The setlist so far... (DT-Side Tour Thread)

[ImNewDontKillMe]

I realize that the tour is only 4 shows old but in all of the videos I've seen so far JLB looks either mad or frustrated or just plain out of it. Instead of doing his usual running around stage and great mannerisms hes just pacing back and forth and rarely looks at the crowd. Am I crazy? Or does it look like something is bothering him? Any thoughts?

[Tis BOOLsheet]

Didn't notice that-- just the usual other issues.

[SeRoX]

Nope, nothing is weird. It is always the same.

At the begining of the tour James struggles a bit, sounds out of tune just because he hasn't warmed up enough, especially to the new songs. But while tour is going on he becomes consistent.

About the stage manners you mention, to be honest I didn't realize and if it's so I don't think it's a big deal. Or simply he is just nervous because this is a big tour and he has to perform almost 3 hours daily. 

[Jaffa]

*kills OP*

... Sorry.  Had to be done.    Welcome to the forum, by the way.

[Rodni Demental]

A vocalist has a pretty harsh role for a big tour like this. They're one of the centres of attention and it can be very physically demanding. I've seen some iffy and flat moments, but I've also seen some absolutely stunning moments, so I wouldn't worry in the least. I have to agree with the consensus that he tends to improve as the tour progresses, naturally with more practice it'll become easier to settle into the songs. JLB keep rockin'! 

[adastra]

I think that JLB sounds just like he would normally do in the beginning of a big tour.   His singing is "almost there" , but i'm sure it improve !

[TAC]

I actually think he has sounded pretty good.

[Perpetual Change]

Nope, nothing is weird. It is always the same.

At the begining of the tour James struggles a bit, sounds out of tune just because he hasn't warmed up enough, especially to the new songs. But while tour is going on he becomes consistent.

Really?

I'm not sure about what the OP said, since I haven't watched any boots from this tour yet, but to me, what you've posted here just seems unacceptable for a band operating at DT's level. The first couple shows shouldn't be "rehearsal".

[mikeyd23]

The difference I've seen in YouTube videos from the first show, to the second, to the third already show huge improvement with how JLB is handling the set. Give him a few more shows to get comfortable with some of the new material and some of the older stuff they haven't played in a while and he will be just fine.  No need for concern at all, IMO.

Really?

I'm not sure about what the OP said, since I haven't watched any boots from this tour yet, but to me, what you've posted here just seems unacceptable for a band operating at DT's level. The first couple shows shouldn't be "rehearsal".

I certainly wouldn't call those shows "rehearsals" but I'm fairly certain that on most tours, the entire band, James included, has a little rust for the first few shows and things begin to go smoother in terms of performance after they get few shows under their belt.  I don't see that as an issue, it just makes sense that after they have played/sung a set of songs multiple times, they would be more comfortable with them and the performance would then improve.

[BlobVanDam]

Nope, nothing is weird. It is always the same.

At the begining of the tour James struggles a bit, sounds out of tune just because he hasn't warmed up enough, especially to the new songs. But while tour is going on he becomes consistent.

Really?

I'm not sure about what the OP said, since I haven't watched any boots from this tour yet, but to me, what you've posted here just seems unacceptable for a band operating at DT's level. The first couple shows shouldn't be "rehearsal".

I think no matter how much the band members warm up and practice, it's not going to be the same as being on tour every night for 3 hours. It's not that they treat early shows as a "rehearsal", it's that no amount of preparation is going to be equivalent to full on touring. They spend time rehearsing together before the tour, but these aren't easy songs to learn, so it takes time for it all to gel and become second nature.

In the case of JLB, he wouldn't want to practice singing for 3 hours straight every single night for a month and risk wearing out his voice before the tour even begins. It will take some time before he's at his tour best. That's the finicky nature of the voice.

[SeRoX]

Nope, nothing is weird. It is always the same.

At the begining of the tour James struggles a bit, sounds out of tune just because he hasn't warmed up enough, especially to the new songs. But while tour is going on he becomes consistent.

Really?

