The Mike Portnoy Appreciation/Discussion Thread (merged)

[Madman Shepherd]

Jordan Rudess: "Well, the answer is we are looking at our schedules, we are organizing a time. With the [coronavirus] pandemic, it's been a little difficult to coordinate personal kind of gatherings, but it looks very good, my friend."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kxKcSBoqX4&feature=emb_title

...and cue all the Dream Theater reunion gossip.

[Max Kuehnau]

Jordan Rudess: "Well, the answer is we are looking at our schedules, we are organizing a time. With the [coronavirus] pandemic, it's been a little difficult to coordinate personal kind of gatherings, but it looks very good, my friend."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kxKcSBoqX4&feature=emb_title

...and cue all the Dream Theater reunion gossip.

which was to be expected I think.

[devieira73]

Interesting... this is something that I thought JP and Jordan would always avoid just because this would start all kind of speculation of MP returning to DT. Let’s see if this will be for real. Anyway, it would be great to hear something new from LTE!

[ytserush]

Interesting... this is something that I thought JP and Jordan would always avoid just because this would start all kind of speculation of MP returning to DT. Let’s see if this will be for real. Anyway, it would be great to hear something new from LTE!

Normally I'd be thinking about a tour but I don't know how that would happen at this point unless we're talking 2022. The touring tarmac is already piled up and who even knows what that would look like unless they do a virtual thing. Many questions.

[Fritzinger]

I believe this when I see it 
Would love to see them live. I never had the chance.

[MirrorMask]

Interesting... this is something that I thought JP and Jordan would always avoid just because this would start all kind of speculation of MP returning to DT. Let’s see if this will be for real. Anyway, it would be great to hear something new from LTE!

Well, we have now a clear picture that LTE reuniting is basically MP reuniting with the part of DT that he actually cares about. I don't know his personal feelings on the matter but maybe "doing music with JP again" to him matters as much as "being back in DT". We can't be sure, but I would be sure that making music again with JP would be closure enough for him.

[Cool Chris]

That is a great point. I am not a big fan of closure, and cannot speak to anyone else's opinions on it, and if they may or may not need if for themselves. If it helps Mike feel better about the separation and time apart, then I support it.

LTE is a bore to me, but if it makes the 4 of them happy, and their fans happy, and it doesn't adversely affect DT, I say go for it!

[ReaperKK]

Itll be interesting to see what they come up with thats for sure. I can't even imagine what dt chat is going to be like when and if they do start recording/touring

"JP and MP smiled at each other while playing, when will Mike Manginis last show be?"

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

Honestly, to see JP and MP making music again would be cool as simple as that.

[HOF]

I would have low expectations for an LTE 3, but I’d probably buy it for nostalgia alone. The first two LTE albums were kind of transformational in terms of how I viewed instrumental and progressive music.

[Adami]

Well considering that one of MPs biggest criticisms (which I agree with) is that he’s repetitive and not too into pushing the boundaries, along with the fact that the last few DT albums showed me that I don’t connect to JP or JRs current style of writing, I have low expectations.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Well considering that one of MPs biggest criticisms (which I agree with) is that he’s repetitive and not too into pushing the boundaries, along with the fact that the last few DT albums showed me that I don’t connect to JP or JRs current style of writing, I have low expectations.

This is ignoring Tony Levin’s potential influence though. Different musicians can bring different things out of these guys. Look at how much better Portnoy’s playing is with Neal Morse Band than with other projects. Plus the excitement they might feel about playing together again could bring some interesting results.

[Adami]

Well considering that one of MPs biggest criticisms (which I agree with) is that he’s repetitive and not too into pushing the boundaries, along with the fact that the last few DT albums showed me that I don’t connect to JP or JRs current style of writing, I have low expectations.

This is ignoring Tony Levin’s potential influence though. Different musicians can bring different things out of these guys. Look at how much better Portnoy’s playing is with Neal Morse Band than with other projects. Plus the excitement they might feel about playing together again could bring some interesting results.

