Hypothetically, who could replace James Labrie if he ever left?

[Stef1]

Don't know whether this has been posted before, but i would suggest Devin Townsend has failed his audition miserably, even with the cookie monster shorts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxKKI233rHE&list=UUxrUYiLBrluBqYo1wJidBAQ

[robwebster]

Don't know whether this has been posted before, but i would suggest Devin Townsend has failed his audition miserably, even with the cookie monster shorts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxKKI233rHE&list=UUxrUYiLBrluBqYo1wJidBAQ

"We've got someone who can think for you instead, and he sounds just like... James LaBrie!"

That wasn't anywhere near as badass as Devin Townsend singing Burning My Soul should have been, but the more I see that, the less disappointed I am in what it isn't, and the more I enjoy what it is.

[Konrad]

What are you talking about? That's fucking awesome!

[son_ov_hades]

Don't know whether this has been posted before, but i would suggest Devin Townsend has failed his audition miserably, even with the cookie monster shorts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxKKI233rHE&list=UUxrUYiLBrluBqYo1wJidBAQ

Holy shit that is terrible! 

[Onno]

For all of you who think that is terrible: just read what robwebster said. That's it, thank you

[EstyMaJ]

Russel Allen

[CrimsonSunrise]

Yeah... Roy Kahn   

[Tis BOOLsheet]

Yeah... Roy Kahn   

Yep. That would be a MP to MM type upgrade; it's a different level. By the way, what happened to him?

[bl5150]

It must just be me but I can't imagine Khan doing DT's catalogue  justice at all - and I really love his voice.

[Tis BOOLsheet]

It must just be me but I can't imagine Khan doing DT's catalogue  justice at all - and I really love his voice.

He sounds nothing at all like JLB so it would fundamentally alter the impact of the songs. It is totally beyond question that he is technically better. In my opinion, his voice is just a better timbre too. And he isn't the type of singer who sounds from a particular era, and thus outdated 25 years later.

[Invisible]

For all of you who think that is terrible: just read what robwebster said. That's it, thank you

Can I say that was terrible, a train-wreck AND awesome?

[CrimsonSunrise]

Yeah... Roy Kahn   

Yep. That would be a MP to MM type upgrade; it's a different level. By the way, what happened to him?

I'm sure the hardcore Kamelot fans would know.  I just recently discovered them and him.  From what I've read though, it seems he has some anxiety and depression type issues, that caused him to leave the band/industry. 

[adastra]

Yeah... Roy Kahn   

Yep. That would be a MP to MM type upgrade; it's a different level. By the way, what happened to him?

I'm sure the hardcore Kamelot fans would know.  I just recently discovered them and him.  From what I've read though, it seems he has some anxiety and depression type issues, that caused him to leave the band/industry.

He got depressed and was pretty worn out from touring.. Decided to leave music business because of health and Belief related issues.   That's what I heard.
While listening to his final wacken gig with kamelot, you can hear how fucked up he was..

[Setlist Scotty]

Don't have time to re-read the thread to see if his name's already been mentioned (probably), but I just saw a singer last night for the first time, who's name I've heard, but I've never heard his music, that would be an awesome replacement for JL: Tony Harnell (of TNT fame). The guy sang effortlessly and hit and held notes for an unbelievable amount of time (including part of an acoustic cover of Heart's Crazy on You, and a full acoustic cover of Boston's More Than a Feeling). Amazing performance and I'm gonna be checking out his music in the future. Wow!

[bl5150]

Don't have time to re-read the thread to see if his name's already been mentioned (probably), but I just saw a singer last night for the first time, who's name I've heard, but I've never heard his music, that would be an awesome replacement for JL: Tony Harnell (of TNT fame). The guy sang effortlessly and hit and held notes for an unbelievable amount of time (including part of an acoustic cover of Heart's Crazy on You, and a full acoustic cover of Boston's More Than a Feeling). Amazing performance and I'm gonna be checking out his music in the future. Wow!

I don't think he has been mentioned but he'd be about top of my list too - he can hit notes we marvel at effortlessly. 

[Bertielee]

Don't have time to re-read the thread to see if his name's already been mentioned (probably), but I just saw a singer last night for the first time, who's name I've heard, but I've never heard his music, that would be an awesome replacement for JL: Tony Harnell (of TNT fame). The guy sang effortlessly and hit and held notes for an unbelievable amount of time (including part of an acoustic cover of Heart's Crazy on You, and a full acoustic cover of Boston's More Than a Feeling). Amazing performance and I'm gonna be checking out his music in the future. Wow!

Thirded! I absolutely LOVE Tony Harnell as a singer. Saw a vid of him some 7 or 8 years ago where he sang songs from Tell No Tales. Man he sang them just as well if not better than on the album, high-pitched notes included. Just amazing!

B.Lee

[Tis BOOLsheet]

Yeah... Roy Kahn   

Yep. That would be a MP to MM type upgrade; it's a different level. By the way, what happened to him?

I'm sure the hardcore Kamelot fans would know.  I just recently discovered them and him.  From what I've read though, it seems he has some anxiety and depression type issues, that caused him to leave the band/industry.

He got depressed and was pretty worn out from touring.. Decided to leave music business because of health and Belief related issues.   That's what I heard.
While listening to his final wacken gig with kamelot, you can hear how fucked up he was..

