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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Perpetual Change on July 10, 2011, 10:48:05 PM

Title: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 10, 2011, 10:48:05 PM
Has anyone ever really loved a band or a record, and then been completely disappointed when they found out what the artist behind it was like? Or, is anyone able to simply get passed the obnoxiousness an simply enjoy the music?

When I was a dumb teenager I was obsessed with Tool, but as I got older I grew to loathe Maynard Keenan. One one end, he's got a seriously pseudo-intellectual thing going on, as any old interviews (circa Aenima or Lateralus) with him will testify too. On the other, he's got this really bizarre sense of humor where you'll go to see a show and he'll just crack jokes about anal sex the whole time. Finally, he's got his political side, where he seems to unleash his own inner (less articulate) Keith Olbermann. I still like Tool alot, and throughout high school I was obsessed with them, but I simply can't bear listening to Maynard James Keenan talk. That goes for his live banter, too.

I'll update this with more as I think of them. Until then, you guys have a go  :tup
 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: zxlkho on July 10, 2011, 10:49:49 PM
I tend to ignore it for the most part. Maynard, Dave Mustaine, and Mike Portnoy are very good examples. It really doesn't cause me to think any lower of the music.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: ClairvoyantCat on July 10, 2011, 10:56:10 PM
John Lennon. 

I grew up from a very, very early age with my favorite song being "I am the Walrus," and with my youthful mind being what it was, I always imagined the guy behind it to be a walrus-looking character.  Then one day I saw an actual performance of them and realized that he did not actually resemble a walrus in any way.  Everything fell apart. 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Accelerando on July 10, 2011, 10:58:13 PM
John Lennon. 

I grew up from a very, very early age with my favorite song being "I am the Walrus," and with my youthful mind being what it was, I always imagined the guy behind it to be a walrus-looking character.  Then one day I saw an actual performance of them and realized that he did not actually resemble a walrus in any way.  Everything fell apart. 

 :lol
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: zxlkho on July 10, 2011, 11:00:07 PM
:rollin
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: KevShmev on July 10, 2011, 11:02:25 PM
Or, is anyone able to simply get passed the obnoxiousness an simply enjoy the music?
 

I can always do that.  The quality of the music is ultimately what matters the most, and if the music is good, I don't care if the biggest d-bags in the world wrote it. :lol

But for me, the best example of this is Roger Waters.  I can still enjoy Floyd's music and Amused to Death (his one great solo album) to death despite him being a very unlikeable guy.  
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: dongringo on July 10, 2011, 11:03:32 PM
Usually I'm able to overlook it, but when the artist puts out a crap album, then it's a different story. Geoff Tate for example. I could overlook the fact that he hired outside writers to help write OM:ll and American Soldier. And I could overlook the caberet tour even though I used to think he had class, when in reality he's a sleeze bag. But as soon as he put out that piece of garbage called Dedicated To Chaos, I lost any respect I had left for the man.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 10, 2011, 11:12:28 PM
Geoff Tate is a good example. As is Ryan's Dave Mustaine pick. Haven't listened to his music much, but if I did I'd know his ranting is something I'd have to get past. The Portnoy pick is also interesting. He's a little self-congratulating, and has a tendency to be hyperbolic. It never bothered me when he was in DT, but when I see things like in the A7X interview that came out a couple months ago where he says (sic) "I spent every single hour of my life for the fans" in a response to a question about how he's taking the fans being less positive towards him, it's hard for me to take his side. Kinda like it's hard to feel sorry for someone when they keep telling you that you should. But I'm hoping this is all just a phase he's going through in his transition from being in DT to doing new things because, on the flipside, he's an awesome showman and the better parts of his personality really shine when you see him playing up close, smiling and interacting with fans.

Another guy who's kinda like this with me is Bob Dylan. Love the music, but he always acted like a complete d-bag in front of the press. I borrowed a book of interviews with him from the library awhile back and couldn't get through it. 60s and 70s Dylan is a raving lunatic. 80s Dylan is obnoxiously preachy. Now he's just kinda like a maleavolent troll, but I suppose it's better than what he once was.

For reference to Dylan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjXAFEZUBGY

Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: zxlkho on July 10, 2011, 11:15:38 PM
Holy lol that interview.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Adami on July 10, 2011, 11:18:41 PM
Daniel Gildenlow.


He is without a doubt my favorite singer/songwriter and in my opinion one of the greatest to have ever lived. However his personality since Scarsick or so just makes me want to punch him in the face. And he is constantly getting more and more and more self involved, it's disgusting. While I usually wouldn't let it bother me, it's leaking over into his music and that bothers me.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: KevShmev on July 10, 2011, 11:24:47 PM
The Portnoy pick is also interesting. He's a little self-congratulating, and has a tendency to be hyperbolic. It never bothered me when he was in DT, but when I see things like in the A7X interview that came out a couple months ago where he says (sic) "I spent every single hour of my life for the fans" in a response to a question about how he's taking the fans being less positive towards him, it's hard for me to take his side. Kinda like it's hard to feel sorry for someone when they keep telling you that you should. But I'm hoping this is all just a phase he's going through in his transition from being in DT to doing new things because, on the flipside, he's an awesome showman and the better parts of his personality really shine when you see him playing up close, smiling and interacting with fans.


