Sons of Apollo (feat. Portnoy & Sherinian)

[Stadler]

I get it. It says that explicitly in the release I saw.   But I feel like here, perception is everything.   Even the AMob got a showcase gig in NYC to kick off that whole hot mess, if memory serves (it does) and so did The Winery Dogs (at least in America; they played Japan first).  The limited tours for Flying Colors and Transatlantic all covered the big cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and the Philly area.

This seems... odd to me.  And remember, I'm the Sons of Apollo apologist, Team Mike and all that.     

[The Walrus]

I'm just surprised because they keep talking about 'taking over the world' so I was expecting like, a month or two of straight touring the US. I would like to know if anybody here saw Winery Dogs in St. Charles, IL the last few years and how packed the venue was (the Arcada Theater there has a capacity of 897, and The Forge has one of 950). Every time I've been to The Forge/Mojoes, it's barely half full. Just really slim pickings for the first set of dates, for their sake I hope that list expands drastically. The Forge is easy as hell to get to thankfully, but I'm just puzzled they aren't in Chicago proper.

[bosk1]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

[Architeuthis]

That would be awesome! There are plenty of smaller yet nice venues in Seattle. The Showbox at The Market would be perfect, or The Triple Door etc. It would be a two hr drive plus ferry ride for me, but totally worth it..

[TAC]

Um....  I'm in a band, right?  And I'm the next thing since sliced bread, and I want to showcase my live skills for the entire world. I have eight dates to really drive the point home, maybe even cut a live album to whet appetites across the globe.

Let's see:
Boston
New York (Hometown, mofos!!)
Philly (Philly has been GREAT to me through my career)
Atlanta
Chicago
Dallas
St. Louis
Los Angeles

Wow.  Wait.  Not those cities?  A casino in Miami?   Atlanta?  Carrboro? Asbury Park, NJ?  Buffalo? Battle Creek? Joliet?  What is this, a book signing tour?

 

Opening for Tempus Vox!

[cramx3]

I'd check them out in Asbury Park.  House of Independants is a small (500 capacity), but nice venue.  Saw Amaranthe there about a year ago.   Also, Asbury Park is not some no where spot.  Just saw DT there a couple weeks ago, but Asbury Park is a big music spot in NJ, no shame in playing that town, although they are playing one of the smaller venues in the town. 

[bill1971]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

[Fritzinger]

So no meet & greet bullshit this time? Maybe we'll get to meet the guys next to the bus without spending money for it this time.

[bosk1]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

And that's clearly your prerogative, Bill.  I won't fault you for it.  It's just one more example of making me shake my head at Mike and Derek, and the fact that they lost "customers" from what should have been an almost-automatic, built-in customer base, and they have no one to blame but themselves. 

[bill1971]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

And that's clearly your prerogative, Bill.  I won't fault you for it.  It's just one more example of making me shake my head at Mike and Derek, and the fact that they lost "customers" from what should have been an almost-automatic, built-in customer base, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

Obviously I was exaggerating, they couldn't sell out my kitchen.

[bosk1]

  If you comp me a ticket, I'm there.  But I call "dibs" on the breakfast nook.

[bill1971]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

And that's clearly your prerogative, Bill.  I won't fault you for it.  It's just one more example of making me shake my head at Mike and Derek, and the fact that they lost "customers" from what should have been an almost-automatic, built-in customer base, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

Do you think MP would still recognize you if you went? If I remember correctly you met him at least once.

[bill1971]

  If you comp me a ticket, I'm there.  But I call "dibs" on the breakfast nook.

You got it. All the OJ you can drink, on the house. After all you have been "hosting" me by providing this amazing forum, which to be honest with you, I wish I came her more often instead of mp.com

I think it would be funny if under the logo on top where it says Dream Theater forums.org you put in parenthesis "Yes, we are still a "thing"

[TAC]

   It's just one more example of making me shake my head at Mike and Derek, and the fact that they lost "customers" from what should have been an almost-automatic, built-in customer base, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

Yup.

[bosk1]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

And that's clearly your prerogative, Bill.  I won't fault you for it.  It's just one more example of making me shake my head at Mike and Derek, and the fact that they lost "customers" from what should have been an almost-automatic, built-in customer base, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

Do you think MP would still recognize you if you went? If I remember correctly you met him at least once.

