Dream Theater - Portnoy Returns

[David Houck]

Those of you who listen to Dream Theater may find it of interest that Mike Portnoy is returning to the band.

https://dreamtheater.net/dream-theater-announce-the-return-of-drummer-mike-portnoy/

[goran]

Have to say it.... Finally

[David Houck]

   

[jacko]

The various DT facebook pages have been exploding with the number of comments about this.  For thirteen years we've had 'bring back Portnoy'. Now they're full of 'MP won't be able to play MM lines' and so on. Dream theater fans can be an incredible toxic mob.
I for one am glad MP is coming back.  Whilst Mangini is an incredible player and undoubtedly more technically proficient than Portnoy, MP brings a lot more emotion to his playing. I've seen him quite a few times in the past 10 years or so with Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo and the Neal Morse band and he's brought so much to the table. he's always looked to be having more fun than anyone else too.
Looking forward to the next DT tour just to see MP back in his proper place BUT I'm not looking forward to listening to James LaBrie who's voice really seems to have gone downhill big time in the last 6 or 7 years.


Graeme

[David Houck]

I don't do facebook, but the majority of comments I've read on another music site are in agreement with yours, that ...

- glad MP is coming back
- Mangini is an incredible player
- MP brings a lot more emotion
- James LaBrie's voice has gone downhill

Other comments that appear often are ...
- new songs have become too technical and sterile since MP left
- hope this doesn't affect Winery Dogs, which some fans have come too prefer over DT

It will be interesting to see what the new album will bring.

[edwin]

Last summer, my classical music camp in the Berkshires had a reunion. I was there in the mid-70s in my oboe playing days in jr. high and high school. Turns out one of my friends has been married to Jordan Rudess for decades. It was very interesting to hear how DT goes through all the normal band stuff we all go through, despite the scale of touring and production. I guess we're all human after all.

[David Houck]

... Turns out one of my friends has been married to Jordan Rudess for decades ...

I'm guessing that your friend may have some interesting things to say about Rudess.  I've enjoyed watching interviews with him, and he's a pretty remarkable musician.