YES & DREAM THEATER

[MasterCylinder]

I just scored two tickets on the 4th row -- center stage -- for the show in Albuquerque.

Anybody else going to see this tour ?

Anybody planning on attending the Albuquerque show ?

[BarryL]

Maybe playing with Dream Theater will pump some aggressive progressive into the staid Yes bloodstream. Sounds like an interesting ticket, and a way to get awareness of the older generation Yes into the minds of Dream Theater fans. Fans of Yes who don't know Dream Theater may not be impressed, though.

[MasterCylinder]

"Maybe playing with Dream Theater will pump some aggressive progressive into the staid Yes bloodstream. Sounds like an interesting ticket, and a way to get awareness of the older generation Yes into the minds of Dream Theater fans. Fans of Yes who don't know Dream Theater may not be impressed, though"

Barry:

I just can't miss this tour -- I've seen YES 14 times and never seen DT live.

Over time, I have grown to love DT as much as YES and I agree that they (YES) could use a shot-in-the-arm............I have to admit, if I were a member of YES (and while I have had the ability to WOW my audiences over the years), I might be a bit intimidated by having DT open the show (especially if I were Alan White !)

So I must opine that it takes balls for YES to consider DT as touring mates.

It is my suspicion that DT will out-play our YES members but, the tradition of hearing Siberian Khatru and the other favorites will be cool as well.

Having said that.............I believe this is an incredibly slick move on DT's part to open for YES and try to snare some of the traditional YES fans with DT music -- I have no doubt it would work on me if I had never been aware before.

Regards................

[Dave_G]

Wow, great seats, have a blast.

I was in Albequerque about 4 weeks ago!

Dave

[BarryL]

You're in for a treat. I saw DT live doing thier own show. Three hours. I reviewed it here at the time. I remember the lead line: Dream Theater opens for Dream Theater: Blows Away Opening Act.

Now, three hours of DT can be a bit much, and it was a bit too much for me. But these guys are great great great musicians. As good as they were in the first half, they just blew themselves away in the second act. In part it was because they played more melodic stuff in the second act, but they also appeared to do more soloing and improvising, and were having a poop-load of fun.

The highlight was at least a two minute joint shred fest with Pettrucci and Rudess playing the exact same notes on their respective instruments. I've never seen anything like it. Rudess was given the respect and presence in the band he deserves on this tour, which I didn't quite see on their previous tour. Maybe he was just more comfortable having been in the band for a longer period of time.

Dream Theater will warp your mind with an explosive set, and then you can settle in for the joy and relative calmness that a Yes concert is. Sounds like a perfect night to me.

I saw Yes in Toronto about four months ago, and it was a great show, except that it wasn't until the second set that they finally got the volume up to something even close to what a live concert should be.

[Dave_G]

I go to see Rush Sunday night, I will review it Monday.

I have pretty good seats, too, plus earplugs.

Dave

[ForeverAutumn]

One of my favourite Bugs Bunny cartoons! :D

Oh MC, I'm so happy that you'll finally get to see DT! You are in for such a treat! Portnoy on drums is going to make you insane! He's soooo good!!!

4th row centre floors are perfect for taking pictures. Do you have a digital camera? Take some pics and post them. Or better yet, email them to me. Barry and I had awesome seats the first time that we saw DT, but we made the mistake of leaving between bands, right before DT came on. We were late getting back and by the time we did, the crowd had moved up to the stage and there was no way to get back to our original seats. :(

You didn't post a date. When's the show?


I go to see Rush Sunday night, I will review it Monday.
I have pretty good seats, too, plus earplugs.
Dave

Can't wait for your review. We're seeing this tour on August 22.

[kingcrim05]

The question is though, what did they cost?

I've never seen YES but i've seen Dream Theater at least once on every tour since FII. Already seen them once on this Train of Thought tour and not sure if i can foot the assumingly very large bill to see them again.

[Dusty Chalk]

Alright, first of all, MasterCylinder -- great foggin' seats, man! Better than I've ever had (I've been in the front row for many a concert, but I've had to stand).

