Lifting Shadows Questions

COB55 · February 11, 2012, 05:01:03 PM

Hi Guys,

I was on the website for Lifting Shadows where I reading the chapter snapshots. There are two which are pretty interesting to me:

James LaBrie: "One of the boyfriends came in and told Mike to 'Fuck off' and Mike started to retaliate verbally. And the next thing I knew it was just one big brawl. We had a lighting director named Poop and he got a bottle over the head, and at that point all hell broke loose."

What the hell is this about?

So we had a big sit down with him – which was almost like a shape-up or ship-out kind of meeting," remembers Mike. "We told him our concerns. So we decided to talk about the things that he can help, such as his presentation on stage. Another thing that bothered us was that he would always credit himself as a songwriter, and do interviews and talk about the songwriting process, when the reality was that he was never even there. It bothered us and there was resentment that he would kind of bullshit the fans like that."

Apparently they were almost going to kick James out at one time. I've never heard about this before! What was wrong with James's presentation on stage?

I know you're probably going to tell me to buy the book. But can someone please explain these two stories to me?

krands85 · February 11, 2012, 05:21:10 PM

I haven't read the book (unfortunately

), so I'm not sure, but the brawl might be referring to what James is talking about in this radio interview from 1993?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25CagZansVA#t=40s

fadetoblackdude7 · February 11, 2012, 05:34:11 PM

I have no idea what the first quote is about.....but I do know that they were close to kicking James out around the 6DOIT/TOT era.......someone told me that they said he wasn't contributing enough to the songwriting and he fought back on it.....don't quote me on it though, idk if it's true or not.

Gadough · February 11, 2012, 06:38:12 PM

Quote from: COB55 on February 11, 2012, 05:01:03 PM
I know you're probably going to tell me to buy the book.

It's kind of hard to do that at the moment:

*stares at Rich Wilson*

voncorn · February 11, 2012, 09:13:31 PM

-

BlobVanDam · February 11, 2012, 09:14:58 PM

Quote from: voncorn on February 11, 2012, 09:13:31 PM
Pisses me off that this book isn't in print anymore. I NEED to read this book!

There will be an updated edition coming out at some point, although I have no idea how soon. I may finally get it myself too.

slycordinator · February 12, 2012, 01:05:43 AM

AFAIK, it was only MP that wanted him gone and the rest of the band that wanted him to be given a chance to redeem himself.

Phil 72 · February 12, 2012, 06:38:02 AM

I've got the book so thought I'd reply, the first article is from July 1993,

DT was in a small town in Minnesota, in a bar, a local band asked them to jam with them, they obliged, James states it wasn't the kind of place that was welcoming to long haired men. MP was filming everything as normal, a young woman took exception to this, her boyfriend stepped in, in a very aggressive manner then the fight began.

The second one was about their dissatisfaction with JLB at the time around six degrees tour , how he wouldn't sing the high notes and just " screeched" instead, that he had put on some weight and that he talked down to the audiences, so they felt that they had to give him the shape up or ship out type ultimatum.

Rich Wilson · February 12, 2012, 07:58:50 AM

Feeling the stares . . .

Right. Funny timing really. I'm literally today putting the final touches to the two new chapters and I'll be speaking to the publishers next week. So I would hope that the paperback would be released some time in the next 2-3 months. I'd also like to address something that has been brought up a couple of times about how often this book is being re-released / updated. Firstly there was the limited edition 2 book set. This was produced in limited numbers and matched the number of people who registered their interest on this site. This book cost a shitload to produce - hence the price - and was only produced in limited quantities as there wasn't any point having books sat in a warehouse not selling. Plus there wasn't the money there to make a load more copies.
As was always the plan, it was later re-issued in 2009 in hardback form. As is usual in the publishing industry, the hardback comes out first with a paperback later. The paperback was literally at the publishers ready to go in October 2010. Mike left which made all the text hopelessly out of date. With all the demand for the book - both the publishers and I get emails every week asking when it will come out again - the publishers wanted to issue the paperback. At that time I had two choices. I could let them put it out with no updates and with it being completely out of date or I could update the text by adding two new chapters. The latter seemed to me to be the best option. So that's what has happened.
You can still register over at www.rich-wilson.com for updates - once I know you'll know. Should be a busy year with this paperback and the likely release of my second book on an equally great prog band (still can't tell you yet!)

hefdaddy42 · February 12, 2012, 09:34:07 AM

Thanks for the updates, Rich. As always, I remain available for the audiobook recording.