I'm not sure about what the OP said, since I haven't watched any boots from this tour yet, but to me, what you've posted here just seems unacceptable for a band operating at DT's level. The first couple shows shouldn't be "rehearsal".

What I'm saying is doing rehearsal does not help so much to get you ready for a 3 hour daily tour. Considering the tour setlist is pretty hard for James it may take time to perform them all properly.

[Perpetual Change]

Guys, I'm not saying that James has been disappointing on this tour, and I don't necessarily believe that he has been. But to say that he's usually disappointing at the beginning of tours to me sounds strange. I wouldn't think that was the case. To say that he can't rehearse before the tour begins because he might blow out his voice during rehersals is even stranger. I don't think anyone's doing James any favors by suggesting either of those things.

[tartarus250]

I sing in a band and we play a three hour set and I can tell you if I do three shows in a row my voice can get pretty sore and hoarse!! Now I know james is a professional and he is paid to sing and nothing else but I totally understand how it would take a while to bed in and find his groove as he will be protecting his voice so as to be able to complete the tour:-)

[Tis BOOLsheet]

A vocalist has a pretty harsh role for a big tour like this. They're one of the centres of attention and it can be very physically demanding. I've seen some iffy and flat moments, but I've also seen some absolutely stunning moments, so I wouldn't worry in the least. I have to agree with the consensus that he tends to improve as the tour progresses, naturally with more practice it'll become easier to settle into the songs. JLB keep rockin'! 

Actually, I think he has the leash harsh role in this whole thing. This is a band in which the vocalist leaves the stage for extended periods of time because there is no vocal line. If anything, it's grueling on the instrumentalists. Those guys have to pretty much be perfect since all eyes are on THEM. They are the feature of this band. Obviously, everyone makes errors-- especially during a three hour show-- but the instrumentalists And you and I both know that if any of those guys were to have a flat out bad performance for an entire show, chaos would ensue.

Anyway, I don't see any decline in JLB's ability this tour. If you liked his performance last tour, I would think you'd be just as satisfied this one.

[Rodni Demental]

A vocalist has a pretty harsh role for a big tour like this. They're one of the centres of attention and it can be very physically demanding. I've seen some iffy and flat moments, but I've also seen some absolutely stunning moments, so I wouldn't worry in the least. I have to agree with the consensus that he tends to improve as the tour progresses, naturally with more practice it'll become easier to settle into the songs. JLB keep rockin'! 

Actually, I think he has the leash harsh role in this whole thing. This is a band in which the vocalist leaves the stage for extended periods of time because there is no vocal line. If anything, it's grueling on the instrumentalists. Those guys have to pretty much be perfect since all eyes are on THEM. They are the feature of this band. Obviously, everyone makes errors-- especially during a three hour show-- but the instrumentalists And you and I both know that if any of those guys were to have a flat out bad performance for an entire show, chaos would ensue.

Anyway, I don't see any decline in JLB's ability this tour. If you liked his performance last tour, I would think you'd be just as satisfied this one.

You make a really good point actually. The pressure on instrumentalists is pretty heavy. But I was sorta coming from the perspective that it's a harsh role because of the physical demands and, being the singer, a large percentage of people will be focusing and analysing his performance, I sorta meant like it's a harsh role to maintain, especially when your instrument is an internal component of yourself. I mean if JP/JMX/MM/JR are having a bad day, their instruments will still be working properly (assuming they are able to operate them as I realise other things can go wrong for them), JLB having a bad day kinda puts him in a worse spot than the other guys because he can't exactly channel his performance (so to speak), through an electronic medium, it's all him.

[gentaishinigami]

I don't think he is mad.  He is probably not making eye contact with the crowd and being more interactive because he's having a harder time singing and is perhaps slightly embarrassed or less confident.  That would be my guess anyway.

Maybe the first few shows aren't "rehersals" but rather buffers for him to get over some stage anxiety?  Lord knows I'd be having a panic attack if I had to sing in front of so many people!  That would make you short of breath then that would make you struggle to sing which would make you panic more and so on.  Once he's done so many shows in a row though I'd imagine the anxiety would die down and be just another day.

