Dream Theater

[Izzy]

I've heard a lot about this bunch and thought i might check some of their stuff out - can someone recommend an album i could use as my introduction to the band?

[Scabbie]

I'll try to help. I'm a fan of Dream Theatre, although admittedly they're not to everyone's taste. But Mike Portnoy is a truly awesome drummer and the same can be said for John Pertrucci the guitarist. If you can try to get to see them live, its jaw dropping to watch their proficiency.

'Metropolis Pt 2 - Scenes from a memory' is probably their most famous album. Its very melodic and very prog rock. I like it a lot, but its definitely an album you listen to in its entirety. 4.5/5

Train of Thought - latest album, has more of a metal feel. A good starting point, some of it sounds a little Metallica. 4/5

They have also done some interesting bootlegs which are available to order over the web. One of them is a complete live rendition of the Master of Puppets album, which was played in Spain after already having played 2 and a half hours of their normal show! I Don't think the audience could believe it.

They have also done some cover of Led Zep live, check out 'Seasons of Change' which is also a good starting point.

Tell me what you think - I always thought the guitarist would work well in Axl's new band....

[nevermore]

 individually they're pretty much of the best. Petrucci is for sure one of the greatest 5 guitarists in the world right now. They have a perfect understanding of jazz and classical while giving it a great metal work out. Images and Words is my fav albumthough i can't think of a DT miss. They're hard to get into especially if u're not willing to put in some good hours of listenin', but they are masters of muscial expression.
 Metropolis showcases there qualities as instruments, primarily. Petrucci goes all out on technique here and to my mind sacrifices a lot of feeling for the music in exchange.
 A great band, with a big following (though the number of records sold has gone down over the years).
 "Pull me under" is one my favorites and the first Petrucci song that I seriously started studying.

[the dirt]

Your first should be Images And Words

[Mr. Dick Purple]

I have to tell you that the first time I heard Dream Theater I bought Awake without knowing the group, I just bought it cause the cover was cool, At first i didn't like it but as the weeks went going by I learnt to like the band and I'm a fan since then, I mean Buy Awake and go step by step on this group you gonna love it eventually it's really good to hear this group My fave Album is Falling Into Infinity and fave song is Anna Lee. Hope my opinion help 

[Mikkamakka]

As it was said before, they are the best musicians in one band. Since you are a huge Pantera fan, I suggest you should start with the harder albums (my choice'd be Awake, but Train of Thoughts is good, too), although IMO their best album is Metropolis II - Scenes from a Memory followed by Images and Words, but I'm not sure if you'd like IAW since it's more like ELP than Pantera or Metallica.

BTW their live DVDs show how superioir they are.

[Genesis]

DreamTheater is definitely the best (musicians wise), but i don't think you can enjoy their music unless you're interested in guitar or drums. Most of their songs are too long with whole minutes of instrumental music. They use weird timings(20/8 ?) and scales and to sum it up, their vocalist sucks! Buf if none of this bothers you, go right ahead!

[Skeletor]

Your first should be Images And Words

Yep, in my opinion (and many others, too) this album is the "Master of Puppets" of Dream Theater. Especially check out the songs Metropolis pt. 1, Surrounded, and Learning To Live.

This is the album that made me tolerate James LaBrie's vocals, because it's just that good.


edit: Scabbie, you're a fan of "Dream Theatre", but don't even know how to spell the bands name? Good luck

[Scabbie]

edit: Scabbie, you're a fan of "Dream Theatre", but don't even know how to spell the bands name? Good luck

Doh! English spelling is 'Theatre', always gets me!

[Izzy]

Thanks for the responses - 101cd.com is selling them all for 4.99, so i can hardly go wrong, i've heard so much about their guitarist i gotta find out what all the hype is about, i ordered 'Images and Words' and 'Awake'

Are the band English? I heard they were from Manchester.

[Scabbie]

Thanks for the responses - 101cd.com is selling them all for 4.99, so i can hardly go wrong, i've heard so much about their guitarist i gotta find out what all the hype is about, i ordered 'Images and Words' and 'Awake'

Are the band English? I heard they were from Manchester.

