James LaBrie interview with Kyo, 2011-07-11

[Madman Shepherd]

So I'm getting around to reading all these comments he "liked" and it is watching one bridge after another being burned.


 

To be honest I can completely understand how MP feels.

I used to be in this band that I loved a great deal, it was and still is my favorite band that I had been in. At one point we reached a ...well.....point where either I had to leave or the bassist. And while I wrote most of the lyrics and a bit of the music, he wrote most of the music. So I left, knowing that they needed him more than me. They got a new drummer who I felt and still feel isn't half the drummer I am. He changed my parts, and played horribly as far as I am concerned. But what did I do?

I went to their shows and gave them my full support. I didn't badmouth them to anyone but my closest friends who were there for me. I didn't trash them online or do any passive aggressive nonsense. I treated them the way I would have wanted to be treated in that situation, and at no point do I want someone doing to me what MP is doing to them.

This is incredibly interesting if you look at it by how much class Charlie Dominici and Derek Sherinian have had in all of the kind things they said about DT and their participation in shows.   What if they acted the way MP is acting?  Granted, MP was more of a backbone to the band than they were...but at what point does that earn you the right to be downright rude and unpleasant?

[ReaPsTA]

I find it interesting that nothing MP has said or liked about DT has had anything directly to do with Petrucci or Rudess.

[TheGreatPretender]

I find it interesting that nothing MP has said or liked about DT has had anything directly to do with Petrucci or Rudess.

Sounds like just personal grudges, huh?
Wait, what did he say about Myung?

[Madman Shepherd]

...or maybe that he is just a bully.  JP and JR held considerable power as the main songwriters.  JM and JLB didn't which makes them perfect prey for a bully.  

Edited: I didn't finish spelling the word "considerable"

[unklejman]

how much class Charlie Dominici

Actually, CD has shown his backside in this very forum...

[Zook]

MegaCamel VS. GiantNinjasaurus

A new Syfy Original Movie coming soon!

[ReaPsTA]

I find it interesting that nothing MP has said or liked about DT has had anything directly to do with Petrucci or Rudess.

Sounds like just personal grudges, huh?
Wait, what did he say about Myung?

I mean, we have one bandmember that would literally not even sit in the same room with the rest of us for years now and we'd only see him on stage or at meet-and-greets..

...or maybe that he is just a bully.  JP and JR held consider power as the main songwriters.  JM and JLB didn't which makes them perfect prey for a bully.  

Sorta.  MP and JP were very close friends, and JP at least still obviously feels that connection.  I don't think it was ever put out there too much by MP (although JR's talked about it a lot), but the two of them at least had a very strong musical connection.

I don't think it's about bullying so much as connections and what they mean to people.

[Pinga]

This is going to turn really sad when he starts lashing out against JP.

[ReaPsTA]

This is going to turn really sad when he starts lashing out against JP.

I agree.  I don't like seeing the other stuff, but it's not unexpected.  One of the most sad subplots of DT's history though is the fact that Kevin Moore doesn't seem to ever talk to JP, who was a childhood friend.  I'd hate for the same thing to happen between JP and MP.

[cookienut]

Personally, I wouldn't pick a fight with a bear.

[TheGreatPretender]

I mean, we have one bandmember that would literally not even sit in the same room with the rest of us for years now and we'd only see him on stage or at meet-and-greets..

Okay, I remember that. Yeah, I SUSPECTED that it was Myung, but didn't know for sure.
It's not so much an insult though, as much as it was a fact about the state of things...
Although, I guess it can be assumed that they weren't on the best of terms and that JM just didn't want to be around MP.

[Zook]

It would be nice to know one day why Kevin Moore decided to cut off ties with his Dream Theater buddies. Some serious shit must have went down for him to pull a Kevin Bacon and pretend he was never in the band.

[jmbeat]

Simple really, let's just ban any MP related material on this forum as easily as he shits on everything DT, "like" or not. He banned all those on his forum that spoke out against him. What's the difference?

I hope you're being sarcastic. Because doing something like that would prove that we (or whoever invokes said ban) is just as immature as he is.

of coursei was

[ReaPsTA]

I mean, we have one bandmember that would literally not even sit in the same room with the rest of us for years now and we'd only see him on stage or at meet-and-greets..

