Thoughts on the RCMH Show

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

There's nothing wrong with Jordan sitting for future shows if he needs it. Myung can also sit if he wants. I don't recall seeing him move from his position on stage 

[Herrick]

There's nothing wrong with Jordan sitting for future shows if he needs it. Myung can also sit if he wants. I don't recall seeing him move from his position on stage 

I think he moved over to Petrucci's side once but that usually happens towards the end of the instrumental section in Metropolis and I missed most of that song. There might've been another time he moved over to Petrucci but I don't remember.

[cramx3]

I recall from seeing the Philly show and thinking "Jordan is showing some age" and granted, it makes sense he's the oldest, but it felt like the first time he looked the age.  I didn't get that feeling at Dreamsonic for example.

I don't think Jordan sitting would be a big deal.

And while normally I'd rather my guitarists stand unless injured, for JM, as stated, the guy is already so still, he could sit too and I don't think it takes away from the show or performance. 

[hefdaddy42]

I was shocked and disappointed that they only played two songs off the new album.

It was basically the same setlist they've been doing throughout all of Europe and North America.  Were you expecting them all of sudden to make a massive change?

[KevShmev]

A very fair point. Though based solely on the two songs at RCMH, there might not be a ton of excitement. As others have said, while Night Terror went over okay, people didn't seem very interested in Midnight Messiah. Though they really didn't seem excited for most of it. I was surprised. Even more surprised that Pull Me Under made the place erupt. Not the hugest fan of the song but the whole mezzanine was shaking during it. Completely nuts.

It doesn't help that Midnight Messiah is probably the least best song on the new album (solid tune with some great moments, but the chorus is kind of a dud). 

[hefdaddy42]

It doesn't help that Midnight Messiah is probably the least best song on the new album (solid tune with some great moments, but the chorus is kind of a dud). 

I agree with that.

[pg1067]

I think he moved over to Petrucci's side once but that usually happens towards the end of the instrumental section in Metropolis and I missed most of that song. There might've been another time he moved over to Petrucci but I don't remember.

JM started right in front of JR.  Once the curtain got pulled off, he quickly moved to his spot (as if compelled by some unseen force).  Not including instrument changes and the ends of the first two sets, he did not leave that spot until partway through Pull Me Under (the final song).  He hung out with JP for about 30 seconds and then hot footed it back to his spot.

[Adami]

JM started right in front of JR.  Once the curtain got pulled off, he quickly moved to his spot (as if compelled by some unseen force).  Not including instrument changes and the ends of the first two sets, he did not leave that spot until partway through Pull Me Under (the final song).  He hung out with JP for about 30 seconds and then hot footed it back to his spot.

Yea. That's what I saw as well. I honestly kept forgetting he was there.

[TheOutlawXanadu]

Even more surprised that Pull Me Under made the place erupt. Not the hugest fan of the song but the whole mezzanine was shaking during it. Completely nuts.

Seeing PMU live gave me a deeper appreciation for it. It truly is an absolute banger.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

JM started right in front of JR.  Once the curtain got pulled off, he quickly moved to his spot (as if compelled by some unseen force).  Not including instrument changes and the ends of the first two sets, he did not leave that spot until partway through Pull Me Under (the final song).  He hung out with JP for about 30 seconds and then hot footed it back to his spot.

And hey, if that's his thing I'm cool. I don't think DT was ever known for great stage presence. It just seemed like a lot less movement than usual. Usual being mostly like a statue to be fair.

[Herrick]

It was basically the same setlist they've been doing throughout all of Europe and North America.  Were you expecting them all of sudden to make a massive change?

I also thought they were going to play more from Parasomnia. I did not look at the set list.

JM started right in front of JR.  Once the curtain got pulled off, he quickly moved to his spot (as if compelled by some unseen force).  Not including instrument changes and the ends of the first two sets, he did not leave that spot until partway through Pull Me Under (the final song).  He hung out with JP for about 30 seconds and then hot footed it back to his spot.

Myung saved up his big stage moves for the end 

[pg1067]

Interesting new interview with Myung:  https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/john-myung-comments-on-how-the-return-of-portnoy-reshaped-dream-theaters-sound-explains-why-he-might-ditch-his-6-string-bass/

He talked about MP's impact and his possible return to a 4-string bass.  It's very upbeat and positive, and he talks about wanting to have some fun on the next album.

[Setlist Scotty]

Interesting new interview with Myung:  https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/john-myung-comments-on-how-the-return-of-portnoy-reshaped-dream-theaters-sound-explains-why-he-might-ditch-his-6-string-bass/

He talked about MP's impact and his possible return to a 4-string bass.  It's very upbeat and positive, and he talks about wanting to have some fun on the next album.

Here's the full interview (or at least what has been published):
https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/bassists/john-myung-dream-theater-parasomnia

[hefdaddy42]

I actually think that limiting himself to 4 strings could bring a spark of creativity and fire to his playing.

Limits often do that.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

I may have missed it but did he say specifically why he thinks 4 string might be the move?

[pg1067]

I may have missed it but did he say specifically why he thinks 4 string might be the move?

Q:  Would you ever revert back to a 4-string?

