC · March 28, 2011, 04:16:22 AM

Quote from: KevShmev on March 27, 2011, 10:43:24 PM
When four of us went down to Orlando for the M:2000 show at the House of Blues, we met Mike Portnoy and John Myung at separate times at Disney World a few hours before the show. Both were really cool about having pics taken with us. And John Myung even briefly spoke. Really. I heard it!

Kev, you cannot post something like this and NOT post the JM pic!

KevShmev · March 28, 2011, 06:40:12 AM

Ask and you shall receive (sorry for it looking weird, but I am still trying to figure this new scanner out

):

SeventhSon · March 28, 2011, 06:44:46 AM

Back when Systematic Chaos came out the band did a signing at the HMV in downtown Toronto. My friends and I waited in line for about three hours, and they were giving out wristbands for entry. The guys in front of us literally got the last wristbands. We decided to test our luck anyway and stayed in line. When we eventually got to the front, the security guy was like "hey, where are your wristbands??" Thankfully, one of the other security dudes told them they'd ran out so they were just going to let people through. We got through, got autographs and said hi to everyone in the band (even JMX said 'hello' if I recall correctly).

Funny sidenote, when we got to the line, we ended up standing in front of a strip club, and a couple of the strippers came out to ask what the huge line was all about.

Perpetual Change · March 28, 2011, 06:55:21 AM

Quote from: KevShmev on March 28, 2011, 06:40:12 AM
Ask and you shall receive (sorry for it looking weird, but I am still trying to figure this new scanner out ):

FTFY

KevShmev · March 28, 2011, 07:00:24 AM

Sweet. Thanks, man!

That is me on the far right (with my questionable dress sense at the time

).

King Postwhore · March 28, 2011, 07:15:38 AM

Does John ever smile?

Mladen · March 28, 2011, 07:25:16 AM

I dunno, it looks like a semi-smile to me.

Some cool stories there, people. I hope someday I'll have one to share with you as well.

Aramatheis · March 28, 2011, 08:15:54 AM

Quote from: Mladen on March 28, 2011, 07:25:16 AM
Some cool stories there, people. I hope someday I'll have one to share with you as well.

x1000

Mebert78 · March 28, 2011, 08:49:39 AM

1) I met Petrucci at the Long Island Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nov.

2) Like many Kevin Moore fans, I've been fortunate enough to correspond via email with him when purchasing some of his music -- most recently on Kickstarter.com when I contributed to his Shine album.

3) I actually saw John Myung in a 7-11 on Long Island about a month ago. He bought a six-pack of Samuel Adams.

Ytse2112 · March 28, 2011, 12:33:30 PM

I met MP , JP and Steve Vai at after a G3 show in Phoenix a few years back. Satch had to catch a flight I guess but the three of them were getting on the bus. MP was backing up JP for his set and he was a cool guy. He came over to sign auto's and I asked him if he was having a good time and he told me it was like "being on vacation" he got to jam with his friend without the pressure of a three hour show.

As for JP.... I couldn't of gained more respect for the guy after that night. He walked over as cool and quiet as could be and talked with a small group of us. Just real down to earth. This was right after he cut his hair and I hadn't seen a picture of him yet. So I said... "what the hell?" He told me that his timing was perfect for cutting his hair because we were in Phoenix in the summer time.

Then, some drunk douche bag lumbers into the conversation and starts taking over the conversation. We were all annoyed and pissed but JP was as cool and calm with this guy as he was with us. The drunky started crying and telling JP about the song "Take Away My Pain" and about how much it meant to him because his grandpa died. He grabbed JP and hugged him (for an uncomfortable amount of time)
JP didn't look annoyed at all. He looked simpathetic and engaged. It was unbelievable how patient he was with this dude. As if I weren't a big enough fan already...... JP just gave me another reason why... He is the man!!!

tartarus250 · March 28, 2011, 12:38:49 PM

Quote from: Ytse2112 on March 28, 2011, 12:33:30 PM
I met MP , JP and Steve Vai at after a G3 show in Phoenix a few years back. Satch had to catch a flight I guess but the three of them were getting on the bus. MP was backing up JP for his set and he was a cool guy. He came over to sign auto's and I asked him if he was having a good time and he told me it was like "being on vacation" he got to jam with his friend without the pressure of a three hour show.

As for JP.... I couldn't of gained more respect for the guy after that night. He walked over as cool and quiet as could be and talked with a small group of us. Just real down to earth. This was right after he cut his hair and I hadn't seen a picture of him yet. So I said... "what the hell?" He told me that his timing was perfect for cutting his hair because we were in Phoenix in the summer time.