ReaperKK · February 12, 2012, 10:07:37 AM

Cool, I'll be eager to scoop up that paperback.

darkshade · February 12, 2012, 11:15:02 AM

Can we at least know if it's a 70s prog band, or a prog band that formed later in 90s or 2000s?

snapple · February 12, 2012, 11:28:54 AM

Quote from: Rich Wilson on February 12, 2012, 07:58:50 AM
Feeling the stares . . .

Right. Funny timing really. I'm literally today putting the final touches to the two new chapters and I'll be speaking to the publishers next week. So I would hope that the paperback would be released some time in the next 2-3 months. I'd also like to address something that has been brought up a couple of times about how often this book is being re-released / updated. Firstly there was the limited edition 2 book set. This was produced in limited numbers and matched the number of people who registered their interest on this site. This book cost a shitload to produce - hence the price - and was only produced in limited quantities as there wasn't any point having books sat in a warehouse not selling. Plus there wasn't the money there to make a load more copies.
As was always the plan, it was later re-issued in 2009 in hardback form. As is usual in the publishing industry, the hardback comes out first with a paperback later. The paperback was literally at the publishers ready to go in October 2010. Mike left which made all the text hopelessly out of date. With all the demand for the book - both the publishers and I get emails every week asking when it will come out again - the publishers wanted to issue the paperback. At that time I had two choices. I could let them put it out with no updates and with it being completely out of date or I could update the text by adding two new chapters. The latter seemed to me to be the best option. So that's what has happened.
You can still register over at www.rich-wilson.com for updates - once I know you'll know. Should be a busy year with this paperback and the likely release of my second book on an equally great prog band (still can't tell you yet!)

What a fucking cop-out.

Just kidding! I'm REALLY excited for the new version. Plus, I'll be REALLY happy it'll be in PB. I have the leatherbound one (with your Herbie Hancock in it!) already, and don't have a shit load of money. I can't wait to get my grubby paws on it!

Rich Wilson · February 12, 2012, 01:06:03 PM

Obviously the idea of a paperback is that it will be cheap compared to previous versions too . . .

Madman Shepherd · February 12, 2012, 01:45:44 PM

As a proud owner of the other two versions....

I hope you enjoy getting money out of me yet again!

Soooo....can we at least know who was interviewed for the two chapters? Having read the first two I can assume the answer is "Everyone"

krands85 · February 12, 2012, 02:55:01 PM

Great news, I've been hoping to get a copy of this for quite a while.

nikostheater · February 14, 2012, 02:55:14 PM

I have the previous 2 versions and i will happily buy the new one Rich!(Even if Greece defaults,crash and burn.)
I can't wait for the updated version

SeRoX · February 14, 2012, 03:00:35 PM

I know it's a professional matter but it must have been really hard for James to get warned by his bandmates about his situation. So glad that everything turned out well for everyone.

Madman Shepherd · February 14, 2012, 03:38:23 PM

Quote from: SeRoX on February 14, 2012, 03:00:35 PM
I know it's a professional matter but it must have been really hard for James to get warned by his bandmates about his situation. So glad that everything turned out well for everyone.

This has been talked about before but after rereading it, it really seems like MP was the instigator. He had stronger words for James than the others. In fact, all JP said was "We really just said, hey are you into this anymore?" JR pretty much said, "I was too new at that point to have much of an opinion." The manager also said he was warning them to be really cautious about it, saying that it is a huge move to fire someone and they should avoid it at all costs.

lucky7 · February 15, 2012, 06:04:45 PM

As an owner of the first two, thanks for the updates Rich, look forward to buying the new one, and your new mystery book.
I would still love you to do one on Steve Vai

wolfking · February 16, 2012, 02:29:54 AM

I'm definitely gonna get this book when it's reprinted. Funny how things turned out for Mike regarding this situation. He is out and James is getting more respect than ever!

