The Mike Portnoy Appreciation/Discussion Thread (merged)

[Mladen]

Regarding Mike and DT, I do recall a moment in the tour documentary from The Neal Morse Band (I think for The Great AdvenTour), Mike was annoyed how an app on his phone kept recommending him the new DT album (d/t) for him to listen to. 

I guess that would be like if Facebook kept recommending me to add an ex as a friend!

-Marc.

Oh, Lord, that's just glorious! 

[Peter Mc]

Anyone who thinks this will be closure for Mike Portnoy or think he should put any speculation to bed are missing the point. In my opinion, this is absolutely something which he would see as a way back into Dream Theater. I don’t think for one second he is happy playing in two-bit bands, playing in clubs to tiny audiences. He would go back to DT in a heartbeat and I bet he would see this as his way of rekindling the chemistry between the three of them and getting back into the band as Rudess did the first time around.  This is all just my opinion obviously, I have no inside knowledge but, if I was Mike Mangini, I would be very concerned about LTE reforming unless he’s happy to step aside of course.

[MirrorMask]

He would go back to DT in a heartbeat and I bet he would see this as his way of rekindling the chemistry between the three of them and getting back into the band as Rudess did the first time around. 

*first sessions go great*
MP: "Hey, this was awesome! we really had a great chemistry, right guys? it was almost like when we played with Jordan and we asked him to join Dream Theater, isn't it? .....isn't it?"

JP and JR:

[Buddyhunter1]

He would go back to DT in a heartbeat and I bet he would see this as his way of rekindling the chemistry between the three of them and getting back into the band as Rudess did the first time around. 

*first sessions go great*
MP: "Hey, this was awesome! we really had a great chemistry, right guys? it was almost like when we played with Jordan and we asked him to join Dream Theater, isn't it? .....isn't it?"

JP and JR:

 

[Cool Chris]

Hey Mike, when we first played with Jordan we were looking for a keyboard player. Notice the difference?

[TAC]

 

[KevShmev]

"Hey guys, notice how great we sound without that Canadian singing?"

[devieira73]

https://www.facebook.com/138176086285038/posts/2460491417386815/?d=n
Live Q&A with Eloy Casagrande (Sepultura) and MP, this wednesday.

“Yes, this will happen!!! An historic live with the boss Mike Portnoy. Wednesday (9:15pm CET/12:15pm PST), on Sepultura’s Youtube page.“

[Architeuthis]

"Hey guys, notice how great we sound without that Canadian singing?"

Hey, leave Geddy out of this!  'Respect'   

[MoraWintersoul]

In my opinion, this is absolutely something which he would see as a way back into Dream Theater.

In my opinion it's not, what are we gonna do about that 

[SleeperAwake]

Exactly. Why be cynical about this?

I just view it as the three of them wanting to play together again.

[Nachtmerrie]

Exactly. Why be cynical about this?

I just view it as the three of them wanting to play together again.

Agree. We're talking about three guys in their fifties who don't have anything to explain to anyone if they just want to play some shows and/or record a new album. They will be able to deal with any rumours and so will Mangini.

Any talk about MP returning to DT is a waste of time. If it happens if happens and as things are today the chances seem to be close to zero as, much as I would love it personally.
 

[Peter Mc]

Sorry if I am being misunderstood, I am not trying to be cynical. I’m sure Portnoy can’t wait to play with Rudess and Petrucci again irrespective of whether it leads to anything else. I also think however that he would entertain the hope that working with them again may open the door to a more permanent reunion with the band he had a big hand in building.  Do people really think he wouldn’t jump at the chance to come back if they asked him to?

[bosk1]

I would guess the answer is "probably."  But the problem with that hypothetical is that "if they asked him" has odds of "slim to none" right now.

[romdrums]

I would guess the answer is "probably."  But the problem with that hypothetical is that "if they asked him" has odds of "next to none" right now.

FTFY.

[Setlist Scotty]

Do people really think he wouldn’t jump at the chance to come back if they asked him to?

While I don't have any inside information, I would imagine that the conditions would have to be right before he would consider coming back, both with regards to how much control he would have in the band and how it would affect all the other bands/projects that he's involved in. He could be interested, but I could easily see him passing on the opportunity if the terms weren't sweet enough for him. And that's assuming he was even offered the chance. Right now, that doesn't seem likely.