Now, on with the off-topic...
(I shoulda made a left turn at Albequerque)
One of my favourite Bugs Bunny cartoons! :D Actually, he's used that lines in at least two cartoons that I know of -- the one with the bullfighting, and...uh...I forget the other one...but I'm still pretty sure I'm right. The only reason I know is because I've been watching this lately:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AYJXS.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

...and both of them are on that collection.

[DarrenH]

Alright, first of all, MasterCylinder -- great foggin' seats, man! Better than I've ever had (I've been in the front row for many a concert, but I've had to stand).

Now, on with the off-topic...Actually, he's used that lines in at least two cartoons that I know of -- the one with the bullfighting, and...uh...I forget the other one...but I'm still pretty sure I'm right. The only reason I know is because I've been watching this lately:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AYJXS.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

...and both of them are on that collection.

Dusty,

I have that same Looney Tunes DVD set myself. I presume you have it also. I just love it. Cracks me up even today. Brings back many memories of my childhood and lets face it, just damn good cartoons.

MC,

Enjoy the show. I know you will. I have never been that close to any concert I've attended. I think the closest I was like the 32nd row at an Ozzy concert 10 years ago. Just seems impossible to get good seats anymore. What with the ticket brokers and radio station promotions and what not.

How'd you get such good seats?

Man, years ago my friend and I stayed up all night waiting in line for Aerosmith tickets and were like the 20th people in line and ended up with crappy seats. We even purchased the tickets at the concert venue to not only avoid the Ticketmaster costs but to ensure a better seat. Ugh! After that I (we) never did that sh!t again.

Darren

[DarrenH]

I go to see Rush Sunday night, I will review it Monday.

I have pretty good seats, too, plus earplugs.

Dave

Have fun Dave. I look forward to your review.

I saw Rush last in 1994. Been awhile.

Darren

[Dave_G]

I have mixed feelings about the Rush gig.

First of all, I know it's going to be loud as all crud and I have earplugs, but they mess with the sound big time.

Secondly, it's going to be like 90 + degrees and it's an outside gig, somewhat. So it will be hot as heck.

Thirdly, I get distracted a lot at these concerts, lots of commotion and all, so I really don't get to sit back and enjoy the gig.

I guess I am getting old. Heck, I'm 44 and the hassle with concerts anymore kind of takes away from the pleasure. At least the "arena" gigs like this one. The small "club" gigs are way different. Finn and Mountain and Nektar are upcoming at the small venues, which these days appeal a lot more to me.

But I wanna see Rush again in a big way, ya know?

It's real frustrating for an aging rock and roller...

Dave

[DarrenH]

I have mixed feelings about the Rush gig.

First of all, I know it's going to be loud as all crud and I have earplugs, but they mess with the sound big time.

Secondly, it's going to be like 90 + degrees and it's an outside gig, somewhat. So it will be hot as heck.

Thirdly, I get distracted a lot at these concerts, lots of commotion and all, so I really don't get to sit back and enjoy the gig.

I guess I am getting old. Heck, I'm 44 and the hassle with concerts anymore kind of takes away from the pleasure. At least the "arena" gigs like this one. The small "club" gigs are way different. Finn and Mountain and Nektar are upcoming at the small venues, which these days appeal a lot more to me.

But I wanna see Rush again in a big way, ya know?

It's real frustrating for an aging rock and roller...

Dave

I agree Dave. The arena gigs are a big turnoff. I don't care to attend them anymore. But I'd make an exception for Dream Theater. Seeing them live would be awesome.

Catching Tull last year was perfect. The venue seated around 2 thousand. Great views. Lotsa beers. Old rockers performing for this aging rocker.:D

My kinda show.

Small club gigs are hard to come by where I live. Need a larger city for that. Mark Farmer and Grand Funk still perform in Flint every now and again though.

But hey, enjoy the show anyway dude.

Darren

[kexodusc]

MasterCylinder: Boy, am I envious.

I've seen alot of bands live, and none have lived up to the 2 Dream Theater shows I've seen. Honorable mentions to Porcupine Tree, Symphony X and Therion (if ever in Europe, you've got to see these guys). I was really surprised because I didn't think DT would set the standard in this genre based on their albums. And if you aren't a James LaBrie fan, you'll see why he's in the band when you see DT live. That guy is a showman that doesn't hog the spotlight, and with all the talent in the group, that's exactly what the doctor ordered.

