Dream Theater North American Tour Dates (Feb-Mar, 2025)

[Samsara]

Can we put reviews in here? Where do we put up full-on spoiler reviews. I wanted to recap the show I just saw while the old memory is fresh. 

[hefdaddy42]

Can we put reviews in here? Where do we put up full-on spoiler reviews. I wanted to recap the show I just saw while the old memory is fresh. 

Fine by me!

[Samsara]

Cool. I'll write something up this morning. Thanks Hef.

[ZirconBlue]

I can't imagine being a kid these days going to concerts. $55 for the baseball jersey style. That was $14 when I was a kid.

Yeah, but back then Pa bought the family a wood-burning stove for $5.

[Stadler]

"With labor!!!!! You've been bamboozled!!!"

[pg1067]

My first show was Grace Under Pressure, and my ticket was $6.50 for a floor seat at The Spectrum. I think the shirt was $15 and a tourbook was probably $10 or so.

GUP was my third concert in June 1984 (after Ozzy in April and Priest in May).  I got tour books for all three - $10 sounds about right.  I already had a Priest shirt that I'd bought at a record store, but I bought bootleg shirts (baseball style) from guys in the parking lot for maybe $5-10.  The shirt had a bad reproduction of that awful photo of the band from the inner sleeve.  I think it was the last bootleg shirt I bought until Maiden's Somewhere Back in Time tour in '08-ish.

You all are making me feel very young at 36 lol, thank you. Were movie tickets 5 cents in some of your childhoods? Lol I'm just playing of course

I seem to remember $5 in the '90s, and some theaters had $1 weekday matinees.  We used to go to a couple local drive-in theaters in the '80s.  The typical MO for my two best friends and I was to get a 12-pack of beer each from a liquor store that didn't ask for ID and stash it in the side compartments in the back of my Mazda pick-up.  One of those drive-ins charged $5 per car.

[Samsara]

REVIEW - NOTE: SPOILERS AHEAD

















Last night was my 16th time seeing Dream Theater. It's really funny how time flies. I was talking with Bosk and some friends before the gig about how quickly time flies, and recounting stories of Dream Theater in the 90s and early 00s in New York. (I and another friend of Bosk's are native Long Islanders.) Some great performances back in the day for sure. But we were here for modern DT, and the band was on stage promptly at 7:30 p.m.

The set began with "Metropolis, Pt. 1" as expected and it was really great seeing the "classic" lineup of the band together again. I'm not a musician, so forgive the crude way I put this, but with Portnoy back behind the kit, and I assume no click being used, there's a looseness, but still completely tight feel about Dream Theater again.

Let me say, I saw the Mangini-era of the band three or four times. Dug it. But it was very...sterile, from a vibe standpoint. Part of that is the whole "we only play seated venues" thing that has been going on, but part of it was the drums. On this night, while it was a seated venue, Dream Theater really played with a lot of (for them) swagger, I thought.

The song selection was the same as the show in Las Vegas, with one glaring omission that I'll get to (which bummed me out). A big thumbs up to whoever designed all the song animations that ran behind the band. Truly, the graphics have gotten better and better over the years, and really fit the theme of each song extraordinarily well.

Having peeked at the setlist prior, I knew once "Barstool Warrior" hit what set we would be getting. James really delivered the songs with conviction, and I was impressed on the second night of a back-to-back, that his performance was very consistent. For those who are reading this review and haven't read others from this tour yet, yes, the older songs are modified to fit James' current range. He ducks many of the bigger notes. But in all honesty, except for a couple of spots, it didn't bother me all that much. James sounded really good on the material from the last 20 years. And the mods made to the stuff from the 90s was passable. It killed the vocal "punch" on the tunes, but it is what it is at this point.

Fates Warning did it, and while Ray Alder's tone is much more melodic and "buttery" than James' (which is why FW sounds just fine), what the James and the band have done to give us those call backs to I&W and Awake is good. I mean, listen to the "Mirror" below. When it gets high, James has issues. But listen to some of the other tunes, in his mid-range, he sounds great. Again, human instrument. Unlike the rest of them, the quality of James' instrument changes and it's going to be what it is. His performance was consistent, and he has learned his limits, and it resulted, for me, in a pleasant vocal performance. Thumbs up to James for having the balls to continually lay it on the line.

