TheFunkyGibbons
Dream Theater Collection
Dates
March 2008 January 2008 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006
Latest News
March 2008
All my boots are up for sale.
I have decided to quit bootleg collecting. I had in excess of 500 Dream theater bootlegs and nearly a couple of hundred others. However, over time, collecting them had become a chore and almost all of them had only had a single listen before being stored. Therefore, I have decided to stop collecting and only hold on to the very best shows or those concerts that I was at.
As a result I have also decided to sell all my Silver bootlegs. A full listing is on the bootleg page. You can use the contact page to make me an offer.
Silver bootlegs for saleJanuary 2008
Details of the Greatest Hit album released.
DREAM THEATER COLLECT THEIR GREATEST HIT (…& 21 other pretty cool songs)
The Acclaimed Band’s First-Ever Best-Of Compilation Spans 14 Years of Progressive Hard Rock and Includes Rare Edits and B-Sides
Features Three New Remixes by Kevin Shirley of “Pull Me Under,” “Take The Time” and “Another Day”
Two-Disc Set Available April 1 from Rhino
LOS ANGELES – After recently celebrating the band’s 20-year anniversary, Dream Theater returns with its first-ever best-of collection. Spanning 1991-2005, the two-disc set contains rare single edits, B-sides and a trio of new remixes that spotlight that band’s nonpareil musicianship, complex arrangements and amazing songwriting. Dream Theater’s GREATEST HIT (…& 21 other pretty songs) will be available from Rhino on April 1 at all physical retail outlets and www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $19.98 and at all digital retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $12.99.
Referring to Dream Theater’s first and only major radio hit, “Pull Me Under,” the compilation’s tongue-in-cheek title is a testament not only to the band’s sense of humor but also highlights the acclaimed New York-based quintet’s ability to make music and cultivate a legion of fans on its own terms, without help from radio or MTV. The collection features more than two hours of progressive hard rock from James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar/vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums/vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards).
The collection contains three newly remixed versions of tracks from Dream Theater’s breakout 1992 album, Images And Words: the aforementioned “Pull Me Under” as well as “Take The Time” and “Another Day.” Portnoy says this album presented the perfect opportunity to give the songs a bit of a facelift. “The original mixes always sounded a bit ’80s’ to me, so we had our good friend and longtime mixer Kevin Shirley give the tracks a bit of an update to sound more like the rest of the Dream Theater catalog. The songs remain the same (no pun intended—Kevin just mixed that album as well), but there are little nuances in the tracks that I forgot were originally there, and it’s very cool to hear them again.”
The collection’s 22 songs are split evenly between two discs, which are divided into “The Dark Side” (the metallic) and “The Light Side” (the melodic). Filled with some of the band’s most sinister sounds, the first disc lives up to the billing of “The Dark Side.” Longtime fans will appreciate the abundance of alternative versions of classic tracks, including single edits of “Lie,” “Home,” and “Misunderstood.” Disc One concludes with two tracks from the band’s 2005 album Octavarium: “The Root Of All Evil” and “Sacrificed Sons.”
The second disc, “The Light Side,” spotlights the band’s melodic side and features an alternate mix of “Through Her Eyes,” a single edit of “Solitary Shell” and “To Live Forever,” a 1994 B-side from the U.K.-only single of “Lie.”
A grassroots phenomenon for 20 years, Dream Theater continues to record studio albums acclaimed for award-winning musicianship as well as artistic vision. To meet the demands of a demanding global fan base, the band also maintains an active touring schedule that regularly includes sold-out performances around the world.
Dream Theater has currently been on the road since June 2007, traveling the globe in support of their latest studio album Systematic Chaos. Their world tour will conclude with a final run throughout North America in May as they premiere their “Progressive Nation” package tour with Opeth, Between The Buried And Me, and 3 supporting.
DREAM THEATER’S GREATEST HIT
(…& 21 other pretty cool songs)
Track Listing
Disc 1: (The Dark Side)
1. “Pull Me Under” (2007 Remix)
2. “Take The Time” (2007 Remix)
3. “Lie” (Single Edit)
4. “Peruvian Skies”
5. “Home” (Single Edit)
6. “Misunderstood” (Single Edit)
7. “The Test That Stumped Them All”
8. “As I Am”
9. “Endless Sacrifice”
10. “The Root Of All Evil”
11. “Sacrificed Sons”
Disc 2: (The Light Side)
1. “Another Day” (2007 Remix)
2. “To Live Forever”
3. “Lifting Shadows Off A Dream”
4. “The Silent Man”
5. “Hollow Years”
6. “Through Her Eyes” (Alternate Album Mix)
7. “The Spirit Carries On”
8. “Solitary Shell” (Single Edit)
9. “I Walk Beside You”
10. “The Answer Lies Within”
11. “Disappear”
August 2007
There is an online tour diary written by Jordan.
Go here.
There are also more videos on the Roadrunner site here.July 2007
Constant Motion video available for download.
Go here.
The video is already getting a lot of hits on youtube here.
June 2007
Blistering website interview Mike.
Mike's can be found here.
Turns out there is also a link to an interview with John Petrucci.
Music players website interviews John and Mike.
Mike's can be found here.
John's can be found here.
Berklee College interview, Mike, John and John.
It can be found here.
The pride of my collection has now been signed.
At the aftershow in Newcastle, the pride of the collection was signed by Mike, John, John and James. More details can be seen on Pride of the Collection and on the concert review page.
Systematic Chaos to be released as a 2LP set.
