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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: shadystraz360 on November 15, 2017, 08:53:28 AM
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Someone was discussing this in a FB page and it brought me here to find out what you DT fanatics feel on this subject
Now me. I am a huge DT fan. Have every album including several bootlegs..
Even saw TA live.
But some i know that went to see the I&W&B show said that JLB looked fedup and not as enthusiastic as he has been in the past...
I never saw these shows so i dont know. But it concerns me for DT's future. Especially now that they are taking a break. Is this one of the causes? Are they giving him time to rest?
Is anyone else concerned about this and perhaps reckon he should hang up his boots for DT's sake?
Obviously voices change with age but thats not what worries me. Is James getting fed up and bored?
Anyone else see this or feels this way?
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I'm being completely honest, if he ever looks frustrated, it's probably because he's singing in ball-crunchingly difficult vocal territory every night for god knows how many months on this IW&Beyond tour and he's straining. I don't think James is tired of DT at all. They just need to hang up the stupidly high-register songs after this tour and cater to his strengths. Singing within a comfortable range makes a live show so much better.
My two cents, he seemed completely happy both times I've seen him in the last year.
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He was absolutely awesome in Chicago. He hasn't sounded that good in years. He also engaged the audience very well and was really funny when talking. I give him an A+ for that show.
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But some i know that went to see the I&W&B show said that JLB looked fedup and not as enthusiastic as he has been in the past...
Happens to everybody. Difficult passages to sing, toll of touring, maybe some technical problems like his in-ear monitors, etc... I've seen James on both good nights and ad nights (more good than bad) and I've seen him pissed off as well (it was a in-ear monitor issue where it took like 3 songs to fix, after that his mood changed). I wouldn't read more than it is. If James was unhappy with DT, he would have said subtle things in his interviews.
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But some i know that went to see the I&W&B show said that JLB looked fedup and not as enthusiastic as he has been in the past...
Happens to everybody. Difficult passages to sing, toll of touring, maybe some technical problems like his in-ear monitors, etc... I've seen James on both good nights and ad nights (more good than bad) and I've seen him pissed off as well (it was a in-ear monitor issue where it took like 3 songs to fix, after that his mood changed). I wouldn't read more than it is. If James was unhappy with DT, he would have said subtle things in his interviews.
Oh yh there are many factors.... i remember during TA show. He had to rush back to the Mic a few times as he nearly forgot he had to sing.
But someone else mentioned that DT was asked to take a break 7 yrs ago. They refused and now decide to take a break now after it looked as if JLB wasnt "his usual self"..
Which no doubt starts up more questions than answers..
It just got me thinking that what would happen to DT if JLB left and another singer came to front the mic.. would they be better of or wont they?
Just food for thought as i know others have noticed (whether they are in this forum or not)....
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But someone else mentioned that DT was asked to take a break 7 yrs ago. They refused and now decide to take a break now after it looked as if JLB wasnt "his usual self"..
??? I'm confused on this...
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Well, they have to be more specific about which shows because in the DT concert here in Manila, he was very enthusiastic. Especially loved the guy wearing the shirt "James LaBrie is the tits."
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They are not taking a break.... Petrucci has a tour with G3 in spring which is why they do not head straight into the studio
This is nothing like MPs demand for the band to take an indefinite hiatus while he was out playing with younger bands....
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And JLB would do his next solo album. Mangini would be drumming for JP (right?) and also work on his first solo album.
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And JLB would do his next solo album. Mangini would be drumming for JP (right?) and also work on his first solo album.
They are not taking a break.... Petrucci has a tour with G3 in spring which is why they do not head straight into the studio
This is nothing like MPs demand for the band to take an indefinite hiatus while he was out playing with younger bands....
It was mentioned in a DT Latino forum about Petrucci & Mangini goin on G3 tour. Petrucci workin on another solo album. Others doin other things and will take 2018 as a break and get bsck together in 2019 for a new album....
So it has been mentioned in other forums...
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Petrucci's talked about that solo album for I don't even know how many years now. It's never happening. :lol And that break is not akin to the hiatus Portnoy wanted back in the day.
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Well, they have to be more specific about which shows because in the DT concert here in Manila, he was very enthusiastic. Especially loved the guy wearing the shirt "James LaBrie is the tits."
One gig was in the UK... The other was in Germany...
I cant remember the other place i would need to dig through and find it ..
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I know I posted this reply in another thread but I think it sums up my feelings on this topic.
Yeah the I&W material is where James Struggles the most. I wouldn't be surprised if this tour ends up being a farewell for most of the songs from this album. Apart from occasionally pulling out Pull Me Under or Metropolis.
Also he may need a bit of a break from touring. I'm sure doing 3 hour shows a lot can be taxing let alone at his age. After this tour if they spend a good chunk of the time off the road making a new album I think it would be really good for him. When I saw them at the boston opera house James was basically on point the entire night. He especially nailed the Awake songs so I know he still has some left in the tank.
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It was mentioned in a DT Latino forum about Petrucci & Mangini goin on G3 tour. Petrucci workin on another solo album. Others doin other things and will take 2018 as a break and get bsck together in 2019 for a new album....
So it has been mentioned in other forums...
They will not get back together in 2019 for a new album. What was said was thet they will release the new album in 2019. The album would be composed in 2018.
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But some i know that went to see the I&W&B show said that JLB looked fedup and not as enthusiastic as he has been in the past...
There have been 14 shows on the U.S. leg of the I&W&B tour so far. I have no idea what "some" people on Facebook might have said, but I haven't seen any such comments and, based on my attendance at the Los Angeles show, I would disagree with this sentiment.
it concerns me for DT's future.