Speaking of James, he really scolded the crowd at this show for phones. I mean, I recorded a few songs like I always do. But some people in the front couple of rows literally had their phones in JLB's face, and between songs, he said something about it. I think it was deserved, but his rant probably went on for too long. Sadly, I think that experience cost us a song, which I'll get to shortly.

I had a few highlights from the set for me, personally. "This is the Life" was fantastic. I don't listen to ADTOE much, but I really like that tune, and I'm glad they played it. I resisted the urge to record it, because I wanted to hear it. And while this was my 16th time seeing DT, I had never seen "Octavarium" played, so while a big monotonous in sections (sorry, it isn't my favorite), I really enjoyed seeing it played. The end section where Portnoy counts 1 through 8 is just amazing live. Great energy. Nope, didn't record that either. Wanted to take it all in.

One that I DID record, was "Stream of Consciousness." So cool to hear that live again. I'm pretty sure I saw it on the Train of Thought tour. And since that album celebrated 20 years later year, I was really thankful to get "As I Am," "Vacant" and "Stream of Consciousness." The latter is a favorite from that record, as is "As I Am." Would have loved to see "In the Name of God" again, but two out of my three favorites from Train of Thought was cool.

And a big thumbs up to the new songs, "Night Terror" and "Midnight Messiah". I thought they came off really well.

Edit - a quick addition - I'm not sure "Rite of Passage" works in this set. It's sandwiched in-between "Barstool Warrior" and "Hollow Years," and it really didn't bring the energy up as much as I think the band was hoping for. It would have been a great spot to throw in a shorter, more aggressive track. Or, throw it back to the FIRST ALBUM. (Which I'll comment about later.)

Encore-wise, I was a bit let down. I was expecting "Home," and they cut it. Now, I've seen "Home" a bunch, but it's one of my favorites, and it sucked not seeing it again with MP on drums. You could tell Labrie was pissed after scolding fans about the phones, and I have a sneaking suspicion that that was what contributed to them dropping "Home." So we got the final two of the encore, "The Spirit Carries On" (great, but I've heard it enough), and of course "Pull Me Under." The latter always gets a rise from everyone, and it did last night too.

Overall, I'd give the show probably an 8 out of 10. Here's how I came to that rating:

•   Cutting "Home" knocked things down half a point.
•   The mods to the old songs knocked it down another half point.
•   Then while song selection was good, I knocked it another half point down because of a glaring omission – there was nothing played from DT's first album. I expected SOMETHING to recognize Charlie's passing on the band's 40th anniversary tour. And we got nothing. I'm not sure why. And I haven't seen anyone ask MP why. The set was really well balanced, which contributed to getting the show to an "8" in my mind. But that omission was a big one.
•   And finally, another half point due to venue selection. It was comfortable (great theater), but the resistance to booking places with a floor takes the energy out of a DT show. I know I'm old, and experienced DT at places like Irving Plaza and Roseland Ballroom, etc., but I think the energy would go up at the shows if there was a GA pit for people to let loose at. Dream Theater is prog, but they are also metal, and that metal brings the energy that is vital. Whoever in the band (JP) made that decision over the last decade or so – that's an error. I know sometimes venues can't be helped. It IS a business after all. But some floor space is needed.

Still, 8/10 is pretty damn good for 40 years. And I enjoyed the show. I was going to make this the last time I saw Dream Theater. Figured with MP back, and a 40th anniversary tour, after 16 times, that was enough. But, my wife, who likes them too, and has seen them a dozen times or so, had to travel for work, and wasn't able to go with me. So, liking Parasomnia, as long as the show is doable from a logistics standpoint, sign me up for #17 when they come back around and do that record in its entirety (which they continue to say they are going to do from the stage, so that's cool).

Hope everyone who is planning to see them on this tour has a great time. Below are some songs I recorded:

The Mirror - https://youtu.be/HRg5VZQA6GM?si=p_fq_7EmtZ5H8UaR

Barstool Warrior - https://youtu.be/_eMEcrUCWrs?si=7a02yVN0V4aQk_QM

Constant Motion - https://youtu.be/1qI0yQ4MZi4?si=H4STV1LhE26cQ2HN

Midnight Messiah - https://youtu.be/qsmR5uvwnIw?si=VeAVGB3StpZCgnki

Stream of Consciousness - https://youtu.be/oFFUsaTUdII?si=ti3EU_UO9duvN9wh

[cramx3]

Not a big surprise, but the Louder Than Life festival got the full daily line up released, DT playing Friday September 19th in Kentucky:



If you notice the little bubble next to their name, means they are playing a full album.  So I guess that's just more confirmation of what we already know that Parasomnia is being played in full this fall in NA.

