Yeah yesterday was a sad day for Dream Theater fans, me included. Couldn't believe what I was reading at first... How often do you see a founding member leave a band at a time when they are doing better than ever? Wtf...
He says he needed a break (probably for personal / family reasons, which I can understand) but that the band wanted to move on with tours and recording as usual (which, from their point of view is also understandable).
Still though, it sucks to lose MP in the band, as he's always been the one at the wheel - masterminding production, album concepts, etc. Thankfully, the creative forces musically are still in the band, and that's what should matter in the end. Drummers who aren't active parts of writing most of the songs can always be replaced, as long as they can keep up technically with DT's complex music.
As for James LaBrie - he's my favorite vocalist of all time. I don't get why people badmouth his singing style / voice at all. IMO, he puts everyone else to shame - even live! And say what you will about John Petrucci's stage presence and all but man - does that man know how to write incredibly beautiful and awesome music!!
I met them all backstage in Oslo a year ago and they are all really cool, down-to-earth guys. Mike's not a douche at all, and the iron Mike thing is just an onstage image thing.
Long live Dream Theater.