I think they are from US somewhere - Mike Portnoy (drummer) and John Petrucci studied at the Berkely school of music or something.

[DEAD HORSE]

Most Overrated Band Ever!! you better try Liquid Tension(Mike Portnoy's side project ) ,almost the same musicians but no vocals wichs rocks, James Labrie Can't fuckin sing! 

[Skeletor]

Most Overrated Band Ever!!

Can you describe how they're overrated? Just interested - I can see how someone might not like them, but I still think they deserve all the respect they get.

[Izzy]

My copy of Awake arrived!

Despite what people have said i rather like the vocalist's style, maybe the keyboards are a little too pronounced but it's all good stuff, and the guitarist seem's capable of a few tricks.....

[Mr. Dick Purple]

Actually when I heard Awake I like the  keyboards, specially on space-dye vest, so melancholic I rather like Moore instead of Sherian (dunno how to spell it  ). Agree with Dead Horse on LaBrie can't sing, but I forgive him with Anna Lee. 

[Mikkamakka]

Actually when I heard Awake I like the? keyboards, specially on space-dye vest, so melancholic I rather like Moore instead of Sherian (dunno how to spell it? ). Agree with Dead Horse on LaBrie can't sing, but I forgive him with Anna Lee.?

James was great, but during the Awake tour he suffered of a serious illness, and he lost some of his voice. But he still can be great, I still consider him as one of the best singers around, but 'unfortunately' he is in DT and comparing with the musicians he's way behind them.

[tim_m]

i love Dream Theater i first heard them when i downloaded their concert from madison square garden last april. they are easily one of the best bands musically petrucci and portnoy are excellent. james' vocals don't bother me at all. i rather like them. one of my favorites songs of theirs is trial of tears. oh ad someone asked where they are from i think at least a few of the band members are from new york.

[Skeletor]

James was great, but during the Awake tour he suffered of a serious illness, and he lost some of his voice.

Yeah, I believe he puked so hard it damaged his vocal chords.. pretty brutal.

[tim_m]

New album comes out soon. Who here is looking forward to it? I know i am.

[2112]

Dream Theater are great, but according to me, its music for those who are muscisians and enjoys strange rythmkeys and melody progressions.

JP kicks the shit out of anyone!


What they lack the most is James LaBrie.

Train Of Thought is their easiest album to get into.

Listen to some Symphony X if you like DT.

[Blackrose]

Hell yeah Dream Theater are awesome. I like all their albums, but my fav is "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" esp. the title track yes all 42 minutes of it, I love it.

Their live DVD's are superb and really showcase each members technical ability. I like their most recent one "Score" the best as it contains the whole "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" on it. But all of them are excellent.

Yes they are from New York and John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy and bassist John Myung did attend the Berklee school of music, where they formed Majesty, later changed to Dream Theater.

Have to agree with what other's have said though the singer is the weakest point in the the band, but he aint that bad, and I prefer his vocals on the more recent albums rather than the earlier one's.

Hopefully I will get to see Dream Theater in all their glory later this year if the rumoured tour of Australia goes ahead.

Definately looking forward to their new album, just hope Roadrunner don't screw them around now that they have signed to them. But I doubt it with Dream Theater.

[tim_m]

Hell yeah Dream Theater are awesome. I like all their albums, but my fav is "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" esp. the title track yes all 42 minutes of it, I love it.

Their live DVD's are superb and really showcase each members technical ability. I like their most recent one "Score" the best as it contains the whole "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" on it. But all of them are excellent.

Yes they are from New York and John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy and bassist John Myung did attend the Berklee school of music, where they formed Majesty, later changed to Dream Theater.

Have to agree with what other's have said though the singer is the weakest point in the the band, but he aint that bad, and I prefer his vocals on the more recent albums rather than the earlier one's.

Hopefully I will get to see Dream Theater in all their glory later this year if the rumoured tour of Australia goes ahead.

