DreamSonic 2023

[BFRedrocks]

It looks like it was a gift for JP
https://www.facebook.com/abasiguitars/posts/pfbid02HugQhfqFVC1QWVvsbeUhT1DekTwaptJZojQsR94zUg3BT43Cx8DKRECtiAdADBAnl

@johnpetrucciofficial has always been a massive source of inspiration to us at Abasi Concepts, so we decided to pay homage to one of his iconic guitar finishes with this incredible one-off ēmi 8 (painted by the same artist who originally painted John’s guitar - Dan Lawrence) to commemorate @tosinabasi and @animalsasleaders  finishing the Dreamsonic Tour with @dreamtheaterofficial and @dvntownsend 🤘🫡🔥

I wish I knew that before seeing him use it.  That is a cool story!!

[Architeuthis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--bBecmI6NM

Predator JP and Tosin

This is awesome!!!    💪

[Kram]

Cool story and review! So did MP dedicate it over the PA or was it more like a mental personal dedication before they played it? Either way, very cool of MP.

He did it personally with me during the pre-show M&G, and JR (sitting next to him who heard what he said) acknowledged it too.  I was in the front row, and when they started playing it, MP pointed to me and then to the sky, and I gave him a hand over my heart and pointed back.  Definitely an emotional gesture that still means so much to me to this day.

That's awesome that MP did that. Very cool story.  Of course I'm sorry for the loss of your mom.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Here is a question about future tours since this did not happen on View or DreamSonic to my knowledge...if the guys offer Meet & Greet again would you do it? How have they handled it in the past? Do you get any meaningful amount of time to talk to them?

[goo-goo]

[Do you get any meaningful amount of time to talk to them?
[/quote]

No. The M&Gs are usually very packed and well attended. Everything is just crammed. The guys sit at a table, signed 2-3 items..when that's done, you get the photo taken and that's it.

M&Gs with smaller bands are WAAY better. I wouldn't do the DT one again unless I had some rarity to get signed.

[smegolas]

The funny thing is, people on Reddit on Facebook aren't as brutal and ruthless as you're painting them to be, either. They're just saying: Wow, James can't sing anymore. DT needs a new singer (because they care for DT and want to see them put out quality?)

I don't know why I'm jumping into this absolute rollercoaster of a thread, but in my opinion, "DT needs a new singer" and "I care for DT" don't really seem to go together. James is simply too important to their core identity and sound. I also personally want to see each and every member of the band do well and feel supported by the fanbase. Constructive criticism is fair game but there are so many other things they could try to help James out, rather than sacking him. And frankly, if they did sack him, I'm not sure I would have much interest in their music going forward (an opinion that I know is shared by others as well).

Totally disagree. I believe both of those things. Been a huge fan since Images but listening to them live not is just not enjoyable anymore. Look, singing like he does takes its toll. Like most singers, his vocal cords have degraded over time. It is what it is. There isn't a fix for that. And to the people saying it's because of cell phone audio - did cell phones make Devin sound great and James sound pitchy? Did cell phones make Devin blow James off the stage on TSCO? No they didn't. I really wonder what's going through JPs mind after hearing Devin sing night after night.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

[Do you get any meaningful amount of time to talk to them?

No. The M&Gs are usually very packed and well attended. Everything is just crammed. The guys sit at a table, signed 2-3 items..when that's done, you get the photo taken and that's it.

M&Gs with smaller bands are WAAY better. I wouldn't do the DT one again unless I had some rarity to get signed.
[/quote]

How much did they charge for something like that if you don't mind my asking?

[goo-goo]

Dream Theater charged $300 for the one I went to (Astonishing tour).

I've gotten M&Gs with Fates Warning, Tesseract, Haken, Symphony X for 100 bucks plus the concert ticket. But since they are very small, about 10-20 people at the most, you spend very good time talking to them. It's about an hour long on average. The Fates one included a 30 min soundcheck plus the 1 hr M&G.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Dream Theater charged $300 for the one I went to (Astonishing tour).