Why do you care what a bunch of folks are saying on Facebook?
Especially now that they are taking a break.
They always take breaks at the ends of tours.
Is this one of the causes? Are they giving him time to rest?
I'm sure James will have as much time as he needs to rest his voice. I also think you're making way too much about stuff you read on Facebook.
Is anyone else concerned about this and perhaps reckon he should hang up his boots for DT's sake?
I'm not any more or less concerned about James's voice than I have been for the last 10-15 years.
Obviously voices change with age but thats not what worries me. Is James getting fed up and bored?
No one here knows. You can tweet and ask him or post on one of the message boards on his web site.
Look...as time passes, it becomes more difficult for James to deal with some of the material (especially from the early days of the band's career). He has started changing the vocal melodies on some songs to make it easier for him to sing. Whether he's "fed up" (with what?) or "bored" is something none of us will ever know unless he announces it publicly. Until then don't worry about things that are completely outside your control.
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As with anything, if you are getting your "news" from Facebook comments, you likely aren't getting an accurate picture. :lol
It was mentioned in a DT Latino forum about Petrucci & Mangini goin on G3 tour. Petrucci workin on another solo album. Others doin other things and will take 2018 as a break and get bsck together in 2019 for a new album....
As already discussed by others, this isn't accurate. If you want to know what the band is up to and why, best to see what the band is actually saying or ask someone who actually knows.
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These are comments i have seenOne fella who went up north of the UK said he was less than impressed with a few things from the whole group.
An Italian chap who couldnt make the Italy dates went to Germany and said JLB wasnt as "energetic" as he usually is.
I think there have been a few more than 14 shows..
Also its not about taking facebook seriously... if its 1 person withb1 comment then thats just them. But when you see the same thing appearing in many places over a period of time...
Some on actual DT posts.... then its only natural to think and ask questions...
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Well I have seen the Images and Words and beyond tour 2 times.... once in Stockholm and once in Katowice and to me your post does not make sense.
I had no such thoughts whatsoever from those shows or from any of the other 10 DT shows I have seen.
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https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1890229580994742&id=588847477799632
This is from the Dream Theater Latinoamerica forum...
So its not me making things up. Its from various forums
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Maybe you should put a poll on FB :biggrin:
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I’ve never got the kind of vibe that he’s fed up with DT from James. Frustration with his voice,yes, but nothing more. Saw I&W&B in February and his stage persona was 100% on point despite voice issues
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Saw I&W&B in February and his stage persona was 100% on point despite voice issues
Same here. He was at his very best concerning stage presence and in between banter.
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The only thing that concerns me with JLB at this time is what he's done to his hair.
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https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1890229580994742&id=588847477799632
This is from the Dream Theater Latinoamerica forum...
So its not me making things up. Its from various forums
This is not a full hiatus as MP wanted. This is just the typical break from the touring schedule before they begin writing a new album. This is more or less on what they have been doing for the last album cycles (with or without MP, except for ADTOE since they took longer to write and record due to the drummer situation).
New DT studio releases have been released every 2-3 years. The Astonishing was released in Jan 2016, with about almost two years of touring (including Images Anniversary). DT 12 was released Sept 2013. From January 2016, to 2019 (whenever the new album is released), is going to be about 3 years in between studio releases...
Not sure why are you panicking. I read the comments and I didn't read anything alarming. The news bites posted at the top of the thread is news that is already known.
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The man is 54 years old. I can barely hit the I&W notes and I'm "only" 43. If I sing any DT song full out, I literally can't sing for two days now.
Cut the man some slack. Singing DT is not easy, especially night after night.
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Cut the man some slack. Singing DT is not easy, especially night after night.
Yeah, and also day after day.
Did they ever see the red light
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Cut the man some slack. Singing DT is not easy, especially night after night.
Yeah, and also day after day.
Did they ever see the red light
Especially when one replays the events...over and over...scene by scene....
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Oh man, this thread...
OP - don't worry James is fine. Life advice: don't take FB comments so seriously.
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Can i ask then....
This show
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=BQa4vbwsZKw
In Hamburg...
Listen to the vocals.... is this really DT's standards??
This is the point i am trying to get at...
Skip ahead to 12:48 even and listen...
This is where my concern is. It isnt me... This is from early on in the tour and you can see it on his face. Something isnt right...
Can anyone with a straight face say "WOW, This is AWESOME"..
Im not tryin to beat the guy down but this is not standard JLB. Hence why there has been discussions here and there by some fans...
I just brought it here as no one seemed to wanna ask it...
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Derek, is that you? :lol
Touring is especially hard on vocalists, man, and again, this is one of the most demanding albums for any singer to sing out there. The album is 25 years old, he'd have a hard time singing that live even back then before the food poisoning incident. They're just out there celebrating the album that put them on the prog metal map. They'll be back to singing things within his comfortable range soon. This is just life sometimes.
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Derek, is that you? :lol
:lol
Can i ask then....
This show
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=BQa4vbwsZKw
In Hamburg...
Listen to the vocals.... is this really DT's standards??
This is the point i am trying to get at...
Skip ahead to 12:48 even and listen...
Rough show for James there, no question. But, he's a vocalist in his 50's singing incredibly difficult material, he's going to have good shows and bad shows. From that clip you posted, this was a rough one I'd say. As for the DT standard, I have no clue, and no one here can answer that. Only the band can. MM messed up his pattern in the intro of Metropolis in that clip as well, does that live up to the band standard? I have no clue.
This is where my concern is. It isnt me... This is from early on in the tour and you can see it on his face. Something isnt right...