Okay, I remember that. Yeah, I SUSPECTED that it was Myung, but didn't know for sure.
It's not so much an insult though, as much as it was a fact about the state of things...
Although, I guess it can be assumed that they weren't on the best of terms and that JM just didn't want to be around MP.

Well, I hate to weaken my own argument, but it's worth pointing out that:

- It's never been officially confirmed he was talking about JM.  But, I mean, come on, who the hell else was it?
- It's not necessarily an insult, but here's the thing.  If MP just wanted to talk about something that was dissatisfactory, he would have said "I don't think it was healthy for the band for Myung to be so isolated from everyone else."  He was holding a lot back there.
- I hate to just say "JM didn't want to be around MP."  JM doesn't seem like the most outgoing guy in general.  I'd be 100% willing to believe that their relationship kinda like fueled his isolation, but like unless JM and MP were on really bad terms with each other (which I'm not sure you can imply), I don't JM wouldn't talk to JP, JLB, and JR unless he's just kind of a private guy in general.  Like, I'd bet that now even though they talk more than before, JM probably still keeps to himself a lot.

It would be nice to know one day why Kevin Moore decided to cut off ties with his Dream Theater buddies. Some serious shit must have went down for him to pull a Kevin Bacon and pretend he was never in the band.

KM is a complex guy.  Innocence Faded is kinda about the distance between Moore, Petrucci, and Myung.  I think they just stopped relating as people.  I think KM's dissociation from DT comes from the fact he doesn't seem to like the music they made after he left (when asked about it, he said he didn't want to comment because it would be impolite to do so), and the fact he doesn't want his career as a solo artist and a member of OSI to be in the shadow of DT.  In fairness to him, this has worked out very well.

[As I Am]

For me it's pretty simple. I didn't like James' comments about MP being one to "steal the limelight" NOR did I like MP's facebook crap!

This all just sucks!

[phentalmyst]

not to derail this, but i thought JP said KM called him a few years ago and they had a good talk. i don't have a legit source for that, but i faintly remember hearing/reading something of that sort...

[TheGreatPretender]

Well, I hate to weaken my own argument, but it's worth pointing out that:

- It's never been officially confirmed he was talking about JM.  But, I mean, come on, who the hell else was it?
- It's not necessarily an insult, but here's the thing.  If MP just wanted to talk about something that was dissatisfactory, he would have said "I don't think it was healthy for the band for Myung to be so isolated from everyone else."  He was holding a lot back there.
- I hate to just say "JM didn't want to be around MP."  JM doesn't seem like the most outgoing guy in general.  I'd be 100% willing to believe that their relationship kinda like fueled his isolation, but like unless JM and MP were on really bad terms with each other (which I'm not sure you can imply), I don't JM wouldn't talk to JP, JLB, and JR unless he's just kind of a private guy in general.  Like, I'd bet that now even though they talk more than before, JM probably still keeps to himself a lot.

The thing is, if MP was saying how he felt it wasn't good that one of the members was never around everyone else, then it's safe to assume that it used to be different before. So regardless how private JM is and how much he keeps to himself, he obviously used to hang out with the band, whereas now, something changed. Which as I understand was exactly what MP was upset about.

And although it hasn't been officially confirmed, it seems like the band's relationship has been somewhat strengthened after MP left.

Anyway, that's tangents upon tangents. My point is, MP's passive aggressive actions seem to be mostly directed at LaBrie, and Mangini. In other words, the guy who picked up the duty of Mike's instrument, and the guy whose job Mike was trying to... I don't want to say usurp, but he was definitely undermining LaBrie's role in the band more and more, for reasons we now know.

[Zook]

KM is a complex guy.  Innocence Faded is kinda about the distance between Moore, Petrucci, and Myung.  I think they just stopped relating as people.  I think KM's dissociation from DT comes from the fact he doesn't seem to like the music they made after he left (when asked about it, he said he didn't want to comment because it would be impolite to do so), and the fact he doesn't want his career as a solo artist and a member of OSI to be in the shadow of DT.  In fairness to him, this has worked out very well.

