chat with John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, Tony Levin, Jordan Rudess and Derek Sherinian

Note:

LevinBass=Tony Levin

LTensionEx=John Petrucci

LTEPortnoy=Mike Portnoy

LTEKeys=Jordan Rudess

DSherinian=Derek Sherinian

XDTVOC1=Charlie Dominici

RobPRnRFan: Tony, Are you gonna tour w/ Terry Bozzio & Jeff beck this summer? I hope so.

LevinBass: no tour w. Jeff B. for me, I’m afraid. I was hoping it’d go thru

RobPRnRFan: Tony, Will you ever tour behind Bozzio, Levin, Stevens Cd? I hope so

LevinBass: well Rob, it depends on everyone’s’ schedule... unlikely at this time, but you never know.

Abirdabove: Tony who first introduced you to the Stick ?

LevinBass: As for the Stick, I heard about it, and got one! that simple

Unloadz: who came up with the names for all the songs... they are kind of nifty

LevinBass: Mike named the tracks I believe

LTEPortnoy: Yes. :)

Unloadz: big hand for Mike I like the names :)

LevinBass: me too. yay mike

LTEPortnoy: Most of the names came from a book that John Petrucci had.

Unloadz: what book?

LevinBass: a dictionery?

Perk1994: To John, Did you ever get a table at the Philly Hard Rock, and to John and Mike, any chance of more LTE stuff being played at DT concerts?

LTensionEx: Sure there’s a chance

LTEPortnoy: Prolly won’t do too much LTE at DT shows, we’ll save that for the day we can do it with LTE>

RobPRnRFan: JP&MP,How did you hook up with ELP & Deep Purple tour?

LTensionEx: Through our agent and DP’s Mgmt.

MR DREAM27: Mike, is there any plans on playing Perfect Strangers with Deep Purple on this tour?

LTEPortnoy: I would like Nightmare Cinema to play Perfect Strangers.

YtseSryche: Was Three minute Warning totally made up?

LTEKeys: Completely!

JPPetrucci: when is Age of Impact coming out John?

LTensionEx: I’m not sure of the release date

Boona P: Hey John any chance of a tab book for ACOS or Falling???

LTensionEx: FII book to be released soon

YtseJamJMB: Levin, can you put a bass tablature book out for LTE?

LevinBass: If I were to try to write out all those notes, I’d have no life! Maybe Jordan can get his computer to spit it out.

GSha140556: Also, we need a new Dream Theater home video---and something visually live from LTE.

JDMILLER21: A studio DT or LTE video would be awesome!

LTEPortnoy: About DT home video, we’re still trying to talk the label into it.

GSha140556: Tony, how did you hook up with King Crimson and ABWH???

LevinBass: In both cases (Crimson and ABWH) I was asked.... actually, at first I didn’t want to do Crimson... Then I said I would.

Rikanthrax: John--were those 7 string guitars made just for you? And did you use them on the LTE CD?

LTensionEx: Yes the 7 Strings are custom & weren’t used on LTE

JPPetrucci: how are your families doing?

MR DREAM27: how is Bongo Mike?

LTEPortnoy: Melody is in the bath. Bongo is here with me.

BassicRob: To John: on what tracks did u use the 12 string pictured in the booklet?

LTEPortnoy: Bassic; The 12 string is Tony’s stick

GSha140556: Why didn’t you want to do Crimson and what made you change your mind, Tony??

LevinBass: I’m afraid I don’t remember... Probably to do with a Gabriel tour or album I was busy with. It was back in 1980

JPPetrucci: why wasn’t Falling Into Infinity a double album?

LTEPortnoy: The label wanted a single.

Izitreal: Mike, who were ur major influences?

LTEPortnoy: Bonham, Moon, Peart, Bruford, Bozzio....

RobPRnRFan: Mike, How did “WORKING MAN” CD come about?

LTEPortnoy: Magna Carta asked me to do it, and I jumped at the chance, especially

YtseJamJMB: Petrucci...how many notes can you play in one second...I have heard 13?

LevinBass: As one who tried to double some of John’s notes, I’d estimate....about a million in a second.

LTEKeys: 13 and 3 quarters I think it was in unison!

KISSfanstv: Mike, any chance on a live dream theater cd?

LTEPortnoy: Live DT CD, we will be recording two shows next month in Europe.

JESTERYYZ: Any chance of John jamming with Steve Morse at the DP show?

LTensionEx: I’d love to jam w/Steve again

EnemyWithn: Tony, describe the mental differences in preparing to play with Lennon, Gabriel, ABW&H, King Crimson and L.T.?

LevinBass: That’s a long one... many differences, and a few similarities.

TowIndigo1: Mike, what was your take on Peart’s comments regarding Wk Man??

LTEPortnoy: Tow: Check the AOL message boards from two days ago. The DT boards. ((Keyword: MMC folks. :))

Calvin 6S: Tony Levin - I am not too familiar with your work, so what song on LTE do you feel is the best rep of U?

LevinBass: not too sure what song -- I guess the three minute warning had lots of expression from me

YtseSryche: Mike, any tips for new drummer? (any good books or videos)

LTEPortnoy: Ytse: Pick up my video.

Khatru27: Mike, I read your comments re: Rush tribute today. Promise me you’ll be supportive if one day I do one for DT

LTEPortnoy: As long as you send me a copy.

Perk1994: Jordan, any new RPM stuff in the works? You guys rocked opening for Marillion in NYC.

LTEKeys: We are going to do some dates with DT this June in Europe

GSha140556: Tony, what else have you got cooking?? And what is PG up to besides the Genesis box set?

LevinBass: I’ve been touring w. Bill Bruford - planning some Fall gigs. Less busy than usual. (excepting getting married this week!)

Gadzoox881: John, did you ever have any contact with Mike Varney before DT made it big?

LTensionEx: Yes...I sent him a tape and he wouldn’t put me in the spotlight column

YYZTROOPER: Thanks to all the members of LTE for being here tonight! When’s the next album:)?

LTEPortnoy: Who the hell knows? I’d like to tour first.

KEZCOM: Mr. Portnoy- Are you coming back to Jaxx? :~)

LTEPortnoy: Mr. Portnoy is my dad, I’m Mike.

KISSfanstv: John, When is Metropolis part 2 coming out?

LTensionEx: M2 possibly on the next album

YtseSryche: Jordan, I heard you were going to play with Dream Theater, what made you change your mind?

LTEKeys: I guess I got to play with them on LTE after all. Almost all of them.

EnemyWithn: Tony: how was the bass line to “Sleepless” done?