Then, some drunk douche bag lumbers into the conversation and starts taking over the conversation. We were all annoyed and pissed but JP was as cool and calm with this guy as he was with us. The drunky started crying and telling JP about the song "Take Away My Pain" and about how much it meant to him because his grandpa died. He grabbed JP and hugged him (for an uncomfortable amount of time)
JP didn't look annoyed at all. He looked simpathetic and engaged. It was unbelievable how patient he was with this dude. As if I weren't a big enough fan already...... JP just gave me another reason why... He is the man!!!

if there was a like button i would have pressed it

lordxizor · March 28, 2011, 12:39:55 PM

I met all the guys other than JM after a show back in 2000. Didn't say much since they were chatting with lots of people, but I got autographs from all of them and listened to James talk about his hot water and honey that he drinks and his hair (some woman complimented him on it). Pretty fun and cool. I wish I hadn't been nervous and was more outgoing so I could have actually talked to them. I also met Mike at a signing once, but that was basically just a hello.

Nick · March 28, 2011, 12:55:55 PM

My history with Mike Portnoy.

2006-03-10 - I have only a mild interest in Yngwie Malmsteen, but he was touring locally, and if someone I even sort of like hits Allentown I tend to go just for the sake of it being close and easy. The kicker was that Derek Sherinian would be the keyboardist for the tour. Waiting outside I got to talk to Derek for a bit, and during the show I end up front row catching no less than six picks from a man who threw out at *least* ten a song, but that was nothing compared to what would happen after the show. As I went to leave, there sitting at the bar (drinking water) was Mike Portnoy chatting to Derek Sherinian. After the shock had gone away I eventually went up and greeted Mike and asked him if he would be kind enough to sign some of the booklets I had brought in case I met Derek. He was happy to do so and when he got to the Old Bridge ytsejam show he turns to Derek and goes, "Oh yeah, I haven't told you about this one yet, but I brought along a copy for you." Flash back to meeting Derek outside he had signed that but probably had no clue what it was at the time.

Anyway Portnoy and I chatted a short bit about how Score was coming along and at that point audio was finished and Mike was just starting to get to work on the video portion.

2007-05-23 - Porcupine Tree put on an amazing show in Philadelphia, and afterwords I was lucky enough to be taken to the green room to hang out with the band for awhile. Now talking to the PT guys was awesome, but it was an added treat that Portnoy also happened to be back there. Bill (axeman) can attest to how cool it was just sitting back and hearing Portnoy and Wilson discuss music together casually. After we left I was even able to hear a few tracks from the then forthcoming Systematic Chaos care of Mike giving an early copy of the CD to a friend in my group.

2007-08-26 - After seeing DT the two previous nights in Holmdel and Jones Beach I was attending the third show of the weekend and final night of the Systematic Chaos headlining tour in Philadelphia and ended up getting to go downstairs after the show. Originally all the guys were going to come down and hang out, but Mike ended up being the only one with the energy and so I got to talk to him a little bit. Eventually the entire group decided to head out onto the tour bus and so I ended up being able to actually sit on DT's tour bus and had a few memorable moments with John Myung I will not soon forget!

2008-04-06 - Symphony X was playing the Trocadero in Philadelphia and even though I had noticed a front row Portnoy on the balcony well before hand, the crowd became very aware when Russell Allen pointed him out, thanked him for coming and for the opportunity to tour with Dream Theater. After the show I was heading out and just happened by the balcony stairs as Mike was coming down, so of course I had to ask for a quick picture and a few words.

2008-06-21 - LTE is scheduled to play NEARfest and the night prior to their performance I end up passing Mike in the halls and just say a quick hello as Mike hustled by, which was fine by me as I had gotten there early enough to hear most of LTE's set during rehearsal in the small theater that sat back to back with the main theater of the festival. The next night I got to actually talk to Mike a bit during the meet and greet.

2010-07-12 - By far the most insignificant MP sighting, but at the same time a cool one. Was standing outside of MSG early during the Maiden tour and Mike walked by Yeshua and I and I just said hello. Was just cool to see MP out walking the streets of NYC.

In addition to Mike I've been fortunate enough to meet both John's, and I've met Jordan twice, but all these years later the pirate still eludes me.

jsem · March 28, 2011, 02:56:14 PM

Quote from: Nick on March 28, 2011, 12:55:55 PM
Was just cool to see MP out walking the streets of NYC.

He's walking

He's walking

On the streets of New York City!

