Yeah, The Alien was rough indeed. In addition to JLB struggling, MM's drums were inaudible.
I've learned to truly appreciate what MM brings to the table in the studio. He's a beast. But on a stage like this in front of so many people, his performance was so subdued. There was just no showmanship or theatrics at all. Now in fairness maybe JP said to MM at some point in time,...we already had a showy drummer and we don't really want that anymore. I can only observe from afar. It is what it is. In contrast, I watched Metal Allegiance performance and although their music is not really my cuppa, MP owned his performance. The man just knows how to excite a crowd. I really don't want to ruffle any feathers since I love them both, but in a live setting on a grand stage like RIR, I'll take Portnoy every single time.