Western Front Forum
General => International => Topic started by: LeOniuS on September 10, 2010, 09:05:36 PM
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http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2585154.aspx
I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write:
After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.
To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....
After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater...
Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...
Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...
But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.
We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a "hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"...
Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...
While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....
Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about "always following your heart and being true to yourself"...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be "going through the motions", and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.
I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....
I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within....
You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)
Sadly...
Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,
MP
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Fair enough, never liked DT much but I do very much like Portnoy (non drummer's perspective - always wondered why he was so maligned by many...) I don't think i could handle being in a studio with Jordan Rudess for an hour, let alone 10+ years, so I think he's done ok for himself.
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Ahh he's had a good run. Hopefully it's as he said that he didn't leave the rest of the DT guys on bad terms. Good luck to him in the future :)
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Fair enough, never liked DT much but I do very much like Portnoy (non drummer's perspective - always wondered why he was so maligned by many...) I don't think i could handle being in a studio with Jordan Rudess for an hour, let alone 10+ years, so I think he's done ok for himself.
Oh youve gotta be kidding - Jordan is an awesome guy!
Im just speculating here, but I dont believe a lot of what the press statements are saying. Did Mike leave or did the band move ahead without him?
Mike (in his own words) was burnt out, but it was his decision to take on the workload he had. If you're overdoing it, why not drop the sideprojects and concentrate on the breadwinner? If he wasnt vibed about being in the chair for Dream Theater anymore, then shouldnt he have just left the band? Apparently not - he claims the band 'moved on without him' when he suggested a break, which tells me he had no plans to leave permanently - But why not if you prefer to be doing other things?
My hunch is that the rest of DT may have been getting impatient with Mikes other projects pulling him out of DT time, whilst they're trying to write/record a new album. It would be a distraction and although the other guys have dabble in side projects in the past and still do, DT seems to always be the band they are 100% behind, and Mike (although being THE driving force for the band) has been increasingly spreading out to other projects as time goes on. If he was after a 'hiatus', what guarantees would the band have when he did return? I think they saw his heart wasnt in it anymore and offered him a way out.
If one person goes and finds themselves heaps of work while the rest of the band sit around and wait for him to come back, I cant blame them for not being sympathetic when he asks for some down time afterwards.
Dunno, its just a thought...
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WHO leaves WHAT?
::)
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Interesting thoughts Damo, you may be right on. But I also get the feeling that Mike is bigger than the band itself. IMO - Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever in particular is better than any album DT has ever done. Neal Morse's prog runs rings around DT for me, but it's a different style of prog one that doesn't flaunt extravagant solos at the sacrifice of good music.
With DT theres only ever a couple songs on every album which stand out - on Black Clouds nothing came close to the count of tuscany on the rest of the album, case in point. Maybe he's just sick of the same old DT songs day in day out? I don't know how they're going to replace him - perhaps they can get someone technically as good as him (I'm sure theres many drummers out there that have the chops) but someone with his creativity? That's irreplaceable.
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ill play drums for Dream Theater... the drum kit will always only be almost as big a his though, unless Petrucci of coarse decides to open his pocket for me.
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Maybe he decided to leave and make some decent heavy music. His ears were punished enough by James LaBrie's voice...
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Yeah, Avenged Sevenfold KICK ARSE DUDES.
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Interesting thoughts Damo, you may be right on. But I also get the feeling that Mike is bigger than the band itself. IMO - Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever in particular is better than any album DT has ever done.
I also like that album, but not as much as some of the earlier DT stuff, and album sales will back me up. There is no doubt Mike is a huge influence, as the guy is a marketing machine, and THATS what the other guys in DT are going to struggle without.
perhaps they can get someone technically as good as him (I'm sure theres many drummers out there that have the chops) but someone with his creativity? That's irreplaceable.
There are definitely more proficient and creative players around. By admission, Mike doesnt consider himself very creative anyway, and draws a lot from the same ideas.
Theyll find a drummer no problem, hell Id even have a crack at it, but finding a motivating/promoting force? Thats tougher.
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that sucks my nut! fuck
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as a looooooong time dream theater fan i still am not quite sure what to make of this. i feel i should be upset but for some reason it almost seems like this is the way it should go? I have never got alot of emotion from their music but the last few albums really havent grabed me like anything from 2000 back other than train of thought as almost a bit of a prog metal experiment. It will be interesting to see what happens for all parties involved going ahead.
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Yeah, Avenged Sevenfold KICK ARSE DUDES.
This should be framed for posterity. Context free of course.
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I imagine touring with A7X who are #1 in America and have a very experienced manager looking after the biz, would have been a easier and enjoyable gig for him.
Is he now going to join A7X full time?
