Those New Tour Songs!

[Herrick]

Some truly fantastic footage of Don't look past me from a day or two ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3TjT_GblFc

I thought they were tuning down for the songs in that era.

[pg1067]

JM's bass tone has always been fine on the albums.  I'd love it to be more prominent in the mix, but I usually feel that way about the bass.  It's the live tone and mixing that has never been done well IMO.

[RodrigoAltaf]

Saw the Toronto show last night...at some point, James started to tell stories about the I&W recordings and tour, and about the time he joined the band. He said that "back then we all had jobs. John taught guitar, and Mike...what did Mike do? I think he sold pot!"

[gzarruk]

Saw the Toronto show last night...at some point, James started to tell stories about the I&W recordings and tour, and about the time he joined the band. He said that "back then we all had jobs. John taught guitar, and Mike...what did Mike do? I think he sold pot!"

[Madman Shepherd]

Saw the Toronto show last night...at some point, James started to tell stories about the I&W recordings and tour, and about the time he joined the band. He said that "back then we all had jobs. John taught guitar, and Mike...what did Mike do? I think he sold pot!"

Dude, he was a chinese food delivery driver! Don't you read the liner notes to the Ytsejam releases JAMES?!

From memory, Petrucci also worked at a deli and Myung moved equipment. 

Curious what Kevin and James did....

Oh, and Charlie played weddings and stuff including Mike Portnoy's. 

[RodrigoAltaf]

I read that too...maybe "Chinese food" was a slang for pot back then!?!?!

[RodrigoAltaf]

By the way, here's my review of the Toronto show - unfortunately, in Portuguese only:

https://whiplash.net/materias/shows/273708-dreamtheater.html

[Lethean]

When James was talking about their day jobs he called over to John (who was off stage) to ask about Mike's and someone in the crowd shouted out "he sold drugs" so James said "yeah, he sold cannabis."

[The Walrus]

When James was talking about their day jobs he called over to John (who was off stage) to ask about Mike's and someone in the crowd shouted out "he sold drugs" so James said "yeah, he sold cannabis."

[cramx3]

When James was talking about their day jobs he called over to John (who was off stage) to ask about Mike's and someone in the crowd shouted out "he sold drugs" so James said "yeah, he sold cannabis."

his facebook post after the denver show was funny, saying along the lines of it was nice to smell the cannabis during the concert.  Having recently been to a concert in Denver, it really is noticeable (which I have no issue with).

[Madman Shepherd]

When James was talking about their day jobs he called over to John (who was off stage) to ask about Mike's and someone in the crowd shouted out "he sold drugs" so James said "yeah, he sold cannabis."

his facebook post after the denver show was funny, saying along the lines of it was nice to smell the cannabis during the concert.  Having recently been to a concert in Denver, it really is noticeable (which I have no issue with).

Last time I drove through Colorado, I was in the southern part so it was essentially the desert.  Stereotypical western towns, lots of pickup trucks, etc.  When we checked into our hotel there was a big sign prominently on display saying something like, "MARIJUANA IS PROHIBITED ON THIS PREMISES" and in addition to initialing the typical "I will not smoke in this room" I had to initial an "I will not possess nor smoke marijuana in the room." It took me a second to realize why this was added to the typical room contract and then I was like, "Oh yeah, Colorado."

[ToT-147]

Saw the Toronto show last night...at some point, James started to tell stories about the I&W recordings and tour, and about the time he joined the band. He said that "back then we all had jobs. John taught guitar, and Mike...what did Mike do? I think he sold pot!"

Dude, he was a chinese food delivery driver! Don't you read the liner notes to the Ytsejam releases JAMES?!

You're saying "dude" to James?..  That's even funnier than the joke about MP.. Because, just in case, that's all what it was.. Just some random stuff that singers use to come up with in stage to not repeat the same words over and over again.... I relive the moment



A joke probably based in James' oblivion (not the song ) that MP fanboys and/or JLB haters might hate... but just a joke at the end of the day..

[OpenYourEyes311]

No "Don't Look Past Me" tonight in Boston. I had seen on Facebook that they were playing it and was super pumped about seeing it. Looking now at setlist.fm, it's the only show they haven't played it, and they didn't even replace it with anything. I'm literally heartbroken over this... There's no way they'll ever bring this song back out on tour, and they just skipped right over it. I'm at a loss, and very confused. To be honest, this may have been the best DT I've seen in person since Radio City, but to know that they skipped what would be only chance to see one of the rarest DT songs in the catalog puts a bitter taste in my mouth.

[RodrigoAltaf]

No "Don't Look Past Me" tonight in Boston. I had seen on Facebook that they were playing it and was super pumped about seeing it. Looking now at setlist.fm, it's the only show they haven't played it, and they didn't even replace it with anything. I'm literally heartbroken over this... There's no way they'll ever bring this song back out on tour, and they just skipped right over it. I'm at a loss, and very confused. To be honest, this may have been the best DT I've seen in person since Radio City, but to know that they skipped what would be only chance to see one of the rarest DT songs in the catalog puts a bitter taste in my mouth.