To be fair, I think Yes and Rush are/were past their primes when I saw them, I wish I could have seen them in their heydays, maybe they'd have given DT a run for the money?
That being said, Yes will not disappoint you, even an a stale Yes show is worth every penny. DT on the card is a huge bonus. Wish I could get to Albequerque.
Enjoy the show and let us know how it goes.

[ForeverAutumn]

And if you aren't a James LaBrie fan, you'll see why he's in the band when you see DT live. That guy is a showman that doesn't hog the spotlight, and with all the talent in the group, that's exactly what the doctor ordered.

Thank you for saying that kexodusc. I couldn't agree more. I found that to be the case as well, the two times that I've seen DT live. LaBrie has a stage presence that provides a very needed focal point when he's on stage. But when the instruments take over, he easily blends into the woodwork and stays out of the way so that the audience can focus on the musicianship.

Love him or hate him.....it's a formula that works.

[kingcrim05]

It's a formula that could be improved on though however....

Two voices i've been really digging lately that would be much much improve DT would be Steve Wilson ala Porcupine Tree or Sully ala Godsmack...

Porcupine Tree is doing just fine though so Steve could stay but Sully, think about a new gig huh?

[Dusty Chalk]

Even though I've said many times that Labrie is the weak link in the Dream Theater chain, I still say he shouldn't go. He's just overshadowed by the neighboring talent, that's all. Here's another vote for a ...formula isn't the right word (only because of its connotation of "formulaic")...combination that works.

[kexodusc]

Now we're discussing opinion here. I like Steve Wilson, but I know in my heart he doesn't have the ability to complement the DT boys. Sully was a strange suggestion. I don't hear one ounce of talent in that guy, the local garage band down the street at least mixes it up a bit in their songs.

I don't think DT could be improved upon. They would lose a very large signature sound if LaBrie ever left, and in my humble (and probably meaningless) opinion, they'd no longer be DT. I'd argue LaBrie's "drama-queen" voice really distinguishes DT from the so many other one dimensional pissed-off growlers in todays scene. That became very stale in 1998, in 2004 it's almost painful.

[MasterCylinder]

Thanks for the great responses.............I'll try to answer all the questions:


kingcrim:
The cost is only $50 per seat @ the Sandia Casino Ampitheater...............good deal !


ForeverAutumn:
Don't know if cameras are allowed - I'll check it out - good idea.
The date of the show is September 13..........I just found out ZZ Top is playing there the night before so, we will probably go see that show too !


DarrenH:
4th row is a good pair of seats to get -- over the years I've been lucky.
In 1994 I had front row for YES.......Trevor kicked ass.......TALK tour.
In 1997 I had 2nd row for YES......first time I saw Igor - very impressive.
In 1973 I scored front row for Deep Purple - my ears hurt for a week.
Three years ago I got front row for Kansas.......right after their new album release.
Two years ago, me and my neighbor got front row for Megadeath & Motley Crue.
Last year I had 4th row for RINGO STARR'S All-Starr Band........very good.


kexo:
Show up in Albuquerque and I'll buy the first round.

[MasterCylinder]

I just purchased two tickets to see ZZ Top the night before YES/DT at the exact same venue.........not much on serious music but, they like to party.

So we will go into Albuquerque on Sept. 12 (Sunday) and hang at the casino......see ZZ that night and Yes/DT the next night..........I'm sure I'll win money too.

[kexodusc]

Man, word of advice...withdraw a sufficient amount of money to get you there, drunk, and home safely, and leave the rest of your cash, credit cards, etc, at home...
I have a horror story I'll share someday about a business trip I had to Halifax, Canada that gave me an opportunity to see Rush.
Casinos + cold Canadian beer + strange town + good music = bad!

[ForeverAutumn]

Man, word of advice...withdraw a sufficient amount of money to get you there, drunk, and home safely, and leave the rest of your cash, credit cards, etc, at home...
I have a horror story I'll share someday about a business trip I had to Halifax, Canada that gave me an opportunity to see Rush.
Casinos + cold Canadian beer + strange town + good music = bad!


