Dream Theater

MM is an amazing drummer and besides that, he's also a really kind guy! I've never met him and i guess i'll never will (that's ok, the "famous" people i admire are people i don't want to meet, because i'm too afraid the "magic" after meeting them will be gone), so it's only based on what i've seen on the internet.

Especially (special) i liked how thoughtfull he was over taking the drumthrone and what it ment to him, but also what it ment to the fans and the bandmembers. He's the best alternative as a drummer and since the list came out, i hoped he would become it, because he was the only drummer of that list i saw drumming with DT (i was also hoping for Simon Phillips haha) in the future.

The new album is great and Portnoy leaving was a breaking point for me to see myself as a fan, but after listening to the album all of my doubts and concerns were gone: DT hasn't changed musically and it's still the awesome band i fell in love with at the end of 2004. Looking forward to seeing them live in februari, although it's retardly expensive, but that's a testament of what this band means to me!

I'm thrilled at how most of the fanbase has welcomed MM to the DT fold with open arms! He really is a great drummer and a cool guy, and if they had to replace MP, he is the best possible choice! Welcome to the family, Mangini. You're awesome!

I will agree mike is bad ass hopefully mp is ok and is doing well I wish him the best but the new cd with mike #2 is FUCKEN BAD ASS hpe you can check on mike #1 and see if he is ok thanks mike #2

I was very pleased with Mike Mangini's playing last night ,he filled the big shoes that Portnoy left and then some, I like the no nonsense approach and not spitting all the time. I felt the bands renewed energy and it really showed last night in L.A. Nokia Theater. Very happy you guys decided to continue so that DT fans all over the world can enjoy your talents and music.

I was crushed when Portnoy left. My son (with whom I have shared some of our best memories, on the road travelling to see DT) told me about it, and for the first week I thought it to be some cruel internet hoax.

Now that the new CD is out , I see and hear that the band is actually better than ever , in my opinion. It's great to know I don't have to choose. I can enjoy both history and the new Era of Dream effing Theater.

I've been a fan of DT since I&W. The last 2 albums leading up to the MP meltdown i was thinking wow this isnt DT anymore. Tho i enjoyed several tunes from them it was just getting to out of base of what the bands foundation was. PROG!!! MP is a master on the drums. But his direction he was taking them was more like what hes doing now. When he announced he was leaving i was sad, but happy too. Because the band was suffering under him. Now there back with the PROG!!! I always likened them to Kansas, Yes, Rush on steroids. Very heavy PROG!!! Now with the welcoming in of MM its back. He is a monster and a God on the drums. But the best part is hes humble as a human. Hes not a attention whore. The band now seems happier then before. Their all hanging out together after the shows. Its a unit again.

MP will always be the drummer who set the sound. It just sad hes trying to screw the band now. I hope one day the band and him can make amends. Its a shame to throw away that many years of friendship away. It seems he forgot that he was the one who left the band.

MM you fit right in. And i love seeing how you are with them. You have brought new life to DT something that was really needed. Thank you for being the human being that you are. Its great to see. The band is better with you. Theres no more egos getting in the way.

Thank you for accepting the slot of being their permanent drummer.

This band is rejuvenated and it's largely due to Mike Mangini's masterful performance on the latest album, but I also, honestly, believe that Portnoy was dragging Dream Theater in the wrong direction. The new album, imho, proves it. This is a band that has found their wheelhouse again and released the best album they've created in a decade. I cannot wait to see them live in a few weeks, and frankly, it's the first time I've had any interest in seeing Dream Theater in a live setting in over 5 years.

All of you who have not seen the new rendition or whatever you wanna call it, just got home from Seattle...GO SEE THIS TOUR!! Mike is a perfect addition, loved it all and loved not only his enthusiasm but his engagement with the other guys. All the words that DecadesOfTheater said in his original post, I would agree with, and I did have a tear in my eye as I read it...It was really cool to see Mike and all the others "happy" as they were kicking ass; John, John and Jordan! Just a completely different feel...We waited in line for 3 hours since they moved the concert from a big concrete slab in front of the stage (showbox sodo) to a real theater (Moore) and there was no guarantee of seats. We were there early enough and were front row center in the balcony it was THE BEST! 2.5 hours of pure prog enjoyment. I even gave Mike a salute and a heartbeat at the end and he gave it right back to me. Took two DT newbies with me and they both were so impressed the show. I am heading for Vancouver in the morning will give you round #2 Thursday or Friday....

Thanks for putting into words exactly what I was feeling.

=TuscanCountess said:This is so genuine and touching! No one brings people together like DT!