LevinBass: That bassline has ddl of one repeat... makes it easy

HAIL 007: to LTEPortnoy- Compare your show at the Vic in Chicago to others, please

LTEPortnoy: It was one of my favorites on the tour.

TowIndigo1: John, I was wondering who your lesson teachers were at Berklee?

LTensionEx: Bill Bresnahan and Paul Landsburg

MR DREAM27: John and Mike, how did you get Ray Alder and Bruce Dickinson to come on stage at the Hollywood show?

LTEPortnoy: We pulled Ray out of the audience. and Brice and Adrian came to watch the show, we invited Bruce up, too.

Srounded: Barney!!!!

Petrucci: what about a BARNEY DT tour

Srounded: yes.....BARNEY ON THE VOCALS.

LTEPortnoy: Barney, the purple dinosaur.

Petrucci: HEY MIKE.....how cool was it to jam with BARNEY?

LTEPortnoy: Petrucci: Barney’s my BOY. He’s a good friend.

Calvin 6S: John Petrucci - Still using the Blaze pickups in the 7 string?

LTensionEx: I’ve never used them, mine are custom

KISSfanstv: Mike, any chance of bringing out the Galactic Cowboys on tour again? That was tha @&%@

LTEPortnoy: I love the Cowboys, but we’re done headlining for this album now we’re the opening act.

JPPetrucci: John, do u like Joe Satriani?

LTensionEx: I love Joe. He can play more notes than me

KISSfanstv: Mike, how long will the set be when u open this summer?

LTEPortnoy: Prolly one hour sets with DP.

HAIL 007: LTE Portnoy- How was playing with ex-singer of Iron Maiden Bruce Dickinson? Killers is a cool song.

LTEPortnoy: Bruce was cool, and we’ve also had Nicko and Dianno out with us on stage at other shows.

Vencer1: What possessed DT to play a dive like Daytona’s?? LOL

LTensionEx: We had fun

Gargoyle1B: Is Dream Theater ever coming to Houston???

LTEPortnoy: I don’t think there’s any Texas shows on the DP tour.

EnemyWithn: Tony...is the Stick a never-ending fascination, or do you felt you’ve mastered it?

LevinBass: Not mastered it for sure -- lately I’ve been working more on the sound of the top part. I’m happy w. my bass side sound...

YYZTROOPER: Mike- Awake is one of my favorite albums of all time. What is your favorite DT release?

LTEPortnoy: I love them all for different reasons.

DrummerEsh: Mike or John was Dominici really at the LA House of Blues show?

LTEPortnoy: Charlie was at both shows.

YtseSryche: For Tony, who else have you played for?

LevinBass: I don’t know which people to say I’ve played with. Lots.

Calvin 6S: John Petrucci-If the 7 string is simply an extra string on a guitar, why do you continue to play the 6 string?

LTensionEx: I think differently On each instrument

Petrucci: Hey Jordan.....you sure you don’t have 11 fingers....or 12

LTEKeys: Last count 10

Khatru27: Jordan, are you still with the Dregs?

LTEKeys: Well the Dregs have not done much lately because Steve is in Purple and I’m with Rudess Morgenstein Project!

Boona P: Hey Tony do you always use the Stick??? If not what kind of basses do you play and like the most

LevinBass: I play Music Man basses, and sometimes others... not usually the Stick

Boona P: 4 or 5 string??

LevinBass: Depends on what’s best for a track

Boona P: Do you ever play 6 string bass??

LevinBass: No 6 string bass for me... I have a 3 string!

TowIndigo1: John, have you tried the Parker Fly??

LTensionEx: Yes it’s cool

EnemyWithn: Tony...is Fripp a madman or just a misunderstood genius?

LevinBass: lol. I think Fripp is very talented, and his quirks don’t bother me.

KMM77: John - have you tried out the Ibanez Jem series and if so what do you think of them?

LTensionEx: Yes and I think Steve should keep using them

DREAMTAGE: Hi John, why do you prefer play Ibanez?

LTensionEx: Great guitars

BassicRob: Do you think u guys will ever have an LTE reunion either live or in the studio again??

LTEKeys: We hope so!

Unloadz: ... just how much do you like Marillion

LTEPortnoy: I’m a big Marillion fan.

EnemyWithn: Tony...who is the most demanding drummer you’ve ever worked with...the one that pushes you to the edge ?

LevinBass: enemy... well, that’s another tough query.... no particular one, the drummer is most “demanding” when he’s not playing well himself!

JDMILLER21: John...Do you know anything about the Ibanez RG-620? I saw a wiring diagram for the RG-620 and it seems to have the same electronics as your model

LTensionEx: Sorry ... no

Calvin 6S: JP & MP - When did Derek officially become Kevin Moore’s “official replacement”?

LTEPortnoy: He joined the band in March of 95.

Unloadz: Mike how about a dt and Marillion song?

LTEPortnoy: We did Easter with Steve H and Steve R at our cover show in England.

HAIL 007: LevinBass- How did you feel about working on this project?

LevinBass: Lots of fun, a BIG challenge, great guys... the coffee was o.k. too, once I brought my machine in

YtseSryche: Mike or John, where do you guys get your lyrics ideas? There’s not too many happy songs.

LTEPortnoy: Yeaah, those two brothers.

Vencer1: how does it feel to have lost your musical integrity? :-)

LTEPortnoy: I guess you didn’t hear the LTE album.

Vencer1: I have it, I have it

Boona P: MIKE and JOHN, Do you consider Awake a concept Album???

LTensionEx: No

EnemyWithn: Tony...I think I meant more in terms of trying to find a common groove-it seems Bruford’s quirks would be tuff

LevinBass: Bill’s quirks can be very tough, but I’m very used to them, after 18 years!!

KMM77: LTEPortnoy - I know you are a Zappa admirer - have you checked out Mike Keneally’s material?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, Mike is incredible.

JESTERYYZ: Just so you John and Mike know.... after you played that little dive in Vegas with Fates... The roof collapse shortly after.

LTEPortnoy: Yeah, I heard about that.

Abirdabove: Tony- On the Bass Day 97 event, What kind of talk, or lesson did you give?

LevinBass: I did some playing, but mostly talked. Not about technique, but various aspects of playing and music (i.e. I don’t remember!)

YtseSryche: How did all you guys do in school, grade wise?

LTEKeys: Great at music school and uh... Not so great otherwise.

LTensionEx: Graduated 14th in my class

Perk1994: To John and Mike, how long will the set be for the DP/ELP/DT tour?