Hey kex....I made about $200 in 20 minutes playing craps at the Halifax Casino...so, you can't blame the Casino man. Maybe you just need to learn how to handle your Canadian beer better, eh. :p

You were right about the good music part. ;)

[kexodusc]

Hey kex....I made about $200 in 20 minutes playing craps at the Halifax Casino...so, you can't blame the Casino man. Maybe you just need to learn how to handle your Canadian beer better, eh. :p

You were right about the good music part. ;)

The worst part is (as two of my friends remind me ever freakin' week) I was up about $400 at one point. Then the brew took over. I had to borrow money from them for the rest of the weekend when it was all done.

I remember us having drinks at a small bar named "The Bitter End" before the night was over...fitting.

Someday I'll get my revenge...someday. :)

[Dusty Chalk]

I have that same Looney Tunes DVD set myself. I presume you have it also. I just love it. Cracks me up even today. Brings back many memories of my childhood and lets face it, just damn good cartoons. Yes, I dig it. I saw eps I've never seen before even while I was on the first disc. That one with the Dali-esque landscape was bizarre! I love it...

[BarryL]

Now we're discussing opinion here. I like Steve Wilson, but I know in my heart he doesn't have the ability to complement the DT boys. Sully was a strange suggestion. I don't hear one ounce of talent in that guy, the local garage band down the street at least mixes it up a bit in their songs.

I don't think DT could be improved upon. They would lose a very large signature sound if LaBrie ever left, and in my humble (and probably meaningless) opinion, they'd no longer be DT. I'd argue LaBrie's "drama-queen" voice really distinguishes DT from the so many other one dimensional pissed-off growlers in todays scene. That became very stale in 1998, in 2004 it's almost painful.


I know if you don't like Labrie you won't try these two albums, but it might give you a new perspective. It's just great rock singing without the pyrotechnic screeches.

1. The new Aryeon CD which is outstanding feature Labrie along with about a dozen great progressive rock vocalists in a two CD rock opera gig that's too convoluted for me to make much sense of except to say that it's a science-fiction-type death/dying/suspended animation thing.

2. Even better, IMO, is the album Frameshift, which Labrie does vocals on all the tracks. I'm still loving this album. Hopefully this is a sign that Labrie is maturing as an artist.

[kingcrim05]

Now we're discussing opinion here. I like Steve Wilson, but I know in my heart he doesn't have the ability to complement the DT boys. Sully was a strange suggestion. I don't hear one ounce of talent in that guy, the local garage band down the street at least mixes it up a bit in their songs.

I don't think DT could be improved upon. They would lose a very large signature sound if LaBrie ever left, and in my humble (and probably meaningless) opinion, they'd no longer be DT. I'd argue LaBrie's "drama-queen" voice really distinguishes DT from the so many other one dimensional pissed-off growlers in todays scene. That became very stale in 1998, in 2004 it's almost painful.

The Sully suggestion was simply because i really enjoy his voice. He can get deep, rugid, can harmonize very well, and just is POWERFUL. LaBrie is powerful in a "plug the ears" kinda way, sully to me has a voice that is powerful in a domineering sort of way. Sully just needs to get with a new band cuz Godsmack kinda....sucks?

If he was into some decent prog, i would definitely give all his tunes a spin......

[kexodusc]

The Sully suggestion was simply because i really enjoy his voice. He can get deep, rugid, can harmonize very well, and just is POWERFUL. LaBrie is powerful in a "plug the ears" kinda way, sully to me has a voice that is powerful in a domineering sort of way. Sully just needs to get with a new band cuz Godsmack kinda....sucks?

If he was into some decent prog, i would definitely give all his tunes a spin......

Well, I've got to admit after the first Godsmack album I haven't paid much attention them, but I can't say I've ever heard Sully even try to harmonize. He does have a powerful growl, but so do 4000 other lead singers these days.

I'm not a big Labrie fan at all, but we've heard him growl like the mainstream, and howl like a bad 80's hair-metal singer. Dude's got range, power, and mixes it up, that's probably why he works so well.
I'll let the DT boys decide who their singer is...they know more about this stuff than me.

Maybe I'm just getting old and the whole evil screaming growl is wearing off on me :)