Portnoy
As 2009 is finally winding down and no DT plans have been made public yet for 2010, I'd like to just give a quick rundown of what we have planned to prevent any rumors or speculation that I'm starting to see brew........I'm afraid I have some disappointing news for our North American fans: after serious discussion within the band and evaluations with our manager and agent, we have decided against doing another US run in spring as we had initially planned...for many reasons, it just is not going to work out as we had originally hoped.
As Dream Theater are just too damned important in my life (I know....
) I've been thinking about this allot today. First, once again MP shows the true spirit and respect he has for us fans, by filling us in on the details. Once again, WE THANK YOU for your candor and honesty. YOU ARE TRULY "THE MAN"
Yes, I am completely disheartened by the fact that their will be no 2010 BC&SL 2nd North American leg by DT. BUT, I know it's probably just as upsetting for the band. I do seriously believe the economy has caused many promoters to be even more "picky" than usual and to not take chances. The fact that the North American PNII shows wasn't exactly a "hot" ticket, has much to do with it. I can only wonder though if the PN tour has kind of backfired a bit. Many DT fans (from what I've heard and read right here on this forum) weren't interested in the PNII shows for different reasons. Many fans feel "cheated" (for lack of a better word) when time is taken away from DT on stage. I'm the type of fan that will go to any DT show I can get to, simply to see them perform (whether for a 3 hour show, a 90 minute show or even as a special guest). That's just me. Doesn't make me better than the next, just different.
Personally, out of the 2 PN North American tours, the only band I really came away like of the openers was Bigelf & 3 (STS was cool, but they only "interested" me, BIGELF I have actually become a BIG fan of). I didn't like ZPZ on this tour, nor BTB&M or Opeth from PN I.
BUT, I understand what MP was doing and it's all good. I just have a feeling though that attendance would have been MUCH better if it was just a DT tour (with maybe 1 special guest).
I also think the tour routing has been an issue. I know the band doesn't want to be on the road for more than 4-5 weeks at a time, and that is all good. I aplaud them all as family men. MAJOR KUDOS! But, I would suggest a better plan for North American touring. Too many cities get bypassed every year and that has to hurt the fanbase. Why not do 2 legs in North America but on the same tour cycle. For example, how about 20-25 dates from the west coast to the midwest, take a 2-3 week break, and then return for a 20-25 date Southeast-Northeast (and Canada) tour. This way, the band gets about 40-50 US shows in, and hits all the areas they want. This would also eliminate the need for a 2nd "leg" months later. Just thinking here.....