Can anyone with a straight face say "WOW, This is AWESOME"..
Im not tryin to beat the guy down but this is not standard JLB. Hence why there has been discussions here and there by some fans...
I just brought it here as no one seemed to wanna ask it...
Huh? James' vocals are discussed and dissected all the time here.
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Derek, is that you? :lol
Touring is especially hard on vocalists, man, and again, this is one of the most demanding albums for any singer to sing out there. The album is 25 years old, he'd have a hard time singing that live even back then before the food poisoning incident. They're just out there celebrating the album that put them on the prog metal map. They'll be back to singing things within his comfortable range soon. This is just life sometimes.
Derek????? 😂😂
You're kidding right
You will find im someone else...
Im happy to send you a selfie
Shadystraz is my Space4keys username for the patches i sell on synthonia.
Az is my real name... which is in the Straz name..
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I'm just having fun, my friend. I don't actually think you're Derek :)
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I'm just having fun, my friend. I don't actually think you're Derek :)
Hahahaha....
I didnt want anyone getting the wrong idea 😂😂
Im just a concerned DT fan asking a question to the DT public
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Knowing that you can't do what you used to be able to do on the level you used to be able to do is frustrating. I don't know how old the average forumer is here, but I'm 40 and I can't do anything athletic like I used to be able to do. The mind is willing but the body isn't always up to the task. Frustrates the stink out of me.
I'm sure there may be some frustration on JLB's part knowing that he can't sing like that anymore and it's still a bit of a struggle to sing well when they tune the song down a half step or so. Keep in mind that he's not singing Eagles or Beatles songs. He's singing DT for crying out loud.
You can see the look on his face on YouTube videos and it seems he's not happy at some parts. It's just age. Again, knowing that you can't do what you used to be able to do on the level you used to be able to do it is frustrating.
I think his vocals on The Astonishing were perfect and suited his current capabilities. The next DT release needs to make sure the vocals stay in his realm of capable range like it did on TA.
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I skipped ahead to 12:48, and I really don't think it was that bad... Towards the end, around 13 something when he's going for Love, it could be better. But overall, through the whole song, which I went back to, I think it's fine and most people at the show would be fine with it.
As for him looking bored or not wanting to be there, he doesn't look that way to me. In fact on this tour Is think he has stepped things up on stage.
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I don't see anything unusual with James on the video or at the 12:48 mark. I did see however James touching/adjusting his right and then left in-ear monitor so there might have been an issue with monitors.
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I was expecting a lot worse, that section was actually pretty good :) You shoulda said watch from 2:52.. But either way, it's easy to cherrypick bad performances from any artist, and it always sounds a lot better in person
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I'm being completely honest, if he ever looks frustrated, it's probably because he's singing in ball-crunchingly difficult vocal territory every night for god knows how many months on this IW&Beyond tour and he's straining. I don't think James is tired of DT at all. They just need to hang up the stupidly high-register songs after this tour and cater to his strengths. Singing within a comfortable range makes a live show so much better.
My two cents, he seemed completely happy both times I've seen him in the last year.
I think I agree with this. As much as we all love good ole Images & Words songs, after a whole year of touring them I think they should let them rest for a good while.
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Can i ask then....
This show
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=BQa4vbwsZKw
In Hamburg...
Listen to the vocals.... is this really DT's standards??
This is the point i am trying to get at...
Skip ahead to 12:48 even and listen...
This is where my concern is. It isnt me... This is from early on in the tour and you can see it on his face. Something isnt right...
Can anyone with a straight face say "WOW, This is AWESOME"..
Im not tryin to beat the guy down but this is not standard JLB. Hence why there has been discussions here and there by some fans...
I just brought it here as no one seemed to wanna ask it...
I can't watch YouTube videos at the office, but I'm trying to figure out what your ultimate point is with all of this. You started the thread by asking whether James is "getting fed up and bored," but now you seem to be saying he lacks or no longer has the vocal chops to do his job. Those are two very different issues (although one certainly could play into the other). As has already been said, no one can say they know how he feels (except by reading his own personal statements), so the question you asked originally is ultimately unanswerable. As far as his vocal chops, I've seen really good stuff on YouTube, and I've seen bad stuff too. Heck, the whole performance on Chaos in Motion is substandard. This is nothing new. For all I know, he had some bad Schnitzel before the Hamburg performance and wasn't feeling good. However, I thought he was very strong the night I saw them (not flawless, but very strong). But if you want to criticize his live performances, have at it. Ultimately, his ability to continue doing his job as he gets older will be his biggest challenge ever. He's going to have to face it and, maybe, he and/or the rest of the band will decide that the best thing for the band going forward is to get a younger singer who can perform what are some very challenging vocal parts. Until and unless that happens, I won't worry about it.
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and it always sounds a lot better in person
This brings up an interesting point. We always have the "HE SOUNDED GREAT IN PERSON!" thing, and then a recording will show that he probably didn't sound very good. Happens to all of us due to the atmosphere and energy. But it brings up a good question.
What's more important? The actual performance or our enjoyment of it? If we think a bad performance is good, is that less important than the actual bad performance itself? I mean, all of this is really just a performance anyway.
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I think often it sounds better in person because shitty phone recordings don't do higher frequencies justice. But *breaking news* it's hard for James to sing things that were pushing the limits of his range 25 years ago. Obviously he has his good an bad nights, but like other people are saying: All DT has to do is write songs that cater to his strengths and he'll be fine. I'm sure struggling to hit notes for an entire tour is frustrating, and understandably so, but otherwise I think he's having a good time. I saw them at the Wichita show and James sounded good, and seemed like he was having fun playing around with the melodies and grooving with the other members. Plus his "story time with DT" segment was funny as shit.
