MP's Shattered Fortress Tour

[gzarruk]

All that said, I personally feel Mike is pissing away his career with all these projects. Given his personality, I get it, to a degree. But to build up a catalog like he did with Dream Theater, be known for one of prog metals most outstanding drummers and creative forces, and then just walk away from it completely, makes me bummed, as a fan.

I don't blame him for wanting to pursue other things like he has. But he's become a bit of a nomad, and almost has turned into that dude that you know will show up and play with whoever. I don't want to insult fans by naming names of other musicians, but you know what I mean -- those guys that are on every project, whatever they can get.

In today's music industry, I guess you do what you do to make ends meet. But I still can't shake the feeling that Mike is wasting his time, when he should be embracing what made him what he is -- go use that catalog you helped create, form a new band, and be a prog metal band again. Something steady and full-on for the next 15 years. And use the downtime on your side projects.

Again, I realize that this is just what I would like to see as a fan. But I like to think I know a bit about how the industry works and that Mike has really diverse interests. If he's happy, that's great. But I just don't think he's maximizing his potential -- both as a musician and artist, and as a businessman.

I agree 100% with what you're saying. MP literally made his career playing prog metal with DT and, while he wanted/deserved a break from the genere and the DT guys in general, not coming back to the genere that made you the iconic drummer you are is a bad move, imo.

Like said in the quote below, MP has now turned into the "will play anything with anybody" kind of musician, and that's not always a good thing. He's in so many bands that he can't make one band have the growth it should be. People can talk about how good the FC albums are or whatever, but remember that they had like 10 shows for their last tour, and that's it. He really needs to gather a group of very good musicians who aren't part of a full time band and actually put effort on a band to have great success in the long term.

Also, seems like most MP die hard fans these days buy his albums not because they like his bands that much, but because he's MP and... you know... MP... #MPWarriors.

In six years he's done three legendary albums with Transatlantic, two legendary albums with Flying Colors, and two pretty decent records with The Winery Dogs.

And while I'm no psychologist, I think he's still occupied.  Whether it's writing liner notes for Ytsejam releases, or scripting setlists (which I know for a fact he still has a hand in if not total control) he's doing a lot more little things for a lot more projects, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if that scratched the itch.

Unless you're counting the live albums, he hasn't done 3 albums with Transatlantic in the last 6 years. The only 2 TA studio albums released in that period were The Whirlwind and Kaleidoscope and, from the two, TW was recorded before Mike left DT, so he only made one studio album with TA during the last 6 years.

Also, he's not allowed to release material for Ytsejam Records nor he has done it since leaving DT, so you should get your facts straight before posting.

For sure, he's busy. But he's busy doing everything but the thing he was best at...

This sums it up very well.

[ariich]

He really needs to gather a group of very good musicians who aren't part of a full time band and actually put effort on a band to have great success in the long term.

Interested in the language used here. Why does he "need" to do that?

[SwedishGoose]

He really needs to do what he wants to do... just like the guys in Dream Theater need to do what they want to do.

If I like it I like it... but as a fan of the man or band I should nottake anything for granted.

It's their lives, let them live as they want not as I want.... if they record a polka-punk record I have the opportunity to buy it or not. But if it is what they really want to do who am I to tell them they should not do it?

[cramx3]

While these guys aren't dedicated totally to it, I would think Winery Dogs has the best chance of being successful.  That style of music reaches a lot of people (compared to prog) and that's one talented band with two solid albums. 

[Setlist Scotty]

In six years he's done three legendary albums with Transatlantic, two legendary albums with Flying Colors, and two pretty decent records with The Winery Dogs.

And while I'm no psychologist, I think he's still occupied.  Whether it's writing liner notes for Ytsejam releases, or scripting setlists (which I know for a fact he still has a hand in if not total control) he's doing a lot more little things for a lot more projects, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if that scratched the itch.

Unless you're counting the live albums, he hasn't done 3 albums with Transatlantic in the last 6 years. The only 2 TA studio albums released in that period were The Whirlwind and Kaleidoscope and, from the two, TW was recorded before Mike left DT, so he only made one studio album with TA during the last 6 years.

