DT Biography, Lifting Shadows Discussion

[Calvin6s]

Was there anything cut between the 1st edition and the most recent edition (the one I just bought and read)?

[?]

There was a "side projects" section that was cut out of the latest edition, don't know if anything else was left out.

[Madman Shepherd]

I'm pretty sure that was it but also keep in mind the last edition had the addition of a final chapter summing up the split with new interview excerpts

Edit: excerpts not experts.  Glad I caught that typo almost one year later   

[Hourglass Prison]

Man, I really gotta get the new edition.
I have the previous one (2nd I think? The one that ends on BC&SL). My wife got it for my birthday not long after it came out, and I love it. It's a great read.
Though I wonder if I should wait a few years. I'm betting that The Astonishing release/tour will provide a lot of interesting material for the book, should Rich continue writing. Also, was DT12 covered in the most recent edition?

Anyway, thanks for such a great book, Rich. It's definitely my favorite! It even kinda ruined the Score documentary for me lol I love it, but now whenever I watch it it's like, "Man, I wish they could've added at least another hour to this thing so they wouldn't have to gloss over certain parts." 

[Enigmachine]

Also, was DT12 covered in the most recent edition?

No, it got up to ADToE.

[OpenYourEyes311]

I'm pretty sure I read that he was done with the book. I don't have a quote but that was my understanding. I'm glad of that, though. There's no reason to update the book after every album. I would be good the way it is, or even one last large update to the book after DT hangs it up.

[cramx3]

I'm pretty sure I read that he was done with the book. I don't have a quote but that was my understanding. I'm glad of that, though. There's no reason to update the book after every album. I would be good the way it is, or even one last large update to the book after DT hangs it up.

Yea, maybe once they call it quits it would be nice to have a finished biography on the band up to the end of their careers.

[Shadow2222]

I'm pretty sure I read that he was done with the book. I don't have a quote but that was my understanding. I'm glad of that, though. There's no reason to update the book after every album. I would be good the way it is, or even one last large update to the book after DT hangs it up.

You are correct. I actually reached out to Rich via Facebook a few months ago and he let me know that he was finished with Lifting Shadows. It makes sense, as he is writing new books and it doesn't make sense to tie yourself down with one band.

I'm very thankful that we got the updates that we did. My wallet is thankful that there won't be yet another new edition to buy 

[Hourglass Prison]

I'm pretty sure I read that he was done with the book. I don't have a quote but that was my understanding. I'm glad of that, though. There's no reason to update the book after every album. I would be good the way it is, or even one last large update to the book after DT hangs it up.

You are correct. I actually reached out to Rich via Facebook a few months ago and he let me know that he was finished with Lifting Shadows. It makes sense, as he is writing new books and it doesn't make sense to tie yourself down with one band.

Ah, ok. That makes sense.
In that case, I'll have to pick up the new edition soon!

[Hourglass Prison]

I'm pretty sure I read that he was done with the book. I don't have a quote but that was my understanding. I'm glad of that, though. There's no reason to update the book after every album. I would be good the way it is, or even one last large update to the book after DT hangs it up.

Yea, maybe once they call it quits it would be nice to have a finished biography on the band up to the end of their careers.

Agreed! It would be very fitting.

[Shadow2222]

You know what could be a fun discussion? What would have been other good titles for the book, whether it is a song title, album title, or lyrics?

I'd easily say that, if it had been written after DT12, that "Behind the Veil" would have been perfect (if Lifting Shadows wasn't an option).

[krands85]

'Beneath the Surface' could have worked, had the book been written later.

[Hourglass Prison]

Given their resilience throughout their career (especially in their early, pre-record label days), id say Blind Faith.
Or Erotomania or Space Dye Vest, to really confuse people who don't know DT. 

[Wim Kruithof]

When I got into Dream Theater a few years back and became quite obsessed with the band, I bought the paperback version of Lifting Shadows. I was truly interested and liked it so much, that I went looking for the hardcover. I've found one with leather cover and signatured by Rich Wilson. Having them both, I kept searching for an original hardcover from 2009. And that's what I found last week, so now I have three versions of this magnificent biography, two original from 2009, when Portnoy remains in the band... and the edited paperback version, where Mangini jointed.

