Mike Portnoy has a new Dream Theater cover band

[Mosh]

I'd say TBOT is the most likely.

[Ravenfoul]

I can only imagine the things that will be analyzed depending on what he says during the actual performances. Didn't even think of that until just now. Going to need a mountain of 

[Bertielee]

I can only imagine the things that will be analyzed depending on what he says during the actual performances. Didn't even think of that until just now. Going to need a mountain of 

Not only that, but the shitload that will befall DT on the part of those who will consider MP's band is doing a better job (the singer for instance) ; or the other way round, the shitload befalling MP....

B.Lee

[MirrorMask]

Not only that, but the shitload that will befall DT on the part of those who will consider MP's band is doing a better job (the singer for instance)

Gah, I can see it now already. 30-40% of the people suggesting DT to replace James with whoever will be the singer.

[Shooters1221]

I can only imagine the things that will be analyzed depending on what he says during the actual performances. Didn't even think of that until just now. Going to need a mountain of 

Not only that, but the shitload that will befall DT on the part of those who will consider MP's band is doing a better job (the singer for instance) ; or the other way round, the shitload befalling MP....

B.Lee

Agreed, prepare for all of the childish BS that lies ahead.

[Mosh]

Prepare? It's already happening in this thread. 

[Kotowboy]

Gah, I can see it now already. 30-40% of the people suggesting DT to replace James with whoever will be the singer.

[Dave_Manchester]

I'll be very (though pleasantly) surprised if The Best of Times gets played, mainly because a large part of the love for that song seems to be due to Petrucci's incredible solo. Having to listen to 10 minutes of a song just to get to someone else playing that solo seems, I dunno, a little weird to me. To my mind there are far better Portnoy-written tracks which would suit this kind of event better.

As for the above discussion of MP's online shenanigans - I'm one of his devoted 'fanboys' over on his forum, and while I agree that he could sometimes exercise better judgement in how he expresses things, I do think his heart is almost always in the right place (the only times he's totally crossed the line was his outburst at the English hospital and his disgraceful treatment of the young 'drum tech' guy in Manila). He has a huge ego (that's not necessarily a criticism, it's a part of what got DT off the ground), and the bigger the ego the more fragile it is. I get the impression he is still raw about a) DT not putting up a fight to keep him when he gave them his ultimatum, and b) his perception that his importance to the band has been forgotten. I think he sometimes struggles with the reality that other people don't see him as he sees himself.

But despite that, he has far more good qualities than 'bad'. He gets a shit tonne of abuse online (yes, some of it warranted perhaps) and it's to his credit that he seems able to let most of it go. He's an absolutely exceptional live performer, mesmerising to watch, and he does go out of his way to give fans what he believes they want (the rotating sets, the Ytsejam releases, his behaviour at the meet and greets, which in my experience has always been great). I'm happy Mangini is in DT now, I don't want MP to go back (because I love the new incarnation of DT much more than 2005-2009 DT), but I still support what Portnoy is doing because he's a superb drummer and his bands make great music.         

[KevShmev]

I wouldn't expect The Best of Times. He said back at the time that it would be too tough to play live, for obvious reasons, so I can't imagine it being any different now.  And yeah, while I am sure there are plenty of guys who can play that solo, someone not named John Petrucci playing it live would just seem odd.  Then again, Roger Waters has had others play the Comfortably Numb solo live, and Portnoy inexplicably views himself as similar to him, so anything is possible.

[Mosh]

I remember reading an interview from Portnoy while he was still in the band saying he intended on playing TBOT but the 2009 leg was just too soon.

[Adami]

I hope he plays Wither and throws everyone off.

[Dave_Manchester]

Bah, he edited it! Never mind.

[Mosh]

I hope he plays Wither and throws everyone off.

Just MP and a piano.

[Madman Shepherd]

Nobody ever said he doesn't. 

Not directly, but by their actions - specifically the way they pounce on and critique every little thing that the man posts - they are saying so indirectly.
 

Again, no.  Just no.  You're being hysterical and not making any sense. 

Kotowboy does not pounce on "every little thing" Portnoy posts and neither does anybody else.

I decided to check out what Portnoy has posted and nobody has criticized him for posting movie reviews.  Did Kotow criticize him for this Winery Dogs drum kit tour?  Nope.  His post about going to something called Rockfest or shooting a Neal Morse video?  Of course nobody did. 

The only thing that gets brought up around here is Dream Theater related because this is still a Dream Theater message board and it is often because Mike Portnoy makes himself a target with his capitalization habits and passive aggressive behavior. 

Calm down, pal.  Scotty isn't wrong.

Pretty sure that when he says some people pounce on "everything" MP posts, the "DT-related" is implied and understood.  Obviously, the man has a life and posts about other stuff that isn't DT-related.