A:  I'm actually thinking about it for the next record.  There's a certain freedom that you feel when you go back to a 4-string.  Having the discipline to be able to play a 6-string bass is great.  It's definitely forced me to develop a certain technique and a way of playing that I enjoy, but now I feel like it might be time to apply that knowledge to a 4-string bass, and just have some fun with it.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Q:  Would you ever revert back to a 4-string?

A:  I'm actually thinking about it for the next record.  There's a certain freedom that you feel when you go back to a 4-string.  Having the discipline to be able to play a 6-string bass is great.  It's definitely forced me to develop a certain technique and a way of playing that I enjoy, but now I feel like it might be time to apply that knowledge to a 4-string bass, and just have some fun with it.

Thanks. I am genuinely curious to see what he's talking about.

[RaiseTheKnife]

If Best of Times turns out to be a NY one-off, please enroll me in jealousy school right now.

[MirrorMask]

If Best of Times turns out to be a NY one-off, please enroll me in jealousy school right now.

They have a special show in Plodvid this summer, the same where Sons of Apollo played with an orchestra. If there's a show where the song might come back, it's that one.

[RaiseTheKnife]

They have a special show in Plodvid this summer, the same where Sons of Apollo played with an orchestra. If there's a show where the song might come back, it's that one.

What's a Plodvid?  Just kidding.  But seriously, if they play it in Plodvid, jealousy school still applies. 

[Adami]

So at the show I remember thinking that at least the ending solo of Best of Times felt slow. So I just checked a live recording vs the studio and the live version is around 20bpm or so slower than the studio version. Which I think I really felt in the moment and kind of sucked some of the life out of it.

[hefdaddy42]

So at the show I remember thinking that at least the ending solo of Best of Times felt slow. So I just checked a live recording vs the studio and the live version is around 20bpm or so slower than the studio version. Which I think I really felt in the moment and kind of sucked some of the life out of it.

Wouldn't have happened if Mangini was drumming.

[WilliamMunny]

Wouldn't have happened if Mangini was drumming.

 

[ZirconBlue]

Wouldn't have happened if Mangini was drumming.

Bring back the click track!

[RaiseTheKnife]

So at the show I remember thinking that at least the ending solo of Best of Times felt slow. So I just checked a live recording vs the studio and the live version is around 20bpm or so slower than the studio version. Which I think I really felt in the moment and kind of sucked some of the life out of it.

Crying through a live performance of a emotional song might have 20bpm of impact, lol.

[CraftyCaleb2483]

So at the show I remember thinking that at least the ending solo of Best of Times felt slow. So I just checked a live recording vs the studio and the live version is around 20bpm or so slower than the studio version. Which I think I really felt in the moment and kind of sucked some of the life out of it.

I'm actually going to check this out, as 20 bpm is quite a significant drop

[Adami]

I'm actually going to check this out, as 20 bpm is quite a significant drop

Obviously live was not a consistent tempo, but when I checked the ending solo, I think it clocked in around 146 or so and the studio version was more like 167. Give or take, obviously.

[Schurftkut]

JP not having played it in years might've helped him get through it. it was kinda rough in places ;-)

[CraftyCaleb2483]

Obviously live was not a consistent tempo, but when I checked the ending solo, I think it clocked in around 146 or so and the studio version was more like 167. Give or take, obviously.

If you're counting in quavers then sure . I was getting similar tempos too, and judging by some spots in the solo, JP may not be able to play the solo perfectly at tempo anymore

[WilliamMunny]

If you're counting in quavers then sure . I was getting similar tempos too, and judging by some spots in the solo, JP may not be able to play the solo perfectly at tempo anymore

That was my thought as well.

[Skeever]

JP not having played it in years might've helped him get through it. it was kinda rough in places ;-)

I mean I think it's doubtful he ever played it outside the studio when recording the album. That's kinda what I figured was going on.

I was honored to see the debut performance of the song and, should they choose to play it again, look forward to seeing it fully rehearsed.

[pg1067]

Obviously live was not a consistent tempo, but when I checked the ending solo, I think it clocked in around 146 or so and the studio version was more like 167. Give or take, obviously.

Not sure how you're getting numbers like that (New World Man by Rush is about 160 bpm and is much faster than the outro of TBOT).

Using this video

https://youtu.be/Q-sT4ipenec?si=9VK2bn3UM2eUHFWL

I counted about 20 beats over 15 seconds around the 10:20 mark, so 80 bpm.  The album version at the same spot is about 88 bpm.  It's definitely noticeable.

I mean I think it's doubtful he ever played it outside the studio when recording the album. That's kinda what I figured was going on.

Exactly.  It has nothing to do with lack of ability.  It was probably 16 years between playing it on the album and the RCMH show, and he probably had relatively limited time to re-learn the song and solo.

[Adami]

I tend to count in 8th notes. That might be why my numbers is about double yours.

[NoFred]

I'm 100% sure I couldn't care less about the bpm live of that solo

[CraftyCaleb2483]

I tend to count in 8th notes. That might be why my numbers is about double yours.

Interesting, I suppose that comes in useful when the time signatures change between /4 and /8 divisions