I consider them to be treasures in my livingroom.

[pg1067]

When I got into Dream Theater a few years back and became quite obsessed with the band, I bought the paperback version of Lifting Shadows. I was truly interested and liked it so much, that I went looking for the hardcover. I've found one with leather cover and signatured by Rich Wilson. Having them both, I kept searching for an original hardcover from 2009. And that's what I found last week, so now I have three versions of this magnificent biography, two original from 2009, when Portnoy remains in the band... and the edited paperback version, where Mangini jointed.

I consider them to be treasures in my livingroom.

I bought the original when it was released (my name's in the book alongside many who post here, I assume).  Got the updated paperback for Christmas a while back but haven't gotten around to reading the new stuff yet.

[TAC]

I didn't spend the money to get my name in the book. I thought it was a rip, honestly. But funny this thread got bumped because I literally pulled out my copy yesterday to read a passage.

[pg1067]

I didn't spend the money to get my name in the book. I thought it was a rip, honestly. But funny this thread got bumped because I literally pulled out my copy yesterday to read a passage.

Was it more $$ to get your name in the book?  It was way too long ago for me to remember.

[Wim Kruithof]

I bought the original when it was released (my name's in the book alongside many who post here, I assume).  Got the updated paperback for Christmas a while back but haven't gotten around to reading the new stuff yet.

Man, how often I wish I was aware of them back in these days.

[Ben_Jamin]

The only reason I myself bought the book was to get the cd with all the "rare" material. I really wanted Through Her Eyes (Titanic Mix) because it's a really great instrumental version of it. It's great for studying and getting stuff done around the house. Also, this was the cd that I discovered the awesome Don't Look Past Me. My name in the book I saw as an added bonus.

[Madman Shepherd]

I didn't spend the money to get my name in the book. I thought it was a rip, honestly. But funny this thread got bumped because I literally pulled out my copy yesterday to read a passage.

Was it more $$ to get your name in the book?  It was way too long ago for me to remember.

I think if you preordered, that was just one of the perks of the first addition.

[TAC]

I didn't spend the money to get my name in the book. I thought it was a rip, honestly. But funny this thread got bumped because I literally pulled out my copy yesterday to read a passage.

Was it more $$ to get your name in the book?  It was way too long ago for me to remember.

I think if you preordered, that was just one of the perks of the first addition.

Wasn't it like $80?

[pg1067]

I didn't spend the money to get my name in the book. I thought it was a rip, honestly. But funny this thread got bumped because I literally pulled out my copy yesterday to read a passage.

Was it more $$ to get your name in the book?  It was way too long ago for me to remember.

I think if you preordered, that was just one of the perks of the first addition.

Wasn't it like $80?

That sounds about right, and yes, I preordered it.

[TAC]

No way I was spending that. Did it really shed any light on anything? I mean, The Score So Far pretty much covers it.

[Elite]

I have the book. It's a paperback and it definitely didn't cost me $80, more like around €20, I guess. I have the newest(?) version, released around 2014. It was a fun read and there's definitely some things in there that you would really read or hear otherwise. At least for me there was a fair share of 'new' information. It's been 7 years since I read it though.

[pg1067]

No way I was spending that. Did it really shed any light on anything? I mean, The Score So Far pretty much covers it.

There's TONS of stuff in the book that isn't in The Score So Far.  And the Images volume was also awesome.

I get not wanting to pay $80 for it, but it was worth it to me.

[Madman Shepherd]

80 bucks but you got TWO books. One is "Images" with a bunch of pictures and the other is "words" which was a high quality hardback. It came with a CD full of relatively rare stuff as well and it was all in a cool "shell" to house both books.  And then of course you got your name in it, you got the book before anybody else, and you could always sell it for a shitload down the line.

Lots of new info. I've read fanzines, liner notes, interviews, and all that and I learned a ton.

[Wim Kruithof]

80 bucks but you got TWO books. One is "Images" with a bunch of pictures and the other is "words" which was a high quality hardback. It came with a CD full of relatively rare stuff as well and it was all in a cool "shell" to house both books.  And then of course you got your name in it, you got the book before anybody else, and you could always sell it for a shitload down the line.