Definately looking forward to their new album, just hope Roadrunner don't screw them around now that they have signed to them. But I doubt it with Dream Theater.

The Score is my favorite too i watch that one more then the others. If it had Trial of Tears on it it would be perfect but its on budokon so i watch that a lot too.

[tim_m]

Confirmed DT shows this year so far.

Jun 3 2007     7:15P
   Gods Of Metal Festival    Idroscalo, Milano
Jun 5 2007    8:00P
   Posthof    Linz
Jun 6 2007    8:00P
   Petofi Open Air    Budapest
Jun 7 2007    8:00P
   Jarun    Zagreb
Jun 9 2007    8:00P
   Newcastle City Hall    Newcastle
Jun 10 2007    8:00P
   Download Festival    Leicestershire, England
Jun 12 2007    8:00P
   Spodek Club    Katowice
Jun 13 2007    8:00P
   Zitadelle Spandau    Berlin
Jun 15 2007    8:00P
   Rockhal    Esch/Alzette
Jun 16 2007    8:00P
   Museumsufer    Bonn
Jun 17 2007    8:00P
   Fields Of Rock Festival    Biddinghuizen
Jun 20 2007    8:00P
   Porto Coliseum    Porto
Jun 22 2007    8:00P
   Plaza de Toros    Granada
Jun 23 2007    8:00P
   Monsters Of Rock Festival    Zaragoza
Jun 24 2007    8:00P
   Hellfest    Clisson
Jun 26 2007    8:00P
   La Cooperative de Mai    Clermont-Ferrand
Jun 27 2007    8:00P
   Volkshaus    Zurich
Jun 29 2007    8:00P
   Refresh the Venue    Istanbul
Jul 1 2007    8:00P
   Rockwave Festival    Athens
Jul 27 2007    8:00P
   Gibson Amphitheater    Los Angeles, California
Jul 30 2007    8:00P
   E Center    Salt Lake City, Utah
Jul 31 2007    8:00P
   Paramount Theater    Denver, Colorado
Aug 2 2007    8:00P
   Nokia Theater    Dallas, Texas
Aug 3 2007    8:00P
   Verizon Wireless Theater    Houston, Texas
Aug 7 2007    8:00P
   Riverside Theater    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Aug 9 2007    8:00P
   State Theater    Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aug 10 2007    8:00P
   Rosemont Theater    Chicago, Illinois
Aug 11 2007    8:00P
   Tower City Amphitheater    Cleveland, Ohio
Aug 21 2007    8:00P
   Bank Of America Pavillion    Boston, Massachusetts
Aug 24 2007    8:00P
   PNC Bank Arts Center    Holmdel, New Jersey
Aug 25 2007    8:00P
   Jones Beach    Wantagh, New York

[Rock the jungle]

have anyone seen any Dream Concert This year?concert this year?

I'm going to Barcelona's concert today and I think it's gonna be a kick ass concert. I've checked in youtube what songs they are playing and they play some important classics like metropolis,  erotomania take the time, hollow years... and also they play the songs featured in Rock Band and Guitar Hero "Panic Attack and Pull Me Under"

Well anyway... just wanted let the people interested know about this!!!


Cheers!       it's gonna be amazing

[SpecialAgentCooper]

DM lost me after Met Pt.2......they seemed to have gained a new crowd after that album. It just seems like they lost their balls after that album. Does anybody here think it would be cool to hear Kevin Moore on an album again??

[tim_m]

his is a sad, sad day....I'm afraid I have some bad news: MP leaves DT - Wednesday, September 08, 2010 8:14 PM
   Wednesday September 8th 2010
 
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

Complete shock and disbelief   

[Gunner80]

He's a drummer, who the fuck cares? what are you, fourteen?

[cotis]

When you loose a founding member, it's kind of like a swift kick in the stones.

Think if Lars was going to leave Metallica. Or if Slash left....Velvet Revolver.

