James LaBrie interview with Kyo, 2011-07-11

[dbrooks22]

MP is insecure.  He tweets pictures of his big house and cars and fancy pool and theater.  He shows off all his magazine covers and tweets whenever he wins an award.  "Look at me!  Look what i have and what i've done!"  He needs people's approval.

Look - i love Portnoy.  I'm not angry at him in any way.  That's just the way he is, for better or worse.  On the positive side, that insecurity pushed him to constantly improve his drumming to the pinnacle of excellence.  And the need for attention also brings out his accessibility.  He's always appreciative of attention and fanfare.  Not too many other rock musicians are as open and accessible to their fans.

[Perpetual Change]

I find this whole thing pretty odd. On one hand, he's given everyone the idea that he doesn't want to talk about this and doesn't want it brought up, and just wants to put it behind him so he can move on. On the other hand, he seems like he just can't help but try and get the last word in. You gotta wonder if he's seriously over this, or if the real confrontation has even begun yet.

FWIW, I did find James' "hogging the spot-light" comment to be a bit random and uncalled for, despite James' usual classy attitude. Mike's always been the one to keep the crowd involved at DT shows and that aspect of James' performances has always been disappointing. All to often when James should be motivating the crowd, he's running over to his bottle of water or disappearing from stage completely. James has always been lacking in that end of his job, and it was kinda weird to see him essentially taking a jab at Mike for picking up his slack.

But in all this drama, that's the first thing James' said about Mike that's struck me as being a pot-shot. I hope it was just James talking without thinking, and not a sign that things between those two are continuing to boil, to the point where James is willing to step over the line too.

[FretMuppet]

I think there's always been tension between Mike and James, and now James is finally letting out all his frustration. I remember Mike said something along the lines of "I should have kicked James from DT when I had the chance to" or something like that. If I was JLB of course I'd be pissed at that comment

[TheGreatPretender]

The thing is, yeah, maybe Mike can't be blamed for being upset at what LaBrie said. But the fact of the matter is, he didn't respond. He didn't say, "It hurts me that he'd say something like that," or "I can't believe he's saying that shit." No, he's just "Liking" comments of random douche bags, who go out of their way to insult the hell out of LaBrie.

I think there's always been tension between Mike and James, and now James is finally letting out all his frustration. I remember Mike said something along the lines of "I should have kicked James from DT when I had the chance to" or something like that. If I was JLB of course I'd be pissed at that comment

He said this WHEN?

[robwebster]

I think there's always been tension between Mike and James, and now James is finally letting out all his frustration. I remember Mike said something along the lines of "I should have kicked James from DT when I had the chance to" or something like that. If I was JLB of course I'd be pissed at that comment

Think this might be chinese whispers - Mike has said, a couple of times, that if he was forming Dream Theater again now, he wouldn't've chosen James LaBrie, and he's not really the kind of singer he likes. Which is still kind of a nasty thing to say about your band's singer, particularly in an interview about said band, and it's awful PR, but I've not heard of him saying anything worse. I hope he hasn't.

[Pinga]

That is way worse than what J LB said in his interview, and he was still in the band.

[In The Name Of Rudess]

I empathise with Portnoy. I think he's a good guy, but he has certain personality traits that cause him to do stuff that he really shouldn't do. He's just a person who finds it hard to control his behaviour, as evidenced by his alcohol addiction as well. I personally don't think you can blame him for having these personality traits. However, it's true that this kind of behaviour is hard to deal with, especially for those directly involved. IMO the members of DT have done a pretty good job so far at not reacting to his behaviour. Sure, there's the ocassional remark like the one Labrie made but nothing earth-shattering. They know him by now and probably realise the best way to deal with him is not to pay too much attention to some of the more impulsive things he says and does.