Also, kind of makes me think the fall tour is probably booked.  Definitely won't be announced until the current tour is over though.

[Ben_Jamin]

Are you sure?

To me, it looks like their gonna do the anniversary set.

[SeRoX]

...

Thanks for review. Fun reading.

But I don't think they cut Home because of James' anger. James's been ill since last week and probably not feeling well enough to perform it. 

[cramx3]

Are you sure?

To me, it looks like their gonna do the anniversary set.

Hmm, it's actually really hard to tell. 

[Ben_Jamin]

Hmm, it's actually really hard to tell. 

I know right. Those circle stars don't help at all..

[Samsara]

Thanks for review. Fun reading.

Thanks!

But I don't think they cut Home because of James' anger. James's been ill since last week and probably not feeling well enough to perform it. 

I disagree, as they played it the last two shows, including Monday night's performance. I don't think it was a curfew thing either, as they finished before 10:30 p.m. I'm pretty sure it was James being annoyed. When the show was over, he left the stage and didn't come back. The others did. He was miffed.

[TAC]

•    Then while song selection was good, I knocked it another half point down because of a glaring omission – there was nothing played from DT's first album. I expected SOMETHING to recognize Charlie's passing on the band's 40th anniversary tour. And we got nothing. I'm not sure why. And I haven't seen anyone ask MP why. The set was really well balanced, which contributed to getting the show to an "8" in my mind. But that omission was a big one.

I agree big time on this, Brian. Seems like a really odd omission. They can probably play A Fortune In Lies in their sleep, or even adding Ytse Jam in the first set to give James a breather.

Speaking of James, he really scolded the crowd at this show for phones. I mean, I recorded a few songs like I always do. But some people in the front couple of rows literally had their phones in JLB's face, and between songs, he said something about it. I think it was deserved, but his rant probably went on for too long.

Huh. Interesting. I'll have to try and find that. I have very mixed feelings on the whole phones out at a show thing.

When the show was over, he left the stage and didn't come back. The others did. He was miffed.

Wow. Hopefully there's no band strife already!

[Skeever]

Not a big surprise, but the Louder Than Life festival got the full daily line up released, DT playing Friday September 19th in Kentucky:



If you notice the little bubble next to their name, means they are playing a full album.  So I guess that's just more confirmation of what we already know that Parasomnia is being played in full this fall in NA.

Also, kind of makes me think the fall tour is probably booked.  Definitely won't be announced until the current tour is over though.

I wonder if MP is on good enough terms with the A7X guys to show up during their set? MP is pretty well liked in that fanbase.

[gzarruk]

Also, kind of makes me think the fall tour is probably booked.  Definitely won't be announced until the current tour is over though.

I just hope they don't take too long in announcing the new set of dates because the wife and I are still planning our trip to the US and I need to make sure I'm there to catch one of the shows

[Samsara]

I agree big time on this, Brian. Seems like a really odd omission. They can probably play A Fortune In Lies in their sleep, or even adding Ytse Jam in the first set to give James a breather.

Yeah, it was baffling to me.

Huh. Interesting. I'll have to try and find that. I have very mixed feelings on the whole phones out at a show thing.

I do too. I record a handful of songs just for me, that I share on YouTube. But I try to keep out of the way of people. And it's just a few. But some dudes were just phones up the entire time, in front of him, and it really set him off.

Wow. Hopefully there's no band strife already!

Nah. JLB was really pissed about the phones. Or maybe he had to take a poop. 

But he and the band were in good spirits interacting all night. I think it really had to do with the douches up front that he scolded. You could tell James was done with it.

Here's the thing - I get people want to record something for themselves. I really do. I do it. But some folks have the attitude "F the band, I will record everything, anyone be damned." And I have a problem with that. A big one. If I was front row, I wouldn't have filmed anything. Honestly. I did that once, with Fates Warning (a few songs) and it was awkward being right in front of Ray and Jim. Jim didn't mind me doing it, but he was mad at a dude who filmed EVERYTHING at that gig and said something to him, if memory serves.