Not sure.  He might not be able to place me just by face.  But he would know me once introduced.  He knows who I am.

  If you comp me a ticket, I'm there.  But I call "dibs" on the breakfast nook.

You got it. All the OJ you can drink, on the house. After all you have been "hosting" me by providing this amazing forum, which to be honest with you, I wish I came her more often instead of mp.com

I think it would be funny if under the logo on top where it says Dream Theater forums.org you put in parenthesis "Yes, we are still a "thing"

  Hmm...  :

[nattmorker]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

 

[Architeuthis]

@Architeuthis:  Portnoy really seems to want to get the band "out there" as much as possible next year, and the dates posted show that he recognizes they will have to start off playing small venues, so I would think he would get them into as many markets as possible playing wherever they can play.  Hopefully, they come your way. 

For me, the music is good enough that I want to see them.  But it isn't "great" enough, and Mike's and Derek's conduct has been offputting enough that I will likely see them only if the show is close enough, convenient enough, and inexpensive enough that it doesn't require a huge commitment on my part.

If they were playing in my kitchen for free, I would most likely go upstairs to my room close the door or take the dogs to the park for a few hours.

 

Would that be the Winery Dogs?? 

[rumborak]

Regarding the argument of "these are just the February dates", but have a look at the spacing between them and where they go geographically. They're racing up the East coast, ending up in Illinois. I just doubt they would turn back around and go back down the East coast to Boston and New York City.

[RodrigoAltaf]

I'm the absolute minority here in a bunch of issues, and this is another one: I'm all in favour of them playing smaller cities and venues. I saw Dream Theater in Madrid, Barcelona and Pamplona, and by far, Pamplona was the best concert. Small city, small venue, and I got a chance to see them from VERY close, and even ran into Jordan in the streets in the morning of the show. Go and see this band if you can. I'm hoping for a Toronto date to be announced soon.

[cramx3]

Regarding the argument of "these are just the February dates", but have a look at the spacing between them and where they go geographically. They're racing up the East coast, ending up in Illinois. I just doubt they would turn back around and go back down the East coast to Boston and New York City.

Not right after, but maybe later in the year.  Bands do that all the time.  However, I do wonder if this is something for the promoters to test the waters with a new band.  If these shows don't do well, maybe there isn't a second leg.

[noxon]

Pretty cheap tickets too - $25 i saw some places.

[cramx3]

Pretty cheap tickets too - $25 i saw some places.

Yea thats the price for NJ.  I am in.  Would be awesome to see these guys in a small venue at one of their first gigs even though I don't totally love the album.

[bosk1]

Regarding the argument of "these are just the February dates", but have a look at the spacing between them and where they go geographically.

What "argument?"  That's exactly what it says on their website.  They will be touring throughout 2018, and only have February dates listed so far.  Not sure what exactly you are disputing. 

[goo-goo]

Regarding the argument of "these are just the February dates", but have a look at the spacing between them and where they go geographically.

What "argument?"  That's exactly what it says on their website.  They will be touring throughout 2018, and only have February dates listed so far.  Not sure what exactly you are disputing.

Wouldn't you start in the bigger cities (bigger markets) and then move to the smaller ones? I see what Stads is trying to say and I kind of agree with him. Why not start with the bigger markets first? Flying Colors did it, AMob did it, DT did it, most of every other band has done it...why not SoA? Feels weird.

[cramx3]

Regarding the argument of "these are just the February dates", but have a look at the spacing between them and where they go geographically.

What "argument?"  That's exactly what it says on their website.  They will be touring throughout 2018, and only have February dates listed so far.  Not sure what exactly you are disputing.

Wouldn't you start in the bigger cities (bigger markets) and then move to the smaller ones? I see what Stads is trying to say and I kind of agree with him. Why not start with the bigger markets first? Flying Colors did it, AMob did it, DT did it, most of every other band has done it...why not SoA? Feels weird.