ZBomber · March 28, 2011, 03:00:49 PM

I met Mike at Daddy;s Junky Music before the Boston show in 09. He was nice, genuinely seemed to care about his fans, and even though the line was really long, took the time to be nice and talk to anyone who engaged him in conversation.

He signed two of my CDs (A Change of Seasons and Octavarium) and he also gave me a poster that he signed, which was cool since he didn't give one to everyone. Maybe he could tell that I was star struck, or maybe just because I was on the younger side of the people there.

Aramatheis · March 28, 2011, 03:56:07 PM

Quote from: Nick on March 28, 2011, 12:55:55 PM
In addition to Mike I've been fortunate enough to meet both John's, and I've met Jordan twice...

That rocks, Nick

Did Portnoy ever recognize you from the myriad of times you've crossed paths with him?

Thanks for the stories everyone! I'm definitely living vicariously through these atm.

Nick · March 28, 2011, 04:11:46 PM

Nah, nor would I ever expect him to, given the insane number of people he meets on a regular basis. Still, most of the times have been special circumstances, several outside of shows he was playing, so maybe one day.

Aramatheis · March 28, 2011, 04:52:07 PM

Quote from: Nick on March 28, 2011, 04:11:46 PM
Nah, nor would I ever expect him to, given the insane number of people he meets on a regular basis. Still, most of the times have been special circumstances, several outside of shows he was playing, so maybe one day.

I wouldn't expect it either, but you never know!
Hopefully he does, man

Compadre · March 28, 2011, 05:11:36 PM

Yo DTF,

Here's my contribution to this thread (good idea, btw). My apologies for the sh**y quality of the pics. They're scanned in from photos taken with a disposable camera...

MP, 1st time (Outside the tourbus during JP's Summer '01 G3 Tour):

MP (2nd time), JLB, & JR (Escape from the Studio Tour w/ Joe Satriani, Summer '03):

The last 3 photos were the result of being handed a backstage pass by some drunk dude who was using the urinal next to me just before DT's set who said, "Hey man, you look like you like these Dream Theater guys...here ya go"

Note Marlene Portnoy next to Mike in his 2nd pic with me. 2 members of The Galactic Cowboys, one of their sons & Ty Tabor from King's X were also chilling back stage. All great guys who were more than happy to sign stuff & pose for photos (I need to dig around for those pics and I'll share).

The singer (?) from Galactic Cowboys was telling the small group of band family members, mabrown (from MP.com, don't know if he's around here), & MP a story about when they opened for DT during the Images & Words tour and all the crazy stuff they'd do to each other when their respective bands were on stage.

For example, they told a story about DT rocking out to 'Take The Time' sometime in '93 and one of the Galactic Cowboys climbed up into the air duct above the stage and either fell out of the a/c vent or jumped out and either landed on top of Mike's drumkit, or on top of one of the guys in DT. MP said he remembered that story and said that 'That's one of the few things I actually remember from that tour", apparently alluding to his hard partyin' days.

Also, I asked MP about OSI (which he had just finished recording) and how it was to work with Kevin Moore again, he said that 'Kevin is kind of like our version of Syd Barrett...Just such a weird guy who might also be a genius." I always thought that comment was very interesting. I could definitely sense a very dismissive, 'meahh' kind of vibe from him when I brought KM up to him.

Good times indeed...

(Man, I look young, pale, and fat in those pics!)

LieLowTheWantedMan · March 28, 2011, 07:35:00 PM

I had a dream where I was kidnapped by John Myung.

True story.

slycordinator · March 28, 2011, 09:01:12 PM

Back in 2003, I drove from Bellingham where I was going to school south to Seattle for a DT gig. I'd spent all day in class and hadn't gotten a lot of sleep the night before due to having CS and math exams/assignments.

Before the gig started, I headed downstairs into the bar. Some random dude chatted with me a minute, then asked me if I wanted to meet Tim Roth. I told him I didn't recognize the name (I forget names of people I know pretty well for that matter). He assured me I'd recognize him. He introduced me and while I recognized him, I for the life of me couldn't remember the couple movies I'd seen him in, but could distinctly remember liking his performances. Then his friend gets angry at me that I hadn't seen Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs and gave this attitude that I was less of a man for having not watched them. Tim starts showing that he's clearly uncomfortable and they walk away with the friend saying "Lets go meet Mike Portnoy."

And then a few minutes later I remembered being at work watching him in that piece of garbage movie "The Musketeer" although he was awesome in his part.

Oh and I've long-since seen both those movies.

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