Alright, I know they're not gonna read this, and it's probably kinda cheesy, but I just wanna share my peace.
I'd like to thank this awesome band. The moment their main spokesman (as well as drummer) left the band, they already started communicating with us a lot, lot more. Every band member became active in social networks, they kept cheering the fans up and say everything's gonna be fine. Even better, everything's gonna be awesome.
They already started auditioning barely a month after the announcement. Recently we've learned the process simply defined the words professionalism, quickness, consideration and so much more. They picked the new drummer so quickly, knowing exactly what they wanted, showing nothing less than pure class.
They kept the new drummer a top secret for a few months due to what seems like making decisions on how to announce it, and god knows, it was worth the wait. There's no way in the world I could appreciate this amazing drummer and his strong will to join the band without this documentary. Not only that, but I got to know (or know better) 6 other incredible drummers that I'll most likely follow for a while now. I got to see drummers like Minnemann, Priester, Donati etc for one of the first times in my life, and my appreciation for drummers I've already known better like Peter Wildoer really sky-rocketed.
I hope the guys are doing well recording the album, I'm psyched for getting to see this band in the current lineup for the time being. I really just want to see them going for many, many years and I'm completely thankful they decided not to stop for a hiatus.
While I'm at it, I'd also like to thank Mike Portnoy, because without his incredibly sad departure, I probably wouldn't have thought about how awesome these guys are.
Anyways, long live Dream Theater, and welcome to the family Mike Mangini.