I've gotten M&Gs with Fates Warning, Tesseract, Haken, Symphony X for 100 bucks plus the concert ticket. But since they are very small, about 10-20 people at the most, you spend very good time talking to them. It's about an hour long on average. The Fates one included a 30 min soundcheck plus the 1 hr M&G.

Interesting. I've done M&G once with another act and we were pretty much told to just surround the guy and he'll twirl in a circle signing 1-2 items and then you're done. Only up side to that was that it came with a front row ticket, which I am assuming does not happen all the time with DT. Live Nation was the organizer if I am not mistaken and the guy they sent was totally useless.

I would do that for DT if it were in any way not done so egregiously. I guess we'll see what ends up happening in the future.

[chrisgazpacho]

The funny thing is, people on Reddit on Facebook aren't as brutal and ruthless as you're painting them to be, either. They're just saying: Wow, James can't sing anymore. DT needs a new singer (because they care for DT and want to see them put out quality?)

I don't know why I'm jumping into this absolute rollercoaster of a thread, but in my opinion, "DT needs a new singer" and "I care for DT" don't really seem to go together. James is simply too important to their core identity and sound. I also personally want to see each and every member of the band do well and feel supported by the fanbase. Constructive criticism is fair game but there are so many other things they could try to help James out, rather than sacking him. And frankly, if they did sack him, I'm not sure I would have much interest in their music going forward (an opinion that I know is shared by others as well).

Totally disagree. I believe both of those things. Been a huge fan since Images but listening to them live not is just not enjoyable anymore. Look, singing like he does takes its toll. Like most singers, his vocal cords have degraded over time. It is what it is. There isn't a fix for that. And to the people saying it's because of cell phone audio - did cell phones make Devin sound great and James sound pitchy? Did cell phones make Devin blow James off the stage on TSCO? No they didn't. I really wonder what's going through JPs mind after hearing Devin sing night after night.

100% agree!  You can’t judge anything from a 4K cell phone video.  Those comments kill me.

[cramx3]

Dream Theater charged $300 for the one I went to (Astonishing tour).

I've gotten M&Gs with Fates Warning, Tesseract, Haken, Symphony X for 100 bucks plus the concert ticket. But since they are very small, about 10-20 people at the most, you spend very good time talking to them. It's about an hour long on average. The Fates one included a 30 min soundcheck plus the 1 hr M&G.

I have never done a paid meet and greet before, but it's no surprise the price difference / experience between bands. I've loved the Progpower meet and greets though which are included with a ticket to the festival where I've met MP (and many others) before.

[Madman Shepherd]

Cool story and review! So did MP dedicate it over the PA or was it more like a mental personal dedication before they played it? Either way, very cool of MP.

He did it personally with me during the pre-show M&G, and JR (sitting next to him who heard what he said) acknowledged it too.  I was in the front row, and when they started playing it, MP pointed to me and then to the sky, and I gave him a hand over my heart and pointed back.  Definitely an emotional gesture that still means so much to me to this day.

Wow. That's incredible! Very moving.

[crystalstars17]

The funny thing is, people on Reddit on Facebook aren't as brutal and ruthless as you're painting them to be, either. They're just saying: Wow, James can't sing anymore. DT needs a new singer (because they care for DT and want to see them put out quality?)

I don't know why I'm jumping into this absolute rollercoaster of a thread, but in my opinion, "DT needs a new singer" and "I care for DT" don't really seem to go together. James is simply too important to their core identity and sound. I also personally want to see each and every member of the band do well and feel supported by the fanbase. Constructive criticism is fair game but there are so many other things they could try to help James out, rather than sacking him. And frankly, if they did sack him, I'm not sure I would have much interest in their music going forward (an opinion that I know is shared by others as well).

Totally disagree. I believe both of those things. Been a huge fan since Images but listening to them live not is just not enjoyable anymore. Look, singing like he does takes its toll. Like most singers, his vocal cords have degraded over time. It is what it is. There isn't a fix for that. And to the people saying it's because of cell phone audio - did cell phones make Devin sound great and James sound pitchy? Did cell phones make Devin blow James off the stage on TSCO? No they didn't. I really wonder what's going through JPs mind after hearing Devin sing night after night.

