I still love Dream Theater.... more than ever!
Princess Faythe captured my 8 year old daughter's interest and introduced her to what epic, progressive music is all about.
Don't get me wrong, she'll still listen to Katy Perry too, but now she'll also ask to hear some DT, Devin Townsend, Nightwish and others.
That just wouldn't have happened if not for the accessibility of The Astonishing, the story line, and of course good old Princess Faythe.
In fact, we were just lucky enough to get 7th row seats for The Astonishing tour, and my daughter was absolutely into it for the full 3 hours that we spent in those chairs.
If you have kids, you know that a 90 minute Pixar movie is often too long to keep their attention.
More amazingly, at that show, my wife and my almost 70-year-old mother in law were there. (My mother in law grew up on Gospel music but loves DT as much as anyone now)
So - I was at DT with 3 generations of women in tow! Tears were shed by at least 2 of us, LOL.
They bring my family together. They are great role models for my child. They are the best thing to think about when the world gets you down.
I can't think of another band that's so positive, motivating, thought provoking, spiritual, entertaining or disciplined.
The force for good that Dream Theater has been in my life since the 90's is bigger than a member change can undo.
Moore or Ruddess. Portnoy or Mangini.
Dream Theater is one of the best things I know about in life, in any category.