Orders are currently being taken by a German site, but expect to see it elsewhere shortly. The expected release date is the end of June.
New Mike Portnoy interview available on Roadrunner Italy.
It can be found here.
Latest drum cam DVD now on sale.
The drum cam, sysDRUMatic Chaos is now available exclusively fom Mike's own site here.
Concert review for Newcastle added.
The story of my trip to Newcastle with my son, Little Funky can be found on the concert review page. It may make you a little jealous.
Six UK dates have neeb announced for the fall.
From Roadrunner
Hot on the heels of a truly triumphant performance at the Download festival, DREAM THEATER have confirmed they will return this Autumn for six headline shows.
New album ‘Systematic Chaos’, which received several perfect score reviews, soared into the UK album chart at #25 yesterday - their highest chart position here to date 22 years into their career (2005’s ‘Octavarium’ charted at #72).
Tickets went on sale this morning priced £25 London and £24 regionally. Special guests will be Symphony X.
OCTOBER
11 - GLASGOW Carling Academy
12 - MANCHESTER Apollo
13 - LONDON Wembley Arena
NOVEMBER
9 - NEWPORT Centre
10 - WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall
11 - BLACKBURN King Georges Hall
Systematic Chaos charts at number 25.
On its week of release in the UK, SC charted at number 25 in the mainsteam UK album chart. This is a stunning performance and shows the work that Roadrunner have done. By comparison, Octavarium only reached number 72 in its first week of release.
May 2007
Roadrunner releases an e-card in support of the new album.
It can be found here.
It is very cool and packed with features.Roadrunner release dates of Systematic Chaos in the UK.
Tuesday 29th May – Asylum @ University of Hertfordshire Students Union, Markyate
Wed 30th May - The Rhino Club @ Waterloo Terrace, Southampton
Friday 1st June – Spiders @ Spiders Nightclub, Hull (9.30am to 2.00pm)
Friday 1st June – Meltdown @ The Rigger, Newcastle-Under-Lyme (10pm-2am)
Fri 1st June – Revolution @ Newcastle Academy, Newcastle Upon Tyne (10pm – 3am)
Friday 1st June - The Twisted Rock Night @ Berties Nightclub, Newquay (10pm-)
Friday 1st June – Subsonic @ The Loft, Maidstone (10pm – 4am)
Saturday 2nd June – Retribution @ Studio 24, Edinburgh (10.30pm – 3am)
Saturday 2nd June - The Cathouse, Glasgow (10.30pm-3am)
Saturday 2nd June – Meltdown @ Waterfront, Norwich
Saturday 2nd June - Corporation, Sheffield (9.30pm – 3am)
Saturday 2nd June – Subculture @ Carling Academy Birmingham, Birmingham (10.00pm-3.00am)
Saturday 2nd June – Loaded @The Krazyhouse, Liverpool (9pm)
Roadrunner releases a video of the making of The Dark Eternal Night on youtube.
The video is already getting a lot of hits on youtube.
To-Mera to support Dream Theater for Newcastle gig on 9th June.
UK band, To-Mera have been selected as support for the Newcastle gig on 9th June.
Their myspace page can be found here.
April 2007
A video Electronic Press Kit released.
The promotion in respect of Systematic Chaos steps up. An Electronic Press Kit can be downloaded here.
Right click and save as.
mp3 of Constant Motion released.
As part of their promotion of Systematic Chaos, a mp3 of Constant Motion can be downloaded from the Roadrunner site here.
Dream Theater join Bruce Dickinson on the radio.
DREAM THEATER will be Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson's guests on Saturday, May 26 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio show, aptly named "Rock Show". Listen to the program live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time at bbc.
Additional European dates for Chaos in Motion announced.
The first few dates for the second leg have been released.
European Tour - Fall 2007
All shows are DREAM THEATER headlining shows
with Special Guests: Symphony X and one more act TBA
Wed Sept 26th - Ice Hall - Helsinki, Finland
Fri Sept 28th - Hovet - Stockholm, Sweden
Sat Sept 29th - Spectrum - Oslo, Norway
Thurs Oct 4th - Lotto Arena - Antwerp, Belgium
Fri Oct 5th - Zenith - Paris, France
Mike releases birthday present for fans.
On his birthday, Mike released a video recorded during the recording of Systematic Chaos. It captures the moment when 100 fans were invited into the studio to record a chant that will be used on the new album.
Unlike previous videos, Mike is happy for this to be widely shared.
It can be watched on youtube here.Additional info on Systematic Chaos released.
The full article can be found on the RoadRunner site here.
Selected highlights include details of the new album.
... Systematic Chaos, in its own way as unrelenting as Metallica’s 1986 breakthrough. “If there’s anything we did on this record on purpose,” confirms Petrucci, “it was that we left out more sensitive, softer material.” Although the music therein is written jointly by all members, the lyrics to each song were written completely by either Petrucci, Portnoy or LaBrie.
Petrucci, who penned the lyrics to “In the Presence of Enemies,” “The Ministry of Lost Souls,” “Forsaken” and “The Dark Eternal Night”, describes his lyrics as “total fantasy, about alternate worlds, vampires, dark lords, the internal battle between good and evil.” Two songs on the album, though, take on issues with very real consequences. LaBrie’s “Prophets of War” is a searing indictment of the war in Iraq, and Portnoy’s brooding “Repentance” is part of what will eventually be a musical exploration of Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 Step program.