[FretMuppet]

The thing is, yeah, maybe Mike can't be blamed for being upset at what LaBrie said. But the fact of the matter is, he didn't respond. He didn't say, "It hurts me that he'd say something like that," or "I can't believe he's saying that shit." No, he's just "Liking" comments of random douche bags, who go out of their way to insult the hell out of LaBrie.

I think there's always been tension between Mike and James, and now James is finally letting out all his frustration. I remember Mike said something along the lines of "I should have kicked James from DT when I had the chance to" or something like that. If I was JLB of course I'd be pissed at that comment

He said this WHEN?

I read it on this forum a couple of months ago, can't remember who said it though. It was something about Portnoy wanting a more manly/metal vocalist for DT and that their latest stuff wasn't really written for James' vocals.

[TheGreatPretender]

I read it on this forum a couple of months ago, can't remember who said it though. It was something about Portnoy wanting a more manly/metal vocalist for DT and that their latest stuff wasn't really written for James' vocals.

That is pretty disappointing.

[j]

I empathise with Portnoy. I think he's a good guy, but he has certain personality traits that cause him to do stuff that he really shouldn't do. He's just a person who finds it hard to control his behaviour, as evidenced by his alcohol addiction as well. I personally don't think you can blame him for having these personality traits.

Ah, that's a cop out.  We all have some negative aspects to our personalities, but adults learn to have some discipline and control what they do and say for the sake of others.  Especially publicly, and especially about people they're close to.

Portnoy has always struck me as possibly being very immature and attention-craving, but I always tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.  At this point, it's basically impossible to do that anymore.

-J

[ariich]

I find this whole thing pretty odd. On one hand, he's given everyone the idea that he doesn't want to talk about this and doesn't want it brought up, and just wants to put it behind him so he can move on. On the other hand, he seems like he just can't help but try and get the last word in. You gotta wonder if he's seriously over this, or if the real confrontation has even begun yet.

I'm not sure if there's anything particularly pent up, but yeah I agree that while he's done a good job of not actually saying things, the way he Likes any post that bigs him up or more specifically bigs him up OVER the rest of the band is pretty uncool. That said, your next point is also interesting:

FWIW, I did find James' "hogging the spot-light" comment to be a bit random and uncalled for, despite James' usual classy attitude. Mike's always been the one to keep the crowd involved at DT shows and that aspect of James' performances has always been disappointing. All to often when James should be motivating the crowd, he's running over to his bottle of water or disappearing from stage completely. James has always been lacking in that end of his job, and it was kinda weird to see him essentially taking a jab at Mike for picking up his slack.

I agree, and I find it strange that the general consensus when Mike says something is "oh look that's a jab at DT" but when James says something frankly very similar it's "what an interesting observation".

[hefdaddy42]

I find this whole thing pretty odd. On one hand, he's given everyone the idea that he doesn't want to talk about this and doesn't want it brought up, and just wants to put it behind him so he can move on. On the other hand, he seems like he just can't help but try and get the last word in. You gotta wonder if he's seriously over this, or if the real confrontation has even begun yet.

I'm not sure if there's anything particularly pent up, but yeah I agree that while he's done a good job of not actually saying things, the way he Likes any post that bigs him up or more specifically bigs him up OVER the rest of the band is pretty uncool. That said, your next point is also interesting:

FWIW, I did find James' "hogging the spot-light" comment to be a bit random and uncalled for, despite James' usual classy attitude. Mike's always been the one to keep the crowd involved at DT shows and that aspect of James' performances has always been disappointing. All to often when James should be motivating the crowd, he's running over to his bottle of water or disappearing from stage completely. James has always been lacking in that end of his job, and it was kinda weird to see him essentially taking a jab at Mike for picking up his slack.

I agree, and I find it strange that the general consensus when Mike says something is "oh look that's a jab at DT" but when James says something frankly very similar it's "what an interesting observation".

Yes, but with MP it is a trend.  With JLB it is all of a sudden.

