This is the first thread of two I want to see connected.
Who do you think should be more satisfied with the way their career is going after the split(pure artisticly, not by sales figures),
DT or MP?

obviously DT, ADTOE is their best album after SDOIT...

DT is doing the same thing DT's always been doing.  Unless they've hated being in DT for all these years, I see no reason they'd be unhappy.

Portnoy's been free to pick the projects he's taken part in.  Flying Colors was well-received critically and by the fans, and though AMob isn't my cup of tea, it seems to be taking off rather nicely.  I see no reason he'd be unhappy either, unless he realllly wants to be back in DT.

The Seoafs said it.

So not the time for this talk.

Quote from: theseoafs on August 03, 2012, 02:10:39 PM
DT is doing the same thing DT's always been doing.  Unless they've hated being in DT for all these years, I see no reason they'd be unhappy.

Portnoy's been free to pick the projects he's taken part in.  Flying Colors was well-received critically and by the fans, and though AMob isn't my cup of tea, it seems to be taking off rather nicely.  I see no reason he'd be unhappy either, unless he realllly wants to be back in DT.

But how big is his part in flying colors, is he really satisfied with his role?

There's no reason to think he's not satisfied with his drumming/vocals on the album.  He plugged it pretty hard before it came out.

DT have no regrets and have improved since the split. Are tighter as a band and as friends and are back to making DT style music.


MP has repeatedly made " if this hadn't have happened " comments. And as recently as last week has talked about a possible reunion. And has stated that he tried to get back in soon after they hired Mangini.


SO I think it's clearest who is happier.

Even if MP is happy with the way his projects are going (which he seems to be), probably DT. They managed to produce another solid DT album without breaking stride. I can't think what would be better if they had MP than if they didn't. Where as MP will always be missing the DT output. I don't think he's yet put out anything that he would say (honestly, and in a few years, rather than right now) he is as prooud of as his DT work. DT is "his baby" after all.

If MP was secure and happy in what he does he wouldn't respond to every brain fart some "fan" says. So yeah, DT is definitely in a better position.

rumborak

Quote from: Progmetty on August 03, 2012, 02:13:03 PM
So not the time for this talk.

This, although my answer is "the employed ones".

Quote from: BlobVanDam on August 03, 2012, 10:44:02 PM

Quote from: Progmetty on August 03, 2012, 02:13:03 PM
So not the time for this talk.

This, although my answer is "the employed ones".

I was just asking, because it seemed that MP in his time with DT was very dominant,
which he can't be(or does not want to be) in his projects .
At the end of his DT time he looked very tired in his interviews,
in the short time with AS he looked very relaxed(i did see them november 10 in amsterdam).
I had the impression, that for the first time there was a little bit of a "rockstar" feeling with all these teens screaming,
which is not there with DT.
But now with AM in these tiny clubs it is even less "rockstar feeling".
IMO MP's intention was to stay with AS because he was not satisfied with the status that DT had and is now even more
on the wrong path.
On the other side the rest of DT was convinced to be on the right way, did get with MM a replacement who is IMO
a step up for their goals(like JP says in the CIM doku, to have no technical limitations, like in classical music).
JM talks, JLB is in charge of MPs baby and MP is still very interrested what is said in the DTF.
I will be at the FC concert in september, it is a little club, maybe there is a chance to talk with MP.
At the last M&G with MP november 09 he was so in charge, the whirlwind just came out and the fans where asking more about transatlantic then DT.
Three years later everything is completly different.
Talking about right decisions inthe right time.

DT definitely happier. Hell, JM's giving interviews (occasionally) rather than completely dodging the camera.

Quote from: rumborak on August 03, 2012, 07:43:01 PM
If MP was secure and happy in what he does he wouldn't respond to every brain fart some "fan" says. So yeah, DT is definitely in a better position.

rumborak

I like this mainly because of the use of "brain fart" as a serious noun.

Since a state of happiness or satisfaction is a conscious decision, who knows how the DT folks & MP feel?  They are all in a position to be happy/satisfied if they choose to feel that way.

That's too New Age for me.

Quote from: Priest of Syrinx on August 05, 2012, 04:29:37 PM
Since a state of happiness or satisfaction is a conscious decision, who knows how the DT folks & MP feel?  They are all in a position to be happy/satisfied if they choose to feel that way.

Aside from the whole "fake it till you make it" thing, happiness is not a conscious decision.

And DT seem way more happy than MP. MP seems busy, but totally lost. DT have a clear direction, MP seems to lack that.

Quote from: Adami on August 05, 2012, 07:04:23 PM

Quote from: Priest of Syrinx on August 05, 2012, 04:29:37 PM
Since a state of happiness or satisfaction is a conscious decision, who knows how the DT folks & MP feel?  They are all in a position to be happy/satisfied if they choose to feel that way.

Aside from the whole "fake it till you make it" thing, happiness is not a conscious decision.

And DT seem way more happy than MP. MP seems busy, but totally lost. DT have a clear direction, MP seems to lack that.

