MP: Actually, yes - I started wearing ear protection on the Falling Into Infinity tour. Beginning in 2002, the band began using inner-ear monitors.

MP: I leave those decisions in the hands of the experts we hire for those jobs (both live and in the studio)

MP: I tried it for one gig and I felt way too restricted. I felt like I couldn't move the way I wanted.

MP: I'm not planning on it. It's never particularly interested me. That's better off in Jordan's department.

Answer: There are 3 "Siamese Monsters" in existence that are used for DT tours. The 3 FII/SFAM Monsters have been retired. The "Red Monster" (used in Japan) is living in DT's storage area in the US. Part of it was used when Mike played drums for John Petrucci on the 2001 G3 tour, and this same setup was used in the recording of OSI. The "Green Monster" (used in Europe) is living in DT's storage area in Europe. The "Purple Monster" (used in the U.S.) is now living in Mike's basement, sitting next to the Mapex/Awake kit. While Mike did try (unsuccessfully) to auction the Mapex kit, he has hinted that it might be a conflict of interest for him to sell one of the 'monsters' because he still endorses Tama. The "WDADU/I&W" Black Tama Imperialstar kit was split in half. One half was used for LTE and TransAtlantic SMPTe (which lives in Mike's Basement) And the other half was used as 2nd kit for the FII recording sessions and tour and is now in DT storage in the US.

MP: It will remain in my basement much to Marlene's disappointment!!! For spacial reasons, not financial mind you! Alot of people have critisized me for selling it... or questioned my motives....The reason's are pretty simple really.....I have all of these kits piling up in my basement, and I haven't endorsed Mapex in 7 years, so my wife kept trying to convince me to get rid of that particular kit....so I finally agreed... That's really it... I'm not trying to rip anybody off... Anyways, it will remain in my basement until the day we decide to try again...

Cymbals: Sabian 15" Custom HiHats (Sabian made me specifically for the sessions) 7", 9" & 11" MAX Splash 10"/10" Mid MAX STAX 12"/14" Low MAX STAX 6" Radia Bell TB 22" HH Rock Ride 16" AA Medium Crash 17" Crash (can't remember type) 19" HH Thin Crash 20" HH Chinese TamaStarclassic Maple Kit: 16 x 22 Kick Drum 14" x 5.5" Melody Master Snare 12" x 5" Melody Master Snare 8" Rack Tom 10" Rack Tom 12" Rack Tom 14" Floor Tom 16" Floor Tom

MP: Hmmm...The memory lock on my third 18" crash cymbal stands. That thing rules! ;)

MP: I have a studio with three or four drum sets that are set up, which I never play. I have some recording gear, but have not developed it into a full-on studio. It's basically just a place for me to keep my drums.

Answer: NAMM stands for "National Association of Music Merchants" and it is an annual industry-showcase for the music industry, usually held in Southern California in late January or early February. It is NOT open to the public - the only way to get in is to be involved in the music industry (for instance working at a music instrument store) or knowing people are that can get you in. Most Dream Theater members (both former and current) have attended and have done meet 'n' greets. Also, there are "showcase" performances by various bands, usually at nearby hotels. But again, these are only available to those who attend NAMM. Both Liquid Tension Experiment and TransAtlantic have done NAMM performances.