“I’ve been writing about 12 steps for four albums in a row, and “Repentance” represents the eighth and ninth steps,” Portnoy explains. “It’s been incredibly therapeutic to write about the steps, because every time I write one of these chapters, I’m doing the steps in my life, and writing about it cements it into my being. Once the saga concludes with the final three steps on the next album, it will make for a 60 minute epic that’s a healing piece of music.”
“You can’t compromise with the type of music that we play and the relationship we have with the fans,” says Petrucci. “The integrity factor always has to be there, otherwise people see right through it.” That said, Portnoy stresses “with all of our achievements, I feel that the best chapter of Dream Theater has yet to be written.”
Systematic Chaos to have special edition.
The Special Edition DVD will include:
- the entire album mixed in 5.1 surround sound
- "Chaos in Progress - The Making of Systematic Chaos"
(a 90-minute documentary directed by Mike Portnoy)
The band will shoot a video next week for the first single off the album, "Constant Motion".
The artwork for Systematic Chaos and the track lengths have now been released.
The track lengths are
01. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 1 (9:00)02. Forsaken (5:36)
03. Constant Motion (6:55)
04. The Dark Eternal Night (8:51)
05. Repentance (10:43)
06. Prophets of War (6:01)
07. The Ministry of Lost Souls (14:57)
08. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 2 (16:38)
The artwork is by Hugh Syme
The full list of dates for the European Summer tour have now been released.
The list of dates and associated websites can be found here.
March 2007
Dream Theater are to play Download Festival.
DREAM THEATER have been confirmed for the Download festival, appearing on June 10 at Donington Park, Leicestershire, England. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):
BOWLING FOR SOUPBRING ME THE HORIZON
BUCKCHERRY
DEVIL DRIVER
DIMMU BORGIR
DRAGONFORCE
DREAM THEATER
ENTER SHIKARI
EVANESCENCE
GALLOWS
IRON MAIDEN (June 10 headliner)
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
KORN
LAMB OF GOD
LINKIN PARK (June 9 headliner)
MACHINE HEAD
MARILYN MANSON
MEGADETH
MÖTLEY CRÜE
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE (June 8 headliner)
SHADOWS FALL
SLAYER
THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
TURBONEGRO
VELVET REVOLVER
WOLFMOTHER
Demand for this year's festival has seen tickets sell faster than ever before, camping spaces have nearly all gone, and festival organizers are looking into an extension to the Donington Park capacity. Download 2007 is fast becoming the must-attend music event of the year.
Having sold in excess of 6 million units, DREAM THEATER are one of the most commercially successful progressive bands of the past 20 years. Throughout an impressive career, their live performance has got bigger, longer, more diverse, and less restrictive. Never playing the same set twice on a tour, the band's unpredictability is what the fans have come to expect, and have embraced it knowing that each show is unique. This is DREAM THEATER's Download festival debut.
DREAM THEATER's drummer Mike Portnoy can't wait, "Fuck yeah! It's about time!!! I am absolutely stoked for DREAM THEATER to finally play Download... In a career already filled with so many personal achievements and dreams having been realized, somehow an invitation to play Download or Donington has always eluded us thus far... After all our hard work for the past 21 years and having made so many fans and friends in the U.K., it's nice to finally get the invitation! This gig will come within the first month of a world tour that will last well into 2008 for us, but I can already predict this will be one of the highlights of the year for us..."
For more info.
Tickets are on sale for Newcastle gig.
Tickets went on sale today for the gig at Newcastle Music Hall.
The box office and details can be found here.
Jordan will be appearing in London.
Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater is collaborating with Rod Morganstein, the legendary Dixie Dregs drummer, to perform live on stage at Sound Control, Oxford Street, London on Monday April 2nd at 6:30pm, using Roland’s revolutionary new V-Synth GT and the latest in V-Drum technology.
Roland announced their new flagship V-Synth GT Synthesizer at NAMM earlier this year. Combining the V-Synth’s famous Elastic Audio Synthesis engine with revolutionary new Articulative Phrase Synthesis technology and never-before-heard sounds, the new V-Synth GT's expression and realism is second to none.
The V-Synth GT is the first synthesizer in the world equipped with AP (Articulative Phrase) Synthesis. This revolutionary form of modelling recreates the ever-changing behaviour, nuance, and sound of an instrument as it's being played. AP Synthesis can use both acoustic and synth waves to create stunningly expressive results, and can be applied for realistic acoustic instrument simulation, as well as sounds never heard before.
By integrating a new dual core V-Synth engine, the V-Synth GT can combine Elastic Audio Synthesis, Vocal Designer Technology and AP Synthesis in real-time. Roland’s proprietary VariPhrase technology is also integrated into the V-Synth GT. Together with its analog-modelling engine, external audio input, and digital sampling architecture, the V-Synth GT provides an incredibly wide and colourful foundation on which to capture, manipulate and create sounds.
Voted ‘Best New Talent’ in the Keyboardist category of the 1994 Keyboard Magazine Reader Poll after the release of his solo album, "Listen," Jordan is the newest member of the group Dream Theater. Jordan has played with guitarist Steve Morse and the legendary Dixie Dregs. He has recorded and toured with guitarist Vinnie Moore, written songs for, and recorded with, singer Annie Haslam (Renaissance) and has recorded tracks with David Bowie. Additionally, he has toured internationally with fellow keyboardist Jan Hammer and renowned drummer Tony Williams, has appeared in concert with Enrique Iglesias, and regularly performs and records with the Grammy award-winning Paul Winter Consort.
Rod Morganstein’s unique, dynamic and musical drumming style won him the ‘Best Progressive Rock Drummer’ award in Modern Drummer Magazine’s Reader Poll, five years in a row (1986-1990) and ‘Best All-round Drummer’ (1999), earning him a permanent position in the magazine’s prestigious ‘Roll of Honour’.