[Peter Mc]

Right now it doesn’t seem likely but, following a successful, enjoyable LTE reunion, that likelihood would increase as would the clamour from fans.  I agree though that there would have to be some conversations all round as to how it would work in practice before any agreement was made. He may have to accept that he would not have the level of control he once had. There would also need to be some kind of reconciliation with LaBrie and possibly even Myung.

It’s all hypothetical of course and, if I was a betting man, I would probably say they stick with Mangini but I wouldn’t be all that confident. If I was Mangini, I would certainly be sitting a little less comfortably if it goes ahead.

My point really though was that he is not about to put out a press release quashing any speculation that he will one day return to Dream Theater when he would likely very much want to return. Nor would he see an LTE reunion as a way to close that chapter, more as a possible opportunity to re-open it.

[Adami]

Right now it doesn’t seem likely but, following a successful, enjoyable LTE reunion, that likelihood would increase as would the clamour from fans.  I agree though that there would have to be some conversations all round as to how it would work in practice before any agreement was made. He may have to accept that he would not have the level of control he once had. There would also need to be some kind of reconciliation with LaBrie and possibly even Myung.

It’s all hypothetical of course and, if I was a betting man, I would probably say they stick with Mangini but I wouldn’t be all that confident. If I was Mangini, I would certainly be sitting a little less comfortably if it goes ahead.

My point really though was that he is not about to put out a press release quashing any speculation that he will one day return to Dream Theater when he would likely very much want to return. Nor would he see an LTE reunion as a way to close that chapter, more as a possible opportunity to re-open it.

No.

Everyone gets along with everyone. Click tracks. Extremely focused live production. Static setlists. One front man. Backing tracks. A drummer who doesn't piss everyone off in the studio. That's what DT would give up (that they seem to really enjoy).

Nothing but a few happy fans for a little bit and similar crowd sizes. That's what DT would gain.

It ain't gonna happen dude.

[ProfessorPeart]

I think the most obvious roadblock is JLB. I truly don't see him and MP ever working together again. Pretty sure they wouldn't disrespect JLB like that. It would be a slap in the face and I could see him threatening to walk if he had to work with MP again. Those egos just won't mesh.

LTE is the closest MP will get to DT. I would very much be looking forward to more LTE.

[Peter Mc]

The way Adami is talking, it’s like they were all desperately unhappy and couldn’t wait for Portnoy to leave.  They seemed pretty devastated at the time when he left, as was I.

We’ll have to wait and see, it’s all just fun speculation and I am not too concerned either way, I enjoy all the post Portnoy material more than a lot of the stuff on the later albums with Portnoy. On the other hand it would excite me a little to see an original member return and them going back to arguably their classic lineup.

[KevShmev]

I doubt Petrucci and Rudess (in particular) were happy to see him go at the time, but I am sure there are elements of him that they didn't really think they wouldn't miss until suddenly they were gone.  Plus, being friends with someone and being able to work closely with them again on a regular basis are two very different things.  I used to work with a close family member, and while our relationship within the family is still strong, I can't imagine ever working with him again 30-40 hours a week.  There are elements of his personality that would be too much to take on a full time basis again (and it is possible he would say the same about me ). 

[Adami]

The way Adami is talking, it’s like they were all desperately unhappy and couldn’t wait for Portnoy to leave.  They seemed pretty devastated at the time when he left, as was I.

I hinted at nothing of the sort.

[Setlist Scotty]

There would also need to be some kind of reconciliation with LaBrie and possibly even Myung.

LaBrie, yes. But just for the record, he's already patched things up with JMX. He posted on Facebook that he spent New Years Eve or New Years with JMX.

[Cool Chris]

I am not speaking with any inside knowledge, but I would not make the leap that "patched things up" means "wants to commit to playing together full time." It could be, but I would imagine it more being "Hey, glad we are friends again, let's grab some chow sometime!"

[MirrorMask]

I doubt Petrucci and Rudess (in particular) were happy to see him go at the time, but I am sure there are elements of him that they didn't really think they wouldn't miss until suddenly they were gone.

This.

I am not speaking with any inside knowledge, but I would not make the leap that "patched things up" means "wants to commit to playing together full time." It could be, but I would imagine it more being "Hey, glad we are friends again, let's grab some chow sometime!"

And also this.