LTEPortnoy: I think that will prolly be one hour.

LTensionEx: Were not sure...hopefully 1 hour

NickoMcB: How about a clinic at Tommy’s drum shop in Austin Tx. Mike?

LTEPortnoy: To have Tommy’s Drum shop ask Sabian, and I’ll be there.

YYZTROOPER: Rudess or Levin- The track “Freedom of Speech” reminds me of part of the Soundtrack from the movie Starman. coincidence?

LTEKeys: I have not heard Starman

LevinBass: Didn’t see that.

HAIL 007: LTEPortnoy- When are you guys coming to Chicago next?

LTEPortnoy: With DP, August 22. Tinley Park IL.

DREAMTAGE: John, Mike, what’s your favorite song to do live?

LTensionEx: Metropolis

LTEPortnoy: My drum solo.

Vencer1: portnoy - who’s going to be the next heavyweight gramp of the world? Foreman or Holmes? ;-)

LTEPortnoy: Floyd Patterson. Actually, I like Foreman.

Perk1994: Mike, any chance of you doing lead vocals on a song from the next DT album?

LTEPortnoy: No, but you can always hear it live when James doesn’t get to the stage on time.

DREAMTAGE: John, are you guys ever going to release “to live forever?”

LTensionEx: It’s on Live in Tokyo Video

RobPRnRFan: Tony, any idea when the new Peter Gabriel Cd will be out?

LevinBass: Re: the P Gabriel cd, we’re all waiting for him to finish the lyrics. Tracks have been done for some time.

AnalogGal: Mike, did you get the pic I sent you from the Irving Plaza show??

LTEPortnoy: Yes, and I thank you, and I’ve even sent it along in email to friends.

Boona P: Mike, Do you and James get along well? I saw you in Det in Oct and I saw you spit on him and laughing about..

LTEPortnoy: I spit on all the guys. Don’t take it personally.

HAIL 007: LTEPortnoy- are guys really playing with such bands as-Savatage, Van Halen and Pantera in Europe?

LTEPortnoy: Yes. We’re very excited. Book your plane ticket now.

TowIndigo1: John, what is the difference (besides extra toggle) between your model and the USRG30 Custom?

LTensionEx: I don’t know the USRG30

Petrucci: Seasons in the Abyss in your drum solo Mike....was awesome

LTEPortnoy: Thank you, I love Slayer, but it was actually Reign and Blood.

KMM77: Does Dream Theater stay in contact with Kevin Moore?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, and Kevin’s solo album is prolly my favorite of the year.

JPPetrucci: John, how did u become a god?

LevinBass: yes John, how DID you become a god?

LTensionEx: Tony: “First I learned to be a true hero” -Hercules

JPPetrucci: John, how can I be godly like you? How can I achieve speed John?

LTensionEx: JPP...marry a goddess

RobPRnRFan: JP, MP, Tony, Jordan, When did you all start playing music?

LTEKeys: I started when I was 7 playing classical

MellowD502: Jordan....will you play with DT again?

LTEKeys: In Europe this June.

Perk1994: Jordan, how did the RPM CD sell worldwide?

LTEKeys: RPM is doing well in Europe mostly right now

RobPRnRFan: Jordan, any plans for Rudess Morgenstein Project to play Long Island/NYC in near future?

LTEKeys: Rudess Morgenstein Project is opening some of the shows. No plans to play in NYC. Keep in tune at my website

HAIL 007: LTEPortnoy- how did you like the Vic?

LTEPortnoy: The Vic is one of my favorite places to play. I was happy when it switched from the House of Blues.

AnalogGal: Guys, who are you listening to these days?

LTEPortnoy: Analog: I absolutely love RADIO HEAD.

LevinBass: Analog, I’ve been listening to Ligeti chamber music a lot lately

YYZTROOPER: Tony- What was it like playing with ABWH?

LevinBass: Playing w. ABWH was interesting - trying to get Chris
Squire’s style, but be different - esp. on the old material in the live show.

KMM77: Jordan - do you notice similarities between John and Steve Morse? Both are brilliant and I can here Morse’s influence on John

LTEKeys: I feel lucky to play with both of them. They are incredible!

Khatru27: John, you stare intensely at the crowd during the shows. I was getting a complex the last time ;)

LTensionEx: There was something stuck in your teeth

PwrPlay72: LTEportnoy. are the any videos out or coming out for FII?

LTEPortnoy: Hollow Years. But MTV would never play it. But maybe better off, cause we don’t even like it.

KMM77: Mike Portnoy - who is you biggest influence with your double bass drum technique? I hear some Neil Peart in there

LTEPortnoy: Double bass...thrash drummers. Lars, Lombardo, Benante... Peart never was much of a double bass player.

RackleyK: Hey Toni, Terry Bozzio said Steve Stevens was a pain to work with, wanted to call it The Steve Stevens Band? Then he canceled the tours. Would you ever work with him again?

LevinBass: I never heard that - Steve was pretty nice while I was there -- and played great! He did cancel the tour, but maybe he had reason. (?)

RackleyK: He sure did, Terry mentioned this at a clinic in Richmond, VA. Said he had and still is working with you.

RobPRnRFan: Jordan, what is your Web address?

LTEKeys: WWW.Mediusvision.com/jordan

KISSfanstv: john or mike....know when the side project with ty, john, Derek and rod will be out?

LTEPortnoy: Platypus will be out at the end of the summer.

BoonaP: Mike do you ever hang out with Benante??

LTEPortnoy: Yes, Charlie is awesome.

DSherinian: hi guys!

DTJFAN: I think there is a certain keys player in the room

KEZCOM: Derek!!!!!!

LTensionEx: DS...I don’t think it’s really him

KMM77: Tony - what was it like to play with Steve Howe - I would love to hear a project with you two

LevinBass: It was nice - really not as special as doing some of his solo stuff would be... mostly we did the ABWH album, and old Yes stuff.

Lqid10Shun: DEREK is Here

DSherinian: which ones are mike and john p?

LTEPortnoy: Hey Derek, what’s up?

Boona P: yes it is Derek

LTensionEx: I’m JP

LTEKeys: Hi Derek

LTEPortnoy: Whoa whoa whoa...

LTEPortnoy: Even Derek has to get in to steal the attention.

MR DREAM27: IT IS DEREK

LTEPortnoy: Sorry Jordan.

DSherinian: woah oooooooowoah oooo!

KMM77: Tony - I was so blown away by the wooden fingers you used on the bass - VERY CREATIVE

LevinBass: Thanks, those are Funk Fingers - I’ve got a page about them.. a page about them on my site (papabear.com)

PwrPlay72: LTE port? how do u manage the speed and coordination of some of your songs, you are beyond amazing!!!

