Rogues Gallery

Name: James LaBrie

Band: Dream Theater

Full name and nickname

Kevin James LaBrie, but I went with my middle name, like Paul McCartney! My wife calls me Mountain Man if I need a shave!

Date and place of birth

5 May 1963, in Penetang, Ontario, Canada.

Current home

Midland, Ontario. I don’t need to move to New York with the rest of the band – it’s only a 50-minute flight away.

Previous bands

I was the drummer in Exodox at 14, followed by a band called Exodus, then Trance, who’d play Pat Travers and Iron Maiden covers, before replacing Carl Dixon in Coney Hatch for a year. Then Winter Rose.

If your house caught fire, what possession would you save first?

My wife, Karen, then my cat, Tiaka. After that, any of my Dream Theater paraphernalia.

If you gave up the music business, what would you do?

Either teach history or become a paramedic. But I hope to be doing this for the rest of my life.

Favourite person in the world?

It’s corny, but Karen. We’ve been married for five years.

...And least favourite?

Anyone with a negative outlook on life. They should try to get into yoga or something that’ll teach them to think positively.

What do you regret most about your past?

In the past maybe I’ve been a bit harsh or disrespectful with others. Now I try to treat ‘em how I’d like to be treated myself.

What do you wear in bed?

Nothing.

Most ridiculous thing you’ve done while drunk?

While drinking with friends, this buddy of mine, Glen Peabody, had bought his wife some roses. I snatched ‘em and ate the whole frigging bunch – they looked so tasty!

Worst job you’ve ever had?

I was a shipper in an underwear warehouse and I hated it.

Most peculiar place you’ve had a bonk?

On the beach, but it was dark and there was nobody around.

Most stupid thing you’ve done onstage?

A lot of our gear, including my passport, got ripped off while we were on stage at the Astoria and we had to drive all through the night to do press at our next gig in Nottingham. After my stuff was done I got a train back to London to sort out a temporary passport, and I arrived back in Nottingham 20 minutes before the show in a shitty mood. During ‘Surrounded’ this guy in the audience was being really obnoxious, shouting out the lyrics during the soft parts. He was an octave high and real drunk. I told him to settle down but he continued and I snapped. I dived off the stage, grabbed him and ran him right into the foyer. He was wearing a Dream Theater T-shirt, and I felt so stupid.

Which band/star would you least like to share a dressing room with?

I really don’t like Blind Melon.

Who would you most like to have a fight with?

I used to be a bit of a scrapper, but these days I don’t want to fight anybody. I’m reading a lot of books on yoga and trying to get in touch with myself.

What do you think when you look in the mirror?

Have a shave!

Describe your ideal date?

She’d have to be very attractive, very witty and intelligent, and know how to have fun.

Best thing about being in Dream Theater?

The guys. We’re a band and we create music together, but we really love and respect each other. There’s a cool friendship.

Biggest myth about Rock ‘n’ Roll?

That it’s the life of luxury. A lot of people never see the down side. It’s a very hard business. When the novelty wears off you soon realise you’ve got to be in good mental and physical shape.

Last thing you do before going onstage?

We all form a circle. Then one guy’ll make a speech to psych us up for the gig, and we go round slapping each other’s hands, saying “OK, let’s do it!”

Where, when and at what age did you lose your virginity?

I was 17. My parents’ll love this! It was in the living room of their house with the girl who would later become my wife!

What would you most like to ask the head of your record company?

Can we have an advance?!

Worst thing about being in Dream Theater?

Being away from your loved ones for so long.

What would you buy if you were given £1 million to spend in a day?

A beautiful house, a couple of cars, a big boat and I’d probably invest the rest.

What are your views on groupies?

I’m not out to attract groupies. People should come for the right reasons... and that’s the music. Sexual experiences? No thanks.

Why should anybody spend their hard-earned cash on your records?

Hopefully they’ll find something that won’t just speak to them musically, but is lyrically enlightening as well. It’s an opportunity to take a journey.

What would you like engraved on your tombstone?

Here lies a man who constantly searched for the truth in life.

Which bandmate would you take home to meet your mum?

John Myung (bassist). We have a lot of cool, philosophical conversations and we’re real comfortable around each other.

Strangest request from a fan?

A girl asked me to come to her place for dinner. She said it’ d be a really good home-cooked meal. I really think there was no sexual connotation, it was just her being sincere [Sucker! – Ed].

Biggest fear?

That someday this will all end.

Proudest moment of your life?

Finishing Images And Words [LaBrie’s first LP with Dream Theater, and the band’s second LP] was the peak of so many years of hard work in the music industry. I’d finally attained my dream, and it was great that the album went on to sell 800,000 copies worldwide.

Interrogation: Dave Ling