Ticket details as well as information on how to win a V-Synth GT can be found on the Roland UK Website here.
Artwork replacements available for String Quartet CD.
The press release by Vitamin Records reads.
VITAMIN RECORDS TO MAKE AMENDS
This one goes out to the craziest fan base on the face of the planet.
We really screwed the pooch this past month when our initial shipment of “The String Quartet Tribute to Dream Theater” went out with an incorrect package and song list. We apologize to all of you who waited for months and months for the album to arrive, only to be met with a product full of glaring errors.
Your response to the situation has been great, to be fair. We know that sonically we nailed the sucker, but on the manufacturing side of things, we dropped the ball. As such, the next run of product will go out with the list of songs that you actually hear on the record. Plus, anybody who has already purchased the bunk copies can contact us and we will send out the proper artwork. You can drop us a line at info@vitaminrecords.com
As for the incorrect package, well, we’ll call it a collector’s item and leave it at that!
Thanks for all the kind words we’ve heard so far and for omitting all the truly harsh things we know we deserve for our foul-up.
James Curtiss, Project Coordinator, Vitamin Records
Rich Wilson has posted some updates regarding the Dream Theater book.
Although the contract hasn't been signed between myself and the publishers, things have sufficiently progressed for me to feel confident in letting you all know the plan with the book. But don't send the boys round to give me a good kicking if any of this doesn't work out! The book is entitled 'Lifting Shadows - The Authorised Story Of Dream Theater'. The initial release is the 'Images And Words' limited edition. But what's so special about the limited edition I hear you cry? Well, it's basically TWO books. One called 'Words' containing the words (of which there are over 140,000 with all new interviews with the band) and the other called 'Images' which funnily enough, is full of photos, memorabilia, letters etc etc. These are held together in a slipcase and both printed on top drawer paper (apparently 130gsm art paper for those of you who understand these things. . .) In total the books are expected to contain around 600 pages, and the books weigh around 4.5 pounds (2kg). Now, here's the main attraction.
Included as an awesome freebie in the book set is a free CD of Dream Theater music, compiled by the ever-generous and supportive Mike Portnoy, which includes a stack of previously unreleased tracks. I'll release the track listing nearer the time, but rest assured that Mike really has pulled out the stops on this one! Oh, and if things go to plan, the book's cover is being designed by Hugh Syme, and Mike has also graciously offered to write the foreword. Phew! I can't confirm a release date as yet or a retail price, but I'll update you all here as and when I know more . . .
In answer to a few questions, it is unlikely at this stage that the book will be distributed to the likes of Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Borders etc. Copies will be sold via my website and the publishers' website also intend to sell it. I hope to do a pre-sale to ensure that the hardcore DT fans on all the forums get first shot at a copy. As for the wording of "Limited Edition", I will be granting rights to the publishers for them to produce a paperback version - which would just be the text without photos or CD. But there is no guarantee that they will take up the option . . .
February 2007
Trailer for In Comstant Motion released.
The trailer can be found on Mike's site, here.
Dream Theater launch MySpace page.
Hey Everybody!
Well it looks like Dream Theater is no longer the only band in the universe without a My Space page!!
Through the help of our new friends at Roadrunner Records, www.myspace.com/dreamtheater is now alive and kicking...
We encourage all of our great friends and fans to help make this *YOUR* space for all things DT!
We already have some great existing fan universes and information sources with DT.NET and here at MP.COM, as well as the other band member's sites, but now by adding www.roadrunnerrecords.com and www.myspace.com/dreamtheater to the band's arsenal, we can show everybody in cyberspace who has the greatest, craziest and most devoted fans in the world!! : )
Enjoy!
MP
For the first week at least, TFG was listed amongst the top 20 friends.
Tracklist for Systematic Chaos released.
Mike posted the details on the forum.
Hey Gang,
Well we just mastered the album today, so it is now officially finished and will be in the hands of Roadrunner Records tomorrow!!
In order to be able to release the info before some obscure fan website in Poland does, here's the final track listing and Production credits for ya:
DREAM THEATER - SYSTEMATIC CHAOS
1. In The Presence of Enemies Pt.1
2. Forsaken
3. Constant Motion
4. The Dark Eternal Night
5. Repentance
6. Prophets of War
7. The Ministry of Lost Souls
8. In The Presence of Enemies Pt.2
Produced by John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy
Engineered and Mixed by Paul Northfield
More info is coming soon, so stayed tuned!
MP
Jordan is opening for Blackfield on some of their US dates.
Jordan Rudess is now confirmed to open for Blackfield on all their east coast shows.
He will be performing as a solo artist featuring his unique piano style.
Here are the dates.13 Mar 2007 - USA, Philadelphia, World Cafe Live
15 Mar 2007 - USA, ANNAPOLIS, Ramshead
16 Mar 2007 - USA, New York, Bowery Ballroom
17 Mar 2007 - USA, Hoboken, Maxwell's
18 Mar 2007 - USA, Boston, Berklee Recital Hall
Dream Theater announce details of new record label. The title of the new album is also announced.
The press release reads
WHEN DREAM THEATER AND ROADRUNNER RECORDS UNITE!
BAND AND LABEL JOIN FORCES WITH NEW STUDIO ALBUM PLUS WORLD TOUR TO FOLLOW
ROADRUNNER RECORDS is proud to announce the signing of progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater. A new studio album, Systematic Chaos is due in June. Dream Theater will hit the road in support of the album for a world tour, including major festival appearances in Europe.