I generally agree with this.  I think the problem is that he worries too much about the fans, what they want, and their reactions.  He is clearly bothered when he feels he isn't given enough attention for everything he does, which is why he is constantly reminding everyone of all of the little things he does.  That is textbook Psychology 101.  Or in the case of the recent DT drama, he obviously wants everyone to believe his side of the story and to think that DT isn't as good without him.  So, really, it is a double-edged sword with him, as he wouldn't be who he is without doing all of the stuff he does, but the fact that he takes everything so personally is also part of it.  His personality dictates that you cannot have one without the other. 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Gadough on July 10, 2011, 11:39:01 PM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: contest_sanity on July 10, 2011, 11:50:42 PM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

So I guess ICP's Right-Minded and Serious Isolationists DVD must have really put you off.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: dongringo on July 11, 2011, 12:18:01 AM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

I can understand what you're saying somewhat, but shouldn't you be happy when you see someone happy? I guess because half my family have bi-polar/depression, I never want to see someone else in that boat. Not a good way to go through life.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Zook on July 11, 2011, 12:24:38 AM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

Would you have been entertained if the DVD consisted of 2 hours of them moping around?

My pick is Jon Schaffer. The guy is completely off his rocker, but I still support him. I have what Wolfking has with Queensryche, although Iced Earth isn't nearly as bad. Not even close.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Gadough on July 11, 2011, 12:29:09 AM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

I can understand what you're saying somewhat, but shouldn't you be happy when you see someone happy? I guess because half my family have bi-polar/depression, I never want to see someone else in that boat. Not a good way to go through life.

I didn't really mean it that way. Keep in mind that I was 12 or 13 years old, in junior high. I was going through that phase where I thought it was cool to be dark and mysterious. When my idols turned out to not be who I thought they were, it through me for a loop and made me question if it was cool to be "psuedo-goth." I was just an immature little kid. I got a lot of enjoyment out of the DVD after the shock wore off.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 02:27:22 AM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

Funny thing is, this has happened with a number of rock stars over the decades.  Back in the mid seventies, kids were shocked the first time they saw Alice Copper on tv acting and dressed like a normal dude, not the monster he portrayed on stage.  I guess that's just your perceptions as a kid; you really want to believe that your idols are these Gods on some Olympus of Rock, and not just normal, everyday people trying to pay the bills in their own way, a way which happens to be highly entertaining.  I guess most just grow out of it eventually and accept rock stars as normal people (except for those religious crazies that really do believe Ozzy Osbourne and Dio are agents of Satan).

As for the topic of this thread, there are a lot of artists I thoroughly enjoy who's perspective on life I completely disagree with, but as for people who's personalities I find really irritating, even if I do enjoy their music...............  the top spot easily goes to Geoff Tate.  Between his public comments, his blatant attempts to re-write his own history, and the way he has run his band into the ground over the past decade and a half, I find the man intolerable.  Alexi Laiho comes in as a really close second, though.  His inability to just keep his mouth shut about other bands really pisses me off.  Zack Wilde is pretty bad, too.  Great Guitarist, but a shitty attitude.  Andrew Eldritch is up there as well; it's mostly the fault of his ego that Sisters of Mercy can't maintain a stable lineup.  Oh, and of course, Lars Ulrich.

Conversely, I can think of a number of artists who have a reputation for being total d-bags, but who based off interviews and other media, really don't seem all that bad in comparison to some of the people I just mentioned.  Yngwie Malmsteen and Blackie Lawless in particular seem to have had their reputations blown waaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of propotion.  I really don't think Mike Portnoy is all that bad, either; not by a long shot.  He doesn't seem like that bad of a person, he just needs to 1) learn when not to say anything, and 2) be a bit less of an OCD control-freak.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Zydar on July 11, 2011, 02:31:16 AM
I'm a Kiss fan but can't stand Gene Simmons and his opinions. It doesn't take away from the music.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 02:38:43 AM
I'm a Kiss fan but can't stand Gene Simmons and his opinions. It doesn't take away from the music.

Yeah, Gene can be pretty bad.  I dunno though, he doesn't really bother me as much as some of these other guys..........
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Ravenheart on July 11, 2011, 02:41:31 AM
 Andrew Eldritch is up there as well; it's mostly the fault of his ego that Sisters of Mercy can't maintain a stable lineup.
Yeah. As much as I love Eldritch, his attitude always sucked.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 11, 2011, 02:44:52 AM
The Portnoy pick is also interesting. He's a little self-congratulating, and has a tendency to be hyperbolic. It never bothered me when he was in DT, but when I see things like in the A7X interview that came out a couple months ago where he says (sic) "I spent every single hour of my life for the fans" in a response to a question about how he's taking the fans being less positive towards him, it's hard for me to take his side. Kinda like it's hard to feel sorry for someone when they keep telling you that you should. But I'm hoping this is all just a phase he's going through in his transition from being in DT to doing new things because, on the flipside, he's an awesome showman and the better parts of his personality really shine when you see him playing up close, smiling and interacting with fans.