LTEKeys: We practice a lot

Boona P: Last year I gave Jason Newsted of Metallica a copy of you guys Playing Damage inc, Did any of you guys ever meet Metallica

LTEPortnoy: What was his response when you gave it to Jason. Did he know who DT was?

Boona P: I never got to meet him again, he said he liked the thought. I meet him again in July

DSherinian: I would like to consult LTE on their footwear!

GSha140556: Jordan, one question though, just curious...How come you didn’t continue with the DT thing???

LTEKeys: Because the Dregs and Dt came up at the same time and DT was doing a lot of touring and I couldn’t make that commitment

Khatru27: Tony, Mike, John, Jordan - where are you doing this chat from tonight?

LTensionEx: Home in NY

LevinBass: I’m home in Woodstock

LTEPortnoy: I’m home in Rockland County.

Catalyst V: Is LTE ever gonna tour?

LTEPortnoy: I would love for LTE to tour.

KMM77: John - what is your favorite amongst all of the modes?

LTensionEx: Pie a la

YtseSryche: Where do I find LTE tour dates?

LTEKeys: We don’t anything planned. Keep checking out our web sites

VoxmanOT: Mike please just one question! James won’t do lessons or instructional video?? WHY?!!

LTEPortnoy: I’ve never seen a vocal instructional video, I don’t know if James would be interested.

Perk1994: Hey John, are the rumors true that you’ll be doing a duet with Puff Daddy in the near future?

LTensionEx: No it’s Puff the Magic Dragon

Petrucci: MIKE . . .Carcass......yeah or nay

LTEPortnoy: Not familiar with Carcass.

YtseSryche: Is there an LTE website? What’s the address?

LevinBass: There is an LTE site... anyone know the URL?

LTEKeys: Just go to the mediusvision.com site and check out samples

LevinBass: I’ve got a link to it from my site

YYZTROOPER: http://www.mediusvision.com/music/lte

FeefrFifr: Mike- any chance of a drum clinic at Berklee or around Boston?

LTEPortnoy: Just have your local drum shop contact Sabian.

JPPetrucci: LTensionEx - will Metropolis 2 be on a new CD or on an EP?

LTensionEx: Can’t say yet

KMM77: John - are you aware of all the modes when playing - or do you not think of that?

LTensionEx: yes I’m aware of them but I also try to play from the soul

MASS27: LTEPornoy, why don’t you guys ever play 6:00 at your concerts it’s an awesome song

LTEPortnoy: We did 6 O’clock on the whole Awake tour, maybe we’ll break it out in the future.

Belhai2112: LTEPortnoy: What do you think of the new Van Halen CD?

LTEPortnoy: I like some of it, especially the stuff that’s more Queen influenced.

Lqid10Shun: We need a NEW DRE/\M THE/\TER video...is there one planned for the FII tour?

LTEPortnoy: I’m trying to talk the label into doing one, so far they aren’t interested.

JPPetrucci: LTensionEx - how was working on the Queen Tribute?

LTensionEx: fun

Rikanthrax: Mike-how many pieces in your drum set?

LTEPortnoy: Too many. You’d have to check Modern Drummer for the details.

GSha140556: Yeah, Charlie hangs out on the DT boards a lot. Here on AOL.

SoulShker: welcome Charlie!!!!! :)

XDTVOC1: hiya!

LTEPortnoy: Hi Charlie.

XDTVOC1: hiya kids, hiya-hiya!

JESTERYYZ: How did LTE write that stuff? Was any of it charted out in advance at all?

LTEKeys: I wrote down some ideas on paper and put some stuff in my sequencer to show the guys. Beyond that we worked quickly!

MR DREAM27: yes it is

LTEPortnoy: He called you kids, it must be Charlie.

XDTVOC1: it’s not really me...

LTEPortnoy: :D

XDTVOC1: LOL

VoxmanOT: James vocal technique is far superior to Charlie’s

XDTVOC1: I agree

Rikanthrax: John-who are your biggest influences?

LTensionEx: Rik: Rush, Yes, Dregs

XDTVOC1: Hendrix

KMM77: John - I should know this but what amps are you using - they sound like MESA’a

LTensionEx: I am using Boogie’s

Petrucci: John . . . Mesa Boogie gives your style that extra kick in the pants....are you pleased with the quality?

LTensionEx: Absolutely

KMM77: John - have you tried any Zoom products - they are really good!!

LTensionEx: I used zoom on I & A

JPPetrucci: LTensionEx - what is the song you are most proud of?

LTensionEx: Take Away My Pain

JPPetrucci: I cry every time I here that song. it reminds me of losing one of my family members

LTensionEx: Me too

Guitardis: Jordan---what sequencer program (on computer) do you favor?

LTEKeys: I really like Performer software

KISSfanstv: Mike, big kings x fan?

LTEPortnoy: Big Kings X fan

AnalogGal: Mike, why do you think bands like DT are so much bigger in Europe than in the US?

LTEPortnoy: US is too controlled by MTV and the radio, whereas in Europe they judge it on the music. I wish we were as big here as in Europe, cause I love touring in AMerica.

Vencer1: Keys, what do you think about Jens Johansson’s millions of CDs he has put out?

LTEKeys: I’m not that familiar with Jens but what I heard sounds good!

KMM77: John - what do you think of the classical rock school of playing - Malmsteen, Roth, Schenker?

LTensionEx: It’s great

XDTVOC1: how do you talk to the guys? tell them to email me

Lqid10Shun: Just talk Charlie

XDTVOC1: hey MIKEY!!

LTEPortnoy: Hey Charlie, come up here!

XDTVOC1: haha! I mean..BEAM ME UP! JOOOOOOOOOHN!!!

LTensionEx: Hi Charlie

RackleyK: LTEKeys, do you listen to any Tangerine Dream?

LTEKeys: Phaedra is one of my favorite TD records

JKorby1973: PETRUCCI- How was jamming with Vai Satch and Paul Gilbert at the NAMM show?

LTensionEx: The jam was a lot of fun

XDTVOC1: how’s the kids?

LTensionEx: Kids are great and sleeping

LTEKeys: My kids are sleeping too

Boona P: MIKE and JOHN, what influences would you still like to meet???

LTEPortnoy: Paul McCartney and Roger Waters. And Neil Peart.

KISSfanstv: Mike, hear the new cd by a group called fastball? great pop album

LTEPortnoy: Haven’t heard it, my favorite pop band was Jelly Fish.

