moot Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 I saw Dream Theater in Berkeley on 7-28. It was a drive there and drive home affair and regretably I did not get to hook up with our esteemed Jeremy Cohen. We arrived at the tail end of the opening act who, I'm guessing, was a local group. Lots of shrill screaming, speed metal riffs and twirling hair. My girlfriend loves music, is a great sport (and a Depeche Mode diehard) but had never heard DT before. She looked at me like "3 hours of this? Really?". At any rate, when DT hit the stage naturally the small, seated venue came unglued. We had good seats (row 20, slightly left of center stage) but it seemed like the sound was just . . . wrong? I couldn't hear John Myung at all! I could clearly see his fingers flying but could not feel or hear the bass with the exception of his short solos - and even then it was vague. I took a walk to get my "G" some water so I cruised downfront and still nothing. Plenty (and I mean plenty) of kick but no bass. I was very disappointed. But! They did put on a great show playing for 2 1/2 hours and covering everything from their days as Dynasty right up to present day efforts. My favorite was "Lines In The Sand" - extremely well played with an amazing guitar solo in the slow middle passage - I actually got misty. Great job with material selection and Petrucci and Portnoy amazed as always. There is never enough to be said for Jordan Rudess' keyboard talents and even LaBries voice seemed good to me but, no John Myung. I do have to comment on one other thing. The very last note of the show was the absolute highest I have ever heard on a guitar! I was amazed as he kneeled down over a stage monitor and rang this note for probably 30 seconds while the crowd went bananas and Portnoy beat the crap out of his set. Great ending to a great show and my Bjork-Madonna-Depeche Mode fan? She admitted to being amazed at the talent and diversity. However, I do owe her a concert of her choice now - lord help me. "He is to music what Stevie Wonder is to photography." getz76 I have nothing nice to say so . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Switch hitter Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 let me know how the modonna concert goes :grin: Yeah it really sucks that you couldnt hear john. I LOVE his basslines and everytime I see him I have an almost irresistable urge to go buy a 6 string! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreR1969 Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Actually, lately John has been playing a 5-string Music Man Bongo. But, yeah, he is who influenced me to buy my 6-string. I have a ticket to see them on Aug 10 in Chicago...bought my ticket the morning they went on sale and managed to get a great seat...CAN'T WAIT! Will be the 4th time I have seen them live. AND, I am going to a meet and greet with Portnoy the day of the show!!! On a side note about Myung...I read that he actually "warms down" after each show?!? Very interesting... My doctor says I'm A.D.D. - I just like to think of it as "multi-tasking"... Ibanez SR-505 Ibanez SRX-595 (sold...) Peavey Tour 700 Hartke 8x10 Boss GT-8 multi-effects board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcadmus Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 However, I do owe her a concert of her choice now - lord help me. Boy, it's gonna suck to be you if she finds out that Menudo is touring again. "Tours widely in the southwestern tip of Kentucky" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Not hearing Myung live is a pretty common thing with that band. I've seen them (I believe) three times and only once could I actually hear him. The rest of the times it was like you describe - only hear him when the little solo bits pop out and even then it is still lacking. That one time that I actually could hear him was pure insanity. He had great tone and was doing insane things all night long. On a side note about Myung...I read that he actually "warms down" after each show?!? Very interesting... My bass teacher in college always told me to do that. I rarely do. Sometimes I will after a 3+ hour practice session. It does help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreR1969 Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 In the article it stated that JM spends a total of 4 hours each show just on warm up and warm down...yesh! My doctor says I'm A.D.D. - I just like to think of it as "multi-tasking"... Ibanez SR-505 Ibanez SRX-595 (sold...) Peavey Tour 700 Hartke 8x10 Boss GT-8 multi-effects board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 argh I don't want that. I seeing the in october, hopefully the sound tech will be a bass player and boost myung www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddiePlaysBass Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Seems like everyone on this forum has tickets to see Dream Theater ... including me :grin: By the way, it's Majesty, not Dynasty :-D Otherwise the instrumental would have been called Ytsa Nyd ... "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 One of my favourite tracks along with solitary shell www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slap-pop-karl Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Im not a fan of DT but i know the bassist is mental. Okay I got my hair cut! Its now this short *shows how short using hand* Lets get down to business gentlemen! I want that bagel now!...Don't forget the lettuce! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yourlord Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 that sucks. I saw them here in atlanta when they came through with megadeth and they made everyone else look stupid.. DT is one of my favorite bands. Myung and Petrucci made a pact back in the Majesty days, or even in college, I can't remember right now, to practice for 6 hours every day. As far as I know, Myung still does. And yes, he warms up and down, before and after each show. That is a dedicated bassist! Edit: As another aside, my wife took me to see Rush on the vapor trails tour, but I later had to pay the price by taking her to see Bon Jovi.. It's give and take man.. Feel free to visit my band's site Delusional Mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athanacropolis Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 I'm seeing them in Boston on August 21st and there'll be riot if I can't hear John Myung. Kalta Eye The Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Kamehameha Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I'm seeing them in Boston on August 21st and there'll be riot if I can't hear John Myung. ooOOOH maybe i'll go too. "My two Fender Basses, I just call them "Lesbos" because of the time they spend together in the closet."