Oh man... I feel your pain! I saw a concert on the Along for the Ride tour where they had technical difficulties and didn't play Illumination Theory...the crowd was so upset!!! Luckily I saw there more shows on that tour, but those who only saw that one were left with a sour taste in their mouths.

[Mladen]

That's too bad. I would also be disappointed for a while.

[JoeMLennon]

No "Don't Look Past Me" tonight in Boston. I had seen on Facebook that they were playing it and was super pumped about seeing it. Looking now at setlist.fm, it's the only show they haven't played it, and they didn't even replace it with anything. I'm literally heartbroken over this... There's no way they'll ever bring this song back out on tour, and they just skipped right over it. I'm at a loss, and very confused. To be honest, this may have been the best DT I've seen in person since Radio City, but to know that they skipped what would be only chance to see one of the rarest DT songs in the catalog puts a bitter taste in my mouth.

Oh man... I feel your pain! I saw a concert on the Along for the Ride tour where they had technical difficulties and didn't play Illumination Theory...the crowd was so upset!!! Luckily I saw there more shows on that tour, but those who only saw that one were left with a sour taste in their mouths.

Same deal in Albany.  A little let down.  They seem to be shortening the set.   First set was a little under an hour.  And, Labrie was talking about how long they play from the stage.  The irony.  Other than that, they were great.

[Prog Snob]

I'm so glad they finally played Don't Look Past Me. I've been wanting to hear that song live for years now. It looks like I'll finally get the chance on Saturday. 

[OpenYourEyes311]

Same deal in Albany.  A little let down.  They seem to be shortening the set.   First set was a little under an hour.  And, Labrie was talking about how long they play from the stage.  The irony.  Other than that, they were great.

I see that now on setlist.fm. Someone had it listed there previously. I wonder if they axed it because of the confused look on everyone's faces as they played it. Anyway, I feel less bad that we weren't the only (or first) city NOT to get it on the NA tour, but if they end up putting it back in later in the tour I'll be miffed again.

On the positive side of things, I will say that the show as it stood was amazing. The Bigger Picture into Hell's Kitchen into To Live Forever was just a fantastic run of songs I hadn't heard live before. The band sounded awesome, and they (especially James) seemed more playful on stage then I've ever seen them. And Images was Images. Great album played fantastically. I forgot how great of a song Learning to Live is. Been awhile since hearing that song. My only complaint of a song they DID play was Breaking All Illusions. To me, it's not as good of a song as they, or many fans, think. I would have rather have seen Outcry or Bridges in the Sky in that spot (if only because it was my 4th time seeing BAI in 7 years).

[gzarruk]

Hope this change isn't permanent. If they wanted to shorten the set, not playing AIA would've been a better option. If this is because nobody really knows DLPM, they should keep playing it anyway, it's just one song from the whole set that people don't know.

[cramx3]

Noooo... this is terrible news as I'm seeing them tonight in the first of three times for the remaining part of the tour.  This is devastating news.

[pg1067]

No "Don't Look Past Me" tonight in Boston. I had seen on Facebook that they were playing it and was super pumped about seeing it. Looking now at setlist.fm, it's the only show they haven't played it

Looks like they didn't play it in Albany the night before either.  Maybe they've decided it's not getting the reaction they wanted or that James can't handle it.  While it might be well known to denizens of message boards like this one, I expect it's a bit of a head scratcher for half the audience or more.

[fadetoblackdude7]

Hope this change isn't permanent. If they wanted to shorten the set, not playing AIA would've been a better option. If this is because nobody really knows DLPM, they should keep playing it anyway, it's just one song from the whole set that people don't know.

Disagree. When JM started playing the intro to AIA in Chicago, the crowd went NUTS.

[pg1067]

Hope this change isn't permanent. If they wanted to shorten the set, not playing AIA would've been a better option. If this is because nobody really knows DLPM, they should keep playing it anyway, it's just one song from the whole set that people don't know.

For better or worse, crowds tend not to react well to songs they don't know -- especially when the singer struggles with the song -- and crowd reaction is important for a band like DT.  Frankly, I think it would have gone better if James had explained what they were doing before launching into the song.  While I had heard of the song (as a result of having bought the I&W demos from the YtseJam online store), if I hadn't looked at the set list before the show, I wouldn't have known what they were doing.

I completely disagree with doing away with As I Am, which is a crowd favorite.

[RodrigoAltaf]

Hope this change isn't permanent. If they wanted to shorten the set, not playing AIA would've been a better option. If this is because nobody really knows DLPM, they should keep playing it anyway, it's just one song from the whole set that people don't know.

For better or worse, crowds tend not to react well to songs they don't know -- especially when the singer struggles with the song -- and crowd reaction is important for a band like DT.  Frankly, I think it would have gone better if James had explained what they were doing before launching into the song.  While I had heard of the song (as a result of having bought the I&W demos from the YtseJam online store), if I hadn't looked at the set list before the show, I wouldn't have known what they were doing.

I completely disagree with doing away with As I Am, which is a crowd favorite.