KISSfanstv: I’m sure u have heard of Redd Kross then

LTEPortnoy: Have you heard Imperial Drag and the Grays? Yes, I know Red Kross, I have a few of their CDs.

KISSfanstv: Sure have Mike!! I love those CDs....Have u heard Jason Faulkners solo cd?

LTEPortnoy: Yes.

Vencer1: Keys, too bad you aren’t touring with a guy like Jon Lord. You must be jealous of Derek

LTEKeys: Nope. Not jealous. Actually happy to be creating my own music with Rod Morgenstein instead

Vencer1: I understand, I figured he would have to be an influence

LTEKeys: I get to play with John and Mike in LTE and that’s 100% satisfying

Petrucci: John....what mm pick do you use?

LTensionEx: black Jazz III

JKorby1973: PETRUCCI- Did you ever study under Bob Stanton at Berklee?

LTensionEx: No I did not

Perk1994: Tony, any instores planned for the new live King Crimson set?

LevinBass: I believe there will be instores in Boston and Montreal. Hopefully in the late fall, but I don’t know now

Boona P: Mike, when I saw you in det, a girl gave you that Melody Farms Milk Coat, Do you ever Wear it??

LTEPortnoy: Yes, that jacket is awesome.

XDTVOC1: well..I’m gonna go..just wanted to say HI to my BUDS! see you at the next LA show!

LTensionEx: Bye Charlie

XDTVOC1: bye MIKEY ..bye JOHN!

LTEPortnoy: Bye, Charlie! :D

RobPRnRFan: MP, JP, Tony, Jordan, What the 1st Record you heard or bought?

LTensionEx: Best of Elvis (8-track)

YNGWIE12: John, do you use any special muting techniques when playing extremely fast, Because I never hear ANY extraneous noise

LTensionEx: Yes using my palm and fingers of my right hand

LevinBass: Hi Honey..... I see you out there! (my lovely fiancé just dropped in.)

Redwingnut: Hello

Perk1994: Hi Tony’s fiancé. : )

LTEPortnoy: Hi Tony’s fiancé, aren’t you glad he skipped the bachelor party for this?

JPPetrucci: LTensionEx - do you know of the band Overkill?

LTensionEx: Yes my wife opened for them

JDMILLER21: John, Any plans on releasing your own 7-String?

LTensionEx: No plans

Vencer1: say, you weren’t that SOY BOMB guy... har har
LTEPortnoy: SOY BOMB! That was the most press I got all year.

MRBURNSPJB: !Tony congratulations on the engagement!!

LevinBass: thanks... actually the wedding’s on Saturday! This COULD have been the night for my bach. party!

GSha140556: John and Mike, what are your wives working on musically right now???

LTEPortnoy: My wife is busy being a great Mommy.

LTensionEx: My wife is studying Classical guitar

JPPetrucci: LTensionEx - have you ever heard Altura? I understand they are like you with the exception of the god-like guitars

LTEKeys: I listened to Altura, it was OK

Calvin 6S: Mike Portnoy or John P - Would you say Age of Impact sounds like a Magellan Album?

LTensionEx: Sounds heavier than Magellan

BassicRob: Tony: When did u start playing bass and who were the major influences?

LevinBass: I started early - about 10 yrs old. no particular influences - listened to a lot of Classical (still do

RackleyK: Mike, are you thinking releasing your own signature series Sabian cymbals?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, I would like to, possibly in the next year or so.

Boona P: MIKE, what is learning to Live about?? Is it really about HIV???

LTEPortnoy: It’s about 14 min.

YYZTROOPER: Mike- Was DT playing a section of Starship Trooper on the European Tour? I thought it was on one of the setlists.

LTEPortnoy: We didn’t do Starship Trooper in Europe, but we did play it with Steve Howe at our cover show.

YNGWIE12: JOHN-, dude. I was wondering Do you record Completely Dry??

LTensionEx: most of the time

SBooke: Mike..did you authorize the release of the “Rising Power” CD?

LTEPortnoy: I didn’t authorize it, but I tolerated it.

GSha140556: As working musicians are you guys real health conscious and athletic??

LTEKeys: Yeah. I’m on the treadmill eating tofu right now

FeefrFifr: Mike and John- Do you think that you’ll be able to convert the DP crowd into becoming fans?

LTEPortnoy: We hope so, that’s the idea.

PwrPlay72: ltension.. what song in concert gets the crowd really going or what is the crowd pleaser?

LTEKeys: We don’t know what’s a crowd pleaser, haven’t played live yet

Perk1994: Mike, can you help Spock’s Beard get some kind of tour going on the East Coast?

LTEPortnoy: I would love for Spock’s Beard to tour with us, it’s a matter of the schedules working out.

BassicRob: Tony: did you pay attention to theory more than ear when you started?

LevinBass: Just played for fun (as now.) picked up theory as I went

YtseJamJMB: Mike-Are you going to be involved with a Guitar Center drum off or a Modern drummer magazine festival this year?

LTEPortnoy: Modern Drummer festival just happened, too late for that Jordan played there with Rod Morgenstern.

LTEKeys: Morgenstein is actually correct spealling

Khatru27: Morgenstern is on ER.

LTEKeys: Morgenstein is with JR

Calvin 6S: JOHN PETRUCCI - You said your MIDI MATRIX caught on fire at the HoB show - how did you manage to get around this problem?

LTensionEx: My awesome tech: Richie

Coolock34: Mike, what two awards did you just get?

LTEPortnoy: Progressive drummer of the year and Recorded Performance of the year

Boona P: Also MIKE, do you ever trades any of DT unreleased stuff, beside Mike Bahr???

LTEPortnoy: I don’t trade, but I collect. I don’t think the other be happy about me trading.

Petrucci: JOHN . . .are you into Jazz like Frank Gambale or Stanley Jordan?

LTensionEx: Yes

YtseJamJMB: Mike-how many drum sets do you have?

LTEPortnoy: Ytse: I have three on tour right now. Purple in American, green in Europe and red in Japan, and I have my Images and Words drum set half on tour, and the other half in my basement, which is the one I used on LTE> And also my Awake kit is in my basement.

AnalogGal: Guys, if you could have any one piece of musical memorabilia, what would it be and why?

LTEKeys: Chopin’s Marshall Stack

LTensionEx: The diaper Tony used to mute his bass on Don’t Give Up

AnalogGal: John: LOL!!!

By Dezign: LTensionEx- what was used to mute the base

LTensionEx: A baby diaper

KISSfanstv: Hey Mike..On the Jellyfish CDs...Do u prefer Bellybutton or Spilt Milk?

