Thanks everyone, on the clarification of what MP's original intent with Shattered Fortress was. I don't follow everything as closely as many of you do, so I appreciate the info.
All that said, I personally feel Mike is pissing away his career with all these projects. Given his personality, I get it, to a degree. But to build up a catalog like he did with Dream Theater, be known for one of prog metals most outstanding drummers and creative forces, and then just walk away from it completely, makes me bummed, as a fan.
I don't blame him for wanting to pursue other things like he has. But he's become a bit of a nomad, and almost has turned into that dude that you know will show up and play with whoever. I don't want to insult fans by naming names of other musicians, but you know what I mean -- those guys that are on every project, whatever they can get.
In today's music industry, I guess you do what you do to make ends meet. But I still can't shake the feeling that Mike is wasting his time, when he should be embracing what made him what he is -- go use that catalog you helped create, form a new band, and be a prog metal band again. Something steady and full-on for the next 15 years. And use the downtime on your side projects.
Again, I realize that this is just what I would like to see as a fan. But I like to think I know a bit about how the industry works and that Mike has really diverse interests. If he's happy, that's great. But I just don't think he's maximizing his potential -- both as a musician and artist, and as a businessman.