Also, he's not allowed to release material for Ytsejam Records nor he has done it since leaving DT, so you should get your facts straight before posting.

No need for the snotty response gzarruk. Stadler's more than aware that there haven't been any YJR releases since MP left. He's merely citing it as one example of what MP has done over the years.

[Stadler]

"Pissing away" may have been too strong a phrase. But one piece of advice a mentor once gave to me was this: If you're great a portion of what you do, don't take it for granted. While you are driven to improve in other areas, don't forget about your bread and butter and give that equal attention.

This is where I think Mike is "failing." the one thing he's been known for by the masses -- he's not doing it any longer. He's not playing prog metal.

Also, in regard to the albums, well, therein is part of our difference -- I'm not really impressed with anything he's done post-DT. I'm sorta just like TAC in that aspect.

Okay, but that you're not impressed proves my point.   I listen to FC and TA FAR more than I do anything from DT at this point.   That tells me he's known for DRUMMING, not "PROG METAL DRUMMING".    I have been a DT fan since Images and Words (got it on release) and I pretty much  say I've never once thought "Wow, this is pretty good PROG METAL.   Mike sure is a great PROG METAL drummer.   I think I'm going to listen to more PROG METAL."   

It's all MUSIC.   

For sure, he's busy. But he's busy doing everything but the thing he was best at...

Of course he is.  He's still DRUMMING.  He's still making MUSIC.   Plus he's growing as a human being.   That to me is the biggest part of this, not what us fans might want to hear.

[Stadler]

Like said in the quote below, MP has now turned into the "will play anything with anybody" kind of musician, and that's not always a good thing. He's in so many bands that he can't make one band have the growth it should be. People can talk about how good the FC albums are or whatever, but remember that they had like 10 shows for their last tour, and that's it. He really needs to gather a group of very good musicians who aren't part of a full time band and actually put effort on a band to have great success in the long term.

That's a different point than "he has to do PROG METAL to be relevant.".     I don't disagree that a permanent band unit would be a different dynamic, but I would also argue that The Neal Morse Band probably qualifies in that regard, as does The Winery Dogs.

Also, seems like most MP die hard fans these days buy his albums not because they like his bands that much, but because he's MP and... you know... MP... #MPWarriors.

You've talked to all MP die hard fans?   Because I don't remember getting the questionnaire to fill out...

Unless you're counting the live albums, he hasn't done 3 albums with Transatlantic in the last 6 years. The only 2 TA studio albums released in that period were The Whirlwind and Kaleidoscope and, from the two, TW was recorded before Mike left DT, so he only made one studio album with TA during the last 6 years.

Also, he's not allowed to release material for Ytsejam Records nor he has done it since leaving DT, so you should get your facts straight before posting.

You're right  about TA (I mistakenly counted the live albums, but that's not what I was talking about, so you're right there) but you should cool your jets on the "I gotcha's" until you're dead nuts right, because the "setlists/Ytsejam" comment was about what he did while in DT.  I know full well he hasn't - and CAN'T, by agreement - release Ytsejam stuff since the split.   No need to make this personal, because I'll bury you when it comes to "getting facts straight", if that's the way this is going to go.

 

For sure, he's busy. But he's busy doing everything but the thing he was best at...

This sums it up very well.

Playing drums?   Making music?   Communicating with fans?   Touching people with his art?  Creating lifelong memories for his closest fans?   Ask anyone on the recent cruise if he's "still doing what he's best at". 

[Mladen]

I think Mike is doing fine. Maybe he's not playing prog metal, but he was doing that for 25 years and wanted a break from it. No point in putting together yet another prog metal band when you can do many other things.

He's still playing for people, with some bands to bigger crowds and with others in clubs, most fans can still find at least some of his recent works enjoyable (I personally follow everything he does with Neal Morse), and overall he remained true to his connection with the fan base. He also kind of figured out how not to go too far with his online activity, which is a plus, there were some serious issues there several years ago.

[Samsara]

Okay, but that you're not impressed proves my point.   I listen to FC and TA FAR more than I do anything from DT at this point.   That tells me he's known for DRUMMING, not "PROG METAL DRUMMING".    I have been a DT fan since Images and Words (got it on release) and I pretty much  say I've never once thought "Wow, this is pretty good PROG METAL.   Mike sure is a great PROG METAL drummer.   I think I'm going to listen to more PROG METAL."   