I don't think being interviewed for a Dream Theater biography would have any negative impact on KM's post DT career though. And for him to refrain comment on DT's outing after he left must mean he really hated the music then, which is fine and dandy, but a simply "I don't like the direction they went" would have sufficed. It's just a bit disrespectful to me for him to turn his nose up like that. That's why I think there was some bad blood more than losing touch with friends. What I'm still confused about though is him hiring MP for the drums on OSI.

[Bacong]

To be honest I can completely understand how MP feels.

I used to be in this band that I loved a great deal, it was and still is my favorite band that I had been in. At one point we reached a ...well.....point where either I had to leave or the bassist. And while I wrote most of the lyrics and a bit of the music, he wrote most of the music. So I left, knowing that they needed him more than me. They got a new drummer who I felt and still feel isn't half the drummer I am. He changed my parts, and played horribly as far as I am concerned. But what did I do?

I went to their shows and gave them my full support. I didn't badmouth them to anyone but my closest friends who were there for me. I didn't trash them online or do any passive aggressive nonsense. I treated them the way I would have wanted to be treated in that situation, and at no point do I want someone doing to me what MP is doing to them.

I'm sure most people can relate to him. I can. But yeah, your last sentence pretty much says it all.

[SystematicThought]

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 HAVE to see this video... Is it on Youtube?

They were in the middle of hick-ville as well. It was here in Minnesota in Little Falls.

[TheGreatPretender]

They were in the middle of hick-ville as well. It was here in Minnesota in Little Falls.

Yeah, I listened to the interview. It was pretty awesome to hear.

[SystematicThought]

Oh and concerning the MP drama, I guess I just don't care anymore, he is just oblivious to things he does it seems. When you like something on facebook it is basically you voicing your approval.

And I've said it from the beginning, the man is in a mid-life crisis. He posts pictures of his brand new sports car, daily pictures of him in his backyard with a swimming pool, pictures of his theater. 

(Or maybe it's just my jealousy of his home theater.  )

[yorost]

...at least he has some theater to play with.

[SystematicThought]

...at least he has some theater to play with.

Very well done there.

[TheGreatPretender]

And I've said it from the beginning, the man is in a mid-life crisis. He posts pictures of his brand new sports car, daily pictures of him in his backyard with a swimming pool, pictures of his theater. 

(Or maybe it's just my jealousy of his home theater.  )

Not to mention playing for Avenged Sevenfold. That would be like Dave Mustaine playing for Disturbed. The generation gap is, I think, way too big.

...at least he has some theater to play with.

[Madman Shepherd]

not to derail this, but i thought JP said KM called him a few years ago and they had a good talk. i don't have a legit source for that, but i faintly remember hearing/reading something of that sort...

Has it ever been confirmed that they don't talk or will intentionally refuse to talk?  I know that when Kevin was living in toronto, him and James met up at least once.  When asked about it he basically said "Yeah I met up with him.  It was good to hang out with him.  We had a good time." 

I also think Kevin came to at least one or two shows after he left. 

[TheGreatPretender]

Has it ever been confirmed that they don't talk or will intentionally refuse to talk?  I know that when Kevin was living in toronto, him and James met up at least once.  When asked about it he basically said "Yeah I met up with him.  It was good to hang out with him.  We had a good time." 

I also think Kevin came to at least one or two shows after he left. 

Wait, he's living in Toronto? I should stalk him!

Hahah. Yeah, as far as I recall though, it was MP who always said, "I couldn't work with the guy" etc. etc. etc. So it was more the two of them that didn't get along, rather than Kevin with the rest of the band. Or at least that's how I understood it. And MP reiterated it again, after that thing with OSI.

[Madman Shepherd]

He WAS living in Toronto.  Now Kevin is recording in Iowa of all places (my home).  The guy sure does like to move around the world. 

[TheGreatPretender]

He WAS living in Toronto.  Now Kevin is recording in Iowa of all places (my home).  The guy sure does like to move around the world. 

Darn. Ah well. I'm gonna go look for Geddy Lee.

Hahah, but seriously, yeah, I don't think Moore is on bad terms with the actual members of DT. As far as why he disconnected himself from the band to such extent, who knows..

[Heretic]

And I've said it from the beginning, the man is in a mid-life crisis. He posts pictures of his brand new sports car, daily pictures of him in his backyard with a swimming pool, pictures of his theater. 