He explained the reason why they'd play that song in Toronto.

[gzarruk]

AIA is a crowd favorite, but they've played it A LOT since 2012. They played it on the ADTOE tour, the 30th anniversary tour, the 2nd USA leg of the TA tour and now on this one. It's too much already.

[Nick]

If they don't play Don't Look Past Me in Philly I'm going to be heavily disappointed.

Reminds me of the tour (don't remember which one) they started playing The Great Debate on the West Coast and dropped it completely before getting to the East. Not like it just wasn't played at my show(s), but they had decided against playing it anymore. Because at this point it would essentially mean there is 0 chance I'll ever see it (DLPM) again.

[pg1067]

AIA is a crowd favorite, but they've played it A LOT since 2012. They played it on the ADTOE tour, the 30th anniversary tour, the 2nd USA leg of the TA tour and now on this one. It's too much already.

If the reason for ditching Don't Look Past Me is that it's not getting the sort of crowd reaction the band wants, ditching a song that gets a great crowd reaction (whether or not the song has been played a lot recently) is not a good alternative.  On the other hand, if, as you posited, they ditched DLPM in order "to shorten the set," then it certainly makes sense to consider other options.  However, the band might reasonably value retention of a song that gets a great crowd reaction over retaining an obscure song that doesn't get as good of a reaction simply because a minority of fans are interested in seeing that obscure/rare song played.  Ditching AIA is only "a better option" if the band values playing an obscure/rare song over getting a better crowd reaction.

I don't have any skin in the game because I've already seen the show with DLPM.  However, if I had been given a vote, I would have strongly preferred AIA over DLPM.

[DTA]

If they don't play Don't Look Past Me in Philly I'm going to be heavily disappointed.

Reminds me of the tour (don't remember which one) they started playing The Great Debate on the West Coast and dropped it completely before getting to the East. Not like it just wasn't played at my show(s), but they had decided against playing it anymore. Because at this point it would essentially mean there is 0 chance I'll ever see it (DLPM) again.

I'm going to Philly too and was hesitant to attend this tour until I saw DLPM was added. I'm going to be so damn disappointed if it's not there as it's been number one on my list of DT songs I want to see live since I first heard it back in 2000.

[JayOctavarium]

If they don't play Don't Look Past Me in Philly I'm going to be heavily disappointed.

Reminds me of the tour (don't remember which one) they started playing The Great Debate on the West Coast and dropped it completely before getting to the East. Not like it just wasn't played at my show(s), but they had decided against playing it anymore. Because at this point it would essentially mean there is 0 chance I'll ever see it (DLPM) again.

I'm going to Philly too and was hesitant to attend this tour until I saw DLPM was added. I'm going to be so damn disappointed if it's not there as it's been number one on my list of DT songs I want to see live since I first heard it back in 2000.

So it's safe to say that...

You'll have a hard time looking past the fact that DLPM was dropped?

[RodrigoAltaf]

Sons of Apollo would never disappoint their fans like that!!!

[JayOctavarium]

#NoSetListDrops

[RodrigoAltaf]

 

[JoeMLennon]

No "Don't Look Past Me" tonight in Boston. I had seen on Facebook that they were playing it and was super pumped about seeing it. Looking now at setlist.fm, it's the only show they haven't played it, and they didn't even replace it with anything. I'm literally heartbroken over this... There's no way they'll ever bring this song back out on tour, and they just skipped right over it. I'm at a loss, and very confused. To be honest, this may have been the best DT I've seen in person since Radio City, but to know that they skipped what would be only chance to see one of the rarest DT songs in the catalog puts a bitter taste in my mouth.

Oh man... I feel your pain! I saw a concert on the Along for the Ride tour where they had technical difficulties and didn't play Illumination Theory...the crowd was so upset!!! Luckily I saw there more shows on that tour, but those who only saw that one were left with a sour taste in their mouths.

Same deal in Albany.  A little let down.  They seem to be shortening the set.   First set was a little under an hour.  And, Labrie was talking about how long they play from the stage.  The irony.  Other than that, they were great.

I have no problem with them dropping it, though it would've been cool to see it live.  If they subbed in something else I wouldn't have thought much of it and that probably would have been cool.  It is just you know they could've, but they didn't.  why?  life's great mystery .

[Madman Shepherd]

If they don't play Don't Look Past Me in Philly I'm going to be heavily disappointed.

Reminds me of the tour (don't remember which one) they started playing The Great Debate on the West Coast and dropped it completely before getting to the East. Not like it just wasn't played at my show(s), but they had decided against playing it anymore. Because at this point it would essentially mean there is 0 chance I'll ever see it (DLPM) again.

Yeah I feel bad for you guys.  I saw Great Debate and it was amazing and when they dropped it later I was pretty sad for everyone seeing them later in the tour.  DLPM was cool but I could have lived without it personally.  Sad that you guys who genuinely want to hear it may not get the chance. 

[RodrigoAltaf]

Come to think of it, the live version of DLPM suffers a lot because the backing vocals are not done properly...a problem way too common in post-Portnoy DT, to be honest.