A sad day for Dream Theater

[roburado]

Wow rob as someone who is on the inside reading your synopsis,I have to say you just might be a tad off in your understanding of the process

Okay, BP. I stand corrected. I apologize. Thanks for the insight. Obviously, I'm not on the inside at all, and I freely admit that anything I may have written is my own conjecture. I don't know the guys, and, obviously, you do. I don't know how they do it, and I understand that you are in a position to know much more than I about how they go about things. I just know how it felt to me as a fan in recent years, and I will remain a fan. I didn't mean to come off like I was denigrating anything they have ever done. I still like some of the more recent material, but I have to admit that I prefer some of the older stuff for some of the reasons I presented above (i.e., it started to feel a bit repetitive to me). I certainly wouldn't want any of the DT guys to take anything I thought and said in a negative way or as a personal attack. I apologize for coming off that way; I was pretty harsh on LaBrie. I went too far. They have given me great joy for many years, and they work their asses off for us fans, I think. I certainly have appreciated that over the years as well. I should have remained more, "high road," as expressed earlier in the thread. Anyway, again, I reiterate my support for all of the parties involved, and I love to see them succeed. I hope for all parties to be happy as well. Good luck to all the guys in DT past, present, and future. As this door closes, I look forward to the doors that will open in the future for all of us who appreciate what DT is, was, and will be and for all the people who have contributed as members of DT in the past, present, and future.

 

[threeminutesboy]

How many bands have been through this? almost all of them faced a major departure and most of them survived. Genesis, The Eagles, Toto, Yes, Journey, Kiss the list is long maybe U2 is one of the only original band with 0 turnover (except for the Edge's brother in the beginning but this doesn't really count right? )

Dream Theater is dead, long live Dream Theater or see it not as the end of something but just as the beginning of something else

 

[straycat113]

Well this is a bummer especially for all DT die hard fans. In reading what MP had to say is only half of the story, and unless they really keep things hushed everyone will more than likely hear a different side. But 25 years is a hell of a longtime to do anything with someone , I feel as though if he was genuinely burnt out and needed a break for health reasons they more than likely would of done it. But the feeling I get reading between the lines is it was deeper than that.

There is no denying the guy is a monster drummer, but the only band I can ever think of that called it a day after losing there drummer was Zep when John Bonham died, as great and flamboyant as Keith Moon was The Who carried on.

To me the two positions that could single the death of a band with a departure are vocalist first and foremost which is just about an automatic. and lead guitarist a very distant second. Aerosmith just went through this last year when Steven Tyler said he wanted to take a break and the rest of the band said they would tour without him, though whatever the real issue was their got solved fast. Then again who would show up to see Aeorosmith without Tyler.

This is not like losing John Lennon, Jim Morrison or Freddy Mercury where you know those bands can never be anymore. Also with this being a Prog band of killer musicians there will be an ace player to fill the void. This could of been a lot worse as it could of been Petrucci leaving, the piece in my opinion that would of spelled the end of the band.

As a few guys stated already that felt the band was sounding a bit repetitious the last two albums,this may turnout to be the best thing that could of happened at this point in time, as it may light a fire, and work out great for all parties involved, and who is to say in a few years he does not return.

 

[Colin]

this has really struck a chord (no pun intended although it's clever if it was) with DT fans. For me personally it really drives home the fact that music is still really important in peoples lives. On a side note I hope the Wiggles never break up

 

[Brand X]

this has really struck a chord (no pun intended although it's clever if it was) with DT fans. For me personally it really drives home the fact that music is still really important in peoples lives. On a side note I hope the Wiggles never break up

LoL - If Jeff left, they'd never get anyone who could fall asleep in the same way. They'd need a totally new angle - maybe someone who belches uncontrollably! ;O)

 

[whitestrat]

Personally, I'm shocked. MP has been a key driving force behind DT for the last 25 years. I wish him well, and all the best in the future projects. For the record, the latest Avenged Sevenfold album is killer! The tunes are tight, well crafted, and MP adds a whole new dimension to their previous formula.

That said, I'm actually excited for DT now. Remember what happened when James Labrie joined the band? You had a new flavor and a killer album. Same when Derek Sherinian joined, and subsequently Jordan Rudess. I still love the Kevin Moore stuff, but FII & SFAM are killer albums that would not have happened had Kevin hung around.

I bet the next album is going to be amazing. A new member always adds to the mix, and DT has always assimilated the new member well.

I for one am rooting for Terry Bozzio or Mike Mangini to be the new guy. Especially Terry. But regardless of whoever joins, I'm definately looking forward to the new album!!!

 

[DavidOfOz]

... On a side note I hope the Wiggles never break up

The Wiggles have never been the same since Greg (original Yellow Wiggle) left to pursue side projects.

 

[e.mate]

You know what? You really wont know until you hear the next chapter....In the mean time Portnoy is alive and kickin with Avenged and John is still writing all the music for DT


Really guys...25 years? Hats off! No.. animals were harmed...nobody died...A drummer changed bands. A band gets a new drummer.....lets have fun waiting to hear it and save the intrique for the NAMM show and what we are bringing!

+1....exactly what I was thinking, and said much better than I could have ever done it

 

[e.mate]

From John Petrucci : (source MySpace)

Obviously you've all heard the news of Mike's departure from Dream Theater by now.
I felt it important to open up a line of communication in an effort to kill any rumors and to promote clarity.
I love Mike and really hope he's happy and successful in whatever he does.
I realize that Mike was always the one to actively stay in touch with our fans, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to try to be at least a bit more present on both mine and DT's websites and to let you all know that I am here.
To me, Dream Theater's story is one of defying the odds, standing for true integrity in music and creating our own success through perseverance and hard work, so although Mike's leaving is heartbreaking, I still look forward to an amazing musical journey that continues on with some of the most talented and respected musicians and composers on the planet!
-JP

 

[jakedawgwhite88]

I agree that something new may be on the horizon and serve as a proverbial defibrillator to the music when their replacement comes along. As for that i'm not going to start predicting drummers but for some reason I don't think that he'll be one that has had time to developed something in their own music, and with experience in the industry. There is ALOT of young talent out there more than likely some young prodigy attending berkley who Idolizes Portnoy I think he's been around long enough that somebody is learning all his tunes much like he did with Neil Peart and knowing all the rush stuff.