It's all MUSIC.   

Dude, it's like you are hellbent to shut my opinion down.  Nothiing I said "proves your point." Just because you listen to FC and TA more than anything else from DT these days proves nothing in this discussion except for the fact you enjoy that music. The genre thing -- I never once said that Mike wasn't a good "drummer." I simply said Mike is identified by most people as the drummer of Dream Theater, which was and is, classified as a PROG METAL band.

Yes, it's all MUSIC. I agree with you. But that wasn't the point being made...

Of course he is.  He's still DRUMMING.  He's still making MUSIC.   Plus he's growing as a human being.   That to me is the biggest part of this, not what us fans might want to hear.

What are you, his shrink?  Comments like this drive me insane. No one said anything about him not growing as a person. You can grow as an individual, and still embrace your legacy. No one has said you can't do both.

I think Mike is doing fine. Maybe he's not playing prog metal, but he was doing that for 25 years and wanted a break from it. No point in putting together yet another prog metal band when you can do many other things.

He's still playing for people, with some bands to bigger crowds and with others in clubs, most fans can still find at least some of his recent works enjoyable (I personally follow everything he does with Neal Morse), and overall he remained true to his connection with the fan base. He also kind of figured out how not to go too far with his online activity, which is a plus, there were some serious issues there several years ago.

"Doing fine," sure. I am sure he is. And I couldn't argue against what you have said. But again I say -- he has walked away from creating and playing in the niche genre that he and his band once helped define (or at least really helped push it forward as an icon). If that's what he wants, that's fine, but for me personally, it is a head scratcher.

[rumborak]

I'm not sure MP doesn't want to play prog metal, it may simply be an area where he feels it will inevitably descend into a shit show if he were to go there. So, he gets his "safe" prog fixes by playing in the NM band and doing a small prog act here and there (PSMS and now 12SS), and those *already* start the comparisons to DT. So, he may simply choose to stay away, and I can't fault him.

[bosk1]

I'm not sure MP doesn't want to play prog metal, it may simply be an area where he feels it will inevitably descend into a shit show if he were to go there. So, he gets his "safe" prog fixes by playing in the NM band and doing a small prog act here and there (PSMS and now 12SS), and those *already* start the comparisons to DT. So, he may simply choose to stay away, and I can't fault him.

I have no idea whether that is true, but it certainly makes sense.  He is going to get much harsher scrutiny, comparisons, and criticisms if he puts together a "prog metal" band than if he stayed away from that subgenre.  No matter how good it ended up being, it would inevitably be compared to Dream Theater and would be panned when it inevitably fell short of that, and Mike Pornoy, not the band itself, would be the focus of all of that criticism.

[Samsara]

I'm not sure MP doesn't want to play prog metal, it may simply be an area where he feels it will inevitably descend into a shit show if he were to go there. So, he gets his "safe" prog fixes by playing in the NM band and doing a small prog act here and there (PSMS and now 12SS), and those *already* start the comparisons to DT. So, he may simply choose to stay away, and I can't fault him.

I have no idea whether that is true, but it certainly makes sense.  He is going to get much harsher scrutiny, comparisons, and criticisms if he puts together a "prog metal" band than if he stayed away from that subgenre.  No matter how good it ended up being, it would inevitably be compared to Dream Theater and would be panned when it inevitably fell short of that, and Mike Pornoy, not the band itself, would be the focus of all of that criticism.

All very true. Can't argue that at all, really. Looking at recent statements by MP and DT, to me, it just seems MP has come to the "conclusion" that while he loves prog metal, he doesn't want to do it outside of DT. And DT, at least from the question presented to them recently, has said MP is too busy with all his bands to devote to DT.

That, however, has me wondering...were DT making fun of MP, or were they sending a message to MP that if he got his priorities in order, he could guest or be a part of them in some way in the future. I guess time will tell, and obviously, a story for a different thread.