It's called "read the room." It's something many people can't do nowadays, which is unfortunate.

[Samsara]

Cram: Regarding the festival - WOW, what a show. Lots of great artists on there.

Given that it is September, I'm pretty sure that's Parasomnia in its entirety.

[bosk1]

I'll echo that it was a good show last night.  It was a great start even before the actual show, getting to hang out with my daughter, Samsara, Long Island Jack, and Jack's son.  Then once we got inside, I discovered that our seats were directly in front of Gary Holt and who I believe was his significant other (not sure if wife, gf, or whatever).  Had some fun, casual conversation with them.

The show itself was great.  The music was performed wonderfully, as always.  And I thought James was pretty solid.  As Samsara pointed out, he doesn't go for all the notes.  But we know this, and we expect it (or at least, we should).  But what he sang was solid and more than did the songs justice.  Songs like Metropolis are just brutal, and especially having it lead off the show is going to be really difficult.  But one thing I appreciate that I don't believe was present in past years is that, while James didn't go for all the notes, he sang vocal melodies that made sense in the context of the song and sounded intentional and rehearsed, and it made the songs sound so much better than just going for...something and seeing what happens.  And I'll also say that as the show went on, and he got more warmed up, he sounded a lot stronger later in the show.  I would say that from mid-first set through the end he was mostly really on point and sounded great.  And there were some songs where he really shined and was definitely the star.  For example, I thought he absolutely crushed Vacant, This is the Life, Octavarium, and Night Terror.

Visually, the show was stunning.  With as many screens as they had, the show really felt immersive with the constantly changing images complimenting the songs. 

I also have to comment on Mike Portnoy being back.  He just looked really comfortable being back with the band and the band looked very comfortable having him back.  He has always been "more than just the drummer" when it comes to live performances, he there were times where, just like back in the "old days," he would interact with the crowd.  But to me, it felt like he dialed it back from the times in the past when some felt he was almost competing to be a co-front-man.  It all just felt natural and felt like everyone was content with where things are now.  I got a chance to talk with him a bit after the show, and he was very gracious and humble, and we got to share a few fun stories. 

All in all, a really great night.

[durga2112]

I wonder if MP is on good enough terms with the A7X guys to show up during their set? MP is pretty well liked in that fanbase.

I mean... given what happened the last time he was involved with A7X, I kind of hope he doesn't show up with them.    But that was a long time ago and I'm sure everyone involved is in different places in their lives now, so it could probably work out now.

[TAC]

I do too. I record a handful of songs just for me, that I share on YouTube. But I try to keep out of the way of people. And it's just a few. But some dudes were just phones up the entire time, in front of him, and it really set him off.

Here's the thing - I get people want to record something for themselves. I really do. I do it. But some folks have the attitude "F the band, I will record everything, anyone be damned." And I have a problem with that. A big one. If I was front row, I wouldn't have filmed anything. Honestly. I did that once, with Fates Warning (a few songs) and it was awkward being right in front of Ray and Jim. Jim didn't mind me doing it, but he was mad at a dude who filmed EVERYTHING at that gig and said something to him, if memory serves.

We could do a whole thread on this discussion, if it hasn't been done already.

[bosk1]

On the phone issue, I agree that James was clearly a bit irritated.  But I think his "rant" was overall pretty classy and called-for.  To paraphrase, the gist of it was along the lines of:

"Hey, look, I get it that people want to get their phones out and take pictures and videos, and that's cool.  But it's not cool to be recording for like 10 minutes and have your phone right up in my face when I'm trying to perform for everybody here.  You all paid good money to come here and hang out, and to see us in flesh, so can we keep the phones to a minimum and enjoy our time together at a metal show?"

Yeah, it was longer than that, and there were a few expletives thrown in.  But I don't think it was unnecessary at all.  And, honestly, it wasn't all that long.  I think it probably felt longer than it was because he drew it out a bit, and things like that naturally just feel awkward and feel like they are dragging on longer than they actually are. 

(also, I think it went on just a little bit longer than normal bc JP was also back in guitar world appearing to get Maddi's assistance with something guitar-related during that time)

[TAC]

I think it probably felt longer than it was because he drew it out a bit,

Err...

