Mike Portnoy's "Prog Metal" supergroup: Sons of Apollo

[Zook]

Does Mike own any nice clothing? Also, Derek looks like Satan.

[Stadler]

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

Part 2 of the band's introduction.

Have to admit I laughed out loud on several occasions

Called out the "Making history!" line, before Mike did!   

[devieira73]

Also interesting the origin of album name and Ron's comments about the relation with Portnoy and Derek names

[cramx3]

They all seem happy with this, that makes me more excited. 

[kaos2900]

I'm having a really hard time getting into the new song and the primary reason in the vocals.

[gzarruk]

Does Mike own any nice clothing? Also, Derek looks like Satan.

 

[Stadler]

The fact that Jeff Scott Soto said Thal belongs "here" is meaningful.  This is a guy that has played with some truly great players - Yngwie, Neal Schon, Al Pitrelli, Alex Skolnick, Brian May - so he should have some insight.

[bosk1]

Yeah, Soto is every bit the music industry veteran that any of these guys are.  Ultimately, we're STILL only talking about opinion.  But the guy's opinion carries some weight.

[nobloodyname]

Have to say I love the way Ron Thal comes across in these videos.

I checked out 'Little Brother is Watching' a couple of months ago, since I'm unfamiliar with his work, and came away reasonably impressed.

[bosk1]

Have to say I love the way Ron Thal comes across in these videos.

I checked out 'Little Brother is Watching' a couple of months ago, since I'm unfamiliar with his work, and came away reasonably impressed.

I like his playing.  His songwriting/composing, at least for his solo work, doesn't really do it for me.  It's just too "out there" for my tastes.  But with Mike and Derek steering the ship, I'm not really concerned about that being a factor here.

[Stadler]

Yeah, Soto is every bit the music industry veteran that any of these guys are.  Ultimately, we're STILL only talking about opinion.  But the guy's opinion carries some weight.

What's your take, though, on him not being able to get a stable gig?  Is it him or the people he got in with (Yngwie has his demons...)?

[bosk1]

Yeah, Soto is every bit the music industry veteran that any of these guys are.  Ultimately, we're STILL only talking about opinion.  But the guy's opinion carries some weight.

What's your take, though, on him not being able to get a stable gig?  Is it him or the people he got in with (Yngwie has his demons...)?

Hard to say.  I mean, yeah, he has worked with a lot of artists.  But that doesn't mean there is a pattern.  He has done a ton of guest spots and his solo thing, but has had a total of 4 of what I would consider "big" gigs, so we can look at those:

I don't know the circumstances of his parting ways with Yngwie, so it could have been anything.  I have no idea whether it was his idea, Yngwie's, mutual, whether he left on good terms or bad, or anything. 

From everything I know about the Journey situation, he was just done wrong by that band.  And given the pattern of Journey's dealings with people over the years, I DO see a pattern there, and it is on their part, not his.  But at the end of the day, I don't think he was the right fit for that band anyway.

As far as Talisman, that was long-term, and I just don't know their situation other than the fact that they were never that big and were an on-again/off-again band.  He left them to go do Journey during one of their down periods, and they haven't really done anything since. 

As far as I know, he is still counted a member of TSO, but that is a seasonal gig, not really a full-time thing.

So I don't really see a pattern.  He is spoken of in a positive light from everyone I have ever heard talk about him in the music biz, including Dave Meniketti and Michael Sweet.  And seems like a nice, easy-going kind of guy from my limited experience with him...even if I did sing him off the stage at that one gig. 

[Samsara]

Yeah, Soto is every bit the music industry veteran that any of these guys are.  Ultimately, we're STILL only talking about opinion.  But the guy's opinion carries some weight.

What's your take, though, on him not being able to get a stable gig?  Is it him or the people he got in with (Yngwie has his demons...)?

Hard to say.  I mean, yeah, he has worked with a lot of artists.  But that doesn't mean there is a pattern.  He has done a ton of guest spots and his solo thing, but has had a total of what I would consider "big" gigs, so we can look at those:

I don't know the circumstances of his parting ways with Yngwie, so it could have been anything.  I have no idea whether it was his idea, Yngwie's, mutual, whether he left on good terms or bad, or anything. 