The only thing that gets brought up around here is Dream Theater related because this is still a Dream Theater message board

That's exactly right, which is exactly what Scotty is talking about.

Are you accusing me of taking Scotty out of context by quoting him verbatim? 

Even if he was talking about only things DT related (which he clearly was not), there are tons of things Portnoy posts about DT that nobody pounces on.  Scotty is wrong.  You guys really need to cut it out with the hysterics, pal. 

I wouldn't expect The Best of Times. He said back at the time that it would be too tough to play live, for obvious reasons, so I can't imagine it being any different now.  And yeah, while I am sure there are plenty of guys who can play that solo, someone not named John Petrucci playing it live would just seem odd.  Then again, Roger Waters has had others play the Comfortably Numb solo live, and Portnoy inexplicably views himself as similar to him, so anything is possible.

I'm sure it would be difficult but what better time to honor his father than his 50th bday party.  He has always said he wants to play it live so I can't imagine a better opportunity short of a DT reunion.  It would be sort of an odd fit with a set mainly comprised of the 12SS, though. 

[Mladen]

Roger Waters has had others play the Comfortably Numb solo live, and Portnoy inexplicably views himself as similar to him, so anything is possible.

That was a very big statement by Mike, I thought. I guess you could stretch it out if we're talking about the more collaborative Floyd stuff, but certainly not The Wall or other primarily Waters penned songs. Waters is a singer, instrumentalist and composer of the melody (as opposed to composer of the drum parts).

[KevShmev]

Are you accusing me of taking Scotty out of context by quoting him verbatim? 

Even if he was talking about only things DT related (which he clearly was not), there are tons of things Portnoy posts about DT that nobody pounces on.  Scotty is wrong.  You guys really need to cut it out with the hysterics, pal. 

Agreed.

I hope he plays Wither and throws everyone off.

Just MP and a piano.

Roger Waters has had others play the Comfortably Numb solo live, and Portnoy inexplicably views himself as similar to him, so anything is possible.

That was a very big statement by Mike, I thought. I guess you could stretch it out if we're talking about the more collaborative Floyd stuff, but certainly not The Wall or other primarily Waters penned songs. Waters is a singer, instrumentalist and composer of the melody (as opposed to composer of the drum parts).

I suspect he likes to compare himself to Waters because they were/are both major control freaks who like(d) to run the show, but for all of his faults, Portnoy was never a complete dick like Waters (who just looked like a miserable guy for decades), so he might not be the best person to compare yourself to.

[Mladen]

As much as I love Waters, that's a good point. He had his share of bitter moments and still seems to be figuring some of that stuff out, even though he's mellowed out over the years.

[YtseJam]

 

[NotePad]

I think it would be awesome if he made this his new band and put out new albums. This is clearly the type of music he was meant for. And it's understandable that he's doing this show, he was an original member many many years and wrote the music. He's allowed to perform the songs again live.

[Kotowboy]

Mike Portnoy's Shattered Fortress

presents

Lyrics & Images

1. Undertow
2. Tomorrow
3. Wait a while
4. In The Middle
5. Cityscape Part 1.
6. Fragile Eclipse
7. Insomnia
8. Life is Hard.

" With this new band and album I am finally over Dream Theater ! : ) "

[BlobVanDam]

Alternatively, A Dramatic Turn of Events pt 2.

[Kotowboy]

Thats's The Joke !

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I think it would be awesome if he made this his new band and put out new albums. This is clearly the type of music he was meant for. And it's understandable that he's doing this show, he was an original member many many years and wrote the music. He's allowed to perform the songs again live.

I really hope he doesn't. A band that will inevitably live under DT's shadow in every possible way? Doesn't sound that good to me.

[Madman Shepherd]

I think it would be awesome if he made this his new band and put out new albums. This is clearly the type of music he was meant for. And it's understandable that he's doing this show, he was an original member many many years and wrote the music. He's allowed to perform the songs again live.

I really hope he doesn't. A band that will inevitably live under DT's shadow in every possible way? Doesn't sound that good to me.

That would definitely create a lot of tension and I think it would ultimately lead to more strife because theres no way it could match the popularity of Dream Theater, but out of all of his post DT projects, this is about the only thing that interests me. 

[Ravenfoul]

I think it would be awesome if he made this his new band and put out new albums. This is clearly the type of music he was meant for. And it's understandable that he's doing this show, he was an original member many many years and wrote the music. He's allowed to perform the songs again live.

I really hope he doesn't. A band that will inevitably live under DT's shadow in every possible way? Doesn't sound that good to me.

That would definitely create a lot of tension and I think it would ultimately lead to more strife because theres no way it could match the popularity of Dream Theater, but out of all of his post DT projects, this is about the only thing that interests me.