Lots of new info. I've read fanzines, liner notes, interviews, and all that and I learned a ton.

Seriously, I never heard of this release before. And am darn curious. I have no idea how to put an image of my collection from my MacBook in this thread, if I had, I would place the editions I have right in here.

[hefdaddy42]

No way I was spending that. Did it really shed any light on anything? I mean, The Score So Far pretty much covers it.

I've paid $80 on other books.

I regret not doing it for this one.

[Sycsa]

I have the book. It's a paperback and it definitely didn't cost me $80, more like around €20, I guess. I have the newest(?) version, released around 2014. It was a fun read and there's definitely some things in there that you would really read or hear otherwise. At least for me there was a fair share of 'new' information. It's been 7 years since I read it though.

I have the same edition, I loved it back then, probably binge-read it all in a couple of days. There were some really spicy chapters regarding the recording of I&W & ACOS and the feud that went on between the band and producer David Prater. Prater trash-talking the band, accusing Kevin Moore of intentionally playing the wrong notes to sabotage him and insisting that Mike can't play drums, that's why he needed drum samples on I&W is just hilarious. I read the book only once, but must have re-read those chapters half a dozen times. They alone are worth the price of admission. 

My only gripe with the book was the last chapter about the Mangini-era. It was a later addition and feels really disjointed from the rest of the book. Reads more like a PR-release than a warts-and-all biography, as was the rest of the book.

[Madman Shepherd]

80 bucks but you got TWO books. One is "Images" with a bunch of pictures and the other is "words" which was a high quality hardback. It came with a CD full of relatively rare stuff as well and it was all in a cool "shell" to house both books.  And then of course you got your name in it, you got the book before anybody else, and you could always sell it for a shitload down the line.

Lots of new info. I've read fanzines, liner notes, interviews, and all that and I learned a ton.

Seriously, I never heard of this release before. And am darn curious. I have no idea how to put an image of my collection from my MacBook in this thread, if I had, I would place the editions I have right in here.

1st edition was what i mentioned.
2nd edition with a few minor updates came out in hardback a little later.
3rd edition was paperback with an updated Mangini chapter but also took out the discography in the back if I remember correctly.

I have them all. I've got hoarding issues.

[ZirconBlue]

80 bucks but you got TWO books. One is "Images" with a bunch of pictures and the other is "words" which was a high quality hardback. It came with a CD full of relatively rare stuff as well and it was all in a cool "shell" to house both books.  And then of course you got your name in it, you got the book before anybody else, and you could always sell it for a shitload down the line.

Lots of new info. I've read fanzines, liner notes, interviews, and all that and I learned a ton.

Seriously, I never heard of this release before. And am darn curious. I have no idea how to put an image of my collection from my MacBook in this thread, if I had, I would place the editions I have right in here.

1st edition was what i mentioned.
2nd edition with a few minor updates came out in hardback a little later.
3rd edition was paperback with an updated Mangini chapter but also took out the discography in the back if I remember correctly.

I have them all. I've got hoarding issues.

The paperback omitted the chapter on side-projects.

[Stadler]

Anyone have the CD they'd want to sell?  I have the songs, but in the interest of completeness, it's one of two things in the DT catalogue I feel I've missed (the other is the CD/Blu-ray set for Breaking The Fourth Wall).

[emtee]

I'll look Stads. I bought the first edition with my name in it. It's been ages since I opened the protective case and looked at it. I don't remember if I kept the CD in the book packaging or if it's in my collection. If I can find it, you can have it. I don't want any money. Gimme a couple days.

[emtee]

Huh, I can't find a CD. Did the original pressing of the book have a CD? I don't even remember. Been a long time. Sorry Stads.

[Stadler]

Huh, I can't find a CD. Did the original pressing of the book have a CD? I don't even remember. Been a long time. Sorry Stads.

I don't know what the release schedule was like; I got a copy later on, and there was no CD.  I appreciate you looking; if you run across it, I'm not going anywhere.