Sadly Dream Theater will now be like a car with no engine (at least until he returns someday), if the other guys don't want him in the band right now then all the best to Avenged Sevenfold as the late Revs favorite drummer was MP and he would be the most fitting and appreciated replacement.
MP will kick ass no matter what he does good for you go with what makes you happy, this has taken a lot of guts for him to break away from a stale situation.
I will enjoy hearing whatever projects or bands he takes on = GO FOR IT MAN!!
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He mentioned in a press release that this split has nothing to do with A7X... But then he stopped short of stating categorically that wouldn't join them :)
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Oh youve gotta be kidding - Jordan is an awesome guy!
No doubt he's lovely, but I just don't think constant widdlywiddly would be good for my soul.
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Yeah, Avenged Sevenfold KICK ARSE DUDES.
This should be framed for posterity. Context free of course.
Even out of context the sarcasm in that sentence is sledgehammer-esque.
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Oh youve gotta be kidding - Jordan is an awesome guy!
No doubt he's lovely, but I just don't think constant widdlywiddly would be good for my soul.
Thatm and John Myung continually running his mouth... :)
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In addition to John exploding into rage every 15 minutes because the nibblies are too salty / champagne isn't cold enough / hot towels are too damp.
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where'd you hear that shit from?
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If DT want to be good, they need a hot injection of:
(https://www.wf.com.au/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuserserve-ak.last.fm%2Fserve%2F_%2F8465649%2FManowar%2Btheband.jpg&hash=f03fa8f519511a3a5c87a8f539685563c9138601)
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I've only ever heard one DT song (Pull Me OFF) and I've decided that in order for me to hear another, Eric Adams would have to sing for them. :eyebrows:
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yeah they got to mainstream...better shit in the 2 dollar bin hey
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where'd you hear that shit from?
Perez hilton
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cred
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DT are one of my fave bands, but i have been less than impressed with the last 2 albums and it seems they've kinda turned into a Dream Theater cover band, never really pushing the boundaries like early albums instead following a formula that it seemed Mike was pushing on the others. I really hope this change creates a tidal wave of creativity from the other members and DT can again be on top of my prog pile.
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DT are one of my fave bands, but i have been less than impressed with the last 2 albums and it seems they've kinda turned into a Dream Theater cover band, never really pushing the boundaries like early albums instead following a formula that it seemed Mike was pushing on the others. I really hope this change creates a tidal wave of creativity from the other members and DT can again be on top of my prog pile.
Really you are well said. I agree with your thoughts. :)
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Wait, where's the spam link?!
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you tell me
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For anyone that remotley cares...
MIKE PORTNOY: I Tried To Rejoin DREAM THEATER But Was Rebuffed
December 20th, 2010
by EvilG
Mike Portnoy
Ex-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has revealed that he made a recent attempt to rejoin his former bandmates but was rebuffed by the group he formed and led for 25 years. Writing on his official forum, Portnoy states, ?Just for the record, this is indeed true..
?Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives? (plus I know how much it meant to a lot of the fans?)
?I figured it was still possible to try and save us, because they hadn?t made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer? but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did? they didn?t even tell me themselves?.)
?Sorry, gang, I honestly gave it my all?
?So now the fans on my Twitter and Facebook can please stop asking me to go back to DREAM THEATER? I tried, and the door is now shut? The ball is now in their court, not mine?
?I?m not crying or looking for mercy by posting this? I am merely trying to set the record straight as that is always the most important thing about my relationship with you guys? No BS, no spins, nothing to hide? and for better or for worse, I tell it like it is? I?ve also recently seen some people accuse my online activity of ?looking for attention or media coverage,? or ?looking for sympathy,? but it?s honestly none of the above? I merely value having an open and active communication with my fans? Always have, always will? It is the cornerstone of everything I?ve done since day #1 with DREAM THEATER?
?This was posted here FOR YOU GUYS to know about? here on MY message board on MY website? If it ends up on Blabbermouth or wherever else, that is THEIR choice to spread, I did not request it or send out a ?press release??
?Anyways, onward and upward?
?I?ve got a lot of great music and ideas waiting to come out of me and alot of exciting collaborations in the works?.so goodbye 2010?bring on 2011!?
AVENGED SEVENFOLD issued a statement late on Friday (December 17) regarding the dismissal of Portnoy, who played on the band?s latest album, ?Nightmare?, and toured with them during the past year following the death last December of original drummer Jimmy ?The Rev? Sullivan. The band?s statement read in part, ?For the past few months, we?ve been blessed with Mike Portnoy?s talent and humanity. When Mike agreed to tour with us, it was only through the end of 2010. We always knew we?d need to find another solution for 2011 and beyond. And it?s time for us to take that next step.?