His stuff with Neal and Colors is pretty great stuff. I like TWD too, but that's more rock, really.

[Madman Shepherd]

I think it would be awesome if he made this his new band and put out new albums. This is clearly the type of music he was meant for. And it's understandable that he's doing this show, he was an original member many many years and wrote the music. He's allowed to perform the songs again live.

I really hope he doesn't. A band that will inevitably live under DT's shadow in every possible way? Doesn't sound that good to me.

That would definitely create a lot of tension and I think it would ultimately lead to more strife because theres no way it could match the popularity of Dream Theater, but out of all of his post DT projects, this is about the only thing that interests me.

His stuff with Neal and Colors is pretty great stuff. I like TWD too, but that's more rock, really.

Really can't get into Neal's voice and I really haven't given Flying Colors much of a chance but what I've heard hasn't interested me.  My buddy who is a pretty big Portnoy critic thinks the latest Transatlantic is a masterpiece but I just couldn't get into it. 

I was kind of interested in the Metal Allegiance album but again, what I heard just didn't catch me.  I finally got PSMS a while back and actually kinda dig that for what it is.  I would definitely buy a studio album from them. 

I will say this though...I don't have a whole lot of confidence that MP's SF is going to be mindblowingly good, but if they release an album of the live performance I will definitely buy a copy. 

[KevShmev]

Your buddy is on a small island, since it seems like most agreed that the last Transatlantic album, while good, wasn't nearly as great as the first three.

[ReaperKK]

I wonder if he'll take the opportunity to perform TBOT? I'm not sure it would fit such an event or be way too long, but it seems like something MP would want to perform at some point as a tribute. I'd definitely expect to hear The Mirror (because it's a good mid length straight up metal song, not because it has anything to do with the 12SS). Out of the rest of the songs he wrote lyrics for, there are many contenders.

I think this would be the best time for him to play it honestly. His birthday along with other DT songs, sounds like the perfect venue.

[Setlist Scotty]

Nobody ever said he doesn't. 

Not directly, but by their actions - specifically the way they pounce on and critique every little thing that the man posts - they are saying so indirectly.
 

Again, no.  Just no.  You're being hysterical and not making any sense. 

Kotowboy does not pounce on "every little thing" Portnoy posts and neither does anybody else.

I decided to check out what Portnoy has posted and nobody has criticized him for posting movie reviews.  Did Kotow criticize him for this Winery Dogs drum kit tour?  Nope.  His post about going to something called Rockfest or shooting a Neal Morse video?  Of course nobody did. 

The only thing that gets brought up around here is Dream Theater related because this is still a Dream Theater message board and it is often because Mike Portnoy makes himself a target with his capitalization habits and passive aggressive behavior. 

Calm down, pal.  Scotty isn't wrong.

Pretty sure that when he says some people pounce on "everything" MP posts, the "DT-related" is implied and understood.  Obviously, the man has a life and posts about other stuff that isn't DT-related.

The only thing that gets brought up around here is Dream Theater related because this is still a Dream Theater message board

That's exactly right, which is exactly what Scotty is talking about.

Are you accusing me of taking Scotty out of context by quoting him verbatim? 

Even if he was talking about only things DT related (which he clearly was not), there are tons of things Portnoy posts about DT that nobody pounces on.  Scotty is wrong.  You guys really need to cut it out with the hysterics, pal. 

Actually hef hit the nail on the head, which is why I didn't feel the need to respond further. Sorry that I needed to spell out specifically that I was referring to his DT posts. I thought it was obvious enough, but apparently not. I think it's a given that just about no one on this board cares much about anything else that he posts and therefore no one's gonna take any issues with or pick apart any of those posts.

Nonetheless, I stand by what I said. Feel free to disagree, but there's been plenty of evidence in the past, and even you acknowledged as much in your post as hef addressed. It's a fact that whenever he says anything related to DT, there's people on this board trying to pick apart everything little he says - kinda like what you did to my comments above.   And cutting out the hysterics? Pot. Kettle. Black.

[KevShmev]

Actually, more often than not, one doesn't have to "pick apart what he says," because he usually posts things in such a direct manner that Helen Keller could read his posts and figure out what he means without much trouble.

[Mosh]

Z

Actually, more often than not, one doesn't have to "pick apart what he says," because he usually posts things in such a direct manner that Helen Keller could read his posts and figure out what he means without much trouble.

and yet people still do it.

[Madman Shepherd]

Nobody ever said he doesn't. 

Not directly, but by their actions - specifically the way they pounce on and critique every little thing that the man posts - they are saying so indirectly.
 

Again, no.  Just no.  You're being hysterical and not making any sense. 