[Peter Mc]

No one is perfect and I am sure there are elements of Mike’s behaviour that they do not miss, some things that maybe they didn’t even realise they didn’t have to put up with until they worked with someone else. There may be other elements though that they do miss such as his relentless promotion of the band, his way of keeping fans connected with the band, his organisation of live albums/dvds to name a few.

As I said, I don’t believe anyone was desperately looking for Mike to quit the band when he did, they were all looking to continue as they were. It was Mike that wanted a break from them, not the other way around. I’m sure James has enjoyed not having Mike’s criticism and I’m sure JMX has enjoyed returning to the writing fold so perhaps they would have some reluctance but nothing that could not be resolved.  It would also be disappointing for Mangini but I get the impression that he’s not the type who’d begrudge them getting their original drummer back.  I don’t think there’d be any hard feelings.

There’s pluses and minuses in doing it and they’d all have to weigh those up but my point was simply that the reforming of LTE could (and I stress could) be the first step towards a DT reunion.  If I’m a betting man I would just about say no but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

[bosk1]

...but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

You keep saying that, but there is no connection whatsoever between LTE and any factors that would lead to MP coming back to DT.  I don't know why you are making that leap.  I don't see how LTE moves the needle at all on MP somehow returning. 

[Adami]

...but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

You keep saying that, but there is no connection whatsoever between LTE and any factors that would lead to MP coming back to DT.  I don't know why you are making that leap.  I don't see how LTE moves the needle at all on MP somehow returning.

Usually when someone largely ignores all points being made and focuses on their own personal wishes and hopes and looking for things to justify them, it's not going to get you very far to approach it logically.

[Stadler]

...but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

You keep saying that, but there is no connection whatsoever between LTE and any factors that would lead to MP coming back to DT.  I don't know why you are making that leap.  I don't see how LTE moves the needle at all on MP somehow returning.

I understand what you're saying and I'm not arguing with you (even if you don't have inside info, you're generally more in tune than I am with this kind of stuff),  but it is fair to point out that there ARE times when circumstances like this DID lead to a reunion.  The Kiss Unplugged.   If memory serves, Perry and Whitford returning to Aerosmith.  Squeeze, in a way.   

[MirrorMask]

...but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

You keep saying that, but there is no connection whatsoever between LTE and any factors that would lead to MP coming back to DT.  I don't know why you are making that leap.  I don't see how LTE moves the needle at all on MP somehow returning.

Well, last time two members of DT played in LTE, they realized they liked another member so much, that they wanted to work with him in DT. While I personally think that JP is completely happy with DT the way it is now, I can't really fault some people for thinking that MAYBE a good and producting creative experience of JP and JR with MP would make them think "Oh my, I missed this so bad, I couldn't remember how much fun it was and how 'right' the whole thing seems". Not that this would of course translate into a reunion, just like an awesome night out with some buddies from your previous work doesn't mean you'd want to go back to your previous work because you're happy with the one you have now.

I personally think DT won't have anymore lineup changes (unless someone wants to retire from old age 10-15 years from now), but if JP and JR will even entertain someday, somehow the idea of a reunion with MP, surely a good and nice experience with LT3 won't hurt those thoughts.

I mean, there's no way that someday MP will rejoin DT with LT3 having sucked as a personal and creative experience. Does a good and nice LT3 brings MP back into DT? I really don't think so, but at least it will be a good experience for them. Does a reunion with MP happen with the LT3 experience being a complete disaster? no way in hell.

[Peter Mc]

...but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

You keep saying that, but there is no connection whatsoever between LTE and any factors that would lead to MP coming back to DT.  I don't know why you are making that leap.  I don't see how LTE moves the needle at all on MP somehow returning.

Usually when someone largely ignores all points being made and focuses on their own personal wishes and hopes and looking for things to justify them, it's not going to get you very far to approach it logically.

I’m not ignoring anyone’s points, I have addressed them and I have already pointed out that I am not bothered either way, I enjoy DT with or without Portnoy.

Is it THAT big a leap though to say that when these 3 people, who are close friends and worked together in DT for 20 years (In the case of JP), get in a room and begin making music together again, it makes a reunion somewhat more likely than if those 3 people did not reconnect in that way. I’m not saying it’s definitely going to happen, there’s many reasons why it might not as people have already raised.  I’m just saying, from the outside looking in, it increases the chances of it happening, assuming it goes well obviously.