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Maybe you should put a poll on FB :biggrin:
Winner.
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Can i ask then....
This show
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=BQa4vbwsZKw
In Hamburg...
Listen to the vocals.... is this really DT's standards??
This is the point i am trying to get at...
Skip ahead to 12:48 even and listen...
This is where my concern is. It isnt me... This is from early on in the tour and you can see it on his face. Something isnt right...
Can anyone with a straight face say "WOW, This is AWESOME"..
Im not tryin to beat the guy down but this is not standard JLB. Hence why there has been discussions here and there by some fans...
I just brought it here as no one seemed to wanna ask it...
James sounded great there. I've been open in admitting he has some off nights. When I saw him there were some songs he didn't sound great on and others he sounded killer.
One thing that is almost indisputable though is that he seems to be having more fun on this tour than any other tour in at least the last ten years. I mean, the last several times I've seen DT they all seemed like they were having a blast including James, but he was in rare form on this tour. Lots of jokes, great stage presence, etc.
So yeah...the original post and the one I quoted are sort of odd. He's having a blast.
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He is singing an album night after night that he recorded 25 years ago, so I think we have to give him a break. I haven't really watched many clips from this tour and what I've heard I agree isn't the best, but it's certainly not the worst. It's great that the band can celebrate this milestone for such a great album. I'm sure fans appreciated the tour and yeah, maybe perhaps now it's done in the future the setlists can focus more around James and where his strengths are at the moment.
As for saying if this is DT standards or not, that's a harsh call I think. That's like expecting your fav sporting team to win every single game they play and win the championship every single year. DT are human beings, and at their age and the demanding music they create, what they are still able to do night after night is incredible.
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and it always sounds a lot better in person
This brings up an interesting point. We always have the "HE SOUNDED GREAT IN PERSON!" thing, and then a recording will show that he probably didn't sound very good. Happens to all of us due to the atmosphere and energy. But it brings up a good question.
What's more important? The actual performance or our enjoyment of it? If we think a bad performance is good, is that less important than the actual bad performance itself? I mean, all of this is really just a performance anyway.
This is a good point. I'll be seeing them tomorrow for the first time and I suspect LaBrie's gonna sound really good. Even if he doesn't sound great, I don't think he'll sound terrible. I'm not gonna stand there and try to pick out every off note.
From what I've seen (various live clips & interviews) LaBrie seems happy with his career.
I think often it sounds better in person because shitty phone recordings don't do higher frequencies justice.
I don't think a phone recording can make difficult vocal parts sound off key. If that were the case, wouldn't the whole band sound off during those parts?
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and it always sounds a lot better in person
This brings up an interesting point. We always have the "HE SOUNDED GREAT IN PERSON!" thing, and then a recording will show that he probably didn't sound very good. Happens to all of us due to the atmosphere and energy. But it brings up a good question.
What's more important? The actual performance or our enjoyment of it? If we think a bad performance is good, is that less important than the actual bad performance itself? I mean, all of this is really just a performance anyway.
In my opinion, if it sounded good to you at the show, then it was good. What you experience while you're actually there - that's the show.
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Let's all just appreciate when James was a god:
https://youtu.be/xMau-rb_BxQ
Like, wow. What a voice.
EDIT: Or this: https://youtu.be/3LRAIPvY-kU - holy crap!
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I just got home from seeing the band in boston. James seemed like he was having fun to me.
Overall I thought he sounded fine. the I&W stuff is where he was the most shaky which is understandable, but I thought he was great for A change of seasons which was the song I was looking forward to hearing most.
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and it always sounds a lot better in person
This brings up an interesting point. We always have the "HE SOUNDED GREAT IN PERSON!" thing, and then a recording will show that he probably didn't sound very good. Happens to all of us due to the atmosphere and energy. But it brings up a good question.
What's more important? The actual performance or our enjoyment of it? If we think a bad performance is good, is that less important than the actual bad performance itself? I mean, all of this is really just a performance anyway.
In my opinion, if it sounded good to you at the show, then it was good. What you experience while you're actually there - that's the show.
This.
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Cut the man some slack. Singing DT is not easy, especially night after night.
Yeah, and also day after day.
Did they ever see the red light
Roooooooaaaaaaarrrrrrr!!!
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and it always sounds a lot better in person
This brings up an interesting point. We always have the "HE SOUNDED GREAT IN PERSON!" thing, and then a recording will show that he probably didn't sound very good. Happens to all of us due to the atmosphere and energy. But it brings up a good question.
What's more important? The actual performance or our enjoyment of it? If we think a bad performance is good, is that less important than the actual bad performance itself? I mean, all of this is really just a performance anyway.
It's a good question. This isn't really a direct answer to your question, but it got me thinking. Isn't it more important that it does "sound great in person" rather than on YouTube? At the end of the day, those folks paid to see the show, the show is being performed for them, not for some dude watching on YouTube the next day. So I'd wager if folks think it tends to sound better in person, that's what really matters.
Kinda the same way I feel about rotating sets to be honest. If keeping a static set makes the show and band tighter for the audience that paid money to see them, I think that's a good thing. If that bothers people that check setlist.fm or YouTube after shows because they aren't seeing new things from show to show, that's okay because the show wasn't really for them, it was for the people who were actually there. Being able to see a portion of or the whole thing on YouTube afterwards is a total luxury and nothing more.