-Durockrolly This has been a Maisie production. (Directed in part by Spiderman) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moot Posted July 31, 2007 Author Share Posted July 31, 2007 Dynasty, Majesty, Blasphemy, Insanity . . . Thanks John. Yeah, this was my third time and the previous 2 shows I could not so much hear Myung as I could feel him and audibly pick him out of the mix. Particularly the Metropolis 2 tour - he was very present in the mix at that show. This time he just wasn't there.I'm not sure if they had a good tech - or at least not their usual. Whoever was running the board was missing mic cues and solos all night long.Warming down? Hmmmm. Interesting theory. I'm guessing you're referrring to the equivilent of "walking it off" after a sprint? Is there some medical advantage or it this strictly an adrenaline thing? "He is to music what Stevie Wonder is to photography." getz76 I have nothing nice to say so . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Warming down? Hmmmm. Interesting theory. I'm guessing you're referrring to the equivilent of "walking it off" after a sprint? Yes. After prolonged periods of ripping notes off like there's no tomorrow your fingers get quite the workout. The idea of warming down is playing a lot of slower/longer notes. Honestly I've never noticed a difference on occasions where I did or didn't warm down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocko777 Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I've seen DT many a few times and alas once in a great while I could hear Myung through the chaos but not too often. But still always impressive! I am guessing that a finger exercise warm down for Myung is like an athlete's post stretching regiment. It would help with cramping and releasing lactic acid in the muscles. One quick note. I saw DT in Boston with Queensryche a few years back. Both were coming back for the encore but with the outdoor (music tent) noise restriction DT time was running a bit over. So what do they do? 1. Cut their last song? (Learning to Live) 2. Invite QR out to finish it with them instead of play Won't Get Fooled Again? 3. Play the entire song in double time to get the encore in under the curfew? A: #3 It was one of the craziest things I have seen. It seemed LaBrie was having the most trouble keeping up. John John n Jordan were nose deep in concentration while Portnoy is laughing away watching from his throne. Great Band! Brocko Don't have a job you don't enjoy. If you're happy in what you're doing, you'll like yourself, you'll have inner peace. ~ Johnny Carson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamy ALB Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I seen DT in Vicar Street in Dublin a few years back, its a small intimate venue and the sound was amazing. I've read about John's practice regime, warming up & cooling down and I would love to be able to do the warm up at least before gigs. The man is a formidable player. http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Little-Bitter/185235472447 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreR1969 Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I don't recall there ever being a problem with teh mix at any of the shows I have seen...I will definitely be paying close attention. I have to warm up before a show, at least 2 hours. I did make the mistake once, early on, of warming up/reviewing songs for 7 hours before a show...big mistake. Doh! We play 4 hour shows with only two 20 minute breaks...half way into the first set I started losing hand strength...needless to say the rest of the show was a huge struggle. Brocko...that is friggin' funny what they did. My doctor says I'm A.D.D. - I just like to think of it as "multi-tasking"... Ibanez SR-505 Ibanez SRX-595 (sold...) Peavey Tour 700 Hartke 8x10 Boss GT-8 multi-effects board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athanacropolis Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Do it and help out if security gets to be too much for me! Seriously, it should be a great show. Maybe they'll play a double-time version of some stuff from Systematic Chaos? That'd be a laugh. Kalta Eye The Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 He has a Bongo 6 stringer now. I think that he is a very talented bassist but it's pointless for him (or any bassplayer) to be in that band. Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athanacropolis Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 He has a Bongo 6 stringer now. I think that he is a very talented bassist but it's pointless for him (or any bassplayer) to be in that band. I don't know about that. On the albums his bass is pretty killer, he always gets a great tone, and you certainly hear him. And those unison lines he does with the guitar and keyboard...wow. Kalta Eye The Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 There is no such think as a 6 six string Bongo. He uses a 5 string bongo, in grey with black pearloid pick guard. www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizzo9247 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 There is no such think as a 6 six string Bongo. He uses a 5 string bongo, in grey with black pearloid pick guard. Oh, contrare.... http://www.ernieball.com/forums/ernie-ball-music-man-artists/25855-john-petrucci-john-myung-visit-ernie-ball-music-man-factory.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizzo9247 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 More Photos of JM and JP in the Ernie Ball shop: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/ernie-ball-music-man-artists/25925-john-petrucci-john-myung-full-photos-ernie-ball-music-man-factory-tour.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 There is no such think as a 6 six string Bongo. you're a 6 six string bongo. robb. because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizzo9247 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 There is no such think as a 6 six string Bongo. you're a 6 six string bongo. robb. Excellent, I thought those comments were only going to stick to the original thread, but it seems it has infiltrated other threads as well, just as planned... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 There is no such think as a 6 six string Bongo. He uses a 5 string bongo, in grey with black pearloid pick guard. Oh ye of little faith :grin: http://www.ernieball.com/users/namu/jpjm/jpjm-musicman-001.jpg Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMPires Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Please forgive me. My bad. Nice pic BTW www.myspace.com/davidbassportugal "And then the magical unicorn will come prancing down the rainbow and we'll all join hands for a rousing chorus of Kumbaya." - by davio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Nothing to forgive, I was very surprised to see it as well! Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocko777 Posted August 3, 2007 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Please forgive me. My bad. Nice pic BTW For penance (sp?) you can send one to me (any color, I am not picky). I am liking that 6 a lot... gas pain rising.... Oh, You're a BTW, BTW. Don't have a job you don't enjoy. If you're happy in what you're doing, you'll like yourself, you'll have inner peace. ~ Johnny Carson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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