Haha, I actually completely forgot about Tony. So good point! Though not quite enough drastically change the equation in my eyes.

And again, maybe it'll be good. But the known variables, for me, point it not being good, while the unknown variables could potentially change that. If they do it, I'll listen and judge then. But I'm not excited. Which might be good, sometimes being shocked at how good something is is better than having it just live up to what you assumed it would.

[KevShmev]

Recent listens of each reinforced my belief that both LTE albums are better than any Dream Theater album not named Images and Words, Awake or Scenes from a Memory, so if they make a proper third album, and it is close to as good as the first two, I will be thrilled.  The cool thing about LTE is that they were willing to go to places DT is not (see: Liquid Dreams), so I say bring it on.

[HOF]

Recent listens of each reinforced my belief that both LTE albums are better than any Dream Theater album not named Images and Words, Awake or Scenes from a Memory, so if they make a proper third album, and it is close to as good as the first two, I will be thrilled.  The cool thing about LTE is that they were willing to go to places DT is not (see: Liquid Dreams), so I say bring it on.

I would agree with this assessment but would substitute FII for SFAM (I think of SFAM as LTE with cheesy lyrics).

[TAC]

I haven't listened to the LTE albums in YEARS. Probably over ten.

I always figured Jordan would do an LTE album with MP, but I thought JP would sit it out. Kind of surprised he'd knowingly invite all of the speculation it would bring to a "DT Reunion". Seems out of character for JP, honestly.

[TheCountOfNYC]

I haven't listened to the LTE albums in YEARS. Probably over ten.

I always figured Jordan would do an LTE album with MP, but I thought JP would sit it out. Kind of surprised he'd knowingly invite all of the speculation it would bring to a "DT Reunion". Seems out of character for JP, honestly.

I think the right thing to do (but this most likely wouldn’t happen) is for MP to put the speculation completely to rest. Saying something along the lines of “I wanted to work with John and Jordan as a songwriting trio again, but my Dream Theater days are over. The band and I have both come to peace with the split and both parties are happy with where they are in their careers. Having the opportunity to reunite Liquid Tension Experiment and work with John and Jordan in a professional capacity is closure enough for me, and I hope it is for you guys too, because I’m proud of the work I’ve done since leaving Dream Theater, and the band has done some truly amazing things without me”.

[The Letter M]

A Liquid Tension reunion would be a dream come true for me. I just recently listened to some LTE last week as I was re-ripping music to my laptop/portable HDD, and I forgot just how GOOD these songs were! Even the improv is so entertaining, and I'll definitely say that Tony Levin's influence is definitely felt in the band as well. It won't be a DT re-hash with JR/JP/MP, and I think if they get back together, there will be the same LTE chemistry that they had in the last 90s, and again in 2008 on their 10th Anniversary tour.

I think if they get together to do another album in the next year or two, and release the album in 2022, they could do a 25th Anniversary Tour in 2023, and I'm sure it'll be a HUGE hit.

-Marc.

[MoraWintersoul]

Itll be interesting to see what they come up with thats for sure. I can't even imagine what dt chat is going to be like when and if they do start recording/touring

"JP and MP smiled at each other while playing, when will Mike Manginis last show be?"

The chat on this website would do nothing of the sort, but I can't guarantee anything on other social media  people be stumpid

[ReaperKK]

I haven't listened to the LTE albums in YEARS. Probably over ten.

I always figured Jordan would do an LTE album with MP, but I thought JP would sit it out. Kind of surprised he'd knowingly invite all of the speculation it would bring to a "DT Reunion". Seems out of character for JP, honestly.

I think the right thing to do (but this most likely wouldn’t happen) is for MP to put the speculation completely to rest. Saying something along the lines of “I wanted to work with John and Jordan as a songwriting trio again, but my Dream Theater days are over. The band and I have both come to peace with the split and both parties are happy with where they are in their careers. Having the opportunity to reunite Liquid Tension Experiment and work with John and Jordan in a professional capacity is closure enough for me, and I hope it is for you guys too, because I’m proud of the work I’ve done since leaving Dream Theater, and the band has done some truly amazing things without me”.

