I think there a few other comments that some folks intentionally construed in a way that they came across like "taking shots." For example, I seem to recall a comment about how the atmosphere in the studio -- and particularly with respect to recording vocals -- was different and James liked that. That was construed (in my opinion deliberately misconstrued) as being the equivalent of "MP was a little Hitler in the studio."
If the tables were turned and MP said "it was a little different in the studio, particularly with the vocals, and it was really cool," it would be characterized as a shot of Ivy Mike proportions. To be clear, I'm not calling what JLB did a shot. Just pointing out that there are very different, very subjective standards at work when discussing this.
There shouldn't be different standards. And, for the record, I've taken a LOT of heat here for vociferously defending Mike for making comments that are pretty much the equivalent of the hypothetical you posted, and which several people want to call him out for. And I will continue to do so.
But to be fair to the side that DO criticize him for stuff like that, there is an important distinction. James has NEVER publicly said anything disparaging about Mike. Mike HAS several times made openly disparaging comments about James and/or DT. So when a comment from either side is vague, I don't think it is unfair to give the one side that has never made disparaging comments, and be much less willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the side that has.
I've made this comment numerous times in the past, and every single time there is someone that says "I don't recall any of that" and I go and post the links to the Blabbermouth interview as well as I believe it was an Ultimate Rock interview. I'm not doing that again. In any event, basically James made no bones about this not being a bad thing for him. He said he was "happy" Mike left. He said "no one missed him". He also made comments about his vocals being done in Toronto without someone standing over his shoulder telling him what to do. He made comments to the effect that everything Mike did could be done by others in the band (hint: they weren't). He made comments about how it was a positive to not have to compete to be the front man (said the guy that in many shows, spends significant time behind the amp line). Yes, many of those comments he later walked back from. Yes, many of you don't think they are "shots". Fair enough (I consider a "shot" to be anything that is, veiled or blunt, a disparaging comment, or a comment that belittles or downplays anothers efforts or contributions). I don't expect everyone (or anyone) to agree with me, but at the very least, I do think that of all the members of the band, he was and still is the one that misses Mike least, was least upset by the change, and cared the least about him coming back then or now.
All with the provisos that a) James might be my favorite member in terms of his contribution to the sound (I believe him to be the only irreplaceable member of the band, sound-wise), b) I fully understand I've never been in a room with them talking about this, nor have I ever talked with James about it, so it's pure speculation, and c) doesn't at all excuse anyone else's behavior (Mike's or otherwise). It's just an observation I have.
Topic: The Mike Portnoy Appreciation/Discussion Thread (merged) (Read 313778 times)