That's too bad; he was a rarity as a vocalist in heavy music. I found out about him by accident. I was looking for videos on Epica's singer who is also good, and I remember seeing both of them doing a Kamelot song. I'm not a Kamelot fan but I'll listen to them to hear his work. I remember watching some of his performances from that live DVD and thinking "now THIS is how it should be done."

Did he have any good solo work?

[Glasser]

I'm glad I saw this post before starting a new one. JLB live is the weak link obviously as vocal chords cannot be replaced like guitar strings. I still enjoy his vocals in studio, that said, I wouldn't be crushed if they went with new blood that can nail it all live. If I had to choose a new voice here would be my guys.
1) Tommy Karavik
2) David Readman
3) Russel Allen
4) Will Shaw
5) Ross Jennings (MP would love that, ha!)

[Architeuthis]

Rick Castellano.    He did an amazing job on Michael Romeo's solo album, and I could imagine him singing DT songs.
I hope Labrie is with DT to the end though..

[Volante99]

It's been said a million times and I'll say it again- JLB is the voice of DT. For better or worse he gives the band their distinctive sound. Lose him and it's basically a different band, to me. Losing JP would be huge from a writing standpoint but there are a handful of players out there who can mimic that style/tone. If JLB goes, I think they should call it a day on DT and just start a new band.

[Architeuthis]

Nope,  DT would not be DT without JP.. 

[Volante99]

Nope,  DT would not be DT without JP..

I agree with that. But I ALSO feel the same about JLB, and I think a case could be made that losing him would alter the sound/feel of the band every bit as much as losing JP.

[gzarruk]

JP is truly the only irreplaceable DT member IMO. He has been the main music/lyric writer since the very beginning.

Back to the OP, if James ever left and needed to be replaced, the new vocalist should be on the operatic side and not a "tough guy vocals" singer like current Russell Allen, for example.

[Volante99]

Back to the OP, if James ever left and needed to be replaced, the new vocalist should be on the operatic side and not a "tough guy vocals" singer like current Russell Allen, for example.

I agree there. Too many people recommend power metal-type singers and that just isn't LaBrie or DT style IMO.

[Dedalus]

Mike Portnoy

[Glasser]

Geddy Lee. 

[Peter Mc]

If JLB were to leave, I'd take Brittney Hayes (Slayes) from Unleash The Archers.  For my money, she is the best rock singer on the planet right now.  She can write a decent melody too.

[DoctorAction]

I can't think of anyone. James has such a unique tone and feel.

[TAC]

James is DT's secret weapon. He's the one that really humanizes their music.

[JediKnight1969]

I love Serj Tankian's voice but I don't think it will fit in here.

I'm sure (if it ever happen) they will find an unknown monster out there in youtube, like Ritchie Blackmore did with Ronnie Romero.

[Ben_Jamin]

If JLB were to leave, I'd take Brittney Hayes (Slayes) from Unleash The Archers.  For my money, she is the best rock singer on the planet right now.  She can write a decent melody too.

Now that would be a twist. I've heard some covers of DT songs with female vocals, and these songs sound great with the female tone. specifically Images and Words songs.

Brittney would be fantastic for it, if they were to go a different route for a new singer.


I actually wouldn't mind seeing Mike Mills take over the reigns. He might be the only one I can imagine doing Take The Time and sounding good hitting those notes.

[Wim Kruithof]

In the past they really considered to send LaBrie home (Lifting Shadows biography) but they desided he is the tone and voice of the band. Since Dominici he has shown variety on plenty of tracks and I do think he is irreplaceable, being so many years in. If he would leave now, at this age and in the fall of there carreer, I think (and honestly hope) they close the chapter.

A Trujillo-move would be painful and Dream Theater unworthy.

I disagree that he is not well performing live. Of course his voice has aged and therefore more boundaries, but he still gets me thrilled everytime.

[Ben_Jamin]

In the past they really considered to send LaBrie home (Lifting Shadows biography) but they desided he is the tone and voice of the band. Since Dominici he has shown variety on plenty of tracks and I do think he is irreplaceable, being so many years in. If he would leave now, at this age and in the fall of there carreer, I think (and honestly hope) they close the chapter.

A Trujillo-move would be painful and Dream Theater unworthy.

I disagree that he is not well performing live. Of course his voice has aged and therefore more boundaries, but he still gets me thrilled everytime.

He also wasn't putting in effort and was given an ultimatum to get his act together and better his voice or get the boot. Glad he took it to heart and understood how whatever he was doing was having an effect on his vocals. You can hear it during the 6DOIT shows, and each tour up to the 8vm tour his live vocals really improved to where he is able to give some of those more complicated songs a try like Innocence Faded on Score.

It's very unfortunate that JLB is showing signs of aging, but at the same time, the band is utilizing JLB's vocals to compliment his capabilities now. I personally applaud JLB for doing those Images and Words and Beyond shows due to how different his vocal capabilities are today.

[TAC]

If JLB were to leave, I'd take Brittney Hayes (Slayes) from Unleash The Archers.  For my money, she is the best rock singer on the planet right now.  She can write a decent melody too.

I simply cannot agree. I'd take the woman from Lost Domain over her, but neither is a good choice to join DT. That doesn't even make sense to me.

[Cool Chris]

I am sure there is some 17 year old dude on TikTok who could hit all the notes, and even do it with some sort of regularity on tour. That doesn't mean he could replace James.