[Genesis]

Wow, that is sad. If he wants to play with A7X rather than Dream Theater, I think that's a step backward. Hope he returns.

He's a drummer, who the fuck cares? what are you, fourteen?

Why do people think that drummers are not important to a band? He's not just any drummer, he's one of the best, I would say the second best drummer in the world and one of the founding members of the band. Leaving after 25 years is a big deal.

[Bodhi]

Wow, that is sad. If he wants to play with A7X rather than Dream Theater, I think that's a step backward. Hope he returns.

He's a drummer, who the fuck cares? what are you, fourteen?

Why do people think that drummers are not important to a band? He's not just any drummer, he's one of the best, I would say the second best drummer in the world and one of the founding members of the band. Leaving after 25 years is a big deal.

exactly, normally I dont think drummers are important, but there are exceptions, Mike Portnoy is certainly one of them and can play circles around anyone who has ever picked up a pair of drumsticks.   I thought Gunner was being sarcastic when he said "hes just a drummer" because we all know how ridiculous a musician he is,  I didnt even think that he was being serious..

[tim_m]

Not only is he one of the best drummers in the world and an original member, he basically was the leader of the band. He was responsible for so much, setlists, producing their albums, dvds, live shows. He wrote a lot of the music and lyrics. This is not just a "drummer".

[FunkyMonkey]

This from Jordan Rudess.

06/18/2011

Only a couple months after Portnoy unleashed his announcement on his bandmates, prompting them to audition and hire a replacement then the original drummer apparently regretted his decision and asked to be reinstated.

?Mike wanted to come back after we had gone through all the emotional turmoil and pain of losing a friend, and the effort we went through to get back on our feet. We were well past our recovery phase and had made a commitment to Mike Mangini,? said Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater?s inventive keyboard player, explaining the wrenching decision to reject Portnoy?s appeal.

?His leaving was unbelievable, it was so emotional. He?s a close friend of mine and we?ve been through so much together ? it basically brought me to tears. But being a positive person and around guys who love what they?re doing, we had to figure out how to move forward.?

http://www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/Music/Article.aspx?id=225548

[tim_m]

They did the right thing in moving on without him. I love Mike but he turned into a complete crybaby since leaving.

[SpecialAgentCooper]

Dream Theater was done long ago..them moving on without Mike is just lame. I mean the last three albums they put out had no soul..just seems like they were going thru the motions



Coop

[tim_m]

Here are all currently confirmed tour dates, with more to be announced soon:

Date    Location    Venue   
Sat   Sep 24, 2011    San Francisco, CA    The Warfield (with Trivium)   
Sun   Sep 25, 2011    Los Angeles, CA    Nokia Theater (with Trivium)   
Tue   Sep 27, 2011    Seattle, WA    Showbox SODO (with Trivium)   
Wed   Sep 28, 2011    Vancouver, BC    Queen Elizabeth Theatre (with Trivium)   
Mon   Oct 03, 2011    Royal Oak, MI    Royal Oak Music Theatre   
Tue   Oct 04, 2011    Pittsburgh, PA    Trib Total Media Amphitheatre (with Trivium)   
Thu   Oct 06, 2011    Toronto, ON    Massey Hall (with Trivium)   
Fri   Oct 07, 2011    Montreal, QC    Place des Arts (with Trivium)   
Sat   Oct 08, 2011    Quebec City, QC    Pavilion de la Jeunesse (with Trivium)   
Mon   Oct 10, 2011    Boston, MA    Orpheum Theatre (with Trivium)   
Tue   Oct 11, 2011    Morristown, NJ    Mayo Performing Arts Center (flat) (with Trivium)   
Wed   Oct 12, 2011    New York, NY    Beacon Theatre (with Trivium)   
Sat   Oct 22, 2011    Cleawater, FL    Ruth Eckerd Hall   
Tue   Oct 25, 2011    Houston, TX    Verizon Wireless Theater (with Trivium)   
Wed   Oct 26, 2011    Austin, TX    Bass Concert Hall (with Trivium)