DREAM THEATER ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF DRUMMER MIKE PORTNOY

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

On this subject matter, I do feel that DT's going to go bigger on their next tour because of Mike Portnoy's return. I can totally see them playing slightly bigger venues and even arenas, in some cases, and having Portnoy behind the kit will definitely be a key on having a revamped experience.

[TAC]

On this subject matter, I do feel that DT's going to go bigger on their next tour because of Mike Portnoy's return. I can totally see them playing slightly bigger venues and even arenas, in some cases, and having Portnoy behind the kit will definitely be a key on having a revamped experience.

I kind of doubt it in the US. They're not about to jump levels.

[cramx3]

On this subject matter, I do feel that DT's going to go bigger on their next tour because of Mike Portnoy's return. I can totally see them playing slightly bigger venues and even arenas, in some cases, and having Portnoy behind the kit will definitely be a key on having a revamped experience.

I kind of doubt it in the US. They're not about to jump levels.

Yeah, arenas are not happening in the US as a headline act.  But I do expect them to play same or similar venues and for it to be a much hotter ticket next time around. 

[gmillerdrake]

On this subject matter, I do feel that DT's going to go bigger on their next tour because of Mike Portnoy's return. I can totally see them playing slightly bigger venues and even arenas, in some cases, and having Portnoy behind the kit will definitely be a key on having a revamped experience.

I kind of doubt it in the US. They're not about to jump levels.

Yeah, arenas are not happening in the US as a headline act.  But I do expect them to play same or similar venues and for it to be a much hotter ticket next time around.

Yep. It'll just mean they'll sell out or come close to selling out these 4-6k seat venues they play at. The Fox Theater they've played at the last three or four times they've come through St. Louis is a 4,500 seat venue.....of which has been at best 75% full.....last show I saw them there with it was maybe 50 or 60% full.

[Ben_Jamin]

I also expect these shows to be priced quite highly as well.

[TAC]

I also expect these shows to be priced quite highly as well.

In a general sense that everything is high these days.

[Ben_Jamin]

I also expect these shows to be priced quite highly as well.

In a general sense that everything is high these days.

Basically. Unless they play venues that are not theaters or amphitheaters, I don't suspect the prices to drop anytime soon.

[TAC]

I also expect these shows to be priced quite highly as well.

In a general sense that everything is high these days.

Basically. Unless they play venues that are not theaters or amphitheaters, I don't suspect the prices to drop anytime soon.

I can't see them playing anywhere different than they have. Like I said earlier, they've played the same venues pre and post the MP split.

[cramx3]

I also expect these shows to be priced quite highly as well.

In a general sense that everything is high these days.

Yeah, every year concert tickets get a bit more expensive and DT have already been on the more expensive side. 

[crystalstars17]

I also expect these shows to be priced quite highly as well.

In a general sense that everything is high these days.

Yeah, every year concert tickets get a bit more expensive and DT have already been on the more expensive side.

And worth it!

As for seated vs standing, I agree that seats don't mean you need to actually sit (we never do), but what they do mean is that your place is secured from the time of purchase. If you bought eighth row center, you'll be in eighth row center. No hassle of having to get there at 6am (I exaggerate, for emphasis) to secure your place near the stage. Just have a fast connection and click fast on ticket day.

[bosk1]

As for seated vs standing, I agree that seats don't mean you need to actually sit (we never do), but what they do mean is that your place is secured from the time of purchase. If you bought eighth row center, you'll be in eighth row center. No hassle of having to get there at 6am (I exaggerate, for emphasis) to secure your place near the stage. Just have a fast connection and click fast on ticket day.

Yeah, if people actually stood, I would love that.  But they don't at the shows in my area (and a lot of other shows I've seen clips of).  That isn't the case for other bands I have seen that play theaters with seats, and the crowd stands (Queensryche, for example).  But for DT, it is, and I HATE it.

[Schurftkut]

i prefer a venue which has both. standing in front of the stage, and seats going up behind that area. I'm getting older and i enjoy the show much better when my back or knees aren't hurting..

[bosk1]

i prefer a venue which has both. standing in front of the stage, and seats going up behind that area. I'm getting older and i enjoy the show much better when my back or knees aren't hurting..