From everything I know about the Journey situation, he was just done wrong by that band.  And given the pattern of Journey's dealings with people over the years, I DO see a pattern there, and it is on their part, not his.  But at the end of the day, I don't think he was the right fit for that band anyway.

As far as Talisman, that was long-term, and I just don't know their situation other than the fact that they were never that big and were an on-again/off-again band.  He left them to go do Journey during one of their down periods, and they haven't really done anything since. 

As far as I know, he is still counted a member of TSO, but that is a seasonal gig, not really a full-time thing.

So I don't really see a pattern.  He is spoken of in a positive light from everyone I have ever heard talk about him in the music biz, including Dave Meniketti and Michael Sweet.  And seems like a nice, easy-going kind of guy from my limited experience with him...even if I did sing him off the stage at that one gig. 

Regarding JSS and a stable gig -- he has one. Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Although I understand in the context of this conversation, most wouldn't view that as full-time. On top of that, Talisman was pretty popular in Europe. As bosk1 said, he got a raw deal with Journey, and Yngwie's reputation speaks for itself.

I had the good fortunate of interviewing JSS on the TSO tour in 2010. You can read it here -- https://breakdownroom.net/jss-110.html I spent about a half-hour talking about his career. He seems like a genuinely good guy, who works hard, provides for his family, and is as stable as they come. Again, that's only 30 minutes of being with him, but he was one of the most gracious musicians I've ever interviewed.

So, I don't think stability with JSS is going to be an issue at all.

[Stadler]

And that, boys and girls, is why you don't "assume".  I haven't heard much about the Journey thing, other than they were going through guys like tissues at a masturbation contest, before they settled on Arnel.  I too, don't think that was a great fit, and that's no knock on Soto.

[ariich]

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

Part 2 of the band's introduction.

Have to admit I laughed out loud on several occasions

I love Bumblefoot. He's got a really great humour and humility.

[AngelBack]

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

Part 2 of the band's introduction.

Have to admit I laughed out loud on several occasions

I love Bumblefoot. He's got a really great humour and humility.

Anyone know the story behind that name?  A play on Buckethead maybe?

[Mindflux]

Anyone know the story behind that name?  A play on Buckethead maybe?

His Wiki entry specifically mentions it:

He adopted his nickname from the bacterial infection of the same name, which he learned about while helping his wife study for her veterinary exams.[2] The name went from being just the name of an album, to the name of a record label, to a band name, to eventually his name as a solo artist.[3]

[AngelBack]

Anyone know the story behind that name?  A play on Buckethead maybe?

His Wiki entry specifically mentions it:

He adopted his nickname from the bacterial infection of the same name, which he learned about while helping his wife study for her veterinary exams.[2] The name went from being just the name of an album, to the name of a record label, to a band name, to eventually his name as a solo artist.[3]

 

[bill1971]

Does Mike own any nice clothing? Also, Derek looks like Satan.

See! This is why EVERYONE on DTF is a TROLL!! LOL ROFL!!! #FAKENEWS!!! EVERYONE there makes sweeping generalizations!!

[Madman Shepherd]

Since then [Richie] has gone back to saying, "I wasn't planning on getting married with the Winery Dogs."  Not looking good.

Oh, that's a shame. Do you have a source at all? I'd like to read it in context.

I found the first TWD album to be light years ahead of the second but I'd look forward to any new material from them one day, regardless.

https://www.bigmusicgeek.com/interviews/richiekotzen.html

Also says he is the primary songwriter and second album was more collaborative as opposed to the first.  I mean, perhaps I shouldn't be reading between the lines but it sounds like he's saying he had a decent enough time but doesn't see himself ever going back as a full time situation. 

[Lowdz]

Yeah, Soto is every bit the music industry veteran that any of these guys are.  Ultimately, we're STILL only talking about opinion.  But the guy's opinion carries some weight.

What's your take, though, on him not being able to get a stable gig?  Is it him or the people he got in with (Yngwie has his demons...)?