[Skeever]

I dunno dude. I'm a musician myself. I literally cannot bring myself to play one genre constantly. If I was in one type of band for as long as MP was, I'd want to do other things too. He's done A LOT of prog metal. Like a ton. It'd be a bit sad if he never wanted to do anything else.

It's not like he couldn't. He obviously can. He's choosing not to because this is what he wants to do.

I hear ya. I'm not saying I think he should ONLY do prog metal. But its odd to me that someone who built his name in the genre of prog metal doesn't play it any longer. You're right, if he's choosing to not do it, because he doesn't really want to, and doesn't have to, then that's good for him. But as a fan, it still bothers me that someone so revered in the prog metal genre has no band in which to play that style of music any more. That's all I'm saying.

And I think he could do better, money-wise, in the long run, if he did, using the DT back catalog to beef up a new band's output, particularly if that new band is really good, and made up of outstanding songwriters and musicians. But again, that's the fan and slightly informed about the music industry person in me talking. If MP is happy, then that is good. I just miss seeing him play prog metal.

I'm lost...

Are you suggesting that:
Neal Morse
Roine Stolt
Pete Trewavas
Steve Morse
Dave LaRue
Richie  Kotzen
Billy Sheehan
Tony MacAlpine
Derek Sherinian

... are not "really good" or are not "outstanding songwriters and musicians"?   I might even be tempted to say that he's playing with musicians that are at LEAST as good as the one's he played with in DT.   

I'm gonna be completely honest here, and sorry if I offend anyone, but I do believe that everyone on that list has already written their best material - a long time ago, in a lot of cases.

[pogoowner]

Mike's 50 years old. If he can get by just playing prog with his buddies, who happen to be world class musicians, and not grinding away full-time trying to make a dent in the music scene with a new band, more power to him. Sounds like a hell of a gig to me.

[rumborak]

And DT, at least from the question presented to them recently, has said MP is too busy with all his bands to devote to DT.

That, however, has me wondering...were DT making fun of MP, or were they sending a message to MP that if he got his priorities in order, he could guest or be a part of them in some way in the future. I guess time will tell, and obviously, a story for a different thread.

I can unequivocally tell you, that answer was simply a jocular way of deflecting the question, whose true answer is the same as ever: we have no plans to play with MP in any function relating to DT, and MM is the drummer until the band dissolves.

[rumborak]

Mike's 50 years old. If he can get by just playing prog with his buddies, who happen to be world class musicians, and not grinding away full-time trying to make a dent in the music scene with a new band, more power to him. Sounds like a hell of a gig to me.

That's what I'm thinking. MP also strikes me as a guy who is pretty  money savvy, and I'm pretty sure his leading role in DT will have created more windfall for him than say other members in the band. So, if he played his cards right in the 25 years of DT, he shouldn't have to rely on these projects for his survival.

I'm gonna be completely honest here, and sorry if I offend anyone, but I do believe that everyone on that list has already written their best material - a long time ago, in a lot of cases.

*looks at list*

Yeah, I can agree with that.

[Stadler]

Okay, but that you're not impressed proves my point.   I listen to FC and TA FAR more than I do anything from DT at this point.   That tells me he's known for DRUMMING, not "PROG METAL DRUMMING".    I have been a DT fan since Images and Words (got it on release) and I pretty much  say I've never once thought "Wow, this is pretty good PROG METAL.   Mike sure is a great PROG METAL drummer.   I think I'm going to listen to more PROG METAL."   

It's all MUSIC.   

Dude, it's like you are hellbent to shut my opinion down.  Nothiing I said "proves your point." Just because you listen to FC and TA more than anything else from DT these days proves nothing in this discussion except for the fact you enjoy that music. The genre thing -- I never once said that Mike wasn't a good "drummer." I simply said Mike is identified by most people as the drummer of Dream Theater, which was and is, classified as a PROG METAL band.

Yes, it's all MUSIC. I agree with you. But that wasn't the point being made...

Uh yeah, kind of, I am.   Because you're putting out your opinion as if it is fact, and you're basing your opinion on assumptions that aren't sustainable.   The very reasons you dismiss my take on TA and FC is EXACTLY why you are wrong.   I don't at all think that because Mike is best associated with Dream Theater necessarily allows you to draw any of the conclusions you did.   That he played in a band that was best known for "PROG METAL" doesn't mean that's all he does or the best thing he does.   