I generally agree with this.  I think the problem is that he worries too much about the fans, what they want, and their reactions.  He is clearly bothered when he feels he isn't given enough attention for everything he does, which is why he is constantly reminding everyone of all of the little things he does.  That is textbook Psychology 101.  Or in the case of the recent DT drama, he obviously wants everyone to believe his side of the story and to think that DT isn't as good without him.  So, really, it is a double-edged sword with him, as he wouldn't be who he is without doing all of the stuff he does, but the fact that he takes everything so personally is also part of it.  His personality dictates that you cannot have one without the other. 

Yeah, totally. It's kinda like when you're growing up and your dad disciplines you for something by saying"I've been working my ass off, and it's all been for you!" It may or may not be true, but either way, it certainly doesn't help your dad get through whatever it is he was trying to get through to you. It just makes the situation more dramatic.

But, regardless, as I think about it I still wouldn't file Mike into the "can't stand 'em" category. My patience with him around this DT stuff is growing a bit thin, but he's still alright in my book.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 11, 2011, 02:49:58 AM
I wouldn't put Mike in the douche category at all.  I'd say he's just a case of a rather immature and possibly emotionally unstable, but well meaning guy who really could use a bit more thought before taking action on his convictions.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 03:07:20 AM
The Portnoy pick is also interesting. He's a little self-congratulating, and has a tendency to be hyperbolic. It never bothered me when he was in DT, but when I see things like in the A7X interview that came out a couple months ago where he says (sic) "I spent every single hour of my life for the fans" in a response to a question about how he's taking the fans being less positive towards him, it's hard for me to take his side. Kinda like it's hard to feel sorry for someone when they keep telling you that you should. But I'm hoping this is all just a phase he's going through in his transition from being in DT to doing new things because, on the flipside, he's an awesome showman and the better parts of his personality really shine when you see him playing up close, smiling and interacting with fans.


I generally agree with this.  I think the problem is that he worries too much about the fans, what they want, and their reactions.  He is clearly bothered when he feels he isn't given enough attention for everything he does, which is why he is constantly reminding everyone of all of the little things he does.  That is textbook Psychology 101.  Or in the case of the recent DT drama, he obviously wants everyone to believe his side of the story and to think that DT isn't as good without him.  So, really, it is a double-edged sword with him, as he wouldn't be who he is without doing all of the stuff he does, but the fact that he takes everything so personally is also part of it.  His personality dictates that you cannot have one without the other.  

You know, throughout all the online drama that happened during the fallout of Mike leaving DT, I never viewed him as seeking attention.  If that was all he wanted, then he would have been happy with seeing his tweets and forum posts plastered all over Blabbermouth and other rock websites.  The issue with Mike is that he is constantly seeking validation for his actions; he wants to know that everyone agrees with him on the choices he made.  He genuinely believed that he was in the right trying to get Dream Theater to take an indefinite hiatus just because he was "burnt out on DT", despite the fact that the careers of four other people were on the line, and neither his bandmates or the majority of the fans wanted a break of 5+ years.  I think when he got rebuked twice so badly (first by the band when the choose to continue on without him, then by the fans when many of them openly disagreed with his idea of a protracted hiatus and the whole way he handled the situation), it came a quite a shock to him.  I think that betrays a very fragile ego if he really needs all the fans to agree with him about everything he does in order for him to feel confident in his chosen course of action, and the fact that he attempted to rejoin DT only a few months after he left simply proves it.

All things considered, though, that's really not that bad of a personality flaw.  A lot of the musicians mentioned here are way worse..........
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 03:16:00 AM
 Andrew Eldritch is up there as well; it's mostly the fault of his ego that Sisters of Mercy can't maintain a stable lineup.
Yeah. As much as I love Eldritch, his attitude always sucked.

His whole dismissal of the goth scene really irritated me, too.  I can understand why he doesn't want that tag applied to the band (because he wants to keep their artistic options open), but for him to deny that SoM had anything to do with the whole goth explosion in the late 80's/early 90's when many of those bands were so very, very obviously influenced by him and the Sisters always struck me as insufferably arrogant.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 11, 2011, 03:16:14 AM
I wouldn't put Mike in the douche category at all.  I'd say he's just a case of a rather immature and possibly emotionally unstable, but well meaning guy who really could use a bit more thought before taking action on his convictions.

There's a huge area between douchey and merely disappointing. As far as Mike's emotions go, I have no idea. But I think people have to remember that he's a recovered alcohol/drug addict. People who make it through the other side of life-threatening addictions are really strong for doing so, but getting through all that without bringing a couple of psychological hang-ups along the way is almost impossible.