My guess, promoters.  The same people who booked all those bands mentioned probably look at this project as another one along those lines and don't want to take risks booking bigger events, lets do a test run in small markets and see if people come out.  The album didn't blow up the charts so I am not sure what the turn out will be for these shows and I imagine promoters think the same.  Remember MP struggling to get NA gigs for The Shattered Fortress?  Seems like he needs to start low with this band and build it up, no better way to do that then hit the road with what's available.

[bosk1]

Regarding the argument of "these are just the February dates", but have a look at the spacing between them and where they go geographically.

What "argument?"  That's exactly what it says on their website.  They will be touring throughout 2018, and only have February dates listed so far.  Not sure what exactly you are disputing.

Wouldn't you start in the bigger cities (bigger markets) and then move to the smaller ones? I see what Stads is trying to say and I kind of agree with him. Why not start with the bigger markets first? Flying Colors did it, AMob did it, DT did it, most of every other band has done it...why not SoA? Feels weird.

Okay, well that's a different issue.  But as to that issue, whatever.  You can feel the way you feel about it.  But personally, I'm not sure what's "weird" about not starting a tour in NYC, LA, or Boston.  By way of example, DT started their last U.S. tour in Oakland.  Maiden started their 2017 U.S. Book of Souls tour in Bristow, Virginia.  What's the problem?

[Skeever]

What a terrible selection of dates. That venue in Jersey fits about 300.

At this point, MP would be better off contacting DTFers and asking if he can do basement shows in their homes

[SystematicThought]

I'm the absolute minority here in a bunch of issues, and this is another one: I'm all in favour of them playing smaller cities and venues. I saw Dream Theater in Madrid, Barcelona and Pamplona, and by far, Pamplona was the best concert. Small city, small venue, and I got a chance to see them from VERY close, and even ran into Jordan in the streets in the morning of the show. Go and see this band if you can. I'm hoping for a Toronto date to be announced soon.

I think the small venue comments more have to do with MP's comments a few weeks ago about how much he hated playing small venues with Adrenaline Mob and didn't want to go back to that, but here we are in some small venues. Nobody has a problem seeing them in small venues, but at least one member of the band has said he doesn't like playing clubs.*

*I don't know the capacity of all the venues on the tour, I've just seen some numbers thrown around for some and am speaking to those figures.

[rumborak]

Wow, some of the venues are teensy. This is the venue in Michigan:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3223452,-85.2085474,3a,75y,92.95h,82.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9ZhXfrmCJBggLDEG5I-yqA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[The Walrus]

Wow, some of the venues are teensy. This is the venue in Michigan:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3223452,-85.2085474,3a,75y,92.95h,82.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9ZhXfrmCJBggLDEG5I-yqA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

WOW.

[Podaar]

Holy shit, that is small. My buddy has a garage that big!  That being said, I'd totally go there, get ripped and have a good ol' time.

[SystematicThought]

Wow, some of the venues are teensy. This is the venue in Michigan:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3223452,-85.2085474,3a,75y,92.95h,82.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9ZhXfrmCJBggLDEG5I-yqA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Will MP's kit fit in there? Derek's ego?

[TAC]

Wow, some of the venues are teensy. This is the venue in Michigan:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3223452,-85.2085474,3a,75y,92.95h,82.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9ZhXfrmCJBggLDEG5I-yqA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

WOW.

Wow, they actually ARE playing Bill's kitchen!

[cramx3]

What a terrible selection of dates. That venue in Jersey fits about 300.

Capacity is closer to 500, 250 for seating.  It's a really nice venue, but yea, it's small.  I don't know what people were expecting them to start off playing.  I think I mentioned something earlier in this thread that Gramercy Theater seemed about right for NYC at 500 capacity. 

A gig is a gig and this band needs to perform to people before they can grow.

I also mentioned that they might be better off supporting a bigger band to get the exposure needed to headline bigger venues.

[bill1971]

Wow, some of the venues are teensy. This is the venue in Michigan:

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3223452,-85.2085474,3a,75y,92.95h,82.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9ZhXfrmCJBggLDEG5I-yqA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

WOW. Wow, they actually ARE playing Bill's kitchen!

Don't insult my kitchen.




On the plus side there is some nice parking across the street if you use Google maps.