Since their first studio release in 1989, this US based five-piece has notched up record and DVD sales in excess of six million and headlined to audiences of 20,000. Having undertaken seven world tours across 42 different countries, Dream Theater has established a live reputation that has swept them to arena-status around the globe. They have appeared alongside acts such as Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and Yes.
Recognized by peers and public alike for their advanced musical expertise, the band (Mike Portnoy, drums; John Petrucci, guitar; John Myung, bass; James LaBrie, vocals; Jordan Rudess, keyboards) has long held the ability to combine complex arrangements with unadulterated songwriting skills, the material often underpinned by riffs as heavy as anything in the Metallica repertoire.
“This album’s got all of the elements we’ve become known for,” reveals Portnoy. “The focus on musicianship, the skull-crushing riffs, the big progressive epics and the heart-wrenching melodies. We’ve got one of the strongest and most devoted fan bases in the world, and they should certainly be happy with the new material. By working closely with the label we hope to turn a great many new heads too.”
“Dream Theater and Roadrunner Records have led parallel careers on the cutting edge of metal for many years,” say A&R men, Derek Oliver & Dante Bonutto, “We’re thrilled to be working with a genuine market-leader, and when you add everything the guys bring to the table to the independent spirit and work ethic of the label, the results can only be exciting in the extreme!”
Prior to teaming up with Roadrunner, Dream Theater was signed to a seven-album deal with Warner Music Group worldwide. The deal commenced with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Images And Words (1992), a Gold-certified US release, and concluded, in equal style, with Octavarium (2005), a Top 40 Billboard outing. In August of last year the band issued Score, a live album/DVD (recorded at Radio City Music Hall in New York), which went straight to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard DVD charts, knocking Pink Floyd from the top!
By the following month, the five were holed up at Avatar Studios in New York, working on the new album with veteran engineer/ mixer Paul Northfield (Rush, Queensrÿche, Porcupine Tree). As usual, Portnoy and Petrucci chose to co-produce the project, which features seven compositions (one a 25-minute epic), and word on the grapevine is that the Dream Theater/Roadrunner alliance looks all set to kick off with a classic.
Systematic Chaos, Dream Theater’s ninth studio release, arrives at a time when the band is casting a longer-than-ever shadow across the rock and metal landscape. Their influence is being acknowledged by an increasing number of contemporary, cutting-edge acts such as Stone Sour, Trivium, Shadows Fall, Opeth as their fan base continues to grow.
Touring plans will be announced shortly. Please visit www.roadrunnerrecords.com or www.dreamtheater.net for up to the minute information.
January 2007
Mike invites fans to appear on the new album.
In a forum post here, Mike says
Hi gang,
Do you live near New York City?
Do you want to have your voice on the new Dream Theater CD?
If so, I'm looking for a group of about 30 or 40 people to do some "chants" for a section of one of the new songs...and I figured it be fun to offer the job to a few lucky fans!
Here's the deal:
At 2pm this Friday January 26th, we will let a group of you into the studio to do some yelling for us...
The place:
Avatar Studios - 441 W. 53rd St (between 9th & 10th Ave)
The time:
We will open the doors around 2pm.
**DO NOT** arrive any earlier than 1pm which is when the line will form....
(fans arriving earlier than 1pm will not be permitted to line up outside)
Depending on the turnout, we cannot guarantee entry to everybody.
It will be based on first come, first serve.
You will be needed for no more than an hour, so you will be able to leave by 3pm.
**DO NOT** bring cameras or recording equiptment....any found will be held at the reception desk while the session takes place.
Also - **DO NOT** call the studio for information.
This is a place of business and they are getting annoyed by the constant phone calls coming in about this!!!
Everything you need to know is already in this post!!!
Alright, c-ya some of ya on Friday!
MP
The numbers have not increased to 50 - 100.
First dates for G3 2007 released.
G3 in 2007 will feature JOE SATRIANI, JOHN PETRUCCI and PAUL GILBERT. Mike has already confirmed that he will be doing drum duties. The dates can be found here
Jordan and Mike will be appearing at NAMM 2007.
Mike has posted.
Hi Gang,
I'll be at the NAMM show this Saturday 1/20/06.
I'll be appearing at the TAMA booth at 2:30 (along with Kenny Aronoff and John Blackwell)
and at the Pro Mark booth at 4:30 (along with Marco Minnemann)
Maybe I'll see some of you there!
MP
Separately, Jordan has posted.
Appearing for Roland with the Rudess Morgenstein Project
Friday, 19 January
11:15am Showcase Theatre w/ Rudess Morgenstein Project
1:30pm Showcase Theatre w/ Rudess Morgenstein Project
2:30pm Keyboard Stage, Jordan solo clinic
Saturday, 20 January
11:15am Showcase Theatre w/ Rudess Morgenstein Project
1:30pm Showcase Theatre w/ Rudess Morgenstein Project
2:30pm Keyboard Stage, Jordan solo clinic
Appearing at East West Sounds:
Thursday 17 January, 1pm and 4pm For East West sounds.
Friday 18 January and Saturday 19 January at 4pm
New Neal Morse album out in Ferbuary.
The New neal Morse ablum, entitled, Sola Scriptura will be released on 26 February 2007 on InsideOut records.
As before, Mike contributes all the drumming duties.