Gadough · February 16, 2012, 02:53:49 AM

Kickass, Rich. Will buy as soon as it's in print again.

hacko · February 16, 2012, 04:09:22 AM

Quote from: Rich Wilson on February 12, 2012, 01:06:03 PM
Obviously the idea of a paperback is that it will be cheap compared to previous versions too . . .

Speaking of that,

being a proud owner of a limited edition book, any chance this will be published on any digital versions? I have to say that I haven't bought any physical books since I got my kindle...

Rich Wilson · February 16, 2012, 04:25:06 AM

There will be a kindle edition but not yet. This is something I will likely do directly myself rather than via the publishers. It will happen when the contract ends - probably looking at a couple of years I would think.

tristl · February 16, 2012, 07:00:01 AM

Quote from: Rich Wilson on February 12, 2012, 07:58:50 AM
Feeling the stares . . .

Right. Funny timing really. I'm literally today putting the final touches to the two new chapters and I'll be speaking to the publishers next week. So I would hope that the paperback would be released some time in the next 2-3 months. I'd also like to address something that has been brought up a couple of times about how often this book is being re-released / updated. Firstly there was the limited edition 2 book set. This was produced in limited numbers and matched the number of people who registered their interest on this site. This book cost a shitload to produce - hence the price - and was only produced in limited quantities as there wasn't any point having books sat in a warehouse not selling. Plus there wasn't the money there to make a load more copies.
As was always the plan, it was later re-issued in 2009 in hardback form. As is usual in the publishing industry, the hardback comes out first with a paperback later. The paperback was literally at the publishers ready to go in October 2010. Mike left which made all the text hopelessly out of date. With all the demand for the book - both the publishers and I get emails every week asking when it will come out again - the publishers wanted to issue the paperback. At that time I had two choices. I could let them put it out with no updates and with it being completely out of date or I could update the text by adding two new chapters. The latter seemed to me to be the best option. So that's what has happened.
You can still register over at www.rich-wilson.com for updates - once I know you'll know. Should be a busy year with this paperback and the likely release of my second book on an equally great prog band (still can't tell you yet!)

Dear Rich,
I have both available versions, the second i did get as a update for a special price( I think the two book version is beautful and worth the price.
I always had the feeling, that the second version came because JP was not really satisfied with the input he had in the first version?!
Didn't he say at one point, that if he had known more about the project he would have had much more to contribute to the book?
I always had the feeling that already at that point in time not everybody in the band was happy with MP talking exclusivly about DT!
Maybe I did get something wrong here?!
Thanks anyway, I love the first edition, i did let it sign by the guys and am looking forward to the new chapters.

Rich Wilson · February 16, 2012, 09:50:54 AM

The second version came about because it was always scheduled to come after the limited edition. Again it was a case of me updating the book rather than let the publishers put a book out there that was outdated. All the guys had the same opportunity to provide input into the book and as far as I know they weren't unhappy about MP's contribution. As you know, the way Mike is he just loves getting involved in stuff like this, so he tended to take the lead. Certainly Mike didn't solely contribute as there are quotes from all the band throughout, though it probably if fair to say his input was greater than the others (though I've not checked the word counts)

tristl · February 16, 2012, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: Rich Wilson on February 16, 2012, 09:50:54 AM
The second version came about because it was always scheduled to come after the limited edition. Again it was a case of me updating the book rather than let the publishers put a book out there that was outdated. All the guys had the same opportunity to provide input into the book and as far as I know they weren't unhappy about MP's contribution. As you know, the way Mike is he just loves getting involved in stuff like this, so he tended to take the lead. Certainly Mike didn't solely contribute as there are quotes from all the band throughout, though it probably if fair to say his input was greater than the others (though I've not checked the word counts)

don't get me wrong,
i didn't try to criticise, I just had the impression to have read something like that, and in the second edition it seemed to me, that there were a broader range of inputs.
but after all its your book so you know better.
the input in the next chapters will be different for shure.
thanks for answering.

Rich Wilson · February 16, 2012, 01:06:20 PM

No criticism taken at all. There was probably more JP input on the BC&SL chapter which was added at that time, so I can see where you're coming from fella.

Cheers!

contest_sanity · February 17, 2012, 09:49:22 PM

Really glad it's coming out in paperback. I have both of the first 2 versions, and it was getting awfully expensive to update the story 2 chapters at a time every couple of years.

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Lifting Shadows Questions