New Live Release: BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL discussion thread

[rumborak]

I have heard harrowing stories of riggers for whom the actual show time is the only time when they can rest. So, they get maybe 4 hours of sleep at night, and then pass out during the actual show, only to get up at the end and tear down the stuff.

[TAC]

That's cool Bosk.

On one of the Maiden DVDs they even went into so much of what the crew does, that they even featured the person that does their laundry. You just don't think about those things. And like any other job group, there are surely strict time and budgetary constraints so everyone is up against it.

[bosk1]

That's cool Bosk.

On one of the Maiden DVDs they even went into so much of what the crew does, that they even featured the person that does their laundry. You just don't think about those things. And like any other job group, there are surely strict time and budgetary constraints so everyone is up against it.

Yeah, I saw that.  And through getting close to bands like DT and Y&T, I have gotten some good insight into it over the years.  That is why I always jump in on those economic discussions about how "rich" bands get from touring and am quick to point out that there is a TON of expense that most fans have no clue about.  It's not simply "band gets 50% of the house take after expenses and splits it 5 ways" or anything remotely like that.

[cramx3]

When I saw Devin Townsend Project a couple months ago, I was so surprised to see the guitarist and keyboardist on stage setting up their own instruments before going on.  I feel like that is them trying to maximize their budget or give their roadies a break maybe.  There definitely isn't a ton of money to be made in the business, it's about a love for the music.

[TAC]

That's cool Bosk.

On one of the Maiden DVDs they even went into so much of what the crew does, that they even featured the person that does their laundry. You just don't think about those things. And like any other job group, there are surely strict time and budgetary constraints so everyone is up against it.

Yeah, I saw that.  And through getting close to bands like DT and Y&T, I have gotten some good insight into it over the years.  That is why I always jump in on those economic discussions about how "rich" bands get from touring and am quick to point out that there is a TON of expense that most fans have no clue about.  It's not simply "band gets 50% of the house take after expenses and splits it 5 ways" or anything remotely like that.

Right. I have also heard offline that these last couple DT tours have been VERY expensive.

[Samsara]

  And through getting close to bands like DT and Y&T, I have gotten some good insight into it over the years.  That is why I always jump in on those economic discussions about how "rich" bands get from touring and am quick to point out that there is a TON of expense that most fans have no clue about.  It's not simply "band gets 50% of the house take after expenses and splits it 5 ways" or anything remotely like that.

Exactly right. I've been fortunate enough to have access to a few bands over the years that are just as big in name, but not currently as popular as DT. And it's expensive to get out there as a headliner and tour. You have to limit the size of your crew (who usually perform double and triple duty), and it's not posh hotels and the like all the time. The expenses are high. Most club sized and very small theater headliners, they depends on merch sales to make ends meet. And it's not always profitable.

I mean, look at King's X -- they are a historic band. Every musician credits them. They can't get gigs that make sense financially. Look at the small clubs bands like Fates Warning and Queensryche play? Sure, it's cool, but they are not rolling in dough. They have to pay everyone, and whatever is left, the principals of those bands get. Sometimes, it's not much.

Dream Theater is in a little better position, but not as much as some people think. It costs a ton of money to put the production on they do every night. it wouldn't surprise me in the least of this last leg of The Astonishing tour barely broke even. And that's not a slight to DT -- it's just how it is.

[hefdaddy42]

You see JP talking to his guitar tech occasionally (which I find delightful)...

JP and Maddi are pretty tight.  Even after the shows are over, it seems like Maddi is rarely more than a few feet away from wherever John is.

Maddi is a trip.  Meeting him was one of the highlights of the show the other night.  That is one funny dude.  His job is apparently 60% guitar tech, 40% electrical engineer.

He also appreciated the fact that my eldest daughter (who was with me) is named Maddie. 

[KevShmev]

Peter Gabriel has a really cool live DVD called "Downside Up" where they make a point out of occasionally filming below stage to show all the guys being busy.

"Growing Up," actually. But yeah, it is most excellent. 

[Prog Snob]

JP is way too loud on Luna Park.

This. My blu ray is all JP

But I wasn't even there!

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Peter Gabriel has a really cool live DVD called "Downside Up" where they make a point out of occasionally filming below stage to show all the guys being busy.

"Growing Up," actually. But yeah, it is most excellent. 

One of my very favorite live concerts ever.

[jammindude]

Epic bump!

I feel stupid because maybe I missed something...but is the CD out of print or something? I've checked Amazon and it's streaming only, and on eBay I can only find the DVD and BluRay.

What the French, toast?

[bosk1]

There is no CD.  It is and had always been DVD/Br only.

[jammindude]

Weird....the Wiki page says it was released as a BR/3-CD package, and even gives a track listing for the CDs....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_the_Fourth_Wall?wprov=sfti1

[Madman Shepherd]

Weird....the Wiki page says it was released as a BR/3-CD package, and even gives a track listing for the CDs....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_the_Fourth_Wall?wprov=sfti1

This is correct. I have it. My friend was pissed because he doesn't have a blu ray player but still wanted the cd so he never bothered.