I don't doubt that there were differences of opinion and personality between MP and JLB, and some of MP's comments over the years probably had something to do with it.  But for whatever the reason, JLB let something slip that he no longer has much reason to keep pent up.  It's one comment, no big deal.

[TheGreatPretender]

I agree, and I find it strange that the general consensus when Mike says something is "oh look that's a jab at DT" but when James says something frankly very similar it's "what an interesting observation".

Lately though, it seems like "This is a Jab at DT" doesn't refer to anything that Mike says, but rather, the little things that OTHER people say, that MP goes out of his way to approve of. That's the difference.

[j]

I agree, and I find it strange that the general consensus when Mike says something is "oh look that's a jab at DT" but when James says something frankly very similar it's "what an interesting observation".

Lately though, it seems like "This is a Jab at DT" doesn't refer to anything that Mike says, but rather, the little things that OTHER people say, that MP goes out of his way to approve of. That's the difference.

He's publicly endorsing the statements, he may as well have said them.  The implications are the same.

And yeah, LaBrie may have crossed the line in that interview too.  But he was directly asked some candid questions, and this is the first time I have EVER heard him publicly say anything that could be construed as a "jab" at someone else.  Portnoy's been doing it for years.

-J

[Perpetual Change]

Dude, if that's the first time you've seen a jab come from LaBrie, you haven't seen enough!

LaBrie really lays it into David Prater in Lifting Shadows. And, I forget when but sometime since he's been in DT, LaBrie literally punched out some guy who was making fun of his hair.

[TheGreatPretender]

He's publicly endorsing the statements, he may as well have said them.  The implications are the same.

And yeah, LaBrie may have crossed the line in that interview too.  But he was directly asked some candid questions, and this is the first time I have EVER heard him publicly say anything that could be construed as a "jab" at someone else.  Portnoy's been doing it for years.

-J

But those aren't his words.
That's why I think people tend to be a little more... 'approving' when it came to James' statement, is that... I don't know about everyone else, but I've been dying to know what they all had to say about the situation. And since they didn't say much... I mean, Pettrucci was evasive as hell in that one interview he did not long ago.
But James said, "this and this and that, limelight" and I'm not saying that it was cool of him to say that about Mike, but that's how he felt, and it was refreshing to hear it from him.
If Mike just spoke his own words on the matter, regardless of whether I'd agree with him, or take his side, I think it would be a more honorable thing to do, than to play silent, while, like you said, endorsing the words of other people.

[MasterShakezula]

Portnoy has always struck me as possibly being very immature and attention-craving.

I think this is a good basic description of his primary flaw in character.  I believe that he generally means very well, and seeks to do good through his creations, I don't think he's quite self-aware, and often acts rather brashly, in order to get his way (ueually attention/recognition).  And as a result of his great desire for recognition and attention, and his naturally forceful way of seeking it, it's only inevitable that he ends up doing things/acting in a way that can end up being rude/reckless/polarizing.  There's also an obvious self-control issue, with the history of drug addiction, and the poorly-thought-out way some of his statements end up coming across.  I also would say that there would be a degree of insecurity in his mind, which could be the fuel behind his desire for recognition.

Still, unbalances aside, I'd say MP is a good guy in the grand scheme of things.  Just really, really, really, impulsive and lacking in self-control at times.  But I wouldn't doubt for a second that he's got plenty of goodness in his heart.  He really ought to be thinking before he speaks, though, if he wants to stay successful, as I'm betting that DT was the primary source of his income, and people aren't always going to work with an out-of-control guy, regardless of his high level of skill.  

[j]

Dude, if that's the first time you've seen a jab come from LaBrie, you haven't seen enough!

LaBrie really lays it into David Prater in Lifting Shadows. And, I forget when but sometime since he's been in DT, LaBrie literally punched out some guy who was making fun of his hair.

Unfortunately I haven't gotten hold of Lifting Shadows yet, but I do remember a YouTube video of him throwing some dude off the stage.