As another example (and let’s assume for the sake of argument he could still sing the songs) if Neal Schon announced that him and Steve Perry were getting together to make an album called the Schon/Perry Project. Would no one here  go “oooooooooh, that’s interesting, I wonder if.....” and that’s a far more acrimonious split than DT.

[pg1067]

And here we go AGAIN....

 

[Ben_Jamin]

...but the LTE thing certainly shortens the odds in my opinion.

You keep saying that, but there is no connection whatsoever between LTE and any factors that would lead to MP coming back to DT.  I don't know why you are making that leap.  I don't see how LTE moves the needle at all on MP somehow returning.

Usually when someone largely ignores all points being made and focuses on their own personal wishes and hopes and looking for things to justify them, it's not going to get you very far to approach it logically.

I’m not ignoring anyone’s points, I have addressed them and I have already pointed out that I am not bothered either way, I enjoy DT with or without Portnoy.

Is it THAT big a leap though to say that when these 3 people, who are close friends and worked together in DT for 20 years (In the case of JP), get in a room and begin making music together again, it makes a reunion somewhat more likely than if those 3 people did not reconnect in that way. I’m not saying it’s definitely going to happen, there’s many reasons why it might not as people have already raised.  I’m just saying, from the outside looking in, it increases the chances of it happening, assuming it goes well obviously.

As another example (and let’s assume for the sake of argument he could still sing the songs) if Neal Schon announced that him and Steve Perry were getting together to make an album called the Schon/Perry Project. Would no one here  go “oooooooooh, that’s interesting, I wonder if.....” and that’s a far more acrimonious split than DT.

Yes, it does increase the chance for a reunion to happen. But that chance is very very low. So why bother bringing it up, if we all know the chance isn't that high.

I'm happy, JP, JR, MP, and TL are jamming and making music again.

[bosk1]

Is it THAT big a leap though to say that when these 3 people, who are close friends and worked together in DT for 20 years (In the case of JP), get in a room and begin making music together again, it makes a reunion somewhat more likely than if those 3 people did not reconnect in that way.

Is THAT a big stretch?  That it is "somewhat" more likely than if it didn't happen?  No.  But "Mangini should be very concerned about this" (which is what you said) is a HUGE stretch.

As another example (and let’s assume for the sake of argument he could still sing the songs) if Neal Schon announced that him and Steve Perry were getting together to make an album called the Schon/Perry Project. Would no one here  go “oooooooooh, that’s interesting, I wonder if.....” and that’s a far more acrimonious split than DT.

I get what you are saying, but that analogy (like the ones Stadler cited) isn't really a close one if you dig a bit beneath the surface.  In Journey, we don't know whether there is any sort of dissastisfaction between any of the members and Arnel.  There could be.  By contrast, in DT, we KNOW that the other 4 existing members are HIGHLY satisfied with Mangini.  Second, Journey is a pretty dysfunctional band right now, and has been for a very long time, both with and without Perry.  We have seen kind of a history of "anything goes" at any given moment.  DT, on the other hand, is pretty stable.  Third, if Schon wanted Perry, he is a strong enough personality, and now has enough control of the band that it would likely happen.  In DT, there really doesn't appear to be any particular member who has that much control.  I mean, if JP REALLY felt strongly about something, he is a strong enough personality that he would push hard enough to make it happen.  But from everything I have seen of him, he would not do that at the expense of disagreeing so strongly with the rest of his bandmates unless he really felt the future of the band was at stake.  Finally, Journey has a history of unceremoniously ousting members they have decided they no longer wanted.  You can make a case that DT did similar things with Charlie and Derek.  I would make a case that both of DT's situations were different.  But that said, I wouldn't disagree too strongly with anyone arguing against this last point on that basis.  If this were the ONLY point, it would be pretty weak.  But coupled with the other 3, it carries more weight.

[HOF]

The only way I can see MP returning to DT full time (outside of a one-off show or some sort of guest appearance on an album maybe) is if Mangini leaves on his own. I’d be shocked if reforming LTE lead to anything more than speculation about MP replacing MM. But could it lead to John and Jordan convincing the other guys to do a reunion show or have him guest on some sort of special track (say a re-issue of an earlier album with bonus tracks)? I guess I could see that.