I'm so glad this tour is over if for no other reason than this tired assertion will cease to show up in posts. 🙄

Nobody blew anyone else off the stage. These singers are simply different, as different as night and day. Haven't we been through this one enough, like ten pages ago?  I can appreciate that you may prefer other singers but to continue this comparison is so last month 🙄 lol already let's move past it.

[Buddyhunter1]

Devin did WHAT to James off the stage?

[crystalstars17]

Here is a question about future tours since this did not happen on View or DreamSonic to my knowledge...if the guys offer Meet & Greet again would you do it? How have they handled it in the past? Do you get any meaningful amount of time to talk to them?

I would do it again yes. Last time was 2017. I thought it was worth it. You do get a couple of minutes to talk with each band member and have things signed. If you really want the chance to say something to them then yes, it's worth it. It's an opportunity that's been sadly missed since the pre-pandemic era.

[Metro]

Devin did WHAT to James off the stage?

Just some hot Canadian on Canadian action

[Herrick]

Cool story and review! So did MP dedicate it over the PA or was it more like a mental personal dedication before they played it? Either way, very cool of MP.

He did it personally with me during the pre-show M&G, and JR (sitting next to him who heard what he said) acknowledged it too.  I was in the front row, and when they started playing it, MP pointed to me and then to the sky, and I gave him a hand over my heart and pointed back.  Definitely an emotional gesture that still means so much to me to this day.

Wow. That's incredible! Very moving.

It really is    There has been a lot of negativity in this thread and it's really good to read something as touching as this. Sorry, I'm not good with words when it comes to this stuff.

[nobloodyname]

Devin did WHAT to James off the stage?

That was a genuine to start my day!

[faizoff]

Here is a question about future tours since this did not happen on View or DreamSonic to my knowledge...if the guys offer Meet & Greet again would you do it? How have they handled it in the past? Do you get any meaningful amount of time to talk to them?

I did the one on the D/T tour, I think like googoo said it was around $300, might've been cheaper. don't remember exact price. I got to spend at least a min or two with each member having them sign stuff. Small talk here and there.  You also meet them separately when you pose for the photo. I should've prepared a little better, when I met MP with the NMB I froze and just said I haven't seen him live since 2004 and he looks up and says 'well it's not like I haven't been touring that much since then.' lol

[nobloodyname]

That reminds me of when I took part in a fanclub meet and greet (free of charge) in Wolverhampton here in England in, what, 2007?

I'd taken the Score DVD insert for the band to sign. Got to Mike. "I was there!", I said excitedly. "So was I!", replied Mike, deliberately matching my excitement. Natch

At the same meet and greet, I remember JP, James and Jordan being completely disinterested. John Myung established eye contact, thanked me for being there, and shook my hand as if I was personally and solely responsible for his (presumably comfortable) lifestyle.

But would I pay for the experience? I'd have to say no to that, and certainly not for a couple of hundred pounds.

[crystalstars17]

I should've prepared a little better, when I met MP with the NMB I froze

Yes, definitely prepare! My husband didn't and when he finally met his favorite guitarist of all time, the same thing happened. Somebody else was also pushing something in front of him to sign rudely out of turn, which kinda stole some of his moment. He's wanted a do-over since then so we'll make it happen.

I prepared, a lot, for the moment I met James. Like, two weeks of mental preparation, knowing exactly what I was gonna say about his impact in my life. This is my Angel of Music we're talking about, after all ✨ The band was seated in a row behind the table, each of them was very lovely and personable in their own way. At the very end of the table there sat James, and I was ready. Totally surreal moment I'll remember for the rest of my life.

[MrMike]

I uploaded a 12 minute video of Dreamsonic opening night highlights from my front row perspective for anyone who's interested in checking it out.  Since I was right in front of JP and he's my favorite player, he is featured quite heavily.  Basically an overview of the entire set and encore with some of my favorite musical moments.

https://youtu.be/8A2Bicw-K74

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Steve Vai is doing a meet and greet packages that includes a front 2 row seat, m&g with photo, invitation to a pre-show conversation, invitation to soundcheck, and tour of his gear. Now THAT is something I wouldn't think twice about doing for DT...wonder if they could ever make it a little more personal for $300 or even $500.