As for why Portnoy himself was not their man, the statement said, ?[Portnoy] is a brilliant writer, producer and, of course, drummer. Because of that, the world and we would always see it as AVENGED SEVENFOLD with Mike Portnoy. We take a lot of pride in AVENGED SEVENFOLD being about something greater then any individuals.?
Portnoy himself broke the news via his Facebook page on Thursday, following several days of rumors about his status.
AVENGED SEVENFOLD frontman M. Shadows told The Pulse Of Radio that the band was not happy about the public way in which Portnoy?s split with DREAM THEATER was played out, which may have soured Portnoy?s relationship with AVENGED. ?We were actually a little more shocked,? M. Shadows said. ?We felt that maybe both parties could have handled it a little more internally without being so press release-happy about what had happened between them. Because we?re a band that, really, when it comes to news all over web sites or this or that about bands, you know, we don?t tweet much, we don?t try to put ourselves out that much, and all the drama and controversy wasn?t something that we wanted at all.?
In an interview over the weekend with LA Weekly, AVENGED manager Larry Jacobson said, ?The plan had always been for Mike Portnoy to play with the band through 2010. Nothing changed there but it was confusing (because) Mike gave interviews suggesting he may be touring with the band beyond 2010.?
From Metal Rules.
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such an "amicable" split could hardly have resulted in this sort of rejection. No doubt there is BS in there some where...and why oh why the fuck Avenged Seevnfold, Portnoy? ...maybe another Chickenfoot could be forged...Parsons Nose featuring Mike Portnoy
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(https://www.wf.com.au/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frlv.zcache.com%2Fzzzz_bored_tshirt-p235050223774248610t5tr_400.jpg&hash=3becdaf8699e83f0a94f207ef3a2718e30358b7f)
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...and why oh why the fuck Avenged Seevnfold, Portnoy?
One reason...
(https://www.wf.com.au/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmusic.blogs.wkbt.com%2Ffiles%2F2008%2F11%2Funtitled-1.jpg&hash=fef7d89fa8ceb7e7316bdd4395618ace8f88daaf)
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DT gig no different, at least in the states...besides its not hard to find a gathering of a couple of thousand emo bitches...fuck central park has ahalf that every friday arvo
DT :headbang:
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Interesting to see who they get to replace Portnoy, be a challenge finding another drummer as good him. They have canceled their Soundwave slot as well. Just give Saxon, Slayer & Dimmu Borgir a longer playing time would be nice.
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give maiden two hours...keen to see zombie too
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http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dream_theater_reject_portnoy_reunion.html
He tried to rejoin them as soon as he left Avenged Sevenfold and got told to fuck off. I say good on them you cant just go and quit then go "Hey, This bands finished now let me back in"
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DT gig no different, at least in the states
In what way... lighting?
A7X are MASSIVE in the states right now and are playing to audiences the size of which Dream Theater will probably never see, as sad as that is.
He tried to rejoin them as soon as he left Avenged Sevenfold and got told to fuck off. I say good on them you cant just go and quit then go "Hey, This bands finished now let me back in"
I like Portnoy but have to agree. Rumour has it that they have found their new drummer anyway.
I had heard a rumour of who it may be too :)
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suppose...then he might as well drum for U2 if that's the point...
can you wikileak us the rumour? :hmm:
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I seriously hope that they take away all or most of his endorsements for this bullshit, Mike Portnoy is a fucking joke even more so now he decided to leave Dream Theater... As a musician he has shown everyone that he is a great songwriter but as a soloist he has shown us that its all just 'ting, ting, bash, bash' (very similiar to Joey Jordison's [Slipknot] style, no other elements but rock and metal, good luck finding a ghost note in any of their solos!)
I can safetly say that Portnoys days as a songwriter are over (unless he writes some crappy solo album) he's gonna have to part with being a session musician for a long time unless some REALLY desperate millionare hires him to do something but I can tell you that the quality of the track wont come close to his hourly rates, it just wont be worth it... ESPECIALLY largely due to his limited playing style. Sure he'll nail it in just about one take for you, but chances are it will sound nothing in the end like you wanted it to!
Portnoy's style is like, completely the opposite to Terry Bozzios. Fucking nice massive kit but he sure as hell wouldnt know how to use it Melodically!
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You're awesome.
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I seriously hope that they take away all or most of his endorsements for this bullshit, Mike Portnoy is a fucking joke even more so now he decided to leave Dream Theater... As a musician he has shown everyone that he is a great songwriter but as a soloist he has shown us that its all just 'ting, ting, bash, bash' (very similiar to Joey Jordison's [Slipknot] style, no other elements but rock and metal, good luck finding a ghost note in any of their solos!)