Hard to say.  I mean, yeah, he has worked with a lot of artists.  But that doesn't mean there is a pattern.  He has done a ton of guest spots and his solo thing, but has had a total of 4 of what I would consider "big" gigs, so we can look at those:

I don't know the circumstances of his parting ways with Yngwie, so it could have been anything.  I have no idea whether it was his idea, Yngwie's, mutual, whether he left on good terms or bad, or anything. 

From everything I know about the Journey situation, he was just done wrong by that band.  And given the pattern of Journey's dealings with people over the years, I DO see a pattern there, and it is on their part, not his.  But at the end of the day, I don't think he was the right fit for that band anyway.

As far as Talisman, that was long-term, and I just don't know their situation other than the fact that they were never that big and were an on-again/off-again band.  He left them to go do Journey during one of their down periods, and they haven't really done anything since. 

As far as I know, he is still counted a member of TSO, but that is a seasonal gig, not really a full-time thing.

So I don't really see a pattern.  He is spoken of in a positive light from everyone I have ever heard talk about him in the music biz, including Dave Meniketti and Michael Sweet.  And seems like a nice, easy-going kind of guy from my limited experience with him...even if I did sing him off the stage at that one gig. 

Talisman pretty much ended when Marcel Jacob died. It was his baby, though I believe there are some live dates planned.
JSS has a solo album coming out imminently and has done various solo things over many years.

He always comes across as a great guy. I've spoken with him a few times, however briefly, but he's a good guy.

[gzarruk]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

[TheLordOfTheStrings]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

The ironic thing is that Mike was probably the most gung-ho to kick Derek out for Jordan back in the day.

[gzarruk]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

The ironic thing is that Mike was probably the most gung-ho to kick Derek out for Jordan back in the day.

https://youtu.be/59tLv13dWC4?t=34m55s

[TAC]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

Isn't Apollo a fictitious character?

[RodrigoAltaf]

Derek just turned 50... doesn't he look great for his age?

[TAC]

He looks like the Kardashian mom.

[gzarruk]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

Isn't Apollo a fictitious character?

 

[RodrigoAltaf]

He looks like the Kardashian mom.

At least he didn't marry a tranny, and plays keyboard a bit better than her.

[TAC]

But she married an Olympic champion.

Wasn't Apollo from Olympus? See? It's all becoming clear.

[Dave_Manchester]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

I get he's probably having a dig at Dream Theater/The Astonishing, but what's his problem with concept albums based on fictitious characters? The Wall (Pink), The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (Rael), Tommy (Tommy), Operation Mindcrime (Nikki) and 2112 (The Priests and co) are all based on fictitious characters, all are classic albums, and all made his new band-leader's (MP's) favourite albums of all time list on his forum.

[Anguyen92]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

I get he's probably having a dig at Dream Theater, but what's his problem with concept albums based on fictitious characters? The Wall (Pink), The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (Rael), Tommy (Tommy), Operation Mindcrime (Nikki) and 2112 (The Priests and co) are all based on fictitious characters, all are classic albums, and all made his new band-leader's (MP's) favourite albums of all time list.

Even Scenes From a Memory, the DT album that was made after he was gone from DT was a concept record based on fictitious characters.

Unless, he's just saying that to not get people's hopes up that just because this is a prog-metal project with two former members of DT, that there will be no concept albums with characters and stuff like that, which could be the actual reason why he said that.

[Madman Shepherd]

Derek Sherinian on twitter:

@SonsOfApollo1 promises you that there will be no concept records based on fictitious characters-
The era of the Sons is coming Oct 20

I mean, is this really neccesary to promote his band? 

Pretty tasteless of Derek to rip on the Neal Morse Band.  I mean, Similitude of a Dream isn't my thing either by why bash it?  I wonder what Mike has to say about this. 

[Stadler]

Does Mike own any nice clothing? Also, Derek looks like Satan.

See! This is why EVERYONE on DTF is a TROLL!! LOL ROFL!!! #FAKENEWS!!! EVERYONE there makes sweeping generalizations!!

You can joke, but the clothing comment is not a positive thing to say.  At least the "Satan" comment comes off as made in jest.

[Zook]

I wonder if he goes to fancy restaurants wearing a jersey.

I don't dress up when I go to fancy places but I don't wear tank tops and shorts either.