Frankly at this point I'd like to see more literal jabs than this bitchy, passive-aggressive verbal back and forth through internet media.  They need to just drop a cage and let he and Portnoy settle their differences.

But James said, "this and this and that, limelight" and I'm not saying that it was cool of him to say that about Mike, but that's how he felt, and it was refreshing to hear it from him.
If Mike just spoke his own words on the matter, regardless of whether I'd agree with him, or take his side, I think it would be a more honorable thing to do, than to play silent, while, like you said, endorsing the words of other people.

I don't see how it's any more honorable for Portnoy to have himself crafted insults at his former band members.  He'd be crucified for that too (and rightfully so, I think), just as he's been criticized in the past for various posts on his forum, etc.

-J

EDIT: @MasterShake: I don't think Portnoy is EVIL.  Just really childish.  And of course my opinion is based on limited data: what I hear or read from him online.

[tri.ad]

I'm not 100% convinced about your last point, to be honest. The die-hard Portnoy fanboys will defend him at all costs and support everything he says, many people probably won't care enough etc. Of course, he would have to face strong criticism, but I don't exactly think that he'll be crucified.

The way I see his reaction... I'm not surprised by this at all. It perfectly suits Portnoy's flaws in personality (as Shakezula has pointed out); he wants to dish out criticism, but at the same time he seems too scared to do it directly because he'd have to face even more criticism, maybe also from parts of his fanbase. Understandable, but it really makes the whole thing seem pretty immature.

Now I don't totally defend what JLB has said (although his description wasn't really inaccurate imo), but Portnoy could just have stood above it. *shrugs*

[TheGreatPretender]

I don't see how it's any more honorable for Portnoy to have himself crafted insults at his former band members.  He'd be crucified for that too (and rightfully so, I think), just as he's been criticized in the past for various posts on his forum, etc.

-J

Oh, I'm not saying that only good would come from that. But when I say honorable... I mean... Within the confines of the internet... It's one of those, "Have the balls to say that to my face" kind of deals. Not that he doesn't. But if he's avoiding to speak up on the subject, just to make sure that he doesn't start an all out war with DT, or just to make sure to avoid a PR disaster, then he should just suck it up and not acknowledge it in any way, shape or form, including not "Liking" or retweeting, or whatever else he may do to endorse blunt statements by other people. That's the equivalent of having other people fight his battles for him, basically, while he's standing in the background saying, "What? I didn't say anything!"

[Perpetual Change]

Yeah, a LaBrie vs. Portnoy wrestling match would be awesome. It would end, of course, with The Dominator rushing out to the ring in his spandex to hit James with a low-blow from behind, but not before another intruder, Kevin Moore--probably dressed as the undertaker-- planted a steel chair in Portnoy's face.  Derek of course would be the referee, but he'd get distracted by some kind of Jordan Rudess concocted wizardry.

[TheGreatPretender]

Yeah, a LaBrie vs. Portnoy wrestling match would be awesome. It would end, of course, with The Dominator sneaking in to hit James with a low-blow from behind, but not before another intruder, Kevin Moore, planted a steel chair in Portnoy's face.  Derek of course would be the referee, but he'd get distracted by some kind of Jordan Rudess concocted wizardry.

Yeah, but LaBrie is technically still IN the band, which means he's got a Bear on his team... And they recently performed in Russia, so I wouldn't be surprised if said Bear was on a unicycle... On a rope... In the sky...

[MasterShakezula]

EDIT: @MasterShake: I don't think Portnoy is EVIL.  Just really childish.  And of course my opinion is based on limited data: what I hear or read from him online.

I agree with you on him being really childish.  I just think that it's important to remember that he is generally trying to do right, in his own weird little way, most the time.

Or at least what he thinks is right.  

Though, his idea of doing right can escape me, or anyone at times.  