Quote
All things considered, though, that's really not that bad of a personality flaw.  A lot of the musicians mentioned here are way worse..........

Yeah, all things considered, Portnoy's done good and bad by his fans. But, compared to the caliber of immature rockstars we're mentioning elsewhere in this thread, he's really a pretty small fish. I hope this thread won't turn into another massive DTF arm-chair pyscho-analysis of him.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 03:20:30 AM
I hope this thread won't turn into another massive DTF arm-chair pyscho-analysis of him.   :biggrin:

Then I propose we turn it into a massive DTF arm-chair pyscho-analysis of someone else.  Since he has been mentioned so much already here, and since I found his latest album to be near-unlistenable, I nominate Geoff Tate!
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Ravenheart on July 11, 2011, 03:23:44 AM
 Andrew Eldritch is up there as well; it's mostly the fault of his ego that Sisters of Mercy can't maintain a stable lineup.
Yeah. As much as I love Eldritch, his attitude always sucked.

His whole dismissal of the goth scene really irritated me, too.  I can understand why he doesn't want that tag applied to the band (because he wants to keep their artistic options open), but for him to deny that SoM had anything to do with the whole goth explosion in the late 80's/early 90's when many of those bands were so very, very obviously influenced by him and the Sisters always struck me as insufferably arrogant.
I've always been baffled by that, especially since Patricia was chosen not only because she was musically talented but because she also fit the bill of goth girl. Their music is the epitome of goth, whether Eldritch likes it or not. Is it really such a bad thing? I'm a huge fan of goth music and find a good portion of it to be some of the best music ever created.

Robert Smith never liked that The Cure were labeled goth, either. While they definitely had their fare share of more poppy moments, for all intensive purposes, they were goth as well. I don't consider Robert arrogant, though.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: SystematicThought on July 11, 2011, 03:29:46 AM
I'm a Kiss fan but can't stand Gene Simmons and his opinions. It doesn't take away from the music.
I've been watching that reality TV show with him 'Gene Simmon's Family Jewels' He can be so insincere sometimes with his girlfriend and can't see her point of view. I admire his patriotism and his respect for other cultures as well, but his inability to step into someone else's shoes to see how they react to things can kind of be annoying
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 11, 2011, 03:37:13 AM
That show is pretty funny. I watched a couple of episodes, and I'm not entirely convinced that the entire thing isn't completely contrived. Gene sure knows how to sell a product, that's for certain!
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 03:38:26 AM

I've always been baffled by that, especially since Patricia was chosen not only because she was musically talented but because she also fit the bill of goth girl. Their music is the epitome of goth, whether Eldritch likes it or not. Is it really such a bad thing? I'm a huge fan of goth music and find a good portion of it to be some of the best music ever created.

Robert Smith never liked that The Cure were labeled goth, either. While they definitely had their fare share of more poppy moments, for all intensive purposes, they were goth as well. I don't consider Robert arrogant, though.

Yeah, he really shot himself in the foot by making the Sisters of Mercy out to be the original goth band back on First And Last And Always and Floodland, and then later going out of his way to rip on the goth scene at every turn.  Anyone who listens to goth music knows that many bands of that genre don't actually consider themselves to be goth per se, but Eldritch took that attitude to a ridiculous extreme and really alienated a lot of his potential fanbase in the process.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: SystematicThought on July 11, 2011, 03:38:48 AM
That show is pretty funny. I watched a couple of episodes, and I'm not entirely convinced that the entire thing isn't completely contrived. Gene sure knows how to sell a product, that's for certain!
Really smart businessman. I do think some of it set up though, yes.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Ravenheart on July 11, 2011, 03:40:52 AM

I've always been baffled by that, especially since Patricia was chosen not only because she was musically talented but because she also fit the bill of goth girl. Their music is the epitome of goth, whether Eldritch likes it or not. Is it really such a bad thing? I'm a huge fan of goth music and find a good portion of it to be some of the best music ever created.

Robert Smith never liked that The Cure were labeled goth, either. While they definitely had their fare share of more poppy moments, for all intensive purposes, they were goth as well. I don't consider Robert arrogant, though.

Yeah, he really shot himself in the foot by making the Sisters of Mercy out to be the original goth band back on First And Last And Always and Floodland, and then later going out of his way to rip on the goth scene at every turn.  Anyone who listens to goth music knows that many bands of that genre don't actually consider themselves to be goth per se, but Eldritch took that attitude to a ridiculous extreme and really alienated a lot of his potential fanbase in the process.
The funny part, to me at least, is that he also totally fit the bill of goth with the way he dressed. I mean, seriously, it's pretty unmistakable.  :lol
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 11, 2011, 03:44:29 AM
I hope this thread won't turn into another massive DTF arm-chair pyscho-analysis of him.   :biggrin:

Then I propose we turn it into a massive DTF arm-chair pyscho-analysis of someone else.  Since he has been mentioned so much already here, and since I found his latest album to be near-listenable, I nominate Geoff Tate!