I can safetly say that Portnoys days as a songwriter are over (unless he writes some crappy solo album) he's gonna have to part with being a session musician for a long time unless some REALLY desperate millionare hires him to do something but I can tell you that the quality of the track wont come close to his hourly rates, it just wont be worth it... ESPECIALLY largely due to his limited playing style. Sure he'll nail it in just about one take for you, but chances are it will sound nothing in the end like you wanted it to!
Portnoy's style is like, completely the opposite to Terry Bozzios. Fucking nice massive kit but he sure as hell wouldnt know how to use it Melodically!
Mike, what you may be forgetting is that (regardless of his playing ability/style) hordes of drummers follow what he does. Any album he's on would do that little better in sales.
Hes a decent player, but most importantly he's marketable. While he's marketable, endorsees will continue to flock to him.
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Since when do drum solos matter outside of filling space when the power goes out?
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:shithitfan:
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Since when do drum solos matter outside of filling space when the power goes out?
Since about 1938.
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Since when do drum solos matter outside of filling space when the power goes out?
Since about 1938.
1938 hey Damo, would you be reffering to the introduction of be-bop and swing (Jazz)?
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Dream Theater could carry on as long as they want to its the type of music and loyal fanbase built from many years decades in fact, although not overly cool or hip there is always someone who appreciates musicianship type or bands / artists.
A7X been around 10 years or so, yes they are red hot right now, interesting to see if they remain huge, only time will tell, their last few releases though have shown them to be a very marketable band though. They certainly have the songs, commerciality & stylistic elements that connect with the masses, bringing heavy music to the kids.
I actually enjoy listening both Dream Theater & A7X they play well, have good albums and live shows, just a shame the way its panned out for Portnoy.
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Mikey - Anything around the Philly Joe Jones Era. Drums really started to feature once 'sets' started becoming the norm.
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Thanks for the drum solo history lesson Damo.
Yes nothing like seeing a good drummer cut sick behind the kit. Drum solos have their place in music as much as short & simple snappy songs, as in all music it just depends on what best serves the context.
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Mikey - Anything around the Philly Joe Jones Era. Drums really started to feature once 'sets' started becoming the norm.
Thanks for the clarify Damo. Some of you more 'run o' the mill shallow metalheaded dimwits' will find this information bewildering. Take a leaf out of the 'Jazz History' book for once and realise that none of its actually as easy as it looks!
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Drum solos rule, if you don't think so then you must be a guitarist
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Drum solos rule, if you don't think so then you must be a guitarist
Awesome way to put it Adam, haters can go away and pluck on their g-string's :cunning:
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Grats Inge, you've suckered in quite a few people with that one.
If all of the people who took him deadly seriously weren't already on my list of retards, rest assured, you'd make it there right now fellahs.
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Sounds like one awesome game you got playing there man, can I play?
...Prizes for taking Inge seriously include being on Nihilist's retard list
unfortunately our losers tonight only get to be on his friend list HAHAHA
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I learned from the best.
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Also, I hate you.
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then im saddened...
but only by your level of creativeness.
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Aimed at Nihilist. Stop being so precious.
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I hatelove you too, honey.
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Drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, TRANSATLANTIC), guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS), multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, SPOCK'S BEARD), bassist Dave LaRue (DIXIE DREGS) and vocalist Casey McPherson (ALPHA REV, ENDOCHINE) have joined forces in a brand new project. The as-yet-unnamed band has just entered the studio to begin work on a new album, due later in the year.
Regarding how the new project came together, Neal Morse said, "Last April I got together with Steve Morse to do some writing and to see what would happen with a collaboration between the two of us and how I went down to his house in Florida and spent some days with him, getting to know him and writing some music and we had a really good time. So we've been talking about doing a project together for a while."
As for the musical direction of the new project, Neal said, "We're all going to get together and work from scratch with no pre-prepared material and see what comes out.
"I'd like to do something different. Something to make it very different from like my solo stuff or TRANSATLANTIC.
"There are some demos and some things that Steve and I did in April that we've worked on and so we'll have some things to start with, but I think the plan is to get together and see what happens and write in the room."
He added, "We're all excited about the project, but it is a bit of a mystery as to what will come. The vision is to do something a little more song-oriented and not quite so riffy, as one might expect. But still, of course, having the musical elements that people like Steve Morse, Dave LaRou, Mike Portnoy, and myself can provide."
Although Neal is hoping to release the album this year, he was quick to point out that there is no firm timetable set for the completion of the new project's debut.
"We've mapped out about 10 days [in the studio for the project's first session]," he said. "We'll see what happens and see how much we can get done, if we can't get the basics down enough for an album then we'll have to continue on later.
"Everyone's schedules are a bit in flux and their very busy people so I don't know how long it will take us to actually finish and release the record."
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fuck yar! 8) end of story.
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Steve Morse - what an amazing guitar player!