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Judging a show from the setlist on Setlist.fm is a bit like judging a movie from reading the detailed plot on Wikipedia. Yes, that's the list of what actually happens in both cases, but it's at the concert / movie theater that you actually see the show unfold, and live the proper experience.
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Just saw a video of him singing recently and boy, he's done. :-\
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and it always sounds a lot better in person
This brings up an interesting point. We always have the "HE SOUNDED GREAT IN PERSON!" thing, and then a recording will show that he probably didn't sound very good. Happens to all of us due to the atmosphere and energy. But it brings up a good question.
What's more important? The actual performance or our enjoyment of it? If we think a bad performance is good, is that less important than the actual bad performance itself? I mean, all of this is really just a performance anyway.
It's a good question. This isn't really a direct answer to your question, but it got me thinking. Isn't it more important that it does "sound great in person" rather than on YouTube? At the end of the day, those folks paid to see the show, the show is being performed for them, not for some dude watching on YouTube the next day. So I'd wager if folks think it tends to sound better in person, that's what really matters.
Kinda the same way I feel about rotating sets to be honest. If keeping a static set makes the show and band tighter for the audience that paid money to see them, I think that's a good thing. If that bothers people that check setlist.fm or YouTube after shows because they aren't seeing new things from show to show, that's okay because the show wasn't really for them, it was for the people who were actually there. Being able to see a portion of or the whole thing on YouTube afterwards is a total luxury and nothing more.
I agree with you 100% about the show being for those who are actually there. I don't want them to rotate so I get to see stuff on youtube. I want them to do it so I get to see a variety of songs and there's an element of surprise and added excitement at each show I see. I wouldn't mind them being a little less tight if they were mixing things up. But I gotta say, I saw plenty of shows where they did mix things up and never came away thinking that they weren't tight.
That having been said, if the band would truly be unhappy rotating the set, then so be it. I'd rather them be enjoying themselves, which they very clearly are on this tour, and want to continue touring for as many years as possible, than to burn themselves out.
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Just saw a video of him singing recently and boy, he's done. :-\
At least i see im not the only one then who has this concern
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Just saw a video of him singing recently and boy, he's done. :-\
I’m a huge DT and I’ve seen them 22 times over the years. They were my introduction to prog.
To me there are concerns for his health, he is incredibly over weight which must effect his vocals?
The 22 live performances I’ve seen were always poor, he performed best when he was sat in his black box.
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All I can say is that you need to see the show for yourself. I've seen quite a few, and he's been fine. There may be a few notes that don't come out right, especially on the I&W stuff, but over the course of snow entire show, it's a very good performance. Many people leave the show talking about how good he was, even if they wish he didn't have to alter some of the highest notes.
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All I can say is that you need to see the show for yourself. I've seen quite a few, and he's been fine. There may be a few notes that don't come out right, especially on the I&W stuff, but over the course of snow entire show, it's a very good performance. Many people leave the show talking about how good he was, even if they wish he didn't have to alter some of the highest notes.
Just saw a video of him singing recently and boy, he's done. :-\
Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
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"Incredibly over weight."
Oh my god. :lol
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"Incredibly over weight."
Oh my god. :lol
Yeah seriously. I wouldn't say he's even a little bit over weight.
And dude, I've seen DT way more than 22 times, which means I've seen JL way more than 22 times, and the majority of the time he's been great.
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"Incredibly over weight."
Oh my god. :lol
Yeah seriously. I wouldn't say he's even a little bit over weight.
And dude, I've seen DT way more than 22 times, which means I've seen JL way more than 22 times, and the majority of the time he's been great.
He’s over weight, simple as! He looks bloated! When he shaves his head he will look like Blaze Bayley or Geoff Tate.
Consider this, if Mangini, Myung, Petrucci or Rudess made errors during performance and sounded out of tune would excuses be made for them or would they be called out for the mistakes they made? I’m pretty sure they would put those mistakes right in future performances. Labrie consistently sounds out of tune!
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Uh, no. Not simple as. I've seen him in person, and his weight is very much "normal." And guess what - Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, and probably Mangini do make mistakes. Probably more than I ever notice.
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The voice is also a completely different animal from any other in the group. The voice ages. A keyboard doesn't age, per se. It's not really fair to compare the two.
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The voice is also a completely different animal from any other in the group. The voice ages. A keyboard doesn't age, per se. It's not really fair to compare the two.
Also if Petrucci or Rudess has a minor cold, that doesn't affect their playing. A singer doesn't have that luxury.
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This No Filter guy writes like a Del Fuvio fan boy.
btw.... I was lucky enough to see Freddie Mercury and Queen seven times. I've listened to dozens upon dozens of concerts. There were many times that he flubbed the lyrics and where his voice cracked or was off for much of the show. He probably made more than his share of mistakes, and hit off notes on the nights I was there. I recall zero, because I had a ball, and don't have any tapes of those shows.
Terrible singer. Wouldn't recommend a listen to any of his live performances. ;)
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To me there are concerns for his health, he is incredibly over weight
Damn then I guess I’m morbidly obese... :(
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
What I'd like to know is who the hell are you? Why are you even here?
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
Hmmm, I wonder if this post is breaking this rule........ :omg:
12. Insults or senseless bashing of the current or former band members of Dream Theater and/or their music will not be tolerated. Honest, open critique is always allowed, provided it is constructive and does not cross the line and become bashing, belittling, etc.
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
What I'd like to know is who the hell are you? Why are you even here?
Where did he come from? Why is he here? Where will he go when he's banned (since the Portnoy forums were shut down)?
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
What I'd like to know is who the hell are you? Why are you even here?
Where did he come from? Why is he here? Where will he go when he's banned (since the Portnoy forums were shut down)?