Is Sting's "best" the reggae punk of the Police?  Is Peter Gabriel's best work the theatrical prog of Genesis?  Phil is even a better example.   

Probably the best example?   Ritchie Blackmore.   He  is an artist truly and utterly doing what HE wants and what makes HIM happy.  That I would love to hear him roar on Burn 180 more times across the planet, and put out another record akin to Rising or Bent Out Of Shape is not at all relevant.  I saw him with Blackmore's Night not three months ago, with 500 others (490 dressed like dipshits from the year 1575) and he was happy, smiling, and he played stuff on guitar that I couldn't recreate in 100 years with three other people. 

What are you, his shrink?  Comments like this drive me insane. No one said anything about him not growing as a person. You can grow as an individual, and still embrace your legacy. No one has said you can't do both.

Of course you can do both; but you don't NEED both. You don't need to embrace your legacy to grow.  Peter Gabriel has played all of two Genesis songs - to my knowledge - in his solo career ("Back In NYC" on his first tour, and "I Know What I Like" all of once).  Is he not "embracing his legacy"?   

"Doing fine," sure. I am sure he is. And I couldn't argue against what you have said. But again I say -- he has walked away from creating and playing in the niche genre that he and his band once helped define (or at least really helped push it forward as an icon). If that's what he wants, that's fine, but for me personally, it is a head scratcher.

But the only thing that matter is "that's what he wants".  He's the artist. He pursues his muse, and you can follow - or not - as you see fit.   

[Stadler]

Mike's 50 years old. If he can get by just playing prog with his buddies, who happen to be world class musicians, and not grinding away full-time trying to make a dent in the music scene with a new band, more power to him. Sounds like a hell of a gig to me.

I've actually got two questions I want to ask Mike if I ever get to talk with him, and one of them is something like this:  have you ever considered being the "band leader" for a headline, international act, ala a Lady Gaga, or Peter Gabriel.  The kind of gig that Abe Laboriel, Jr. has.  You're on call for the big summer stadium tour every two or three or even five years, but you have time to pursue your muses on the side.   Nuno did this with Rhianna.  Abe.  Even Max Weinberg, though it seems that Bruce has really racheted up the touring in recent years.     

[bosk1]

Stadler, I think I mostly agree with a lot of what you are saying.  But you still don't need to be in "attack mode" on the issue.  What was presented was clearly being presented as opinion and not fact, so you don't need to attack the arguments as if this is the P/R forum and someone is posting "fake news" as fact.  While I get bristling at the notion of a fan telling a musician how they "need" to live their life (I get it because I tend to have the same visceral reaction against that type of posting), this isn't that.  It's just an opinion on music.  I suggest toning it down.

[Samsara]

Uh yeah, kind of, I am.   Because you're putting out your opinion as if it is fact, and you're basing your opinion on assumptions that aren't sustainable.   The very reasons you dismiss my take on TA and FC is EXACTLY why you are wrong.   I don't at all think that because Mike is best associated with Dream Theater necessarily allows you to draw any of the conclusions you did.   That he played in a band that was best known for "PROG METAL" doesn't mean that's all he does or the best thing he does.   

How is putting one's opinion out there then construed as "fact." I have done no such thing. Nor would I. As I have said multiple times, I don't follow DT as closely as some others. Nor do I have any relationship with any of the members. So everything I said was opinion, unless otherwise stated. Yes, I state my opinion definitively, because I believe in what I say. If that bothers you, Stadler, honestly...too damn bad.

Your take on TA and FC had nothing to do with what I was trying to say. And just because YOU "don't think at all" what I said should be able to draw the conclusions I have, doesn't mean those conclusions are any less invalid as yours. We happen to disagree. Totally fine man. I don't have a problem with that. But don't disrespect me just because you don't like that I state my opinion firmly and disagree with it.

Edited to add -- if I at any point said (I haven't gone back to look) that "Mike NEEDS" to do something, as opposed to "I think Mike should because," or "As a fan, I'd like to see Mike do this," then my apologies. Because I also agree that fans stating that a musician needs to do something, as a definitive statement, is wrong. Not sure if I directly said that however.