MP should hire you to work PR

[ChuckSteak]

So three guys who are friends for like.. over twenty years, who recorded lots of music together can't reunite to play more music because of fear of speculation or some kind of reaction on internet? Cmon. LTE is not DT. They don't own anyone an explanation. Speculations don't mean shit. Musicians should play music, not explain themselves to a speculating public. People can speculate for years, it doesn't change anything.. if they make a reunion I don't think it will be because there were speculations and they feel a bit forced.

When Portnoy posted that pic of him with Petrucci and wrote "give peace a chance" there were also speculations. Should he or Petrucci have to explain themselves everytime they do something together or collaborate in some way? "Hey Mangini, sorry man.. we're gonna have to let you go.. you know.. so much speculation on the internet.. sorry man.. we have no choice.. we have to bring Portnoy back."

[XeRocks81]

Come to think of it, there are a LOT of projects I think Gary Cherone would be ideal for.  And yet, he hasn't really done much through the years.  I wonder if he is difficult to work with or something.  Just speculating.

Years ago there was a show on VH1 (i think) where they'd go around and reunite bands for 'one more' performance. I remember Flock of Seagulls did it....and there were a few others. They tried to get Extreme to do it and most of them were up for it but Cherone wanted nothing to do with it. when they tracked him down he was overseeing a residential house being built. I think the dude was just 'over' the whole thing....I remember reading somewhere where it was said he resented the fact that Extreme was only known for that 'more than words' ballad and not being the 'rock' band they were.

that's funny, I wonder what changed because Extreme did reunite in the late 2000s and are still playing gigs (or they did before... all this)

edit: nevermind it's already been covered, carry on lol

[bosk1]

So three guys who are friends for like.. over twenty years, who recorded lots of music together can't reunite to play more music because of fear of speculation or some kind of reaction on internet?

No.  Nobody said anything remotely like that. 

[Mladen]

I have a feeling John and Jordan delayed a potential LTE reunion in order to avoid any "OMG! P0RTN0I RETURN IN DT!" speculations. But since it's been ten years and they've made it clear that Mangini is their guy, now might be the time not to worry about some fans misinterpreting what's happening.

[TAC]

My point wasn't that there would or wouldn't be speculation. I mean there will be.
My point was that I'm surprised JP would be basically inviting it.

[bosk1]

I have a feeling John and Jordan delayed a potential LTE reunion in order to avoid any "OMG! P0RTN0I RETURN IN DT!" speculations. But since it's been ten years and they've made it clear that Mangini is their guy, now might be the time not to worry about some fans misinterpreting what's happening.

I'm not so sure.  I don't get the impression that Jordan cares much about that.  And John...I mean, he hasn't even been able to get his own solo album together after all this time.  I think the main issue for him is just working out the scheduling.

[Stadler]

I haven't listened to the LTE albums in YEARS. Probably over ten.

I always figured Jordan would do an LTE album with MP, but I thought JP would sit it out. Kind of surprised he'd knowingly invite all of the speculation it would bring to a "DT Reunion". Seems out of character for JP, honestly.

I think the right thing to do (but this most likely wouldn’t happen) is for MP to put the speculation completely to rest. Saying something along the lines of “I wanted to work with John and Jordan as a songwriting trio again, but my Dream Theater days are over. The band and I have both come to peace with the split and both parties are happy with where they are in their careers. Having the opportunity to reunite Liquid Tension Experiment and work with John and Jordan in a professional capacity is closure enough for me, and I hope it is for you guys too, because I’m proud of the work I’ve done since leaving Dream Theater, and the band has done some truly amazing things without me”.

Very well written, and I certainly get the sentiment (and respect it); honestly, though, I don't think a statement like that would move the needle even one bit for either of the extremes of the fanbase.   