I see what you did there :tup :tup :tup
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
What I'd like to know is who the hell are you? Why are you even here?
Where did he come from? Why is he here? Where will he go when he's banned (since the Portnoy forums were shut down)?
I see what you did there :tup :tup :tup
Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
Hmmm, I wonder if this post is breaking this rule........ :omg:
12. Insults or senseless bashing of the current or former band members of Dream Theater and/or their music will not be tolerated. Honest, open critique is always allowed, provided it is constructive and does not cross the line and become bashing, belittling, etc.
Well in fairness... he is sharing an opinion..
If he started to cuss James out then yes, i would agree he has broken a rule. But he seems to me like a longterm DT fan like myself who has expressed his concern. And a thrid person on this thread has also shared that concern.
But personally i dont consider it "sensless bashing of a current member" because he is expressing his feelings after seeing 22 or so DT shows.. if he went to 1 or 3 then yh. I agree... its sensless..... but 22 aint exactly a few.
Maybe im wrong but at the end of the day, im glad i know im not the only one who felt that way.
I believe he is the 3rd or 4th person now..
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Expressing his feelings about James in a critical sense (seeing 22 DT shows and felt that James was always subpar) is fine. Saying something along the lines of "he needs to retire," "sounds like a dying cat," and "is overweight" is what I'm seeing as unnecessary bashing and belittling, but that's just me.
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I only have a minute for now so let me say this, Loki, you are crossing a line and if you continue you will be banned. I'm cutting you some slack because you're new and a long time fan, but you may very well be banned already if someone else comes in and decides it's already warranted. You can express your dislike of a performance without bashing people. Keep your comments respectful.
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I cannot believe someone would classify James as incredibly overweight. That is far from true and just flat out stupid.
Anyhow I have seen DT close to 30 times now and James most of those times was great. I saw them last week and he definitely was not as good as I’ve seen him in the past, but I think that’s largely due to the set list. When I saw them during The Astonishing tour he was absolutely flawless so to say he has lost it just isn’t true.
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Well, they have to be more specific about which shows because in the DT concert here in Manila, he was very enthusiastic. Especially loved the guy wearing the shirt "James LaBrie is the tits."
That Manila concert is epic! yeah he seem to be in a really good mood after the show he even showed up at the fan meet up.
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
What I'd like to know is who the hell are you? Why are you even here?
Where did he come from? Why is he here? Where will he go when he's banned (since the Portnoy forums were shut down)?
He's going to YouTube after this, probably.
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Message heard, no harm meant!
If anything my experience of DT in 94 and the countless live performances I’ve been fortunate to capture complements the musicianship of the band.
Sure it’s my opinion I never thought JL was great live, and that’s the truth. I have no reason to dislike the guy, but as a vocalist and frontman I always though he was poor.
But think about this, why did I see the band so many times, why did I buy all the albums etc? JL has a great studio voice, I don’t think he pulls it off live well enough. But what did do it for me with the band particularly live was the arrangement of he sets, the fun during the show, the unbelievable skill of the 4 guys. Every show JP,JM,JR, DS and MP blew me away. It was all about the music for me. The fact I wasn’t a fan of the live vocals compliments the band even more.
I apologise for angering or annoying anyone. That wasn’t my intention. It’s my opinion from much experience of the band and music really.
Just because I am not a fan of JL and don’t think he’s amazing and wonderful does that make me a bad person or even in the wrong?
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Still doesn't answer why you called him overweight though. That was completely unnecessary.
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Still doesn't answer why you called him overweight though. That was completely unnecessary.
Because he looks it to me, matter of opinion again!
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I think it was just the harsh, unnecessary criticism of his appearance from a brand new user that irked a lot of people (myself included). Water under the bridge, he apologized, it's all cool. For me, I know I criticized the hell out of James back on MP's forum during the self-titled tour and Blu-ray releases. He just didn't sound good to me. Then I saw them live, finally, and he sounded great. So, interesting what recorded audio can do to your brain as opposed to hearing everyone live, right in front of you...
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Make a topic of 80+ pages of nearly flaming and joking about MP and DS and no one blinks an eye. Call Labrie overweight and everybody loses their minds.
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Make a topic of 80+ pages of nearly flaming and joking about MP and DS and no one blinks an eye. Call Labrie overweight and everybody loses their minds.
False equivalency, try again :lol
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Make a topic of 80+ pages of nearly flaming and joking about MP and DS and no one blinks an eye. Call Labrie overweight and everybody loses their minds.
This was the point i was trying to make earlier about rules only applying to some
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So, interesting what recorded audio can do to your brain as opposed to hearing everyone live, right in front of you...
There's the adrenaline and the excitement going on at a concert, also the sound is loud and not perfect so your brain "fills in" what you can't actually hear properly with what you know from the studio version, so the eventual mistakes are less noticeable.
Same principle why, if it's done good, we don't notice the stuntmen for movie actors.
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Still doesn't answer why you called him overweight though. That was completely unnecessary.
Because he looks it to me, matter of opinion again!
Well, no. Overweight is a medical definition and it applies to those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.
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Make a topic of 80+ pages of nearly flaming and joking about MP and DS and no one blinks an eye. Call Labrie overweight and everybody loses their minds.
This was the point i was trying to make earlier about rules only applying to some
Even in this very topic you can find jokes about Derek and the rule clearly says:
12. Insults or senseless bashing of the current or former band members of Dream Theater and/or their music will not be tolerated. Honest, open critique is always allowed, provided it is constructive and does not cross the line and become bashing, belittling, etc.