Well, for starters, he's incredibly self- centered and believes himself to be infallible because of a massive ego.

His insistence of recording modern pop, in attempt to connect with youth culture may be implying a Peter Pan Complex.

Finally, his joy in having his wife and daughter take part in Vaudeville-like-shows could be an indication of him having a mild exhibitionist/pomp-like mindset.  (Which could explain every decision he's made, regarding QR since 1999 or so)
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 11, 2011, 03:47:25 AM
The funny part, to me at least, is that he also totally fit the bill of goth with the way he dressed. I mean, seriously, it's pretty unmistakable.  :lol

Well, in all fairness to him, he really kind of helped define the whole "goth" look before it was actually a fully developed sub-culture and fashion statement in it's own right (and it's actually still pretty ill-defined as it is! :D ).  But yeah, looking at the videos for "Lucretia" or "This Corrosion" today, and it's like having 80's goth fashion bite you in the face!  :lol

Amazing videos, though, and the 80's goth look rocks regardless!
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Ravenheart on July 11, 2011, 04:14:28 AM
The funny part, to me at least, is that he also totally fit the bill of goth with the way he dressed. I mean, seriously, it's pretty unmistakable.  :lol

Well, in all fairness to him, he really kind of helped define the whole "goth" look before it was actually a fully developed sub-culture and fashion statement in it's own right (and it's actually still pretty ill-defined as it is! :D ).  But yeah, looking at the videos for "Lucretia" or "This Corrosion" today, and it's like having 80's goth fashion bite you in the face!  :lol

Amazing videos, though, and the 80's goth look rocks regardless!
Indeed. The 80s are my favorite goth period.  :millahhhh
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 11, 2011, 04:16:58 AM
Mike Portnoy, ass and balls, etc. etc.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 11, 2011, 04:26:55 AM
I'm usually able to get past the artists's obnoxiousness when listening to their music. I primarily listen to classical music and jazz. Because most of the great artists in those genres are/were pretty much arrogant assholes, I don't really have much of a choice.

There's Charles Mingus, who habitually knocked people's teeth out when they didn't agree with him and threw his band members off stage when they didn't play well enough. Keith Jarrett, whose bandmates wouldn't even talk to him for 10 years and who regularly stops halfway through concerts and insults the audience when people cough. Miles Davis, who said a lot of very nasty things about white people, and regularly abused women, which he was quite proud of.

There's Richard Wagner whose personality and anti-semitic ideas have often been compared with those of Adolf Hitler, Bruckner who was a necrophiliac, Lully who was a rampant pedophile who hated Italians (even though he was himself Italian), Brahms whose favourite pastime was to sit at in front of an open window and attempt to kill neighbourhood cats with a bow and arrow, the misanthropic and arrogant Beethoven who caused his nephew to commit suicide, Mozart who rather paid for booze than food for his family etc.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 11, 2011, 04:31:10 AM
How could you have forgotten about kind old Buddy Rich?  You know, the one who's rants towards his bandmates linger on long after his death in the form of bootleg cassettes. 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 11, 2011, 05:32:17 AM
How could you have forgotten about kind old Buddy Rich?  You know, the one who's rants towards his bandmates linger on long after his death in the form of bootleg cassettes. 

Well, you could fill up this whole page with douchebaggish jazz musicians, so I had to leave a lot of them out. Mr. Rich definitely deserves a spot though.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 11, 2011, 05:33:20 AM
I'm usually able to get past the artists's obnoxiousness when listening to their music. I primarily listen to classical music and jazz. Because most of the great artists in those genres are/were pretty much arrogant assholes, I don't really have much of a choice.

There's Charles Mingus, who habitually knocked people's teeth out when they didn't agree with him and threw his band members off stage when they didn't play well enough. Keith Jarrett, whose bandmates wouldn't even talk to him for 10 years and who regularly stops halfway through concerts and insults the audience when people cough. Miles Davis, who said a lot of very nasty things about white people, and regularly abused women, which he was quite proud of.

There's Richard Wagner whose personality and anti-semitic ideas have often been compared with those of Adolf Hitler, Bruckner who was a necrophiliac, Lully who was a rampant pedophile who hated Italians (even though he was himself Italian), Brahms whose favourite pastime was to sit at in front of an open window and attempt to kill neighbourhood cats with a bow and arrow, the misanthropic and arrogant Beethoven who caused his nephew to commit suicide, Mozart who rather paid for booze than food for his family etc.

By far the most interesting response so far. Amadeus is a great film, by the way. I'd ask you if you've seen it, but nearly everyone who really loves classical music has so I won't bother  ;D
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 11, 2011, 05:56:27 AM
I'm usually able to get past the artists's obnoxiousness when listening to their music. I primarily listen to classical music and jazz. Because most of the great artists in those genres are/were pretty much arrogant assholes, I don't really have much of a choice.