Nope.  I've decided to be happy, and I am! 

Seriously, there is plenty of psychological research that shows happiness/unhappiness is frequently a conscious decision, but we don't often look at the decision point(s) in a "Does this make me happy or unhappy?" way.

A brief, light-hearted example: you can be unhappy that you drive a little subcompact car 10 miles to work, or you can be happy that you don't have to walk.  Your choice.

Alright, well since you are talking about new age pseudo-psychology nonsense and not anything else, then I'll leave it be.

Quote from: rumborak on August 05, 2012, 06:08:40 PM
That's too New Age for me.

Sorry, I didn't mean it that way.  I was flippant in my comment, but the pith of my sentiment is this: the gentlemen involved in the OP's question are all in a position to be happy, they are (as far as we can tell) successful human beings and wonderfully talented musicians.  Putting aside any family issues, health, etc. they all can "choose" to be happy.  It doesn't need to be a competition.

Quote from: Adami on August 05, 2012, 10:24:17 PM
Alright, well since you are talking about new age pseudo-psychology nonsense and not anything else, then I'll leave it be.

Nuthin' "New Age" about it.

I think both sides are happy, and to an extent, DT seems happier. They continue to play and earn their living doing what they love.

MP is happy because he can choose to play and do whatever he wants (which has always been his personality, having his way most of the times). But I do think there's a sense of urgency with MP...I mean, how many projects can he record? Financial stability comes with touring these days (and merch). Flying Colors can tour so much because every other member has a full time gig with their respective bands (including MP); the new Kotzen Sheehan Portnoy can tour so much (if they get to tour) because of the same reason...Amob would seem to cover the financial aspect but I honestly think they may have a shorter run than what is expected (hope I'm wrong).

Artistically speaking both sides seem to be happy.

MP now seems to be doing a lot of "little" projects that have a small niche value and are interesting artistically.  Outside of a few festivals AMOB played small clubs.  Thats gotta be a big adjustment for MP.  I think MP would love to be a part of something "bigger" but who knows.  All these side projects are just that, side projects.  They dont really have mass appeal, but they are artistic.  Maybe thats what he is going for...art & creativity.
He could have done a lot of these side bands even if he stayed in DT.  Im hoping he is happy today, but its gotta suck to always be in build mode with his bands.  MP chose this path so I gotta believe he is happy and content with it.

The DT members have DT as the mothership.  They can do solo projects and be creative and then come back to the mothership.  MP doesnt have that ability anymore.  Eventually he may have to work harder to earn that same level of lifestyle.

Quote from: theseoafs on August 03, 2012, 02:10:39 PM
DT is doing the same thing DT's always been doing.  Unless they've hated being in DT for all these years, I see no reason they'd be unhappy.

Portnoy's been free to pick the projects he's taken part in.  Flying Colors was well-received critically and by the fans, and though AMob isn't my cup of tea, it seems to be taking off rather nicely.  I see no reason he'd be unhappy either, unless he realllly wants to be back in DT.

That. There's no reason either should be unhappy. They're both musicians releasing music and touring.

Quote from: Priest of Syrinx on August 05, 2012, 10:22:48 PMNope.  I've decided to be happy, and I am! 

Seriously, there is plenty of psychological research that shows happiness/unhappiness is frequently a conscious decision, but we don't often look at the decision point(s) in a "Does this make me happy or unhappy?" way.

A brief, light-hearted example: you can be unhappy that you drive a little subcompact car 10 miles to work, or you can be happy that you don't have to walk.  Your choice.

That's a step in the right direction, but still not ideal. True happiness comes from learning to stop drawing your inner state off of external factors and to become present to the moment. This is a learned skill, and as a result our society is largely a group of stimulation junkies looking for their next fix and always coming up short.

And to stay on topic, DT.   

Quote from: tristl on August 04, 2012, 12:33:30 AM

Quote from: BlobVanDam on August 03, 2012, 10:44:02 PM

Quote from: Progmetty on August 03, 2012, 02:13:03 PM
So not the time for this talk.

This, although my answer is "the employed ones".

I was just asking, because it seemed that MP in his time with DT was very dominant,¶
which he can't be(or does not want to be) in his projects .¶
At the end of his DT time he looked very tired in his interviews,¶
in the short time with AS he looked very relaxed(i did see them november 10 in amsterdam).¶
I had the impression, that for the first time there was a little bit of a "rockstar" feeling with all these teens screaming,¶
which is not there with DT.¶
But now with AM in these tiny clubs it is even less "rockstar feeling".¶
IMO MP's intention was to stay with AS because he was not satisfied with the status that DT had and is now even more¶
on the wrong path.¶
On the other side the rest of DT was convinced to be on the right way, did get with MM a replacement who is IMO¶
a step up for their goals(like JP says in the CIM doku, to have no technical limitations, like in classical music).¶
JM talks, JLB is in charge of MPs baby and MP is still very interrested what is said in the DTF.¶
I will be at the FC concert in september, it is a little club, maybe there is a chance to talk with MP.¶
At the last M&G with MP november 09 he was so in charge, the whirlwind just came out and the fans where asking more about¶ transatlantic then DT.¶
Three years later everything is completly different.¶
Talking about right decisions inthe right time.¶

Icy, is that you?