[cramx3]

On the phone issue, I agree that James was clearly a bit irritated.  But I think his "rant" was overall pretty classy and called-for.  To paraphrase, the gist of it was along the lines of:

"Hey, look, I get it that people want to get their phones out and take pictures and videos, and that's cool.  But it's not cool to be recording for like 10 minutes and have your phone right up in my face when I'm trying to perform for everybody here.  You all paid good money to come here and hang out, and to see us in flesh, so can we keep the phones to a minimum and enjoy our time together at a metal show?"

He's not wrong. As someone who may record a lot of a concert, if I'm in the front, I'm not sticking my camera up into the band's space or in their face.  And if you are in the front, then no reason to hold it above your head either to block anyone.

[Stadler]

I've written this post a couple different ways, and I don't know what is the best way to present this... I recognize how it's going to come off, but I certainly don't mean it anywhere near as callously as it's inevitably going to sound.  But I just don't feel any void or any loss from there not being any WDADU songs/Charlie reference.  Maybe it's me, because I got in with Images And Words, didn't hear WDADU until way later, and it's not a record that resonates with me very much. I get he's a part of history; but I wouldn't expect Iron Maiden to play "Remember Tomorrow" in tribute to Dennis Stratton.  Did Rush pay any tribute to John Rutsey during the Snakes & Arrows tour (again, honest question, I don't know)?

[hefdaddy42]

I've written this post a couple different ways, and I don't know what is the best way to present this... I recognize how it's going to come off, but I certainly don't mean it anywhere near as callously as it's inevitably going to sound.  But I just don't feel any void or any loss from there not being any WDADU songs/Charlie reference.  Maybe it's me, because I got in with Images And Words, didn't hear WDADU until way later, and it's not a record that resonates with me very much. I get he's a part of history; but I wouldn't expect Iron Maiden to play "Remember Tomorrow" in tribute to Dennis Stratton.  Did Rush pay any tribute to John Rutsey during the Snakes & Arrows tour (again, honest question, I don't know)?

I'm with you.  I was a bit surprised that nothing from WDADU was in the set, given that it is celebrating the band's 40th anniversary, but since I don't like that album very much, I was totally OK with it.

[Mosh]

They paid tribute to WDADU on the 20th and 30th anniversary tours plus they did a 25th anniversary performance of the album in its entirety as well. They have always seemed to have a reverence for the debut, so I am a bit surprised they didn't throw something in there for the 40th, even without Charlie passing I would have expected it.

It's not a big deal, I don't really feel strongly about the album either, although I wouldn't be mad if The Killing Hand came back someday.

And, unless I'm misremembering something, WDADU remains the only DT album that I haven't heard any songs live from.

[SeRoX]

Wow, so naughty audience doesn't get Home. 

[cramx3]

I'm OK with no WDADU songs, but it does feel a bit unlike DT to not include it at all.  Maybe they are just waiting for the right moment, cough RCMH cough

[Ben_Jamin]

Yeah, it was baffling to me.

I do too. I record a handful of songs just for me, that I share on YouTube. But I try to keep out of the way of people. And it's just a few. But some dudes were just phones up the entire time, in front of him, and it really set him off.


Nah. JLB was really pissed about the phones. Or maybe he had to take a poop. 

But he and the band were in good spirits interacting all night. I think it really had to do with the douches up front that he scolded. You could tell James was done with it.

Here's the thing - I get people want to record something for themselves. I really do. I do it. But some folks have the attitude "F the band, I will record everything, anyone be damned." And I have a problem with that. A big one. If I was front row, I wouldn't have filmed anything. Honestly. I did that once, with Fates Warning (a few songs) and it was awkward being right in front of Ray and Jim. Jim didn't mind me doing it, but he was mad at a dude who filmed EVERYTHING at that gig and said something to him, if memory serves.

It's called "read the room." It's something many people can't do nowadays, which is unfortunate.

Bryan Beller did the same thing here in Albuquerque. He was upset at one guy in the front recording the entire first 3 songs. He made a big statement and exclaimed why they had signs saying "NO recording". His reason was that it's better to enjoy the show live and with your own eyes rather than through a phone, especially since it was a really intimate venue.

I can completely understand if they were right up to his face with the phones. Sometimes, it sucks the energy when those in the front are watching through phones rather than enjoying the show that is right in front of them.

[El Barto]

But to me, it felt like he dialed it back from the times in the past when some felt he was almost competing to be a co-front-man.  It all just felt natural and felt like everyone was content with where things are now.