LTEPortnoy: Spilt Milk is one of my favorite of all time.

GSha140556: Mike, have you found the Yes Live 1975 video?? It’s from the Relayer tour.

LTEPortnoy: Somebody made me a copy of it.

AURACLE: All of you: has the LTE experience affected your ideas about improvisation in any way? And has it made you want to jam with still other musicians in the same free-form manner?

LTEKeys: Improvising with these guys led to unique results. I love improvising. I’ve done it all my life and on all my records

PwrPlay72: levinbass.. what kind of bass do you use for LTe and how many strings

LevinBass: I used some Stick, some Music Man 5 string bass, some NS Electric upright.

YYZTROOPER: John P.- Have you heard the final mix of Age of Impact? What are your thoughts on it?

LTensionEx: Sounds great

SoulShker: are you consciously going to be more jam oriented with the next DT album as you were with LTE?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, we’d like to record it the same way.

LTensionEx: Yes

HAIL 007: LTE Portnoy- are you a fan of Megadeth?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, I think they are great.

Boona P: Any chance of a LTE vol. 2??

KEZCOM: Mike, can you do it in a WEEK??

LTEPortnoy: No, we’d prolly need about 2 months, but we’d write and record at the same time.

YNGWIE12: Tony: I must ask you a very important question! Do you use a bass piz on State Of Grace

LevinBass: What’s a bass piz? ( I guess that means I didn’t use one!)

Khatru27: Jordan, are you a Long Islander as well?

LTEKeys: Yes, I grew up on the North Shore

JDMILLER21: John, Is there any way to contact Mark Snyder for some rack work?

LTensionEx: I can’t even seem to get a hold of him

AnalogGal: Mike/John, what do you think of the whole Derek vs. Kevin nonsense that fans have been fighting over?

LTEPortnoy: I wish they would stop it, they are two different people, both with different styles of personalities. Derek just dresses funnier.

JKorby1973: Petrucci- Is there any way I could hire you guys to do a clinic at Music tech in Minneapolis?

LTensionEx: Call Ibanez 1-800-669-4226

GSha140556: John, you have the number memorized??

LTensionEx: Yes

Calvin 6S: MIKE OR JOHN PETRUCCI - What has been the biggest change in DT as related to Derek - GROOVE?

LTEPortnoy: No, footwear.

LTensionEx: Shoes

GSha140556: How big are you guys into or influenced by Kansas??

LTEKeys: Kansas was slight influence. But Gentle Giant, Genesis and Yes were bigger

GSha140556: Gentle Giant is one I haven’t heard.

LTEKeys: Check out Gentle Giant.....amazing ...especially “freehand

LTEPortnoy: Actually, Derek likes playing heavier keyboards, he plays more like a guitar player.

YtseJamJMB: Mike-How did you become sponsored?

LTEPortnoy: You have to build your name up first, then the companies will usually approach you once you have a sellable name.

KEZCOM: ALL: Does the fan adulation EVER get old??

LTEKeys: Adulation never gets old...

Boona P: MIKE and JOHN, How long did it take you to put together the medley on track 5 on ACOS???

LTEPortnoy: As long as it took to play it, it was a live recording.

Boona P: But I’m sure you guys practiced??

LTEPortnoy: We rehearsed two days before the gig.

Perk1994: Tony, any more ProjeKcts in the works?

LevinBass: Not sure -- there’s the beginning of a Proj. 3.

YNGWIE12: Has The “Liquid Tension” Experiment though of doing a tour or Clinic???

LTEPortnoy: We would love to do tours or clinics, it’s just hard to get our four schedules lined up.

JKorby1973: PETRUCCI- What pickups are in your 7 strings?

LTensionEx: I don’t know actually (DiMarzio but which model?)

AnalogGal: Mike/John, what made you decide on Derek, anyhow? Was it his supercool wardrobe??? :)

LTEPortnoy: Actually, he dressed normal when he auditioned, or he wouldn’t have gotten into the band.

LTensionEx: He’s a great player

LTEKeys: Derek is having a huge influence on my style...just dyed my hair green and bought silver platform shoes

MRBURNSPJB: ?Tony, who has been your favorite to play with in the past, aside ? LTE :-) Who would you like to play with?

LevinBass: No particular favorite, but I ‘ve had years of fun playing both w. Gabriel and Crimson

Calvin 6S: Mike Portnoy or John Petrucci - Have you barred Desmond Child from the upcoming DT recording sessions

LTEPortnoy: Yes definitely. He’s a nice guy but too many chefs spoil the brew.

Khatru27: Tony, what are you up to in the coming months (besides marital bliss)

LevinBass: I’m not sure what’s coming -- if there are good live tapes of the BLUE shows, I’ll be mixing them... work as always on my never finished book... stuff like that.

GSha140556: John, how long did it take you to get use to the 7 string format??

LTensionEx: I’m still learning

Petrucci: Are you guys gonna plug your ears while touring with Manson?

Lqid10Shun: Touring with MANSON??? Uck!!!

GSha140556: Touring with Manson?? Wait, this is new. What’s up with that??

LTEPortnoy: It’s one show with Manson.

JDMILLER21: John, VERY cool sound clips on the Mesa website. Any plans for a solo release?

LTensionEx: Thanks no plans as of yet

Petrucci: Mike . . .what IS your favorite Beer?

LTEPortnoy: Whatever’s coldest.

Boona P: MIKE and JOHN, Do you plan on using Kevin Shirley again?? I think Fll is the best sounding!!!

LTEPortnoy: Yes, I think for this live recording next month.

Calvin 6S: John Petrucci or Mike Portnoy - Any of the unreleased (Raise the Knife - etc.) gonna show up on the NEW album?

LTEPortnoy: Very possibly, but it’s too soon to tell for sure.

Lqid10Shun: Those clips on Mesa are AMAZING JOHN!

LTensionEx: Thanks. The Boogie clips are music I did for a Sega game

Lqid10Shun: Mesa Boogie Clips=AMAZING

GSha140556: John, any Sega game in particular, and how did you get that opportunity??

TowIndigo1: John, what game...ill buy it!!

LTensionEx: Necronomicon

YtseJamJMB: Mike-how do I make a name for myself. It seemed easy for you?

LTEPortnoy: It takes many years.

YtseJamJMB: how long for you?

LTEPortnoy: I didn’t get my first endorsement till I had been playing about 12 years.

YtseJamJMB: so I guess a year and a half won’t cut it?

LTEPortnoy: Hang in there.