Yeah, exactly.  Have the seated option for those that want it, but have the standing area as well. 

[geeeemo]

As for seated vs standing, I agree that seats don't mean you need to actually sit (we never do), but what they do mean is that your place is secured from the time of purchase. If you bought eighth row center, you'll be in eighth row center. No hassle of having to get there at 6am (I exaggerate, for emphasis) to secure your place near the stage. Just have a fast connection and click fast on ticket day.

Yeah, if people actually stood, I would love that.  But they don't at the shows in my area (and a lot of other shows I've seen clips of).  That isn't the case for other bands I have seen that play theaters with seats, and the crowd stands (Queensryche, for example).  But for DT, it is, and I HATE it.

I hate it also. I have just stood, and if they are mad behind me, ok. I have grown to really love GA. I was on my feet for 12 hours for Metallica last summer ( I am nearing ahem..60 now). And it was totally worth being waaay close and being crippled and grumpy on the way back to the hotel. I went to a venue for Dreamsonic in Denver that was all GA, save a few sidewall balcony seats. It was So Fun! My hubby hears how much fun I am having, and decided to go to Megadeth with me. And he hopped in the mosh pit lol! When I go to a concert with my 6'5"son, and the pits break out, he is my bodyguard, I am laughing all the time.
Sitting is for plays, and the Symphony.
The energy in a concert is a 2-way thing. Fans and the band. The fans can't have it both ways, sit and expect high energy in return from the band. At least, that is the way I see it. 

[gborland]

I get that people can stand if they want to, even where there are seats.

This has sadly not been the case on recent UK tours. It has been heartbreaking to see some enthusiastic fans stand up to try and get some energy going, only to be pounced on by security or moaned at by boring old farts in the rows behind. Totally killed the energy of the shows for me and the others who wanted to rock out.

[nobloodyname]

I agree it affects the energy but... yeah, here we go again... it's nice to be able to see over people who are 6'5 (or even 6') like geeeemo's son. It's absurd that my ticket costs the same as everyone else's and yet I often can't see shit at 5'7.

[emtee]

As we close out 2023 and move into 2024, I feel a sense of excitement about DT's new album that I haven't felt for many years. Whether or not we get it in 2024 is another question but at least I know they will be creating new music together.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

DT has done only seated venues near me, but people do stand. I am trying to think of places with the option to stand but a lot of those larger spaces closed down years ago. Realistically I think it has to be seating for venues near me for an act of DT's size.

[hefdaddy42]

anyone thought of the christmas special this year? I mean, with MP back in the band there's no way there won't be a video or perhaps music right??

They haven't really had time together to iron out all of the particulars of how this thing is going to work, and you think they've taken time to arrange for a Christmas offering?

I highly doubt it.

[cramx3]

I agree it affects the energy but... yeah, here we go again... it's nice to be able to see over people who are 6'5 (or even 6') like geeeemo's son. It's absurd that my ticket costs the same as everyone else's and yet I often can't see shit at 5'7.

i prefer a venue which has both. standing in front of the stage, and seats going up behind that area. I'm getting older and i enjoy the show much better when my back or knees aren't hurting..

Yeah, exactly.  Have the seated option for those that want it, but have the standing area as well. 

And that's why I love the venues that have GA floor and balcony seating.  Best of both worlds.

I truly do feel bad for short people at GA shows.  I'm 5 foot 10, but still feel like I can hardly see anything in GA pit shows sometimes.  (depends on the show, metal shows always seem to bring out the tall people though, or the time I saw Kamelot in the Netherlands and literallye everyone is over 6 foot including the women  )

[Schurftkut]

anyone thought of the christmas special this year? I mean, with MP back in the band there's no way there won't be a video or perhaps music right??

They haven't really had time together to iron out all of the particulars of how this thing is going to work, and you think they've taken time to arrange for a Christmas offering?

I highly doubt it.

could be just a rarity MP has lying around, maybe do a tour of DTHQ? Something simple like that

[hefdaddy42]

anyone thought of the christmas special this year? I mean, with MP back in the band there's no way there won't be a video or perhaps music right??