(Or maybe it's just my jealousy of his home theater.  )

Not to mention playing for Avenged Sevenfold. That would be like Dave Mustaine playing for Disturbed. The generation gap is, I think, way too big.

If you're saying that was part of his "trying to look cool" ruse, then you're mistaken, A7X asked him personally to drum for them since, y'know, their drummer died. I don't think MP thought "Oh, man, a chance to play with a young, successful band!", I think he thought, "Well, geez, I like these guys a lot, and their drummer looked up to me as an idol. This is something I need to do."

Not that it really matters, but I don't think playing with A7X was Mike trying to prove himself to the world in any way.

Oh, and A7X > Disturbed.

[IdoSC]

for reasons we now know.

What kind of reasons? So far I've seen Mike criticizing (to say the least) either the whole band or LaBrie in particular, but just because of misinterpreted comments made by JLB. I still haven't seen a message that hints MP hates JLB or something (putting the fact that they don't talk to each other for a while now aside).

[TheGreatPretender]

If you're saying that was part of his "trying to look cool" ruse, then you're mistaken, A7X asked him personally to drum for them since, y'know, their drummer died. I don't think MP thought "Oh, man, a chance to play with a young, successful band!", I think he thought, "Well, geez, I like these guys a lot, and their drummer looked up to me as an idol. This is something I need to do."

Not that it really matters, but I don't think playing with A7X was Mike trying to prove himself to the world in any way.

Oh, and A7X > Disturbed.

I disagree... But anyway, did they also invite him to record their actual album? It's not so much that I think MP wanted to prove himself to anyone. It's more along the lines of wanting to be relevant with the younger guys, appealing to a younger, newer market, so to speak. I think it was somewhat obvious that he was HOPING that he'd continue to play with them, and become their new drummer. It wasn't until after they let him go that he tried to get back into DT.

What kind of reasons? So far I've seen Mike criticizing (to say the least) either the whole band or LaBrie in particular, but just because of misinterpreted comments made by JLB. I still haven't seen a message that hints MP hates JLB or something (putting the fact that they don't talk to each other for a while now aside).

Well, there were those comments about how he should've kicked JLB out when he had the chance. Or if he was making DT now, he wouldn't hire LaBrie. Or that their music lately was written for a more "Manly" sounding vocalist. Things like that.

[E.S.]

I once learned that it's not always the smartest thing to read every word or review about yourself online. Nor is it wise to reply to everything people write about you. Whenever there's a conflict, keep it private. All kinds of fighting in the open is bad press, no matter if you're right.

I just hope DT and MP will just shut up and play. That will without a doubt make them and us a lot happier.

[TheGreatPretender]

I once learned that it's not always the smartest thing to read every word or review about yourself online. Nor is it wise to reply to everything people write about you. Whenever there's a conflict, keep it private. All kinds of fighting in the open is bad press, no matter if you're right.

I just hope DT and MP will just shut up and play. That will without a doubt make them and us a lot happier.

Well, DT isn't THAT outspoken about the issue.
I mean, LaBrie didn't exactly dwell on the subject. And the question was, "How does it feel to be the definitive front man of DT for the first time in 20 years?" How's he supposed to answer a question like that?
I mean, he could've been evasive like Pettrucci, but the fact that he addressed it was good, I think. Pettrucci sometimes acts like he's in denial.
I mean, when they asked about when MP said he wanted to rejoin the band, it wasn't DT who refused him but rather DT's lawyers, he said, "I don't know anything about that. You have to ask Mike." Like, he didn't even confirm to say, "Yeah, we didn't address him directly." or anything.

[Jaffa]

I disagree... But anyway, did they also invite him to record their actual album? It's not so much that I think MP wanted to prove himself to anyone. It's more along the lines of wanting to be relevant with the younger guys, appealing to a younger, newer market, so to speak.

Just weighing in to say that I, personally, thought Portnoy was a class act for touring with A7X.  I'm not saying he is or is not a class act in general, but in the specific case of Avenged Sevenfold...  Seems to me he basically helped a band and a fan base deal with the Rev's death.  Maybe I just don't know all the details, so I could be wrong.  But I myself hugely respect Mike Portnoy for what he did with A7X.