so what you are basically saying is that right now you like those groups more than DT.
I literally worded my post with the intention to NOT say that. It's not at all what I was saying, or I would have said I preferred the setlist or material more, which while true in most of those cases, wasn't the point. I specifically said I liked the performance more.
What I am basically saying it, material aside, if you told me would you rather watch a performance from Dream Theater, or a performance with band where Portnoy has a strong hand in things, I'm going with the latter choice every time right now.
Hmm, okay so what you are basically saying is that right now you like seeing those groups put on a show more than DT. That's cool. But once again, I was trying to make the point that those groups were performing their original material, not covers, that kinda makes a big difference to me. It doesn't sound like it does for you and that's fine, but it does for me.
My unwanted .02 -- define "groups performing their original material." Yeah, technically, you're right. But only 3/5 of the band that recorded that material is doing so (depending on what the songs are). Those lines are so blurred now with so many bands.
I mean, who cares if it is Dream Theater (as currently constituted) or MP with another band? The latter is always going to be, with Mike involved, great musicians capable of doing the songs justice, and depending on who sings, even better in some cases (with no offense at all to JLB, the voice is obviously a touch thing from night to night).
I see what Nick was getting at -- MP's involvement, and the way he goes about putting on a show and making calls on what to do, creatively and performance-wise, are more entertaining at this point than the more sterile vibe DT has nowadays. And it's not that one is better than the other, or historically, one is preferred over one another. It's just from an entertainment value, MP-related prog metal is a bit more exciting at the moment. Nothing wrong with that.
Plus, (apologies Nick, if I am misspeaking here) Haken is one of Nick's favorite bands right now. So to have guys from that band involved, obviously makes the show a ton more exciting. It'd be like me if say Alter Bridge brought Chris DeGarmo on stage, and those guys performed Queensryche stuff -- I'd totally be more excited for that than I would current QR or Tate. Not because I think they are better than the original band, but because it's exciting and a fresh take on something I love, but with still one of the masterminds of that stuff I love in control of it.
I totally get it. Music is music, just go enjoy it. No need to be so rigid on likes and dislikes...