That's a good way to put it, and I saw the same thing. Personally, I like MP as the frontman, but he did seem to want to say more in his place this go-around. No matter what, hes presence elevated them way, way beyond the live band they were with MM. It's a night and day difference IMO. It seemed much more live to me.

[Stadler]

My take? I record zero video, but respect those that do, and I do like to have a few photos to show people (and to prove to my wife I wasn't off banging a cocktail waitress somewhere). You can do all these things respectfully.  I hold the phone in front of me, so those behind are already being blocked by my head and nothing more, and I fire off a few quick ones and we're done.  I try very hard not to block my face, so that if I'm close enough (and I often am; I don't go to many shows where I'm a mile away anymore) the artist is still looking at a fan, not a phone.  I'm not sitting there for an hour with my arm above my head.  I think what (rude) people don't realize is, the glare of the screen also matters. In a dark theater, I'm trying to watch the show, the light from the phones is distracting.

[ZirconBlue]

Given that it is September, I'm pretty sure that's Parasomnia in its entirety.

Risky move for a festival, though.  They usually tailor their festival setlists to the audience.

[Glasser]

My take? I record zero video, but respect those that do, and I do like to have a few photos to show people (and to prove to my wife I wasn't off banging a cocktail waitress somewhere). You can do all these things respectfully.  I hold the phone in front of me, so those behind are already being blocked by my head and nothing more, and I fire off a few quick ones and we're done.  I try very hard not to block my face, so that if I'm close enough (and I often am; I don't go to many shows where I'm a mile away anymore) the artist is still looking at a fan, not a phone.  I'm not sitting there for an hour with my arm above my head.  I think what (rude) people don't realize is, the glare of the screen also matters. In a dark theater, I'm trying to watch the show, the light from the phones is distracting.

It's absolutely fucking annoying. Trying to watch a show but I see phones in my direct line of site. I'm thinking, watch the show live asshat!

[Samsara]

I'll echo that it was a good show last night.  It was a great start even before the actual show, getting to hang out with my daughter, Samsara, Long Island Jack, and Jack's son.  Then once we got inside, I discovered that our seats were directly in front of Gary Holt and who I believe was his significant other (not sure if wife, gf, or whatever).  Had some fun, casual conversation with them.

The show itself was great.  The music was performed wonderfully, as always.  And I thought James was pretty solid.  As Samsara pointed out, he doesn't go for all the notes.  But we know this, and we expect it (or at least, we should).  But what he sang was solid and more than did the songs justice.  Songs like Metropolis are just brutal, and especially having it lead off the show is going to be really difficult.  But one thing I appreciate that I don't believe was present in past years is that, while James didn't go for all the notes, he sang vocal melodies that made sense in the context of the song and sounded intentional and rehearsed, and it made the songs sound so much better than just going for...something and seeing what happens.  And I'll also say that as the show went on, and he got more warmed up, he sounded a lot stronger later in the show.  I would say that from mid-first set through the end he was mostly really on point and sounded great.  And there were some songs where he really shined and was definitely the star.  For example, I thought he absolutely crushed Vacant, This is the Life, Octavarium, and Night Terror.

Visually, the show was stunning.  With as many screens as they had, the show really felt immersive with the constantly changing images complimenting the songs. 

I also have to comment on Mike Portnoy being back.  He just looked really comfortable being back with the band and the band looked very comfortable having him back.  He has always been "more than just the drummer" when it comes to live performances, he there were times where, just like back in the "old days," he would interact with the crowd.  But to me, it felt like he dialed it back from the times in the past when some felt he was almost competing to be a co-front-man.  It all just felt natural and felt like everyone was content with where things are now.  I got a chance to talk with him a bit after the show, and he was very gracious and humble, and we got to share a few fun stories. 

All in all, a really great night.

It was a blast catching up with you guys. Been too long. I figured you were staying for the post-show, and I wanted to get home, so I missed saying goodbye. But hopefully we'll get together soon.

Glad you got a chance to talk with MP.

I also very much echo that James got better as he got warmer for sure. There were some outstanding moments from him. I'm impressed how he's leveled out his performance and improved the consistency from night to night. I know he's a professional, and that's his job, but some guys have a hard time doing that. James took it in stride, and you can tell he's worked at it.