[MirrorMask]

Cool story and review! So did MP dedicate it over the PA or was it more like a mental personal dedication before they played it? Either way, very cool of MP.

He did it personally with me during the pre-show M&G, and JR (sitting next to him who heard what he said) acknowledged it too.  I was in the front row, and when they started playing it, MP pointed to me and then to the sky, and I gave him a hand over my heart and pointed back.  Definitely an emotional gesture that still means so much to me to this day.

That's amazing!

[EPIC Outro]

Before DT did regular Meet and Greet packages, my mom would sweet talk security at the Oakdale into letting me and my sister meet Dream Theater after the show. It worked twice.

Thanks mom!

[crystalstars17]

Before DT did regular Meet and Greet packages, my mom would sweet talk security at the Oakdale into letting me and my sister meet Dream Theater after the show. It worked twice.

Thanks mom!

😄 What an amazing mom!

[EPIC Outro]

Ha ha. Yeah, she is the best. She also got me and my sis tickets to the Score concert at Radio City which is one of my favorite Dream Theater memories ever. My mom also still goes to DT concerts!

[Mebert78]

I wonder if DT ever considered naming this ProgSonic instead of DreamSonic. It flows better, in my opinion, with the "o" sounds in "prog" and "sonic." It also tells you what the musical event is all about right in the title: prog.

[Trav86]

I wonder if DT ever considered naming this ProgSonic instead of DreamSonic. It flows better, in my opinion, with the "o" sounds in "prog" and "sonic." It also tells you what the musical event is all about right in the title: prog.

I get that, but it would be too close to "Prognation".  And I'm sure they like "DreamSonic" because it incorporated part of their name.

[gzarruk]

Just to clarify some of the doubts people had a few posts ago, an interview with JP that I linked here a while back discussed the DreamSonic every year vs regular touring thing. Petrucci said that they definitely want to tour on their own (even mentioned evening with tours) and that he doesn't think DreamSonic will be an annual tour, but once every few years whenever it fits their desired schedules.

[Kram]

Just to clarify some of the doubts people had a few posts ago, an interview with JP that I linked here a while back discussed the DreamSonic every year vs regular touring thing. Petrucci said that they definitely want to tour on their own (even mentioned evening with tours) and that he doesn't think DreamSonic will be an annual tour, but once every few years whenever it fits their desired schedules.

Great!  That's what I want to hear - especially the part about some more "Evening with" tours!

[crystalstars17]

Just to clarify some of the doubts people had a few posts ago, an interview with JP that I linked here a while back discussed the DreamSonic every year vs regular touring thing. Petrucci said that they definitely want to tour on their own (even mentioned evening with tours) and that he doesn't think DreamSonic will be an annual tour, but once every few years whenever it fits their desired schedules.

Great!  That's what I want to hear - especially the part about some more "Evening with" tours!

💯

[PMSummer]

Hey there fellow Dream Theater fans! Thanks for finally accepting my registration, it took a while hence me posting here after the tour finished.

Man, it's been too long since I've seen the boys rock the stage live. Living abroad has its perks, but one major downside for me is missing out on Dream Theater concerts for sure. I've been a devoted fan for years and not being able to catch them (and the other bands of course!) at Dreamsonic is a real bummer.

I've been thinking a lot lately about James LaBrie's vocal issues discussed at length here, it's tough to see him going through these struggles. James has been such a vital part of the band, and his voice has brought so much emotion and power to their music. Despite these difficulties, I remain hopeful that with the right care and support James will overcome these hurdles. Dream Theater's music has meant so much to me and probably to most of you, so I think we should be rooting for him to get at least some of his live ability back.

Anyway for now, I'll have to content myself with watching their live concerts online - thanks everyone posted them. Thank goodness for technology, right? It's not the same as being there in person, but it's better than nothing. I do hope that one day they'll schedule dreamsonic for Europe because I love the concept.

Rock on, everyone! 🤘

[TAC]

Welcome to DTF, PMS!

[Lonk]

Welcome to DTF, PMS!

Maybe use Summer instead