When they put out DT12, they mentioned wanting to have the album out for a few months before going on tour, so people could digest the new material. That was for a 69 min album, and they didn't even play the whole thing. Now, for a seemingly 100+ min massive concept album, they're going to start touring with the entire concept mere weeks (if that) after it's release date. I find that kind of ironic
Well, it's going to be a theater performance, with hopefully clearer sound and all, making it easier to digest. People won't need to sing along there, and I guess it'll be more like a real presentation of the album instead of a usual live show.
Exactly, and besides that, it's not ironic with what JP said in almost every interview when he was asked for the AFtR tour:
"... we want to make it one big Dream Theater experience. When you enter the venue, you’re stepping into our world and we want to be able to transport people for a while. It might be a tall order, but that’s our goal on this tour and that’s why we’re calling it ‘Along for the Ride.’ We want to take people with us."Anyway, Evermind, about the ppl singing along, he also said this:
"The cool thing about our fans is that they're not just passive concert goers. They're all really into it and are singing along to every song. They're the perfect audiences to play for, and we're excited to have more time to play and deliver an exciting, powerful show."I think they're turning the page.. Now they want another thing, something this band has never explored before.. And this time they prefer to do it instead of speaking of it in advance..