The tracklist is
1 - The Door (29:14)i Introduction
ii In The Name Of God
iii All I Ask For
iv Mercy for Sale
v Keep Silent
vi Upon The Door
2 - The Conflict (25:00)
i Do You know My Name?
ii Party to the Lie
iii Underground
iv Two Down, One to Go
v The Vineyard
vi Already Home
3 - Heaven in my Heart (5:11)
4 - The Conclusion (16:34)
i Randy's Jam
ii Long Night's Journey
iii Re-Introduction
iv Come Out Of Her
v Clothed With The Sun
vi In Closing...
String Quartet Tribute to Dream Theater.
A CD by the String Quartet Tribute band featuring songs by Dream Theater will be issued shortly. A profile of the band can be found here.
The tracklist is as follows.
1. Overture 19282. Pull Me Under
3. Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
4. As I Am
5. Ytse Jam
6. The Dance of Eternity
7. Hell’s Kitchen
8. Peruvian Skies
In a forum post here, Mike commented.
Glad you're all digging the track list. (wow...it's a miracle! )
I submitted a list of 13 songs to them and they then chose these 8 from my list.
(FYI - the other 5 titles I suggested were: Erotomania, Finally Free, Misunderstood, Stream Of Consciousness and Panic Attack - I purposely stayed away from stuff we already did Orchestral arrangements with on Score)
I also wrote the liner notes for the CD as well...
However, the extent of my involvement ends there - I'm as curious to hear this as anybody....
So it should be noted that this isn't an "official" DT product...but I am supportive of it as they went through the proper channels to include my input and make sure we were OK with it before proceeding (unlike some other releases!!)
MP
December 2006
Mike's Christmas gift to the fans.
Continuing the tradition, on Christmas Day at 6am, Mike released the latest gift to fans. As usual, this is provided on the basis that it is only hosted on Mike's site and is not to be uploaded elsewhere. The gift is only available on Christmas Day which probably causes arguments in those households that do not like the computer to be used on Christmas Day.
Without giving much away, the gift was a behind the scenes look at the recording process of the new album. Obviously, we did not get to hear any of the tunes.
November 2006
The annual fan club giveaway continues.
Continuing the tradition started by the Dream Theater International Fan Club, the regional fan clubs will be releasing a DVD again this year. It is a multi camera recording of the Rome show from the Octavarium world tour. French, German, Italian and Norwegian speakers should be members of their country fan club in order to receive the DVD. VoicesUK accepts international members.
A teaser for the DVD is now on youtube.
Not quite the Liquid Tension Experiment reunion we were hoping for.
In a thread on Jordan's website, there is a photo of Tony Levin with Mike, John and Jordan. Obviously we are not expecting a LTE reunion, but it is cool that there are still friends.
The picture can be found here
Jordan is visiting Italy to be the special guest at the final of the Italian Dream Theater Tribute band Competition.
Jordan will be appearing as a special guest at a battle between DT Italian Cover Bands. The event will be held in Rimini on November 25th, and Jordan will be acting as president of the deciding jury for the contest.
More information can be found here
Mike is the guest editor of December's Rhythm magazine.
Mike provided the details in this thread, here.
Hi Gang!
Well, as I briefly mentioned in passing a few weeks ago when I did Eddie Trunk's show, I can now announce the details of this great special issue of Rhythm Magazine I have been working on. (for those of you unaware, Rhythm is a drum magazine from the UK)
I am honored to have been asked to play "guest editor" for this upcoming issue and I was given the opportunity to pick 4 drummers to interview that were influences on me and help shape me as a drummer in my formative years.
The 4 guys I ended up choosing were Neil Peart, Nick Mason, Bill Bruford and Lars Ulrich. (for those of you knowing my love for the Beatles and wondering...yes I did have Ringo on my initial list as well, but Rhythm had just recently done a piece with him, so he was scratched off...)
All 4 guys were totally accomodating, totally cool and totally happy to be on board for the project.
Neil was the first to get together with me as we were able to spent some time together while he was in NYC in September doing some promo for his latest book. (which he so kindly had a personalized copy waiting for me!)
Finally meeting him was really a cool experience as he's really one of the only drum heroes of mine that I hadn't met yet through the years. He was totally accomodating and friendly and he opened up to me on everything from his early influences to the writing and recording process in Rush. (and I must admit the "fanboy" in me couldn't resist having him sign one of my custom drums from my "Cygnus and the Sea Monsters" kit!)
Next up was Nick Mason who was in town to play Dark Side of the Moon live with Roger Waters. I met with him in his dressing room at Madison Square Garden and we chatted for about an hour about stuff ranging from Syd Barrett to performing The Wall live.
After we did a photo session together (as I did with Neil as well BTW), he invited me up to the stage to sit with him at his kit for souncheck.
I must admit it was a pretty surreal experience sitting up there with him and Roger while they ran through "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "Comfortably Numb". Once again, the fanboy in me struck as I just had to have Nick and Roger sign my vinyl copy of The Wall...as it is my favorite album of all time!
Then last week, I got together with Bill Bruford to do our chat and photo session. I've known Bill for about 10 years now and he's always been a totally great guy and always open arms to me. We talked about all of the stages of his career and got into interesting details about his experiences in Yes, King Crimson, Genesis and UK.
And finally, today I wrapped up the "fab 4" by doing a phoner with Lars. (as much as we tried to set up a face to face meeting, it was just impossible to allign our schedules as he's in the studio with Metallica in CA and I am in the studio with DT in NYC)
I've also already known Lars for many years now and he's also always been incredibly cool with me. We talked about everything from the new Metallica sessions to his feelings on the "bad rap" he's gotten by alot of drummers through the years. (And he even told me that DT's performance of the entire Master Of Puppets back in 2002 had definitely inspired them to do it themselves this past summer!)