My guess is that once he feels that DT is not a threat to him (even though they don't seem to mind him, but remember, he perceives things differently, often strangely), MP will calm down.

I just hope that the level of drama between MP and DT stays low.  I like both of them, and would hate to see a drumming hero of mine decide to actively fight his former band, which is one of my favorite bands, and one I respect highly, as well.

We're all hoping for peace, right?

[In The Name Of Rudess]

I empathise with Portnoy. I think he's a good guy, but he has certain personality traits that cause him to do stuff that he really shouldn't do. He's just a person who finds it hard to control his behaviour, as evidenced by his alcohol addiction as well. I personally don't think you can blame him for having these personality traits.

Ah, that's a cop out.  We all have some negative aspects to our personalities, but adults learn to have some discipline and control what they do and say for the sake of others.

If only that were true. If it were, we wouldn't have any alcohol/drug addicts and everyone would get along perfectly fine. That's just not how it works. Some people just can't control their behaviour, no matter how much they want to. I still think it's unjust to blame people for things they can't change.

[TheGreatPretender]

We're all hoping for peace, right?

Yeah. The thing is, unlike in Rap music, in Metal, generally feuds only end up with less sales for all parties, because regardless of how much controversy sells, it's not like they're taking that controversy into their music. So they wouldn't be profiting from war. It's time to make a change.

[MasterShakezula]

We're all hoping for peace, right?

Yeah. The thing is, unlike in Rap music, in Metal, generally feuds only end up with less sales for all parties, because regardless of how much controversy sells, it's not like they're taking that controversy into their music. So they wouldn't be profiting from war. It's time to make a change.

Right on, bruddah! 

I can be pretty sure I'm speaking for all of us when I say that I want the very best for both DT and MP.  They are both real diamonds in the rough of this music industry, and considering their levels of merit as artists and their sheer dedication to making great music for us, I don't want them to falter as a result of poor communication on MP's part, nor Kevin's.  Whether together, or independent of one another, Mike P and DT are both capable of bring a great deal of joy to music lovers such as us, and they need all the support they can get in such an unwieldy field of profession, and I think peace between the two monoliths would be quite the support, at the moment.

[TheGreatPretender]

The thing is, LaBrie spoke his piece in that interview. I honestly don't see him escalating things by saying anything else about the issue from here on out. So it's really up to MP to just stop this nonsense and move on.

[MasterShakezula]

The thing is, LaBrie spoke his piece in that interview. I honestly don't see him escalating things by saying anything else about the issue from here on out. So it's really up to MP to just stop this nonsense and move on.

I see.  Depending on his mood, his level of feeling threatened, how secure he is with his perceived level of quality of his current musical creations, whether he liked his breakfast, and maybe the color of his shirt at the moment, this could be quick and easy, or may take a bit.   

[Ben_Jamin]

I say no more discussion about MP tweets since it turns into a debate.

[MasterShakezula]

I say no more discussion about MP tweets since it turns into a debate.

It did kind of kill off any other activity on the board, so I think you may have a good idea on your hands.   

[TheGreatPretender]

I see.  Depending on his mood, his level of feeling threatened, how secure he is with his perceived level of quality of his current musical creations, whether he liked his breakfast, and maybe the color of his shirt at the moment, this could be quick and easy, or may take a bit.   

And the thing is, it's people around him, like Trunk, and everyone else, who are basically "hate enablers" for Mike. They're the ones going, "Hey, did you hear what they said!?" or "Man, DT sucks without MP.... Right MP? Right?"
And that's exactly the kind of impression I got from that post where it said, "Interesting read..." with the link to the LaBrie interview. It's like, "Interesting read... What he said about you... How do you feel about that, Mike?"

I say no more discussion about MP tweets since it turns into a debate.

What's wrong with debates? They're awesome.

[MasterShakezula]

I see.  Depending on his mood, his level of feeling threatened, how secure he is with his perceived level of quality of his current musical creations, whether he liked his breakfast, and maybe the color of his shirt at the moment, this could be quick and easy, or may take a bit.   