They should add: "unless we all agree that the member is not acting nice towards the other members, has a behaviour we don't approve of and says controversial and unnecessary things on the media."
But the bias seems to be strong 'round here.
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Even in this very topic you can find jokes about Derek and the rule clearly says:
12. Insults or senseless bashing of the current or former band members of Dream Theater and/or their music will not be tolerated. Honest, open critique is always allowed, provided it is constructive and does not cross the line and become bashing, belittling, etc.
They should add: "unless we all agree that the member is not acting nice towards the other members, has a behaviour we don't approve of and says controversial and unnecessary things on the media."
But the bias seems to be strong 'round here.
Several people have been warned on this very thread for having crossed the line with their remaks about DS. And the same has happened on other threads with people who went too far when talking about MP. I fail to see this bias you're talking about...
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Even in the Sons of Apollo thread, bosk himself has said that criticisms of what Derek and Mike have said are fair game (within reason, obviously insults and attacks are NOT allowed), because they themselves have been making comments and jabs, and like anything else, it's fair game for discussion. But that thread wasn't even created with the intention of that being the topic of conversation, it is something that blossomed naturally from Derek and MP's comments and actions. Nobody made an account and made a beeline for that thread to dump on those two guys - but a couple people seemed to make accounts and beeline for that thread with the intention of slamming DT and James, hence users' suspicions about their identities. We can all get along, there is no 'strong bias' here, I think context is very important and is key to this conversation we're having right now.
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Even in the Sons of Apollo thread, bosk himself has said that criticisms of what Derek and Mike have said are fair game (within reason, obviously insults and attacks are NOT allowed), because they themselves have been making comments and jabs, and like anything else, it's fair game for discussion. But that thread wasn't even created with the intention of that being the topic of conversation, it is something that blossomed naturally from Derek and MP's comments and actions. Nobody made an account and made a beeline for that thread to dump on those two guys - but a couple people seemed to make accounts and beeline for that thread with the intention of slamming DT and James, hence users' suspicions about their identities. We can all get along, there is no 'strong bias' here, I think context is very important and is key to this conversation we're having right now.
Exactly.
The mods here are generally really lax about allowing criticism of anyone who has ever been a member of Dream Theater, as long as the criticism doesn't turn into name-calling or outright bashing. For example, for all of the (deserved) criticism that Portnoy and Sherinian have gotten into the thread for that generic new band they are in, a mod is always there to shut down any name-calling.
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Still doesn't answer why you called him overweight though. That was completely unnecessary.
Because he looks it to me, matter of opinion again!
And Mike Portnoy looks bald to me. It's just my opinion though!
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Still doesn't answer why you called him overweight though. That was completely unnecessary.
Because he looks it to me, matter of opinion again!
And Mike Portnoy looks bald to me. It's just my opinion though!
Derek Sherinian comes off like an old man trying to look/act young and tough with the veins popping out of his arms thanks to steroids and acting like a teenager on social media. Just my opinion!!
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Make a topic of 80+ pages of nearly flaming and joking about MP and DS and no one blinks an eye. Call Labrie overweight and everybody loses their minds.
This was the point i was trying to make earlier about rules only applying to some
Even in this very topic you can find jokes about Derek and the rule clearly says:
12. Insults or senseless bashing of the current or former band members of Dream Theater and/or their music will not be tolerated. Honest, open critique is always allowed, provided it is constructive and does not cross the line and become bashing, belittling, etc.
They should add: "unless we all agree that the member is not acting nice towards the other members, has a behaviour we don't approve of and says controversial and unnecessary things on the media."
But the bias seems to be strong 'round here.
Indeed there is a lot of Portnoy/Sherinian bashing but I think the vast majority of the bashing stems from their behavior & not their performances. But I agree there is a bias for LaBrie. I get that vocals aren't the same as playing an instrument. Yes LaBrie had food poisoning and got old. But how much longer can that excuse be used?
I disagree with Loki about LaBrie always being a mediocre live vocalist. IMO LaBrie was phenomenal back in the day and I've always enjoyed his studio work. Butt anyway, most fans still love LaBrie so there's no real need for retirement.
By the way ChuckSteak, I've been meaning to ask...is that Adebisi in your avatar? That's damn creepy :lol Great show though!
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Still doesn't answer why you called him overweight though. That was completely unnecessary.
Because he looks it to me, matter of opinion again!
You might want to invest in glasses because it’s James looks incredibly overweight to you, you are either blind or just stupid.
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Because he looks it to me, matter of opinion again!
Being fat or overweight isn't an opinion, it's fact, and since the fact is he's certainly not "incredibly overweight" and that you're trying to justify it as your opinion makes me question (again) why you're even here.
On-topic, I also have concerns about his voice but I also understand that it's going to get progressively strained as he gets older whereas instrumentalists don't have to worry about that at all... and since the small muscles (ie fingers) can be nimble almost until the end while the big muscles (ie arms/legs) become more laborious JP/JR/JM can still prog-it in wheelchairs in the retirement community. Drummers would probably "lose it" over time more than the other guys.
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Here's a controversial opinion about James....dude looks incredibly Canadian!
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Here's a controversial opinion about James....dude looks incredibly Canadian!
whut
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(https://puregrainaudio.com/images/blogimages/31558.jpg)
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:clap:
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I see a lot of Steve Lukather in that face and it freaks me out
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Don't forget the time JP was on Jimmy Fallon around Train of Thought:
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/episode-378-pictured-the-roots-play-with-special-guest-steve-lukather-picture-id138256917?s=594x594)
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:lol
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I bless the rains down on Canada.