Or I could be completely off base! 

[wolfking]

I think James could be purposely holding back a little too, not trying to wear out his voice too early on.  He may even be a little paranoid about it.

Also, he has to sing IT every night.  This is pretty demanding on a singer like LaBrie.  I'd be treading carefully too.  IMO, getting him to sing this song live every night while necessary as it's the centrepiece of the album, is quite a lot to ask, possibly too much.

James is not a singer like Halford, Scheepers or Ripper, so hitting these sorts of notes and singing those types of stanza's is a big ask, and I'm surprised he's performing that song as well as he is so far to be honest.  When I first heard IT, I didn't think he stood a chance singing that live.

[Evermind]

But it's in the end of the record, how can it be the centerpiece?

I only watched one video from this tour, Illumination Theory from Porto, because you guys said he doesnt sound very good on it. I want to experience that amazing moment when he nails IT on the show I'll be attending myself.

[wolfking]

The pressure on James for that song would be incredible too.

[DreamerTV]

So far so good, i would say.
This is LSOAD from yesterday evening, in Milan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djMLpqSoUQI

[The Stray Seed]

You should listen to Lie, or to Trial of Tears, James' performance from yesterday was just unbelievable!!! He even nails Illumination Theory and the SFAM medley at the end of the show... he was just PERFECT!

[adastra]

So far so good, i would say.
This is LSOAD from yesterday evening, in Milan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djMLpqSoUQI

hmm.. that actually sounds pretty good

[mikeyd23]

So far so good, i would say.
This is LSOAD from yesterday evening, in Milan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djMLpqSoUQI

Yeah, that was a strong performance from James. Seems like he and the rest of the band are really settling into the tour songs now and are sounding super tight!

[OctavariumElite]

Hi everyone,

First of all sorry I did not present myself anywhere but I couldn't find the dedicated thread 

I am still not fully convinced by JLB's performance but I also noticed a nice improvement in Barcelona and Milano, which is encouraging. I will see them in Paris on the 31st and I hope James will be on top of his game

As you said, this must be so much stress to manage to be able to sing :
- hard songs (scarred, IT ...)
- 4 days in a row
- almost 3 hours every time

He IS really often slightly out of tune (especially in mid range) but I still really respect all the efforts he must be making to correct it (as I'm sure he can here himself when he's right next to the note )

Max

[RodrigoAltaf]

 I have been to three shows on this tour, and his voice was amazingly consistent in all three: Madrid, Pamplona and Barcelona. And most the time he looks at the audience, says "sing this with me", points at Petrucci after a solo asking for applause etc. and interacts quite well, which is very cool and fits in with the role of a frontman. But he does this annoying thing sometimes where he just walks VERY slowly across the stage - I`m talking Family Guy`s Herbert-speed - and looks at nowhere, which gives the audience the impression that he`s in a complete different planet. Notice him doing that during the last verses of Illumination Theory in O Porto and you`ll see what I mean. It`s a major put off...but nobody`s perfect, right?

[Perpetual Change]

But he does this annoying thing sometimes where he just walks VERY slowly across the stage - I`m talking Family Guy`s Herbert-speed - and looks at nowhere, which gives the audience the impression that he`s in a complete different planet. Notice him doing that during the last verses of Illumination Theory in O Porto and you`ll see what I mean. It`s a major put off...but nobody`s perfect, right?

After watching some of the videos, I totally see what you guys are talking about with James' walking pace. He's walking around very slowly on stage, not actually to the beat of Illumination Theory, but instead he's pacing his steps with every other beat, walking in a weird halftime. It' strange to look at. The song would be more energetic if he were striding with the beat. But what I find odd is, he resume a more "frantic pace" when it's time to leave the stage, making getting off stage seem like his most energetic act up there. I don't think that's the impression he intends to send, but I can see why people are saying so.

[Gonza_1928DT]

So this topic it's very simple, do you like the setlist so far? do you agree to the fact that there's no rotative setlist anymore?

