Those weren't my reasons for stating that he is chosen, I was just mentioning other facts about him and DT. He wasn't my first choice either, but remember its the music they write that counts, not the drummer. Yes it adds to overall feel, but in the end the reason we will keep listening is if the songs are good.
Everyone seems to be losing the point here too. We are all very lucky that DT is still making music. With the tremendous changes in the music business of late, its hard enough for bands to record good sounding records and being able to make money playing. I for one am just happy we will be getting another DT record, whoever the drummer is. That's what's important these days. I am a little biased being from Long Island and seeing them at the Malibu in 1992, which was there beginning stages. When you see all the prog boards and forums and everyone saying that DT hasnt made a good record in a decade it bothers me. They talk about all these other mediocre prog/power metal bands, but fro some reason they just don't see DT as relevant anymore. That's BS, they for me started the whole progmetal genre (current genre, not talking about the beginning bands) Sorry to rant, but I wanted to get this off my chest. I am a fan, first and foremost, and am happy that DT is still happy and diving into another record, which in today's world is kinda amazing. Oh, and by the Mike Mangini is still the drummer. James if you are reading this, just announce this already and get everyone excited about the future of DT, since it is to me amazing that you guys are still #1.