As if all of this stuff wont already make an unbelievably cool issue...we rounded out the magazine by having Jason Bittner of Shadow's Fall interview me.
The idea being to have an "up and coming" drummer that I had a influence on bring the whole issue full circle...
Well, I'm sure you're now asking "when is this coming out?" and "where can I get it?"....
I believe it is slated to hit the stands towards the end of next month (Dec 2006) and if you don't live in the UK, you can usually find Rhythm at bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Border's. I also think you may be able to order the magazine on-line as well (if I get that info, I will post it into this thread...)
It's really gonna be an incredibly cool special edition that you wont want to miss and I must say doing the footwork for it has been a true "labor of love" for me.
I must thank Louise King, Jon Cohan from Rhythm and especially the 4 awesome guys who got together with me to make this upcoming issue so unique.
I'm looking foward to sharing it with all of you!
MP
The magazine will be on the stands in the UK on November 22nd. The thread has some photos from the sessions.
October 2006
Dates for G3 tour announced.
G3 Mexico/South America - Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson & John Petrucci (w/MP)Mon Oct 16th - Mexico City, Mexico - Teatro Metropolitan
Tues Oct 17th - Mexico City, Mexico - Teatro Metropolitan
Sat Oct 21st - Santiago, Chile - Velodromo Estadio
Mon Oct 23rd - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Stadium Luna Park
Tues Oct 24th - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Stadium Luna Park
Thurs Oct 26th - Porto Alegre, Brazil - Teatro de Sesi
Fri Oct 27th - Sao Paulo, Brazil - CreditCard Hall
Sat Oct 28th - Sao Paulo, Brazil - CreditCard Hall
Sun Oct 29th - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Claro Hall
G3 Australia - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai & John Petrucci (w/MP)
Wed Nov 29th - Brisbane, Australia - Brisbane Convention Centre
Fri Dec 1st - Sydney, Austraila - Hordern Pavillion
Sat Dec 2nd - Melbourne, Australia - Regent Theater
Sun Dec 3rd - Melbourne, Australia - Regent Theater
Mon Dec 4th - Melbourne, Australia - Regent Theater
Wed Dec 6th - Adelaide, Australia - Entertainment Centre
Fri Dec 8th - Perth, Australia - Challenge Stadium
Mike's instructional DVD coming along nicely.
In a forum post here, Mike states
"Hey Gang,I've been hard at work on this the past few weeks and it is coming along great!
It is going to be a MONSTER DVD!!!!
At the moment, it is over 5 hours in length and FILLED with so much cool footage....
This will be the ultimate MP product!
MP
Dream Theater back in the studio and other news.
Mike did a recent interview with Eddie Trunk, during which he revealed that Dream Theater are now back in the studio. The band has entered a New York City studio with engineer Paul Northfield (RUSH, QUEENSRŸCHE, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, MARILYN MANSON) to begin recording the follow-up to 2005's "Octavarium", tentatively due next April/May.
Mike also confirmed that the band have ended their association with Warner and are in the process of finding a new label. However, they have decided to go ahead with the recording of the album whilst this process is ongoing.
September 2006
Interview with Mike Portnoy available as a podcast.
In support of the release of Score, Rhino have put up a podcast interview with Mike. It can be listened to or downloaded here.
August 2006
Cover to cover CD available from Radiant Records.
The CD put together by Morse, Portnoy and George has now been released by Radiant Records. Details of the release and to order can be found here.
Pictures from RMP recording sessions.
Jordan is currently putting together the next CD for the Rudess Morganstein Project. A handful of pictures have been put up in this forum post here.
Interview with James about TSR available.
The TSR now contains two videos. One covers the making of process and the other is an interview. The full list of songs is also on the same page. here.
Cygnus And The Sea Monsters CD and DVD - Now Available.
"Cygnus And The Sea Monsters - One Night In Chicago", a Tribute to Rush featuring Mike Portnoy, Paul Gilbert, Sean Malone and Jason McMaster, is now available exclusively from www.mikeportnoy.com on CD and DVD.
The track listing is:
2112
Cygnus X-1
Hemispheres
YYZ / Drum Solo
The DVD also contains an Audio Commentary with Mike Portnoy and Paul Gilbert!
I walk beside you available as a video stream.
Rhino have put I walk beside you up as a video stream on their sight. A teaser until such time as the DVD is released. here.
Mike is joining G3 tour to South America and Australia
In a forum post, Mike has confirmed that he will be joining John Petrucci on the G3 of Australia and South America in the fall. Dates have not yet been announced. The forum post is here.
Jordan issues 2004 Keyfest DVD
Jordan's latest DVD was recorded at Keyfest, White Plains, New York in 2004. Jordan’s live solo concert includes such performances from his solo albums as: Stream of Consciousness, Time Crunch, Cartoon Giant, Screaming Head, RA, In the Name of God and more. Further information and to order can be found here.
Review of Score in Classic Rock magazine
Rich Wilson, who is writing the authorised biography of Dream Theater, reviews Score in the latest edition of Classic Rock magazine. In addition, there is an interview with Mike discussing the history of prog rock. The full interview is on Rich's blog here.
Jordan features on Neil Zaza CD
Jordan features on the new Neil Zaza CD. Further information about the songs and to order can be found here.
Score release date
Dream Theater's latest live CD and DVD "SCORE" is scheduled for release on August 29th, 2006, on Rhino Records. (date may vary slightly in different countries)
The 3-CD and 2-DVD sets will be available seperately.