There's Charles Mingus, who habitually knocked people's teeth out when they didn't agree with him and threw his band members off stage when they didn't play well enough. Keith Jarrett, whose bandmates wouldn't even talk to him for 10 years and who regularly stops halfway through concerts and insults the audience when people cough. Miles Davis, who said a lot of very nasty things about white people, and regularly abused women, which he was quite proud of.

There's Richard Wagner whose personality and anti-semitic ideas have often been compared with those of Adolf Hitler, Bruckner who was a necrophiliac, Lully who was a rampant pedophile who hated Italians (even though he was himself Italian), Brahms whose favourite pastime was to sit at in front of an open window and attempt to kill neighbourhood cats with a bow and arrow, the misanthropic and arrogant Beethoven who caused his nephew to commit suicide, Mozart who rather paid for booze than food for his family etc.

By far the most interesting response so far. Amadeus is a great film, by the way. I'd ask you if you've seen it, but nearly everyone who really loves classical music has so I won't bother  ;D

Yeah, I've seen it. It was pretty good, but there were some inaccuracies that could have been avoided. For example, in the movie Mozart says he doesn't like Händel's style, while Händel is one of his biggest influences. He is also asked to play a piece of Bach, but during the period in which Mozart lived Bach had been long forgotten. Mozart did know about Bach, but there's no way a random person at a party in the 1700s could know Bach.

I've also read that in the movie Mozart is depicted as a far more civilised and friendly person than he actually was, so that should give you an idea of what his personality was like.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: ReaperKK on July 11, 2011, 07:08:10 AM
I don't think anyone has really bothered me with the exception of Maynard. What makes it worse is his fans, I can deal with his rants but then having people explain to me why he is so deep drives me nuts.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: sirbradford117 on July 11, 2011, 07:25:05 AM
Axl Rose, anyone??
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 07:27:26 AM
If I can listen to Megadeth, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater and even Tool or Pain of Salvation on occasion without letting the people behind the music get to me, I think I'm immune to any kind of annoying or douchebaggy artist trying to get in the way of enjoying my music.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Zook on July 11, 2011, 07:33:12 AM
If I can listen to Megadeth, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater and even Tool or Pain of Salvation on occasion without letting the people behind the music get to me, I think I'm immune to any kind of annoying or douchebaggy artist trying to get in the way of enjoying my music.

Yeah, I try not to let John Myung's pseudo-intellectual rants ruin my Dream Theater listening experience.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 07:35:24 AM
I was referring more to Mike Portnoy's behavior following his departure. 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 11, 2011, 07:40:45 AM
I was referring more to Mike Portnoy's behavior following his departure. 

What Portnoy did/said wasn't that bad. A random 10 second clip from the Buddy Rich tapes contains worse insults to other musicians than Portnoy has made over the course of his entire career. It's not nearly as bad as the whole Roger Waters situation either.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 07:48:15 AM
Oh I agree.  I don't consider MP to be a douchebag or anything.  Its just the way he was acting that I found kind of annoying (kind of like Gildenlow, to be honest). 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: King Postwhore on July 11, 2011, 07:56:33 AM
I'm with sky.  Though something said like MP of Roger Waters bugs me, it doesn't stop me from listening to the music.

2 great examples is Steve Perry and Dennis DeYoung.  They have always been asses but it hasn't stopped me from listen to their music.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Zook on July 11, 2011, 08:01:52 AM
I was referring more to Mike Portnoy's behavior following his departure. 

Well can you show some pseudo-intellectual rants by Myung then, cause I was just joking.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 08:04:52 AM
No one jokes on this forum Zook.  I came in to have a serious discussion.  Don't sully the intellectual integrity of this board by "joking."
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 11, 2011, 08:06:15 AM
(https://kcimprov.com/missions/01/20.jpg)
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 08:08:19 AM
That looks an awful lot like a joke, ITNOR.  How dare you.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Zook on July 11, 2011, 08:11:38 AM
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fvb1PyJCfnc/TUTiNnTbnDI/AAAAAAAAAfs/KS6Xs4FAbMw/s1600/joker_poster_crop1.jpg)
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: King Postwhore on July 11, 2011, 08:27:30 AM
Matt is right.  The joking belongs in this thread-----> Skydivingninja's Top 50 Albums v. Not this crap again!
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 09:09:33 AM
Exactly!
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: bout to crash on July 11, 2011, 11:17:56 AM
John Lennon. 

I grew up from a very, very early age with my favorite song being "I am the Walrus," and with my youthful mind being what it was, I always imagined the guy behind it to be a walrus-looking character.  Then one day I saw an actual performance of them and realized that he did not actually resemble a walrus in any way.  Everything fell apart. 
:rollin :rollin

Daniel Gildenlow.


He is without a doubt my favorite singer/songwriter and in my opinion one of the greatest to have ever lived. However his personality since Scarsick or so just makes me want to punch him in the face. And he is constantly getting more and more and more self involved, it's disgusting. While I usually wouldn't let it bother me, it's leaking over into his music and that bothers me.