[gmillerdrake]

I haven't listened to the LTE albums in YEARS. Probably over ten.

I always figured Jordan would do an LTE album with MP, but I thought JP would sit it out. Kind of surprised he'd knowingly invite all of the speculation it would bring to a "DT Reunion". Seems out of character for JP, honestly.

I think the right thing to do (but this most likely wouldn’t happen) is for MP to put the speculation completely to rest. Saying something along the lines of “I wanted to work with John and Jordan as a songwriting trio again, but my Dream Theater days are over. The band and I have both come to peace with the split and both parties are happy with where they are in their careers. Having the opportunity to reunite Liquid Tension Experiment and work with John and Jordan in a professional capacity is closure enough for me, and I hope it is for you guys too, because I’m proud of the work I’ve done since leaving Dream Theater, and the band has done some truly amazing things without me”.

Very well written, and I certainly get the sentiment (and respect it); honestly, though, I don't think a statement like that would move the needle even one bit for either of the extremes of the fanbase.

The only comments MP has ever made about DT's material after he left was that ADTOE debacle of them just rehashing IAW's. After that.....I don't recall where he's publicly made a comment about their material? At least.....not a positive comment. 

[MoraWintersoul]

The only comments MP has ever made about DT's material after he left was that ADTOE debacle of them just rehashing IAW's. After that.....I don't recall where he's publicly made a comment about their material? At least.....not a positive comment.

The last time I checked he said he can't listen to it because it feels weird to him to listen to it, and I think he may or may not have used the marriage analogy again

[gmillerdrake]

The only comments MP has ever made about DT's material after he left was that ADTOE debacle of them just rehashing IAW's. After that.....I don't recall where he's publicly made a comment about their material? At least.....not a positive comment.

The last time I checked he said he can't listen to it because it feels weird to him to listen to it, and I think he may or may not have used the marriage analogy again

Yeah.....he's in a no win situation really with making any comments about DT members or music. If they're construed negatively then he's just bitter and still holding on to the past....if he says something positive it's he wishes he'd never have left and now regrets his decisions.

[Lethean]

I don't really agree with that.  I mean I'm sure some people will say that he regrets his decision, but then, they say that now.  But in general, I actually think people would be more likely to say that he regrets his decision if he says that he can't listen to Dream theater because it's too weird or emotional. If he just says that they put out some great stuff, no big deal.

But I don't think it's really necessary for him to say anything. It's been awhile since he has, and I don't see any problem with him continuing to remain silent on that.

[gzarruk]

The last comment he made about DT's post 2010 albums was that during all this time, they've released only 4 studio albums, while he's done a lot more
But, yeah, he hasn't made any positive comments about the music, ever (not that he has to, of course, but it wouldn't hurt).

The only comments MP has ever made about DT's material after he left was that ADTOE debacle of them just rehashing IAW's. After that.....I don't recall where he's publicly made a comment about their material? At least.....not a positive comment.

The last time I checked he said he can't listen to it because it feels weird to him to listen to it, and I think he may or may not have used the marriage analogy again

At least we know he has the albums in his itunes library. Who else remembers he posted a list of the longest songs he has in his music library and that Illumination Theory appeared?

[The Letter M]

Regarding Mike and DT, I do recall a moment in the tour documentary from The Neal Morse Band (I think for The Great AdvenTour), Mike was annoyed how an app on his phone kept recommending him the new DT album (d/t) for him to listen to. 

I guess that would be like if Facebook kept recommending me to add an ex as a friend!

-Marc.

[Cool Chris]

That's hilarious!

[Ben_Jamin]

I don't like all of LTE, but they do have some great songs. Some good ballads, and neat improv style songs.

Liquid Dreams
Freedom of Speech
A State of Grace
Acid Rain
When The Water Breaks

These are my top 5. I'm looking forwards to hearing more emotion and jams similar to these.