Both versions will contain the entire "20th Anniversary World Tour" grand finale recorded live at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 1st 2006. (nearly 3 hours of music - over 90 minutes of which was performed with a full orchestra)
The DVD will also contain a 1 hour Documentary tracking the entire career of the band from the very beginnings at the Berklee College Of Music in 1985 all the way to the Radio City Music Hall grand finale. Including rare never before seen footage and interviews with current and previous members of the band.
Also included on the DVD are several live Bonus Tracks from through the years taken from the Portnoy Archives. It also includes the Octavarium animation.
James features on Henning Pauly's Babysteps
Back in 2003 when James was recording vocals for Frameshift's "Unweaving The Rainbow" he also recorded the vocals for three tracks for a Trans-Siberian Orchestra style rock opera called Babysteps.
The Babysteps album is now complete and I already have my copy in.
Details about the project as well as audio samples are available here. If you never had a chance to check out Frameshift, it is widely hailed as some of James best work, with huge harmonies, counterpoint acappella vocals and beautiful melodies, the project was written to specifically highlight James' voice.
For Babysteps, James is specifically on the following tracks:
04. Listen To Me
10. What do you know
13. I see
Vocal duties are shared with Jody Ashworth (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Michael Sadler (Saga) and Matt Cash (Chain).
James talks about TSR project
"Hi Everyone,
I thought it would be of interest to know a little more of how it was possible to finally record the TSR project.
Dirk Ulrich (Mastermind and Producer) and I spoke almost 6 years ago about the possibility of doing such a project and at the time it was supposed to be 3 rock tenors. By the way the acronym TSR is: True Symphonic Rockestra. Anyway to really see this thing through meant first and foremost finding and deciding on the singers and 3 that would blend well. Secondly, a label that shared our vision and enthusiasm. The financial backing pre and post production would not be small change. Well, both obstacles continued to present one another as almost insurmountable. It wasn't until maybe 5 months ago when Dirk started to Produce and record a Russian band by the name of 'Aspect' that he came in contact with Igor Marin. A highly respected Business man. Actually a Professor of Bio Chemistry. He created a hybrid Sunflower Seed that in turn produces some of the purest and richest Sunflower Oil in the world. Needless to say he became wealthy and financially independent. Igor was Executive Producer, backing and helping to develop Aspect. They 'Aspect' were with Dirk recording at MarinSound Studios. This was a band Igor believed in and was willing to back them in every way necessary. Igor Marin believed it was well over due and necessary to have a State of Art studio built, hence (Marinsound Studios.) World class in every sense of the word. The studio was built in Krasnodar, Russia and is where TSR recorded. I will attest this is easily one of the finest studios I have every recorded in... absolutely incredible. Let's back up a bit. Upon meeting Igor Marin I realized that while being a world renowned Bio Chemist Professor his heart and soul was all about music. He is as big a fan of Dream Theater as is any other die hard. His influences and favourite artists are very similar to mine with a few exceptions of course. I know there is no chronological order here so just bare with me. While Dirk was working with Igor and some of his associates he mentioned some of his other musical interests as well as this pet project he was faithfully and patiently waiting to do once artists' and finances were confirmed. Once Dirk explained the concept they asked to hear the music. Upon hearing the music Igor was convinced and immediately said he would back it and do whatever it takes to make it a reality. One thing was for sure, he had the studio and it was are when ready. Right around this same time Dirk had been entertaining the possibility of the 3 tenors being not Rock tenors but only one Rock tenor with two Classical tenors. Dirk knew of one Classical tenor for sure who was right, Thomas Dewald. Thomas has a phenomenal voice. The other Classical tenor was suggested by Igor Marin, this was Vladimir Grishko. He had sung all over the world and was presented with the accolade Opera Tenor of the world for 2005 by Luciano Pavarotti. Once again I must state Vladimir is a vocalist with phenomenal talent. Vladimir contacted Luciano and Madame Caballe and asked their opinion. They both said this is an unique opportunity to unit Rock and Classical both musically and vocally. The line-up was complete as well as executive support. Everyone was buzzing and itching to get started. June 6th we began recording at MarinSound Studios and by June 12th we were all flying home. I am extremely stoked about this recording and cannot wait for everyone to finally hear it. Dirk will begin the mix at MarinSound Studios in Krasnodar Russia June 24th. We will keep you posted and let you know when the official TSR site is up.
Speak with you later,
James.
Mike is in the studio with Neal Morse
Mike has already been in the studio with Neal Morse and Randy George laying down the drum tracks for the forth coming Neal Morse masterpiece. A short report from the studio was posted by Randy on his forum.
James to guest on John Macaluso's new album
James LaBrie will record a guest appearance on one track on the upcoming solo album from drummer John Macaluso, entitled "John Macaluso's Union Radio - The Radio Waves Goodbye". The CD, which is tentatively scheduled for release in November via Lion Music, is described in online post as "a continuation of the ideas and themes John was working on while with ARK." Other guest musicians set to appear on the album include Marco Sfogli (guitar), Randy Coven (bass) and Vitalij Kuprij (keyboards).
Mike has new instructional DVD in the works
Recorded at the Allaire Studios in upstate New York with Rob Wallis and Paul Seigel, Mike is working on a new Drum Instructional DVD.
Mike reported, "The 2 DVD set is going to be packed with footage, information and playing covering everything I have done (in DT and outside of DT) in the 7 years since my last instructional video. The DVD (which will be entitled "In Constant Motion") will hopefully be ready for a late 2006/early 2007 release through Hudson Music."