Can you give me some examples? I really haven't been following what's going on with him in the past few years but it makes me sad to hear this since he has always been so concerned about what is going on in the world, etc...

If I can listen to Megadeth, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater and even Tool or Pain of Salvation on occasion without letting the people behind the music get to me, I think I'm immune to any kind of annoying or douchebaggy artist trying to get in the way of enjoying my music.

Yeah, I try not to let John Myung's pseudo-intellectual rants ruin my Dream Theater listening experience.


:neverusethis:

I'm usually able to get past the artists's obnoxiousness when listening to their music. I primarily listen to classical music and jazz. Because most of the great artists in those genres are/were pretty much arrogant assholes, I don't really have much of a choice.

There's Charles Mingus, who habitually knocked people's teeth out when they didn't agree with him and threw his band members off stage when they didn't play well enough. Keith Jarrett, whose bandmates wouldn't even talk to him for 10 years and who regularly stops halfway through concerts and insults the audience when people cough. Miles Davis, who said a lot of very nasty things about white people, and regularly abused women, which he was quite proud of.

There's Richard Wagner whose personality and anti-semitic ideas have often been compared with those of Adolf Hitler, Bruckner who was a necrophiliac, Lully who was a rampant pedophile who hated Italians (even though he was himself Italian), Brahms whose favourite pastime was to sit at in front of an open window and attempt to kill neighbourhood cats with a bow and arrow, the misanthropic and arrogant Beethoven who caused his nephew to commit suicide, Mozart who rather paid for booze than food for his family etc.

 :tup :lol :tup

God I love Mingus.

Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 11:23:41 AM
I think the thing that really got me annoyed with Gildenlow was when Obama was elected.  He was like "We've decided to lift our embargo on the US," all because of President Obama, as if this were a monumental occasion, and letting that whole fingerprinting thing they were so angry about slide.  Wonder how they feel about him now?  :lol
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Global Laziness on July 11, 2011, 11:34:05 AM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

I can understand what you're saying somewhat, but shouldn't you be happy when you see someone happy? I guess because half my family have bi-polar/depression, I never want to see someone else in that boat. Not a good way to go through life.

I didn't really mean it that way. Keep in mind that I was 12 or 13 years old, in junior high. I was going through that phase where I thought it was cool to be dark and mysterious. When my idols turned out to not be who I thought they were, it through me for a loop and made me question if it was cool to be "psuedo-goth." I was just an immature little kid. I got a lot of enjoyment out of the DVD after the shock wore off.

*imagines a 12-year-old goth version of Hank Hill*

 :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: skydivingninja on July 11, 2011, 11:35:41 AM
"Life is nothing but propain."
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 11, 2011, 12:34:40 PM
"Life is nothing but propain."

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Propane-2D-Skeletal.svg/200px-Propane-2D-Skeletal.svg.png)
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 11, 2011, 12:36:53 PM
"Life is nothing but propain."

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Propane-2D-Skeletal.svg/200px-Propane-2D-Skeletal.svg.png)

Hmm.. do you think he's a fan of Pro-Pain?
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 11, 2011, 04:15:19 PM
Gildenlow really annoyed me when Scarsick came out, and I took his principled stand against touring the United States to be more of a personal insult. But I've kinda gotten over it.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 11, 2011, 04:19:07 PM
Gildenlow really annoyed me when Scarsick came out, and I took his principled stand against touring the United States to be more of a personal insult. But I've kinda gotten over it.

Try being a fan of German/Scandinavian power metal. 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 11, 2011, 04:21:49 PM
Why's that?
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 11, 2011, 04:31:43 PM
Why's that?

Most of them rarely (if ever) come to my side of the pond. 
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: dongringo on July 12, 2011, 05:31:53 PM
I grew up with the band Korn. In junior high, I got their Deuce DVD, which is basically a compilation of footage of the band members fucking around. I remember being shocked at how happy and goofy they were. After a few years of listening to their incredibly dark lyrics and music, seeing them cracking jokes and laughing for 2 hours really weirded me out. Their personalities did not match the music they played, and that bothered me. It made Korn seem...I dunno. Insincere. I was expecting them to be mopey, depressed goth guys. When that turned out to be the opposite of what they were really like, it did disappoint me a little.

I can understand what you're saying somewhat, but shouldn't you be happy when you see someone happy? I guess because half my family have bi-polar/depression, I never want to see someone else in that boat. Not a good way to go through life.

I didn't really mean it that way. Keep in mind that I was 12 or 13 years old, in junior high. I was going through that phase where I thought it was cool to be dark and mysterious. When my idols turned out to not be who I thought they were, it through me for a loop and made me question if it was cool to be "psuedo-goth." I was just an immature little kid. I got a lot of enjoyment out of the DVD after the shock wore off.

Makes more sense now. All good then.  :metal
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Kosmo on July 12, 2011, 06:14:13 PM
Timo Tolkki comes to mind. Sure he has his illness and all that shite but still the guy is a total and utter douche.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Gadough on July 12, 2011, 06:16:14 PM
"Life is nothing but propain."