Vai has had much success with his young drummer (jeremy something??) on the where the wild things are tour and dvd. maybe some aggressive young blood would add that dimension that gets them out of that "rut" I look forward to what comes out and i think all the guys here will be just as interested in the new music and maybe start a new topic of how will the drummer effect petrucci (or rudess for that matter) in their soloing.

 

[knguro]

I'm just so sad i dont even want to think this is true, wanna know something funny guyz, last year i traveled almost 2,000 miles to see them live, that's how a big fan i am. But who knows probably is gonna be only for a period of time. Still I wish Mike the best, the same as for the rest of the band, they always will be DT.

 

[Brand X]

I agree that something new may be on the horizon and serve as a proverbial defibrillator to the music when their replacement comes along. As for that i'm not going to start predicting drummers but for some reason I don't think that he'll be one that has had time to developed something in their own music, and with experience in the industry. There is ALOT of young talent out there more than likely some young prodigy attending berkley who Idolizes Portnoy I think he's been around long enough that somebody is learning all his tunes much like he did with Neil Peart and knowing all the rush stuff.

Vai has had much success with his young drummer (jeremy something??) on the where the wild things are tour and dvd. maybe some aggressive young blood would add that dimension that gets them out of that "rut" I look forward to what comes out and i think all the guys here will be just as interested in the new music and maybe start a new topic of how will the drummer effect petrucci (or rudess for that matter) in their soloing.

Jeremy Coulson.....great,great drummer - fantastic groove. I was having this conversation yesterday and my take on this is that Mike was in a very fortunate position where he could actually use all his chops within the confines of the band thanks to all the work they put in driving their own ambition (ie no producer telling them to reel it in!). Most drummers never get to apply their chops like MP outside of a boring drum solo.........I don't think they'll struggle for a replacement - great drummers will be chomping for this gig as it's a chance to show the world what they can do technically!

 

[dwells]

JP has spoken he is the genius behind DT so all is well!!!

 

[kbaim]

An Observation on Songwriting

It's interesting reading the comments that the later DT stuff hasn't seemed to have the impact on fans as previous work. My thinking is that seems to be the case for almost all longstanding bands.

I believe that as musicians mature from say their 20's to 40's+, there's just so many more demands on their time, different projects, pressures of family, and financial commitments, that there just isn't the same singular focus on making music. While there is always a few examples of great tunes on later albums even by my favorite bands like Jeff Beck, Steely Dan, SMB, Flecktones, Satriani to name a few...its not like their earlier work where entire albums are these masterpieces that you had to listen to from start to finish.

I don't fault the bands as its just a function of a different set of circumstances as you go through life.

 

[coma4by]

Personally, I'm shocked. MP has been a key driving force behind DT for the last 25 years. I wish him well, and all the best in the future projects. For the record, the latest Avenged Sevenfold album is killer! The tunes are tight, well crafted, and MP adds a whole new dimension to their previous formula.

That said, I'm actually excited for DT now. Remember what happened when James Labrie joined the band? You had a new flavor and a killer album. Same when Derek Sherinian joined, and subsequently Jordan Rudess. I still love the Kevin Moore stuff, but FII & SFAM are killer albums that would not have happened had Kevin hung around.

I bet the next album is going to be amazing. A new member always adds to the mix, and DT has always assimilated the new member well.

I for one am rooting for Terry Bozzio or Mike Mangini to be the new guy. Especially Terry. But regardless of whoever joins, I'm definately looking forward to the new album!!!

How does MP adds a whole new dimension to their previous formula? Maybe if they came out with a new album in a few years and let him help with the writing.

He had nothing to do with the writing process of the new album. The album was already written and demos done before the Rev died. He was just a hired gun to record the Rev's tracks. MP himself said that he stayed true to the original parts. There was only a time or two that they allowed him to put his own touch into it. He also said that it was weird working with a producer telling him to hit the bass on the second beat instead of the third.LOL

 

[Big Poppa]

OK Kids Please pay attention....

This is an emotional experience for all of you. I understand.

Expounding on interpretations from Facebook and Twitter and adding internet experts is just going to get out of hand.

I believe it is also not the time to slam the bands work or pretend that you know why what record came out the way it came out.

Thereis pride, ego, hurt, sadness and joy behind all of this and really I urge you to just sit back and watch it unfold.

 

[Roubster]

Keith, I agree with what you said...EXCEPT for Steve Morse. I think every single album he came out with is amazing to listen to from beginning to end. Outstanding in their Field is brilliant from beginning to end.

Now BP, I also agree with you...can we unfold what's coming at NAMM sooner to forget about DT drama for a while??? hehehehe

 

[Bungo]

One small benefit...

JP may be able to retire his perspex 'camel gob' speaker cab protectors now?

 

[Paul in WV]

Wow...ruined my day. MP and JP always seemed to connect during the process and, at least to me, were the faces of the band.

Things change...sometimes it's for the better. John Rutsey left Rush and Neil Peart joined. Not the same thing and I realized there is more to that story. Still, this is an example of the positive aspect of change.

Still bummed though...so I'll be rocking the DT for the rest of my day.

 

[threeminutesboy]