PwrPlay72: Levin Bass: where can I get some bass tabs for LTE from?

LevinBass: I’m afraid I don’t know where there are any tabs

YtseJamJMB: MIke-do you answer your e-mail?

LTEPortnoy: It’s hard to find the time to answer it all, but I read it all. I usually only answer if they have a bootleg I need.

BassicRob: Mike: are u planning on selling any of your bootlegs :)

LTEPortnoy: Bassic; Once the band breaks up.

KEZCOM: Careful, Mike

LTEPortnoy: :D

ZildjanLdy: Hey Portnoy, do you and Petrucci have any future projects with Fates Warning, like Rush trib?

LTEPortnoy: I might do a project with Jim from Fates.

Calvin 6S: Mike Portnoy - Second Verse of “The Mirror” was the added bass drum part spontaneous or thought out?

LTEPortnoy: Thought out, as most DT drum parts are.

JKorby1973: PETRUCCI- Any chance of a transcription for LTE, or at least Paradigm Shift? Too damn fast to figure out!!

LTEKeys: John-0 I want your transcription too!

LTensionEx: Yes

YtseJamJMB: Mike-do you give private lessons? :)

LTEPortnoy: No, but I have a video or come to a clinic.

PwrPlay72: Levin bass and key are you from another band and which one

LevinBass: I’m in King Crimson, but also play w. other musicians a lot.

Echomanyyz: Mike, I remember talking to your wife about the fake “Noodles84” address

LTEPortnoy: Yes, that’s what brought me out of the closet. :)

Calvin 6S: Petrucci or Portnoy - Any Clinics of Southern California planned?

LTensionEx: Not as of now

LTEPortnoy: I just need to be asked. Have your shop contact Sabien.

TowIndigo1: Jordan, do you know any keys players in Ye Olde State of Colorado?!?

LTEKeys: Not really. Do you?

Perk1994: To Mike and John: Was the Limelight “Dance of Eternity” show the longest DT show ever?

LTEPortnoy: It was at the time, but we’ve done a few that were almost three hours.

JKorby1973: PETRUCCI Are you doing the book yourself?

LTensionEx: No plans yet

PwrPlay72: what type of music is king crimson

LevinBass: It’s a bit hard to describe.

JDMILLER21: Where did the name “Liquid Tension” come from?

LTEKeys: John reads some cool books

LTensionEx: From a book

Calvin 6S: Petrucci or Portnoy - What is the best way to find out about Clinic Tours - I always find out by dumb luck.

LTEPortnoy: Check the DT web page for mine.

AnalogGal: Guys, how do you stay in shape while touring??

YtseJamJMB: Mike-ok, do you guys work out when traveling?

LTEPortnoy: Lots of drinking and lots of sleeping. And 2 1/2 hours on stage.

LTensionEx: Work out at the gym

Lqid10Shun: What do you guys do in your “free” time.....any other hobbies or interests?

LTensionEx: Fine dining

MRBURNSPJB: Tony, 2 odd non-musical questions for you 1) what is your fav “coffee type” beverage and

LevinBass: Espresso for sure! didn’t get the 2nd part

MRBURNSPJB: 2) tony, (mentally & physically) do U practice yoga or thi-chi?

LevinBass: I used to do Tai Chi.

TowIndigo1: What style Tai Chi?

LevinBass: I don’t know what style - an old Chinese guy taught me.

Perk1994: Tony, have you ever thought of taking up another instrument, like Belew?

LevinBass: I play other instruments for fun, but not live

Petrucci: “ ___ and ____ is where it’s at”

LTEPortnoy: Balls and Chunk.

MentolPyro: LTEPortnoy, do you have a good place that you can consistently get bootlegs from? I’m new at this

LTEPortnoy: Go to Japan.

MR DREAM27: how picked Rooster to be played before every DT show? who?

LTEPortnoy: I make the break tapes that are played before we go on stage, and the rooster always get us pumped.

EnjyDaPain: how come you never release books for keyboards?

LTEKeys: I will. Right now I’m organizing an online conservatory so I can teach on line

Guitardis: Jordan--teach keyboards, or anything to do with sequencing/arranging?

LTEKeys: Yes all aspects of music

Calvin 6S: Portnoy - You say the Drums for DT Studio are thought out – but what about Live - I hear quite a few drum chng

LTEPortnoy: Yes, I change them a lot live, because I get bored.

Boona P: JOHN and MIKE, where did the intro music come from???

LTEPortnoy: A Clockwork Orange.

AURACLE: Anyhow...Mike -- can you possibly tell us a few of the names that were on your list of guitarists for the LTE project before John signed on?

LTEKeys: Hendrix?

LTEPortnoy: Dime Bag Darrell Trevor Ravin, Steve Morse. Brian May, Tom Morello..a lot, I can’t think of any others right now.

LTensionEx: Hey Mike, that wasn’t LTE it was your solo project the music

LTEPortnoy: They all would have taken the record into different directions. That’s true, John. That was the Millennium project.

Nada Lives: Jordan-how does playing with these guys compare to other projects, like the one with Vinnie Moore?

LTEKeys: Vinnie is excellent. I miss the guy. Hope to record again with him again. When we worked together he was emerging out of the neo classical style nicely

Calvin 6S: Jordan - LTE sounds very different from DT - more like Steve Morse - was that your influence or John’s?

LTEKeys: I think my writing has always been a little similar to Steve’s

AURACLE: Jordan -- has Steve Morse ever mentioned anything about a new Dregs album somewhere down the road? I would love to hear your playing in the context of Steve’s compositions.

LTEKeys: It’s all a little unknown. I’m sure eventually it will happen

YNGWIE12: MIKE-What poem was excerpted in Change Of Seasons??

LTEPortnoy: I can’t remember the title, but I pulled the quotes from The Dead Poets Society.

JDMILLER21: Do you ever get sick of fans “studying” you and not moshing?

LTEPortnoy: I like a little of both.

Srounded: do you guys know what city in THE NETHERLANDS you will play ?

LTEPortnoy: We’re doing a fan club show in Rotterdam, and also a festival.

AURACLE: All of you: here’s a name to consider including on an “LTE 2” disc: David Ragsdale.

LTEKeys: It would be very cool indeed

JKorby1973: What are the words at the end of Pull Me Under??

LTEPortnoy: It’s from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Calvin 6S: Mike or John - So do you guys talk Music Equipment with your wives?

LTensionEx: All the time

TowIndigo1: John , yer lucky...when I talk equipment, she just gets this blank stare....