They haven't really had time together to iron out all of the particulars of how this thing is going to work, and you think they've taken time to arrange for a Christmas offering?

I highly doubt it.

could be just a rarity MP has lying around, maybe do a tour of DTHQ? Something simple like that

Yeah, maybe.

But I doubt it.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

MP on Drumeo. 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dxNA8DAweHQ

[Madman Shepherd]

I agree it affects the energy but... yeah, here we go again... it's nice to be able to see over people who are 6'5 (or even 6') like geeeemo's son. It's absurd that my ticket costs the same as everyone else's and yet I often can't see shit at 5'7.

Yeah but I pay the same price for a plane ticket and I literally can't move my legs unless I've got an aisle seat. I'm only 6' too. I can't imagine how much more terrible it would be if I were any taller

[nobloodyname]

For what it's worth, I can't move mine in economy, either

[Rammstein]

For Christmas I would just love a zoom hangout with the guys, maybe answering some question and just talking about the past or something like that

[cramx3]

It would be cool to get something for Christmas and DT has done plenty of Christmas gifts/surprises for the fans before, but I'm honestly not expecting anything this year.  I think mostly because MP was pretty specific in saying that he has to finish his prior commitments before really rejoining the band in early 2024 which to me hints that he's not really going to do anything DT related until then.  I understand he could technically probably do both, but he just may not have had that in his plans and I dont blame him as he probably wants to enjoy the holiday down time.  Maybe the rest of the band has something cooked up and we'll see, but I'm not expecting anything and that's OK.

[gzarruk]

It would be cool to get something for Christmas and DT has done plenty of Christmas gifts/surprises for the fans before, but I'm honestly not expecting anything this year.  I think mostly because MP was pretty specific in saying that he has to finish his prior commitments before really rejoining the band in early 2024 which to me hints that he's not really going to do anything DT related until then.  I understand he could technically probably do both, but he just may not have had that in his plans and I dont blame him as he probably wants to enjoy the holiday down time.  Maybe the rest of the band has something cooked up and we'll see, but I'm not expecting anything and that's OK.

This is what I'm thinking as well. Maybe just maybe MP will feel the itch to do something again, specially considering it's the first Christmas for him back back with DT, but it seems like he's just focused on finishing all his previous commitments before shifting gears towards 100% DT. I'm not expecting the rest of the band to have something prepared for Christmas at all, tho.

[DTiwbwMP]

The BEST Christmas gift I could think of would be a REUNION TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT!

[TAC]

The BEST Christmas gift I could think of would be a REUNION TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT!

YES!!

[DragonAttack]

Mike Portnoy   and  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreamtheaterworld  around 830pm

"As my debut Drumeo clip from last week performing Pull Me Under is creeping up on 1 Million views (!!!😳), Drumeo is following up with my next new clip TOMORROW which is a full ONE HOUR Drumeo Live special with host Brandon Toews where I perform 3 more classic DT songs in their entirety, as well as a Winery Dogs song...We also spend alot of time discussing the big reunion w DT, how it came about and what to expect in the future, as well as everything else happening in MP Land...you won't want to miss this one! 🥁🤘  "

[Setlist Scotty]

Mike Portnoy   and  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreamtheaterworld  around 830pm

"As my debut Drumeo clip from last week performing Pull Me Under is creeping up on 1 Million views (!!!😳), Drumeo is following up with my next new clip TOMORROW which is a full ONE HOUR Drumeo Live special with host Brandon Toews where I perform 3 more classic DT songs in their entirety, as well as a Winery Dogs song...We also spend alot of time discussing the big reunion w DT, how it came about and what to expect in the future, as well as everything else happening in MP Land...you won't want to miss this one! 🥁🤘  "

Already being talked about here:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=58824.msg3070014#msg3070014

[DragonAttack]

Sorry I didn't notice it in the then titled "Mike Portnoy: 6:00 on a Christmas Morning" thread.

[King Postwhore]

I forgot Portnoy is playing with Umphrey's McGee. I can wait to see some videos of them jamming.

[axeman90210]

I forgot Portnoy is playing with Umphrey's McGee. I can wait to see some videos of them jamming.

It's going to be streamed live on nugs.net, you can sign up for a free week trial and watch it tonight.