Serious post: I'm with rumby on this one. And going off the way he's been reacting to fans ever since he announced the split, I don't think he was ever happy with the split, that's not the outcome he wanted at all, let alone for it to be long-term and probably permanent.

Quote from: Stoneyman on August 06, 2012, 12:25:02 PM
MP now seems to be doing a lot of "little" projects that have a small niche value and are interesting artistically.  Outside of a few festivals AMOB played small clubs.  Thats gotta be a big adjustment for MP.  I think MP would love to be a part of something "bigger" but who knows.  All these side projects are just that, side projects.  They dont really have mass appeal, but they are artistic.  Maybe thats what he is going for...art & creativity.
He could have done a lot of these side bands even if he stayed in DT.  Im hoping he is happy today, but its gotta suck to always be in build mode with his bands.  MP chose this path so I gotta believe he is happy and content with it.

The DT members have DT as the mothership.  They can do solo projects and be creative and then come back to the mothership.  MP doesnt have that ability anymore.  Eventually he may have to work harder to earn that same level of lifestyle.

There was an interview recently where he someone asked about how many sports jerseys he gets from every city.  He said something along the lines of, "I don't have quite the tour rider I did when I was in DT so I don't get the jerseys anymore."  Basically, he is making less money and there are less perks.  He got himself in a cycle of getting everything he wanted and now he has to adjust.  He reiterates he is happy and while I hope he is content, having the "freedom" to do all of these other projects can only get you so much.  In the end, the lack of security and perks, I have to believe, is a little disconcerting for MP. 

Well, I would say DT.  Personally, I'd be much more satisfied putting out material like ADTOE than Omerta by AMob.  Not slamming AMob.  They did an "ok" job...

Quote from: Madman Shepherd on August 06, 2012, 01:36:41 PM
There was an interview recently where he someone asked about how many sports jerseys he gets from every city.  He said something along the lines of, "I don't have quite the tour rider I did when I was in DT so I don't get the jerseys anymore."  Basically, he is making less money and there are less perks.  He got himself in a cycle of getting everything he wanted and now he has to adjust.  He reiterates he is happy and while I hope he is content, having the "freedom" to do all of these other projects can only get you so much.  In the end, the lack of security and perks, I have to believe, is a little disconcerting for MP. 

I saw a video recently where it had a shot of his old tour wardrobe which used to have loads of DT stickers and such all over, now the majesty symbol and "Dream Theater" are all that remain.
However, he's written "I was in "Dream Theater" for 25 years and all I got was this stupid case!" on it, so he's got a sense of humour about it.

Quote from: Western Ninja on August 06, 2012, 02:26:42 PM

Quote from: Madman Shepherd on August 06, 2012, 01:36:41 PM
There was an interview recently where he someone asked about how many sports jerseys he gets from every city.  He said something along the lines of, "I don't have quite the tour rider I did when I was in DT so I don't get the jerseys anymore."  Basically, he is making less money and there are less perks.  He got himself in a cycle of getting everything he wanted and now he has to adjust.  He reiterates he is happy and while I hope he is content, having the "freedom" to do all of these other projects can only get you so much.  In the end, the lack of security and perks, I have to believe, is a little disconcerting for MP. 

I saw a video recently where it had a shot of his old tour wardrobe which used to have loads of DT stickers and such all over, now the majesty symbol and "Dream Theater" are all that remain.
However, he's written "I was in "Dream Theater" for 25 years and all I got was this stupid case!" on it, so he's got a sense of humour about it.

I would take this as a sign that his happiness is an act.

The OP is who should be happier. I would imagine that for a while, no one was really happy. DT had to get used to playing without their "brother" and MP had to get used to not having the perks and support of a band.

AMOB and FC are in fact side projects, because MP is the only "bandless" member. Everyone else has an established band to "go home to". Kinda makes me feel a little sorry for MP. But, (and this is in no way meant to be slander), he made his bed, now he must lie in it.

Quote from: wolven74 on August 07, 2012, 12:07:45 AM
The OP is who should be happier. I would imagine that for a while, no one was really happy. DT had to get used to playing without their "brother" and MP had to get used to not having the perks and support of a band.

If that time actually existed for DT, it was very short.

rumborak

Both sides have A LOT to be happy about in their professional careers. DT is releasing kick-ass material with MM, and MP gets to be in 50 bands.

Based on MP's facebook statuses... I would say he is not happy. I say this because they are very similar to extremely depressed young adults I know who make similar postings.

Quote from: Chino on August 07, 2012, 01:25:36 PM
Based on MP's facebook statuses... I would say he is not happy. I say this because they are very similar to extremely depressed young adults I know who make similar postings.

Care to elaborate?