A Thread for the LaBrie Bashers

[MasterCylinder]

As I watched the new Dream Theater DVD last night I got to thinking about LaBrie and all the bashing he takes here at this board. I was wondering if these four incredibly trained highly technical musicians simply would out-shine any vocalist that fronted this band ???

My only thought was perhaps..................Ian Gillan.



As I watched, I also noticed that their stage set-up is identical to the early 70s version of Deep Purple............lead guitar on the right..........keyboard and bass on the left.

I saw Ian Gillan front Deep Purple shortly after their FIREBALL and MACHINE HEAD releases and he was probably the most talented vocalist I have seen (that I remember).

I thought of Plant or Daltry trying to front Dream Theater.............it just would not work.

LaBrie is a handful and, I'll admit, sometimes a little bit goes a long way (whats with that tongue anyway ?) but, I also know that he is a talented vocalist and I'm not certain that there is anyone out there right now that would be a better fit to front these four specific people. I think they (all 5) make an amazing collection of musical talent.

[BarryL]

As I watched the new Dream Theater DVD last night I got to thinking about LaBrie and all the bashing he takes here at this board. I was wondering if these four incredibly trained highly technical musicians simply would out-shine any vocalist that fronted this band ???

My only thought was perhaps..................Ian Gillan.

How about Geoffrey Tate of Queensryche?

The problem isn't LaBrie's ability to sing, the problem is that too often the singing isn't melodic. The band needs to slowdown sometimes and try to create something worth listening to, not just something complex and dazzling to comtemplate and expand their own talents.

That LaBrie can sing just fine is proven by his great work on the Frameshift CD.

[ForeverAutumn]

How about Geoffrey Tate of Queensryche?

The problem isn't LaBrie's ability to sing, the problem is that too often the singing isn't melodic. The band needs to slowdown sometimes and try to create something worth listening to, not just something complex and dazzling to comtemplate and expand their own talents.

That LaBrie can sing just fine is proven by his great work on the Frameshift CD.

As I've said before...I don't have a problem with LaBrie. But, if he had to be replaced... Geoffrey Tate would be an excellent choice. Queensryche is on tour right now. The second set of their show is Operation Mindcrime in it's entirety. The only Canadian date is Vancouver (tonight).

I think that Jeff Martin from The Tea Party would be a nice fit too.

[kexodusc]

Jeff Martin would be interesting. Though his range is a bit more limited he does add the possibility of bringin in yet another instrument to the mix. But Geoffrey Tate wouldn't work so well, as much as I love Queensryche...He's commands too much attention, whereas Dream Theater has always been a group about synergies.
Why not throw Sebastian Bach out there...he's looking for a gig these days?

LaBrie's got his faults, oversinging, etc, but he fits in really well with the guys.

As for slowing them down, I don't get into that discussion...If they did they wouldn't be DT anymore. They're immensely popular because they are one of the best bands at blending melody, harmoy, and technical complexity into intricately woven pieces. I can think of a few that can compete technically, I can't think of many though, that have more than 2 or 3 speeds who don't lose track of the song along the way. I've seen Pertrucci play solo in concert ala Steve Vai and Joe Satrianni...only then do you realize how reserved and held back he is in Dream Theater.
I've come to the conclusion that people that don't like DT, just don't like DT, and any fine tuning of these perceived deficiencies wouldn't change anything for the better for anyone.

[BarryL]

I've come to the conclusion that people that don't like DT, just don't like DT, and any fine tuning of these perceived deficiencies wouldn't change anything for the better for anyone.

That says it all, IMO. Case closed!

[Dave_G]

I would like to see the singer from Arena hook up with DT.

Actually DT is okay but I just don't really dig them that much.

Dave