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(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/james-labrie-of-the-american-progressive-metal-band-dream-theater-in-picture-id640417604)
Looks in good shape for a 54 year old guy. He's always had a very full face.
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Dude I’ve seen DT 22 times, which means I’ve seen Labrie 22 times. I never came away from a show thinking he was great. I can name more moments of those awful notes he hits than positives. Those notes sound like a dying cat. Actually cringeworthy and embarrassing.
He needs to retire he really does! He was never a great vocalist in the first place, but now he knocking on, he’s over weight and his voice is worse than ever.
Maybe it's time you invested in a filter.
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Even in the Sons of Apollo thread, bosk himself has said that criticisms of what Derek and Mike have said are fair game (within reason, obviously insults and attacks are NOT allowed), because they themselves have been making comments and jabs, and like anything else, it's fair game for discussion. But that thread wasn't even created with the intention of that being the topic of conversation, it is something that blossomed naturally from Derek and MP's comments and actions. Nobody made an account and made a beeline for that thread to dump on those two guys - but a couple people seemed to make accounts and beeline for that thread with the intention of slamming DT and James, hence users' suspicions about their identities. We can all get along, there is no 'strong bias' here, I think context is very important and is key to this conversation we're having right now.
Not too long ago in some topic which I don't remember some people made some negative comments about Labrie. It was nothing serious, nothing offensive, but it was off-topic. And guess what? The posts got deleted instantly. Do you see any posts getting deleted when people criticize or say negative things about MP or DS, even if it is like EVERYWHERE and often off-topic? I don't. And that's bias. That is choosing a side and treating those on the other side differently. I bet you anything if the comments about Labrie were off-topic but positive, no posts would get deleted.
Do I think it is cool what DS and MP say on social media? No. But that doesn't mean you get the extra right to say more negative stuff or almost insults towards them. If you can't do that with the other members, then you can't do that to them either. Either rules apply or they don't apply at all. If you want a middle ground, then the moderators should add exceptions to the rule.
By the way ChuckSteak, I've been meaning to ask...is that Adebisi in your avatar? That's damn creepy :lol Great show though!
Sure it is! Simon Adebisi, bitches! :)
You might want to invest in glasses because it’s James looks incredibly overweight to you, you are either blind or just stupid.
Hmm.. and calling someone blind and stupid by thinking Labrie is overweight is not an insult?
Being fat or overweight isn't an opinion, it's fact, and since the fact is he's certainly not "incredibly overweight" and that you're trying to justify it as your opinion makes me question (again) why you're even here.
No, being fat is subjective, just like beauty is. Anyway, I don't think anybody here knows Labrie's weight and height to be able to say objectively if he is overweight or not.
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Then report a post if you think it's a violation instead of waiting for the mods to see every little post. Bosk has written several times about how criticism is fair within reason; if MP or DS say something that is, well, 'controversial,' it's fair game to criticize it. There's also a difference between saying "that's a dumb thing to say" and "DS is an idiot" for example.
Being fat isn't subjective, either. You either are or not, it's not in the eye of the beholder, this isn't Shallow Hal, if you're 300 pounds, you're just fat. JLB is not fat. :lol
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You might want to invest in glasses because it’s James looks incredibly overweight to you, you are either blind or just stupid.
Hmm.. and calling someone blind and stupid by thinking Labrie is overweight is not an insult?
He didn’t call him overweight he called him incredibly overweight. There’s a huge difference there. Yes none of us know how much James weighs and sure it’s possible he’s overweight, but he is far from incredibly overweight. Yes I shouldn’t have wrote what I wrote, but this guy made his thoughts on James clear and his post was nothing but an insult to James as it was far from true.
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Regarding the original post I will say that I saw James in Manchester UK on the I&WAB tour and not only did he sound great, it was also the most engaging and funny I have ever seen him as a frontman. Couldn't really care less what he sounds like on someone's mobile phone video, in person he sounded awesome as did the whole band (especially JP who was just out of this world).
I've not seen DT 22 times but have seen them on every tour from FII onwards, sometimes twice and can't remember ever not enjoying his performance, maybe I've just been lucky or maybe others are looking on youtube and not going to the shows. I'm not going to say he's the greatest showman in the history of rock, he isn't and neither is anyone else in the band, but he sings the songs well in person and that's all I need him to do.
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No, being fat is subjective
It's not. It can medically be determined if someone is overweight or obese. This has become a politicized issue for some reason, and it's ridiculous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBqg_69tgpE - it's funny how the counterpoint to "skinny" is made out to be "curvy" and "big breasted." Those women are fat, and throwing euphemisms at it won't make it go away. It's still not as silly as calling JLB "extremely overweight" though.
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He definitely has made an effort to up his game as a frontman. He definitely has some awkward moments on stage, but he is much better than he used to be IMO.
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You might want to invest in glasses because it’s James looks incredibly overweight to you, you are either blind or just stupid.
Hmm.. and calling someone blind and stupid by thinking Labrie is overweight is not an insult?
Yeah, it is, just as much as what Nick warned about. This thread is being locked due to insults thrown at James, and the escalation of insults and off topic discussion aimed at one another. As far as formal warnings go:
-Loki: For insults toward a bandmember.
-DT2003: For insults at another poster.
-Chuck: For being at the forefront of taking this WAY off topic by trying to turn it into "the mods are so unfair!" discussion. The rules are pretty clear that if you have an issue with a moderation decision, you can discuss it via PM rather than derailing a thread. And your accusation of bias is incredibly off base. That said, if you willfully choose to see bias where there is none and you think the place isn't modded to your liking, you know where the door is.