[bosk1]

Interesting.  If true, then I stand corrected.  ...but I also stand highly confused.    I ALWAYS buy both CD and video (DVD/BR) of live releases, if available.  And I seem to remember being disappointed that there was no audio version of this release, and being disappointed about that.  Let me check my sources and get back to you.

[Trav]

Yeah, Apple Music and Spotify both have the audio to this. However, neither have Live at Luna Park.

[Learning2Live]

Weird....the Wiki page says it was released as a BR/3-CD package, and even gives a track listing for the CDs....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_the_Fourth_Wall?wprov=sfti1

This is correct. I have it. My friend was pissed because he doesn't have a blu ray player but still wanted the cd so he never bothered.

+1 as I have the Blu-Ray/3 CD version as well.

[jammindude]

Work is going really well, so I'd be willing to spend a bit to get my hands on one (don't want to get outrageous) but I can't even find a used one on eBay...which is kinda odd. I mean even rare stuff usually makes a listing, even if the asking price is too high.

[Madman Shepherd]

I just checked discogs and they have pages for it but none available.  I can't remember but I'm thinking this may have been something you had to order directly through Roadrunner. 

Epic bump!

I feel stupid because maybe I missed something...but is the CD out of print or something? I've checked Amazon and it's streaming only,

Well, you can download it, too.  I hate downloading but there is that option on Amazon, not just streaming. 

[TheOutlawXanadu]

If you want a high-quality version, check out HD Tracks.

[Architeuthis]

JP is way too loud on Luna Park.

This. My blu ray is all JP

But I wasn't even there!

And,, John Petrucci was way too quiet on Live at Budokon dvd..

[goo-goo]

I think the BR/3CD was a limited run. It's no longer on RR's website but the stand alone blu ray and DVDs are.

https://store.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists-1/dream-theater.html

[jammindude]

Well ya, but I can get those anywhere.

I'm going to keep my eyes open, but if anyone happens to see one for sale, let me know.

Or even if anyone here is willing to sell theirs. I'd drop a C-note if it was absolutely A+ mint condition.

EDIT - that would be for the entire BR/CD bundle in original packaging.

[425]

I never got this when it first came out, and I was also disappointed to find the CD was no longer available.

I'm trying to be more relaxed about things like this, though, so I went for the standalone Blu-Ray and bought the audio download separately.

But hey, I'm listening to this for the first time now, and I quite like it! JLB sounds really good on the Awake stuff, which is where I worried he'd struggle. And I'm happy that this has several songs that have never been released live before. I'm starting to ease back into listening to prog, and I'm finding that listening to live performances is something I like quite a bit more than I used to (which is why I decided to get this and am even going for OIALT, which I'd also never had).

[Madman Shepherd]

Yeah, James sounds amazing on this.  In fact, the whole band does.  The recording is damn near flawless but I felt like Petrucci's guitars were a little low but nothing major. 

[fadetoblackdude7]

Ya, can't decide if this one or Score is their best live film. Funnily enough, both of those tours are tied for my favorite DT show. Coincidence?

[Cool Chris]

I feel like I should like this release more. I am a huge Awake guy, and while I love the Scenes just as much The Overture, SDV and TDoE aren't my favorite songs from that album. I am not big on DT12 but the selections from that album are good. Visually and aurally it is solid. I just can't put my finger on it really. Unless it is burnout from DT concert videos, which is certainly a possibility. 

[Peter Mc]

Loved this release and I also got the BR/3CD version as I always like to have the cd version of any live release if it's available.  First couple of songs sound a bit muddy guitar wise but this picks up as the show goes on and guitars sound great.  This reflects the show that I saw though when I thought the sound was not great early on and picked up as the show went on.  JLB sounds awesome on this release as well and sings the Awake stuff pretty much flawlessly, again reflecting the show that I attended earlier in the tour.

Like others have said it is very close with Score for their best live release for me.

[Fritzinger]

I just wish the orchestra on Score was a really good one. Or, you know. At least in tune.
Apart from that, Score is pretty damn awesome.

[Peter Mc]

I never really noticed any issue with the orchestra on Score to be honest. I love the version of Metropolis Pt 1 with the orchestra, probably my favourite version of that song.

[YtseJamittaja]

I just wish the orchestra on Score was a really good one. Or, you know. At least in tune.
Apart from that, Score is pretty damn awesome.

What do you mean? 

[jammindude]

Ya, that gets a major from me as well.

[Madman Shepherd]

I think BTFW blows Score out of the water.  Setlist is much better.  Performance is better too.  James sounds great in both but he has a bit more grittiness and fullness to his voice in BTFW.  Plus, yeah...the orchestra is a bit out of tune in parts with Score.  Thankfully it isn't *that* noticeable as many here seem to have not noticed. 

[Dublagent66]

Setlist wise, there are some songs on BTFW I can do without, but overall it's pretty damn good.  Score, I pretty much liked all the songs and the performance was great.  The orchestra was a little out of sync and may have missed a few notes here and there, but still enjoyable.

Both Score and BTFW rank high in my book. 

[mikeyd23]

I just wish the orchestra on Score was a really good one. Or, you know. At least in tune.
Apart from that, Score is pretty damn awesome.

What do you mean? 

There are certain instruments in the orchestra in Score that are out of tune. It's been discussed a lot since Score was released.