In a nutshell, everything I posted was what I would like to see happen, as a fan. No more, no less. I do care about the artists I support too. So if Mike's REALLY happy (which I don't think he is, completely, without Dream Theater), then that's cool. But it doesn't change the fact of what I would like to see happen as a fan.

[Stadler]

Stadler, I think I mostly agree with a lot of what you are saying.  But you still don't need to be in "attack mode" on the issue.  What was presented was clearly being presented as opinion and not fact, so you don't need to attack the arguments as if this is the P/R forum and someone is posting "fake news" as fact.  While I get bristling at the notion of a fan telling a musician how they "need" to live their life (I get it because I tend to have the same visceral reaction against that type of posting), this isn't that.  It's just an opinion on music.  I suggest toning it down.

Well, Mike's not here to defend himself, and if it was just "I like this better than that" fair point.  But one can't just say any old thing and label it "OPINION!" and get a pass.   To suggest that an artist - pursuing their muse as they see fit - is "pissing his life away", well, I think that's more than just "opinion".

Having said all that, you're the boss, I respect your views on matters  like this, and I'll follow your suggestion.

[Samsara]

Well, Mike's not here to defend himself, and if it was just "I like this better than that" fair point.  But one can't just say any old thing and label it "OPINION!" and get a pass.   To suggest that an artist - pursuing their muse as they see fit - is "pissing his life away", well, I think that's more than just "opinion".

Having said all that, you're the boss, I respect your views on matters  like this, and I'll follow your suggestion.

This is comical, Stadler. So because Mike isn't here to reply, you get to try and represent him yourself? LOL. "Pissing his life away" was strong. No doubt. But as a fan, yes, I do believe he's tarnished his legacy a bit in regard to progressive metal, and I'd like to see him reclaim it. And for the record -- THAT'S JUST AN OPINION. It can't BE any more than that, because I'm not Mike Portnoy, nor am I any of the people that represent him.

So for you to try and mislabel what I have said as me posting my OPINION as FACT, is not only dead wrong, but insulting. And borderline trolling. I'm happy to talk with you via PM if you'd prefer to hash it out that way. But I state my opinions definitively, and will not veer from that.

[Stadler]

Uh yeah, kind of, I am.   Because you're putting out your opinion as if it is fact, and you're basing your opinion on assumptions that aren't sustainable.   The very reasons you dismiss my take on TA and FC is EXACTLY why you are wrong.   I don't at all think that because Mike is best associated with Dream Theater necessarily allows you to draw any of the conclusions you did.   That he played in a band that was best known for "PROG METAL" doesn't mean that's all he does or the best thing he does.   

How is putting one's opinion out there then construed as "fact." I have done no such thing. Nor would I. As I have said multiple times, I don't follow DT as closely as some others. Nor do I have any relationship with any of the members. So everything I said was opinion, unless otherwise stated. Yes, I state my opinion definitively, because I believe in what I say. If that bothers you, Stadler, honestly...too damn bad.

Your take on TA and FC had nothing to do with what I was trying to say. And just because YOU "don't think at all" what I said should be able to draw the conclusions I have, doesn't mean those conclusions are any less invalid as yours. We happen to disagree. Totally fine man. I don't have a problem with that. But don't disrespect me just because you don't like that I state my opinion firmly and disagree with it.

Edited to add -- if I at any point said (I haven't gone back to look) that "Mike NEEDS" to do something, as opposed to "I think Mike should because," or "As a fan, I'd like to see Mike do this," then my apologies. Because I also agree that fans stating that a musician needs to do something, as a definitive statement, is wrong. Not sure if I directly said that however.

In a nutshell, everything I posted was what I would like to see happen, as a fan. No more, no less. I do care about the artists I support too. So if Mike's REALLY happy (which I don't think he is, completely, without Dream Theater), then that's cool. But it doesn't change the fact of what I would like to see happen as a fan.

I didn't disrespect you because you stated your opinion firmly, nor because I disagreed with it.  I respect strong opinions, and often advocate for opinions that differ from mine.   For better or worse, and I'll take full responsibility for this, I drew the line at the point we presumed what was best for Mike.

