Lately, I've been lamenting about falling out of love with bands that used to be my favorites. Queensryche (original lineup) was always my favorite and still is, although without that original lineup, it is just a pile of shit. Dream Theater was also a favorite, right behind QR, but I haven't been all that thrilled with their direction the past few albums and they have dropped considerably.
That said, given the hiatus MP talked about, not touring the U.S. as DT on a proper BC&SL headline tour, etc., it got me thinking about the state of the band. MP said that when talking things over with the label, and with the band, they thought right now isn't the right time to tour with the band in the U.S. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
Sure, the economy sucks. But plenty of groups are still touring the U.S.
I think there is more to the story than that, and I believe (just my own opinion, not based on anything but observation), it is John Petrucci.
Let me explain:
In my view, John has always been one that really enjoyed mainstream metal and hard rock. Sure, MP loves all that, but at the end of the day, in terms of creating that kind of music, John was always more open to it (in public, from what I recall) than MP ever was. Look at what happened with FII. The label wanted the band to work with an outside writer. John was willing to do it (and did).
When all that ended, and the band was firmly in the grasp of both MP and JP, all of a sudden, the direction of the music went completely progressive. Sure, a song here and there, but for the most part, it was a complete musicians band, with (arguably, since many people disagree on this subject) the emphasis more on technicality than soul and emotion.
Now, not saying that is a bad thing. It obviously wasn't. The band has been very successful since MP and JP took the bull by the horns in 1998 and didn't put up with any label crap. I tip my cap to them for doing it.
But now, fast forward to BC&SL. JP walks in with a fully demoed song (Wither) that is 100 percent rock radio mainstream. A throwback, essentially. This after MP made it a point to say that the band writes together, in-studio and that this is what works best for them.
Does it?
Does it make everyone fully happy? I think not. I think JP is not fully into the current direction of the band, and wanted some time away. Not just based on that example. Since DT announced its (lack of) 2010 plans, MP has made known what he's doing, Myung has talked about doing Jelly Jam, Jordan is always busy, James is working on his solo thing, but what about JP? Nothing. Not a peep.
I wonder if JP is truly artistically satisfied with what is going on with Dream Theater. Mike wasn't back in the FII days, and ultimately, he ended up making sure that things changed so he was. I know JP and MP are as tight as a virgin, but I have to think something other than "not the right time to tour, business-wise" is what is going on here.
Perhaps JP wanted some time away? Maybe throw in the factor his kids are getting older as well? Being a Dad myself, I can really appreciate that.
But my gut is that the style of music DT has been putting out might be wearing a little thin for JP. I listened to a lot of the older DT stuff, and the thing that stood out to me was that older DT songs had a lot of "breathing space" in them. It wasn't always about the technicality, and John really thrived with that.
Not saying he loves one more than the other, but maybe "Wither," and the fact he walked into the studio with it basically finished, is an indication that he is the one that really needed a break from DT for awhile.
Thoughts?
And folks, no ridiculous flame fests. It's a legit question from a legit fan. Don't derail this.
Thanks!
B