I know some hate hypotheticals, but here is an interesting question:
What if something happened in the next few months where Mike Mangini decided to leave Dream Theater and they asked Portnoy to rejoin the band? Would he simply chuck his new prog metal band in the thrash?
That is a good question and one that crossed my mind. Honestly, it's too hard to say, but I'd imagine he'd try to juggle both. Then again, since we're dealing with hypotheticals, could you imagine if it ended up being a similar situation to Yes and ABWH back in the late 80s leading to a Union-type lineup? Not that it's likely, but then again, who would've expected that to happen with Yes back in the day?
Honestly this is one of the many reasons why DT will probably never have MP come back even if MM left. Even if MP prioritized Dream Theater, there would always be this underlying tension that his mind was elsewhere or if some great opportunity came up they may have to pass because he had a Metal Allegiance show scheduled in the Ukraine or something.
That is always a possibility, but maybe not. Keep in mind that he did juggle things properly for roughly 10 years while he was still in DT. DT just always was the priority and everything else fit inbetween. Not to say that maybe there was a missed opportunity or two for DT while he was in the band, but I'd imagine those would be rare. DT's not the type of band to do a single gig or two in some far-flung country without already having a proper tour and schedule established that it could fit within.
Even though Jordan was joking when he said, "He has no time for us. He's in so many bands." I have to wonder if Jordan wasn't being a little bit more than half serious.
Good point.
I've always understood "supergroup" to simply refer to collaborations of artists from other, established, bands. I've never considered it to confer any expectations that those members should be household names or anything.
Agreed. Outside of prog circles, few knew who Neal Morse, Roine Stoldt and Pete Trewavas were and yet I don't think anyone batted an eyelash when that was announced as a supergroup. However...
Almost everytime a supergroup is announced as a supergroup it doesn't meet the expectations. So I'd rather MP just plays with some musicians that can create good music, regardless of names and superstar-status.
I'll agree with this. I'm sure the music will be of great quality - aside from AMob, MP doesn't seem to be a person who gets involved with stuff that's of meh quality. But as soon as you hype it up like he's doing here, it does set a certain expectation about it that wouldn't be there otherwise and may be difficult to live up to, even tho it's a great album in and of it's own right. Not that it will affect how I like or dislike it, but it is a bit concerning for others that might take issue with it.
Am I the only one who was amused that this sentenced
Can't wait for you all to hear what's brewing!!
was followed immediately by this sentence?
Be patient everyone...
Good call!