And the thing is, it's people around him, like Trunk, and everyone else, who are basically "hate enablers" for Mike. They're the ones going, "Hey, did you hear what they said!?" or "Man, DT sucks without MP.... Right MP? Right?"
And that's exactly the kind of impression I got from that post where it said, "Interesting read..." with the link to the LaBrie interview. It's like, "Interesting read... What he said about you... How do you feel about that, Mike?"

That's a real solid point you have there.  Though a kid shouldn't be acting out, there are going to be situations or people who make them much more likely to act out, and if the kid realizes that bad things happen when they act out, and certain things make them more likely to act out, then they may learn to stay away from those things.  Hopefully MP catches onto these enablers and their allowing him to let out his negative side.

[VioletS16]

Dude, if that's the first time you've seen a jab come from LaBrie, you haven't seen enough!

LaBrie really lays it into David Prater in Lifting Shadows. And, I forget when but sometime since he's been in DT, LaBrie literally punched out some guy who was making fun of his hair.

That would be the bar fight of...'92?? A bunch of guys came in and DT was in there and they made fun of their hair (because it was long) and they got in a HUGE fight.   I have the link to where James explains in a video but I am not sure if I can post it here  

I think James has been very tolerant of Mike lately. 1 comment is understandable...if I were James, I would have passed that '1 comment' line a long time ago (then again I have no temper control)
The mention of James and Mike not talking since the split worries me. I don't think James is the one not talking to Mike, I think it is vice-versa. James is a friendly guy and so is Mike but I think Mike is still hurt from James's "I'm not sad at all" comment from a long time ago (even though James admitted he should re-phrase it and he didn't mean it that way at all) and prior to that maybe was just too sad to talk, and wanted a break from talking to them to re-assemble his emotions, but decided he didn't want to talk to James at all when James gave that interview. I don't know if I'm right, it's just my theory. In any case, Mike needs to remember how close he used to be with James. My friend and I had a HUUUUGE fight but we made up because we are friends and still talk time to time. Wether or not you are in a band together shouldn't determine your friendship status with someone.

Also, might I add that I don't intend any disrespect to Mike. I love him, he's a great person, but I think he's hurt and sad and sensitive right now and is taking things  a little too far.

[GasparXR]

I see.  Depending on his mood, his level of feeling threatened, how secure he is with his perceived level of quality of his current musical creations, whether he liked his breakfast, and maybe the color of his shirt at the moment, this could be quick and easy, or may take a bit.  

And the thing is, it's people around him, like Trunk, and everyone else, who are basically "hate enablers" for Mike. They're the ones going, "Hey, did you hear what they said!?" or "Man, DT sucks without MP.... Right MP? Right?"
And that's exactly the kind of impression I got from that post where it said, "Interesting read..." with the link to the LaBrie interview. It's like, "Interesting read... What he said about you... How do you feel about that, Mike?"

I say no more discussion about MP tweets since it turns into a debate.

What's wrong with debates? They're awesome.

They're great.

[MasterShakezula]

I see.  Depending on his mood, his level of feeling threatened, how secure he is with his perceived level of quality of his current musical creations, whether he liked his breakfast, and maybe the color of his shirt at the moment, this could be quick and easy, or may take a bit.  

And the thing is, it's people around him, like Trunk, and everyone else, who are basically "hate enablers" for Mike. They're the ones going, "Hey, did you hear what they said!?" or "Man, DT sucks without MP.... Right MP? Right?"
And that's exactly the kind of impression I got from that post where it said, "Interesting read..." with the link to the LaBrie interview. It's like, "Interesting read... What he said about you... How do you feel about that, Mike?"

I say no more discussion about MP tweets since it turns into a debate.

What's wrong with debates? They're awesome.

They're great.

It's also the only sign of life on this forum at this hour.