I'm of the opinion that artists should make the music they want to make, period.  And Mike's doing that, to the best of our knowledge, so it sort of renders opinions - not just yours, but all of ours - irrelevant on that point.   I didn't at all take from your posts that it was "just what you wanted to see"; there's no need for the prog metal discussion, or the "pissing his life away" comments if it was just about what you wanted to see. 

In any event, I respect your opinion, and you know mine. 

[Samsara]

Respectfully, who are you to tell anyone that there's no need for items they've spoken about in their discussion? Quite frankly, that's not for you to decide. Those things were very much part of the discussion, until you side tracked it all. Check your PMs.

[Stadler]

Well, Mike's not here to defend himself, and if it was just "I like this better than that" fair point.  But one can't just say any old thing and label it "OPINION!" and get a pass.   To suggest that an artist - pursuing their muse as they see fit - is "pissing his life away", well, I think that's more than just "opinion".

Having said all that, you're the boss, I respect your views on matters  like this, and I'll follow your suggestion.

This is comical, Stadler. So because Mike isn't here to reply, you get to try and represent him yourself? LOL. "Pissing his life away" was strong. No doubt. But as a fan, yes, I do believe he's tarnished his legacy a bit in regard to progressive metal, and I'd like to see him reclaim it. And for the record -- THAT'S JUST AN OPINION. It can't BE any more than that, because I'm not Mike Portnoy, nor am I any of the people that represent him.

So for you to try and mislabel what I have said as me posting my OPINION as FACT, is not only dead wrong, but insulting. And borderline trolling. I'm happy to talk with you via PM if you'd prefer to hash it out that way. But I state my opinions definitively, and will not veer from that.

You be you.  I stand by my statements.  I'm not speaking for Mike, nor would I, he's more than capable of speaking for himself (and I wouldn't bet my DT collection that he wouldn't have means to know of this conversation).   I don't at all agree that anything can be said with a caveat of "only my opinion" and have it be valid.    I cannot say "Scenes From a Memory is the greatest rap album of all time" and caveat it with "in my opinion".     I took most offense to the line of reasoning that said "he's pissing his career away".   You're entitled to like DT more than other things he's done (honestly, I love the stuff he's done, but my favorite MIKE album is still Images and Words) but I think it's fundamentally wrong to dictate to an artist what they should do.  I'd LOVE to hear Billy Joel write new music, but that he doesn't is his call and his call only. I do not have the right - even with "in my opinion" - to say "he's wasting his talent". He's doing what he wants to do. 

I have no interest in fighting with you.   I'd rather enjoy our common bond of DT music. 

[Samsara]

You be you.  I stand by my statements.  I'm not speaking for Mike, nor would I, he's more than capable of speaking for himself (and I wouldn't bet my DT collection that he wouldn't have means to know of this conversation).   I don't at all agree that anything can be said with a caveat of "only my opinion" and have it be valid.    I cannot say "Scenes From a Memory is the greatest rap album of all time" and caveat it with "in my opinion".     I took most offense to the line of reasoning that said "he's pissing his career away".   You're entitled to like DT more than other things he's done (honestly, I love the stuff he's done, but my favorite MIKE album is still Images and Words) but I think it's fundamentally wrong to dictate to an artist what they should do.  I'd LOVE to hear Billy Joel write new music, but that he doesn't is his call and his call only. I do not have the right - even with "in my opinion" - to say "he's wasting his talent". He's doing what he wants to do. 

I have no interest in fighting with you.   I'd rather enjoy our common bond of DT music.

A statement of "In my opinion, Scenes from a Memory is the greatest rap album of all time," of course can't be valid - because it isn't a rap album. An opinion cannot trump fact. However, an opinion that an artist is not maximizing his or her career, legacy, and what he or she is capable of, is very much a VALID opinion. You may not LIKE that type of discussion (which you have admitted), but trolling someone who has put it out there isn't the right way to go about it either, Stadler.

Yes, fans DO have the right to express their OPINION that an artist is "wasting their talent," if they believe that. It's called being a fan. Now, I grant you, if I saw Mike, I would never offer that opinion in personal conversation unless he specifically asked me my thoughts on what he's doing. Then I'd explain it probably a lot more gently than I did above. But the message would then be the same.

