The curious case of JLB's TikTok goatee

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

I might just be insane but

*snipped*

Alright, so I've been diving into this because I can't stop noticing it—why does James LaBrie have blonde facial hair only in Dream Theater's TikTok videos? I'm a 34-year-old prog metal fan who loves both Dream Theater, Father John Misty, and Iron Maiden, so naturally, I'm prone to overanalyzing these things. Let's break it down:

1. Lighting and Filters

TikTok is infamous for its built-in filters and color grading that can mess with appearances. Maybe the lighting setup for their TikTok videos combined with some trendy filter is making James's facial hair look way lighter than it actually is. If so, this would just be a happy (or confusing) accident.

2. Engagement Metrics & Marketing Ploys

Now, here's where my overthinking really kicks in: could this be intentional? There's plenty of data out there showing how certain visual trends—like bright, eye-catching colors—perform better on TikTok. If lighter facial hair is a subtle way to make James stand out in a sea of content, it could be an intentional move to boost engagement. Maybe the band's marketing team looked at the numbers and decided, "Blonde LaBrie = more streams." Sounds wild, but stranger things have worked.

3. Symbolism or Artistic Choice

Dream Theater is all about storytelling and symbolism, so could this be an artistic choice tied to the themes of their new album? Maybe the blonde beard represents a "light side" LaBrie for TikTok's more casual, fun-loving audience, while his darker, natural beard in tour videos reflects the grounded, intense performer we see on stage.

4. James Just Having Fun

Let's not discount the simplest explanation: maybe James is just having a laugh. The guy's been in the business for decades, and maybe he's experimenting or playing into TikTok's quirky vibe. I mean, if Steve Harris from Iron Maiden can start smiling mid-gallop in his later years, LaBrie can dye his beard blonde for TikTok. And let's not forget his now-reunited band member (drummer) is also known for dying his facial hair (in this case, blue, though)

Whether it's accidental lighting, marketing wizardry, or James just embracing TikTok weirdness, I'm all in on Blonde LaBrie. Honestly, if it gets more eyes on the band and brings in new fans (especially younger ones), then I'm all for it. What do you all think? Do we need to start an investigation, or is this just another day in the prog world?

[wolfking]

What do you all think?

I think he's just going out of his way to purposely fuck with you.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

I think he's just going out of his way to purposely fuck with you.

That would imply I am far more important than I am I like where you're going with this though 

[wolfking]

That would imply I am far more important than I am I like where you're going with this though 

One must take into consideration all options.

[Evai]

Some weird filter thing is going on for sure, strange

Not sure why you ChatGPT'd your thread but I guess I'll do the same 
Ah, the TikTok filter theory—it makes total sense in the world of social media magic! TikTok is notorious for its filters subtly (or sometimes drastically) altering appearances, and lighting plays a huge role in that too. Combine this with James LaBrie's distinct facial features, and you've got the perfect setup for his beard to seemingly shift shades.

It's entirely possible that one of TikTok's trendy filters, especially those that brighten and desaturate tones for that polished, ethereal look, is messing with how his facial hair appears. Throw in a well-lit setup that emphasizes lighter hues, and suddenly we've got "Blonde LaBrie" taking center stage. These filters are designed to grab attention—whether by making you look extra vibrant or creating an unexpected visual quirk. It might not even have been intentional on James's part; he could've been experimenting with the app like anyone else, clicked on a random filter, and—bam—unintended viral moment.

If this is the case, the "Blonde LaBrie" phenomenon is really just a clever byproduct of TikTok's algorithmic genius. Whether deliberate or accidental, it works because it gets people talking—like we are now! Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Dream Theater leaned into it, because nothing says "prog band keeping up with the times" like leveraging TikTok filters for engagement.

[hefdaddy42]

Not sure why you ChatGPT'd your thread but I guess I'll do the sam

Please stop doing this.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

I'm still out here trying to find more instances of Blonde LaBrie not on TikTok. This is such a curious thing...

[hefdaddy42]

The simplest answer is likely the correct answer.  My advice would be to accept it and move on with your life.

But you do you.

[MinistroRaven]

I remember Bosk1 telling me to refrain from posting TT links for security reasons. I am not sure if that rule changed but consider it.

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php/topic,58824.msg3094412.html#msg3094412

In short, TikTok's privacy protections, and their data sharing and security protocols are VERY sketchy.  For the protection of this site and its users, that's a risk I don't want to take. 

When we first put this place together and created the forum rules, social media as we now know it was in its infancy, so we didn't really have a rule set to address that.  The link to TikTok above highlighted that fact to me.  The mods and I came up with the following rule addition (although it is still a work in progress and may be modified):

14.  Regarding linking to social media and other websites:  (a) Please exercise discretion and good judgment.  Whenever possible, link to verified sources and avoid unverified gossip, or profiles of users who claim to have inside information and are not verified to actually have such information.  Links to reliable, primary sources should be used where possible.  (b)  Please avoid posting links to TikTok or other platforms that appear to lack sufficient privacy protections and security protocols.  (c)  Doxxing and similar behavior is forbidden.  Links to material that can be used to personally identify someone without their consent are forbidden.

(b) is what applies here.  So, with apologies to TikTok users here that may love that platform.  I'm not discouraging anyone from using it if that's your thing.  Just please don't post links here on the forum. 

And, for the record, Minstro is not in any kind of trouble, and my intent was not to come down on him.  Hopefully, it did not come across that way (and my apologies if it unintentionally did).  I was just making it clear not to post links from that platform is all.

I hope that explanation helps.

[hefdaddy42]

That is correct, and I don't normally think about TikTok, so I wasn't remembering.

Link snipped.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

Oh wow, had no idea. My apologies. I still think the discussion is relevant. Thanks for snipping my link, won't share anymore TOK

[Dream Team]

The discussion couldn't be any less relevant.

What IS relevant is James is sounding pretty good, so  .

[hefdaddy42]

Oh wow, had no idea. My apologies. I still think the discussion is relevant. 

Not sure "relevant" is the right word, but hey, whatever.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

James is sounding pretty good, so  .

Maybe the power of the Tok filter made you think it was better. He always sounded great though

[wolfking]

I'm still out here trying to find more instances of Blonde LaBrie not on TikTok. This is such a curious thing...

Wake us up when you've figured it all out.

[Wukong]

That is correct, and I don't normally think about TikTok, so I wasn't remembering.

Link snipped.

It's kinda weird though, to have a rule to bar you from posting links to one of the band member's official accounts?
I mean, I could see if James LaBrie had an OnlyFans, but this is way different.

[Dream Team]

Maybe the power of the Tok filter made you think it was better. He always sounded great though

I've never in my life used it, I use the ability of my own ears and brain.

[hefdaddy42]

It's kinda weird though, to have a rule to bar you from posting links to one of the band member's official accounts?
I mean, I could see if James LaBrie had an OnlyFans, but this is way different.

Yeah, because OnlyFans has better security protocols than TikTok.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Yeah, because OnlyFans has better security protocols than TikTok.

I mean, considering the content on there, I'd hope Only Fans has good security protocols.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

James TikTok'd on his goatee until it blonded

[Setlist Scotty]

James TikTok'd on his goatee until it blonded

[Evai]

Please stop doing this.

When people post their clearly AI assisted threads online, I get so tempted to reply in the same way  I won't do it anymore though yeah, I can already barely navigate the internet anymore

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

Sometimes I use AI as a spell checker since there is no spell check button in DTF; that's it though

[Dream Team]

You need to diversify your title of "fun committee president" to "fun and annoyance" committee president or if annoyance is too harsh try "nonsense" and you'll have a pretty accurate avatar.