[TheGreatPretender]

While I think the rotating set list is cool, the current set list is so damn perfect that I certainly wouldn't want to miss out on any of the songs. I'm just hoping they'll keep it the same for the North American leg of the tour.

[mikeyd23]

I'm totally fine with the fact that they aren't rotating sets anymore.  I'd rather see one extremely tight, well constructed, well thought out set that has the production closely tied into it than different sets on different nights. 

As far as the set itself, I love most of it... I love that they are carving out extended time to celebrate Awake and SFAM, but I honestly am missing DT12 material that I was looking forward to hearing/seeing live.  The Bigger Picture, Behind the Veil and Surrender to Reason are three of my favorites from the new album and I can't believe that at least one or two of those three aren't being played.  Overall I like the set, but I am missing the inclusion of a few of those new songs.

[KevShmev]

I love the set list, and I hope it stays the same for the U.S. leg. 

I get the allure of rotating set lists, but my beef with them was always how lopsided they were.  It always seemed like certain cities got the extra special stuff, and I can only imagine how it would be to see an awesome set list in one city, and then have them come to your city and play a vastly inferior one, simply because of the rotation.  I think the best of both worlds can be achieved, having most of the set list stay in tact, while having a handful of spots that get rotated, but again, I am fine with the current set list not being messed with at all, given how good it is.

Also, I hope this thread stays here.  I almost never look at the concerts forum, and it'd be nice to be able to discuss this stuff in the regular DT forum.  Hell, just make one dedicated spoiler thread, like this one, to discuss all things concert-related for this subforum.

[changing_seasons]

I don't really care for the static set lists. I liked the days when you didn't know which songs were going to be played. I can understand repeated shows when they play shorter concerts with other bands, but on 'evening with' shows I definitely want rotating sets. It would be very nice if they could rotate the Awake songs on this tour, like switching out The Mirror, Lie and Lifting Shadows with Erotomania, Voices and The Silent Man. The first set of songs is just about a minute longer than the second set.

[krands85]

I'm surprised by a few things with the set. First is the omission of TBP, BTV and STR from the new album at the beginning of the tour - even moreso with the fact that they don't seem to have any plans to do any song rotation whatsoever (another thing that surprises me), meaning it doesn't look like these songs will even appear a little further through the tour.

I'm also surprised that they are dedicating so much of the set to SFAM and Awake - I was expecting a little extra for the anniversaries, but not 9 songs out of 18. A little surprised there is nothing from I&W (though it's somewhat understandable since most of it has been played so often) but also Train of Thought, which wasn't featured on LALP either.

As for my own personal tastes, the setlist doesn't do much for me. Nothing from I&W and ToT which are my 2 favourite albums, only 4 songs from my top ~25 DT tracks (2 of which I saw them play on the last tour), plus this will be my third time seeing DT and I've still yet to see any of my 4 favourite songs (LTL, Metropolis, Octavarium and In the Name of God). But like I said in the thread for the Porto show, you can't please everyone and I'm sure the guys will put on a great show as usual.

[?]

To be honest I'm happy that there's no rotation, because I'm only going to see them once and I might miss some awesome songs if they were only played every other night. Besides, the performances will get tighter and tighter when they play the same songs at each show.

I'm more than happy with the setlist itself - not only is my favorite DT song (Space-Dye Vest) there, but the whole second half of my favorite DT album is getting played! The SFAM encore is cool as well and I love TOT. I'm not the biggest fan of the new album and hearing it live in full would be disappointing, so I'm glad there aren't more than 5 songs from it (even though 3 of them are my least favorites on the album ). I've been listening to TSF recently and while it's not an outstanding song, I imagine it's a good live tune.

[Sycsa]

Also, I hope this thread stays here.  I almost never look at the concerts forum, and it'd be nice to be able to discuss this stuff in the regular DT forum.  Hell, just make one dedicated spoiler thread, like this one, to discuss all things concert-related for this subforum.

+1
For over a year, I didn't even know that sub-forum existed. I have this one bookmarked so it'd really comfortable if everything were here.

[?]

He IS really often slightly out of tune

A song title for the next solo album?

Also, welcome!