:clap:
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 12, 2011, 06:19:07 PM
Timo Tolkki comes to mind. Sure he has his illness and all that shite but still the guy is a total and utter douche.

I'd like to hear some more about him.  I LOVE horror stories of self-centered, egotistical power metal frontmen.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: WildeSilas on July 12, 2011, 09:27:24 PM
Sebastian Bach. No further comment necessary.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Jirpo on July 12, 2011, 09:28:19 PM
I don't really think about it, take Burzum for example :p

Although, it is nice to know members of my favourite bands (Iron Maiden, Dream Theater) are not complete psychos and all is well in their bands :)
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MetalManiac666 on July 12, 2011, 09:29:58 PM
Sebastian Bach. No further comment necessary.

Which one?










:splodetard:
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Adami on July 12, 2011, 09:35:57 PM
Timo Tolkki comes to mind. Sure he has his illness and all that shite but still the guy is a total and utter douche.

I'd like to hear some more about him.  I LOVE horror stories of self-centered, egotistical power metal frontmen.   :biggrin:

(https://metalitalia.com/wp-content/imported/cms/images/bands/s/stratovarius/tolkki_blood.jpg)
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 12, 2011, 09:39:33 PM
Timo Tolkki comes to mind. Sure he has his illness and all that shite but still the guy is a total and utter douche.

I'd like to hear some more about him.  I LOVE horror stories of self-centered, egotistical power metal frontmen.   :biggrin:

(https://metalitalia.com/wp-content/imported/cms/images/bands/s/stratovarius/tolkki_blood.jpg)

What the hell is this, and why?
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: In The Name Of Rudess on July 13, 2011, 12:58:11 AM
Sebastian Bach. No further comment necessary.

Which one?

lolol
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: The Dark Master on July 13, 2011, 12:59:40 AM
Timo Tolkki comes to mind. Sure he has his illness and all that shite but still the guy is a total and utter douche.

I'd like to hear some more about him.  I LOVE horror stories of self-centered, egotistical power metal frontmen.   :biggrin:

(https://metalitalia.com/wp-content/imported/cms/images/bands/s/stratovarius/tolkki_blood.jpg)

Ahhhhhhh, Timo Tolkki.  I remember that whole Popkiller fiasco with Miss K, a time when the banhammer flew freely across the official Stratovarius forum for saying anything that even remotely disagreed with the course Timo Tolkki had laid out for the band.  And then the forced reunion that followed and that bizarre self titled album..................   I think that whole period was one of the oddest chapters in the history of metal.  Oh well, at least TT seems to have found his muse again with Symfonia.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Kosmo on July 13, 2011, 10:08:32 AM
What the hell is this, and why?
Fake promo shots taken during the time when Timo Kotipelto (the singer) and Jörg Michael (the drummer) ''left'' the band and Tolkki hired a female vocalist and the drummer from Hammerfall who happens to be Jens Johansson's brother. This all was later revealed as a publicity stunt.

And then there was the time Tolkki supposedly got stabbed in Spain.  There were two photos where he had like bandages, looked fake as hell. Publicity stunt too.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: Zook on July 13, 2011, 12:02:59 PM
That's pretty lame.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: snowdog on July 13, 2011, 01:03:08 PM
Daniel Gildenlow.


He is without a doubt my favorite singer/songwriter and in my opinion one of the greatest to have ever lived. However his personality since Scarsick or so just makes me want to punch him in the face. And he is constantly getting more and more and more self involved, it's disgusting. While I usually wouldn't let it bother me, it's leaking over into his music and that bothers me.
I agree that what he started doing on Scarsick was just annoying.  The lyrics in that album just felt like him being on a soapbox the entire time (parts of Be felt this way too though not as bad).  What really attracted me to PoS was the personal stories that they had in TPE and RL.  I knew he had those opinions back in the day but I don't want it pervading into the music.  And hey I even agree with a lot of the things he was saying on Scarsick, it just isn't what I want to hear when I listen to music.

The whole fingerprinting thing really pissed me off.  I understand taking a stand about something you believe in.  But to do so at the expense of your fans is really giving your fans the middle finger.  That's how it felt to me at any rate.  And that's really when my love of PoS and Gildenlow in particular began to wane.

In general I hate when artists give their rants in concerts.  Maynard didn't bring up any political crap the two times I've seen Tool fortunately.  But some of the live recordings of people like Zappa (particularly the '88 tour) were so annoying that I just wanted him to shut up and play some music.
Title: Re: When the man (or woman) behind the music is disappointing
Post by: MasterShakezula on July 13, 2011, 01:07:34 PM
In general I hate when artists give their rants in concerts.  Maynard didn't bring up any political crap the two times I've seen Tool fortunately.  But some of the live recordings of people like Zappa (particularly the '88 tour) were so annoying that I just wanted him to shut up and play some music.

I've heard that Zappa's '88 tour was uber-didactic.  Would you care to elaborate on the shit that went down there?