Kotowboy does not pounce on "every little thing" Portnoy posts and neither does anybody else.

I decided to check out what Portnoy has posted and nobody has criticized him for posting movie reviews.  Did Kotow criticize him for this Winery Dogs drum kit tour?  Nope.  His post about going to something called Rockfest or shooting a Neal Morse video?  Of course nobody did. 

The only thing that gets brought up around here is Dream Theater related because this is still a Dream Theater message board and it is often because Mike Portnoy makes himself a target with his capitalization habits and passive aggressive behavior. 

Calm down, pal.  Scotty isn't wrong.

Pretty sure that when he says some people pounce on "everything" MP posts, the "DT-related" is implied and understood.  Obviously, the man has a life and posts about other stuff that isn't DT-related.

The only thing that gets brought up around here is Dream Theater related because this is still a Dream Theater message board

That's exactly right, which is exactly what Scotty is talking about.

Are you accusing me of taking Scotty out of context by quoting him verbatim? 

Even if he was talking about only things DT related (which he clearly was not), there are tons of things Portnoy posts about DT that nobody pounces on.  Scotty is wrong.  You guys really need to cut it out with the hysterics, pal. 

Actually hef hit the nail on the head, which is why I didn't feel the need to respond further. Sorry that I needed to spell out specifically that I was referring to his DT posts. I thought it was obvious enough, but apparently not. I think it's a given that just about no one on this board cares much about anything else that he posts and therefore no one's gonna take any issues with or pick apart any of those posts.

Nonetheless, I stand by what I said. Feel free to disagree, but there's been plenty of evidence in the past, and even you acknowledged as much in your post as hef addressed. It's a fact that whenever he says anything related to DT, there's people on this board trying to pick apart everything little he says - kinda like what you did to my comments above.   And cutting out the hysterics? Pot. Kettle. Black.

 

Putting yourself on a pedestal with Portnoy now?

If there is plenty of evidence, then instead of sitting up there on that pedestal you've put yourself on, try actually proving it.  Your idea of picking something apart is simply having a discussion, often times constructive, that is of course until someone like you comes in and, yes, hysterically screams



We get it.  You're friends with him.  He's given you free stuff.  You can still be objective.  It'll take a little effort, but I believe in you. 

[Setlist Scotty]

If there is plenty of evidence, then instead of sitting up there on that pedestal you've put yourself on, try actually proving it. 

Look, I still stand by my point, and I know there are several others here that know I'm not making stuff up. Seeing as I don't have the time, and I'm so clearly wrong, how about you prove your point, since it'll obviously be a piece of cake to prove it, no?

Thanks for proving my point about hysterics. 

[Bertielee]

I'm not a mod, guys, but could you keep this for PM, because, and apparently noone has read my post up the page, this is turning into a personal feud again? You will both stand your ground, we get it. Now, don't take us in this, please. Thanks.

B.Lee

[Madman Shepherd]

If there is plenty of evidence, then instead of sitting up there on that pedestal you've put yourself on, try actually proving it. 

Look, I still stand by my point, and I know there are several others here that know I'm not making stuff up. Seeing as I don't have the time, and I'm so clearly wrong, how about you prove your point, since it'll obviously be a piece of cake to prove it, no?

 

Oh, brother....

I already did.  You'll just keep deflecting the blame or any type of constructive discussion.  Typical for you to want others to do the work.  I'll just accept this as the white flag...until next time when you feel your boy is being picked on.

Thanks for proving my point about hysterics. 

Haha, if the shoe fits...or should I borrow a quote you tend to "borrow", "I call it like I see it."

I'm not a mod, guys, but could you keep this for PM, because, and apparently noone has read my post up the page, this is turning into a personal feud again? You will both stand your ground, we get it. Now, don't take us in this, please. Thanks.

B.Lee

Sorry, this stuff has gone on too long and needed to be addressed.  When one side never wants to constructively contribute, it does tend to deflect from the topic at hand but I did respond to your comment, just not directly. 

I do see this new project as causing a lot of strife but I do honestly feel that Mike has every right to do it and I'm actually moderately interested. 

While I think comparing himself to Roger Waters may be a bit much, I get what he is saying.  It's no different than when Halford went solo and played some Judas Priest.  Sadly, people couldn't enjoy both bands without the comparison and it led many fans to saying things like, "Halford is more Judas Priest than Priest is!"  People started saying Pat Lachman was better than Glenn Tipton.  Lachman was great, no doubt, but he was no Glenn Tipton.  On that same token, Ripper was great but no Halford.  Then again, Tipton was no Lachman and Halford was no Ripper.  I loved both bands but it wasnt even fun discussing it at the time because both side, (well...more the Halford diehards) were so insufferable in their opinions. 
I get it man, and I responded, just not directly.