But this, DTF, is a message board. This is where fans SHARE those opinions. And I suggest -- if you don't like where a fan's opinion on something goes, then simply don't reply, or reply to a different aspect of the conversation. Because trying to impose your own sense of morality on other people, particularly when what was expressed was well within the rules, is a mistake, and insulting of the rest of us in the community.

Here's to Mike Portnoy -- may he be living the life and career he really wants, with as much happiness as possible. Carpe Diem!

[Stadler]

You be you.  I stand by my statements.  I'm not speaking for Mike, nor would I, he's more than capable of speaking for himself (and I wouldn't bet my DT collection that he wouldn't have means to know of this conversation).   I don't at all agree that anything can be said with a caveat of "only my opinion" and have it be valid.    I cannot say "Scenes From a Memory is the greatest rap album of all time" and caveat it with "in my opinion".     I took most offense to the line of reasoning that said "he's pissing his career away".   You're entitled to like DT more than other things he's done (honestly, I love the stuff he's done, but my favorite MIKE album is still Images and Words) but I think it's fundamentally wrong to dictate to an artist what they should do.  I'd LOVE to hear Billy Joel write new music, but that he doesn't is his call and his call only. I do not have the right - even with "in my opinion" - to say "he's wasting his talent". He's doing what he wants to do. 

I have no interest in fighting with you.   I'd rather enjoy our common bond of DT music.

A statement of "In my opinion, Scenes from a Memory is the greatest rap album of all time," of course can't be valid - because it isn't a rap album. An opinion cannot trump fact. However, an opinion that an artist is not maximizing his or her career, legacy, and what he or she is capable of, is very much a VALID opinion. You may not LIKE that type of discussion (which you have admitted), but trolling someone who has put it out there isn't the right way to go about it either, Stadler.

Yes, fans DO have the right to express their OPINION that an artist is "wasting their talent," if they believe that. It's called being a fan. Now, I grant you, if I saw Mike, I would never offer that opinion in personal conversation unless he specifically asked me my thoughts on what he's doing. Then I'd explain it probably a lot more gently than I did above. But the message would then be the same.

But this, DTF, is a message board. This is where fans SHARE those opinions. And I suggest -- if you don't like where a fan's opinion on something goes, then simply don't reply, or reply to a different aspect of the conversation. Because trying to impose your own sense of morality on other people, particularly when what was expressed was well within the rules, is a mistake, and insulting of the rest of us in the community.

Here's to Mike Portnoy -- may he be living the life and career he really wants, with as much happiness as possible. Carpe Diem!

Well, I disagree.  And I'd appreciate if you didn't devolve this into a personal thing with words like "troll".   You want respect for "forceful opinions", then give the same.   

I think I'm done with this.  Art for me is about choices.  Not just what note to play, but what genres to play and who they play with.  I respect Mike's choices.  That his choices aren't what I would do is part of the beauty of it.   

[cramx3]

I guess I am the only one who wishes MP to focus and build upon the Winery Dogs 

Man they are so good

[axeman90210]

I guess I am the only one who wishes MP to focus and build upon the Winery Dogs 

Man they are so good

You're not alone. Love both albums and seeing them live.

[Bertielee]

I guess I am the only one who wishes MP to focus and build upon the Winery Dogs 

Man they are so good

Yep, much more my cup of tea than Flying Colours, but I'm a little partial there, as I've always loved Kotzen.

B.Lee

[hefdaddy42]

WTF happened in this thread?

More Flying Colors please.

[cramx3]

WTF happened in this thread?

More Flying Colors please.

  hence my attempt at changing topics

[Mladen]

I don't know if anyone posted this already, but the footage of FC playing the cruise is out there:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IINCmVhws

EDIT: First thought - Casey has improved as a front man even more. He's pretty great.

[rumborak]

WTF happened in this thread?

More Flying Colors please.

Man, I loooooved FC 1. But FC2 left me cold like a skinny dip in the Charles River.

[King Postwhore]

Axeman and I are the only one who got that joke Rumbo.

I really like the second album. I like both albums.