LTensionEx: My wife rules

Calvin 6S: John P - does your wife play Ibanez/ Mesa?

LTensionEx: Yes all of my leftovers

AURACLE: Jordan -- whom do you consider your main prog keyboard influences? I’m guessing Wakeman, Emerson and Jobson.

LTEKeys: Moraz- Horowitz- Emerson. Jobson is great. There is a lead on the Refugee album with Moraz that changed my life!

AURACLE: Which one would that be?

LTEKeys: Someday

Rikanthrax: John-are the 7 strings tuned differently than a 6?

LTensionEx: There is a low B string

EnjyDaPain: how come there was no singing on the LTE ?

LTEKeys: You should be happy we did not sing!

Nada Lives: If you guys could jam with any vocalist, who would it be?

LevinBass: How ‘bout Elvis!

Lqid10Shun: Who named the band “DRE/\M THE/\TER”???

LTensionEx: Howard Portnoy

KISSfanstv: hey mike, hear any of the platypus cd? will ty be singing on it?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, Ty sings on about 5 tracks.

YNGWIE12: Who did the Whistle Solo on Chris And Kevin’s Excellent Adventure

LTEPortnoy: It’s me and Tony.

LevinBass: all those years of practicing polyrhythms

KEZCOM: John, will you go on Howard Stern and play?

LTensionEx: I’d love to

KEZCOM: Mike, get in touch with Howard and get on that show!!

LTEPortnoy: Stern bashed us on the show for about 10 mins once. It was one of the highlights of my life, I had it on my answering machine.

LTEKeys: The Platypus album is great

MR DREAM27: Jordan is there any way I can order Platypus, the website doesn’t have the order form up yet?

LTEKeys: I have no info on it.

Khatru27: John- simple question. I’m a drummer learning gtr. Is dropped D tuning only the low string tuned down- or all

LTensionEx: Only the low string

Calvin 6S: Portnoy - no, Howard said it was cool until the keys came in :o)

LTEPortnoy: He used The Mirror on the show for a long time.

Boona P: Howard doesn’t know jack about music

LTEPortnoy: He’s still my God. :)

Perk1994: John, a young friend of mine wants to know how many hours you used to practice when you were in high school?

LTensionEx: 6 hours a day

MR DREAM27: Mike any chance of you guys going on Conan, that is him on Space Dye Vest right?

LTEPortnoy: Yes on Space Dye vest, we just need to be asked to go on.

WhoFooldU: Yes, what about LTE2?? Any chance for same lineup?

LTensionEx: LTE is only this line-up

YtseJamJMB: Mike-how long did it take you to get the double bass down?

LTEPortnoy: I’m still trying.

LTEKeys: Maybe we will do an acoustic album (kidding-although....)

KEZCOM: YES Jordan. Do it acoustic!!

WhoFooldU: If it was an acoustic album, it would still be great

LTEKeys: I’ll play harpsichord

TowIndigo1: Wouldn’t the keys be REALLY quiet without an amp?? :)

LTEKeys: Sure but that’s why they make mics

Petrucci: John . . . .heard of Carcass?

LTensionEx: No

Calvin 6S: Mike Portnoy - Do you ever OVERDUB drum parts in the studio?

LTEPortnoy: Yes. Percussion parts.

Khatru27: Okay, being from Long Island, I’m curious what towns Mike, John and Jordan lived in

LTEPortnoy: I used to live in Long Beach.

YtseJamJMB: Mike-Do you like Rap, or anything other than Progressive rock?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, I love everything.

YtseJamJMB: Everything?

LTEPortnoy: Except Country Western and Spice Girls.

Calvin 6S: Portnoy or Petrucci - Is Kevin Shirley going to be involved with the new DT album?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, the live one, but who knows about the studio.

Calvin 6S: Mike Portnoy - Is it a fair assumption that whoever writes the lyrics to a DT song - is the original author?
LTEPortnoy: On the lyrics..but the music is done together.

MR DREAM27: I talked to Myung for 20mins after the philly show. he is really really nice

LTEPortnoy: That’s more than I’ve spoken to him all year. :D

MR DREAM27: yeah he is real quiet mike, he was real nice to me though, got a pic with him and a few autographs!

LTEKeys: Yes but he is deep

AURACLE: Jordan -- do you also consider Jan Hammer to be an influence, as he is for Kevin Moore and Derek Sherinian?

LTEKeys: Jan and I are good buddies. He is in there for sure.

Calvin 6S: John Petrucci or Mike Portnoy - Does James LaBrie have much to do with the music parts of songs?

LTEPortnoy: NO, we for the most part write the music without him, and he gets involved once we lay the vocals in.

Petrucci: Mike . . .you’re good friends with Pat Brown Right?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, Pat gave me my endorsement deal at Pro Mark. Maybe Ytse can contact him.

WhoFooldU: How is the banner collection Mike??

YtseJim37: LTEPortnoy, Do you still want banners for the Summer Tour Dates??

LTEPortnoy: The banners have been great, thank you very, very much!

Calvin 6S: Portnoy or Petrucci - Did you guys ever consider calling it quits when Kevin Moore quit?

LTensionEx: Definitely not

MentolPyro: LTEPortnoy or mr Petrucci, do you find what Derek wants to do is somewhat varied from your own styles?

LTEPortnoy: Derek seems to be pretty much in synch in with the direction we want to go in.

MRBURNSPJB: ?Tony, if interested in learning to play a Stick would U suggest mastering the bass 1st or techniques very dif

LevinBass: The Stick is kinda unique - you don’t need bass chops for it

Rikanthrax: John-what KIND of strings do you use...gauge?

LTensionEx: D’Addario 10-46

NickoMcB: Where did the name YTSE come from?

LTEPortnoy: Ytsejam is Majesty spelled backwards, which is the old name of the band.

JVlanny: Mike when is DT going to be in Switzerland?

LTEPortnoy: We’re going to be in Switzerland with Van Halen on June 12.

SmshPump 9: Mike & John: Is dream theater gonna make it to ORLANDO this summer???

LTEPortnoy: If DP schedules it, it’s their tour. I haven’t seen any Florida dates as of yet.

AURACLE: Mike -- do you anticipate any end of show jams with any Deep Purple or ELP members? <hoping fervently>

LTEPortnoy: I would love to, but usually you don’t get to become that friendly with a band till the end of a tour, and then it’s too late.

BassicRob: Mike and John: Are u gonna be available for signatures after the DP/ELP shows?

LTEPortnoy: We always try to do autographs by the bus after the show.

Perk1994: I would love to see a Portnoy-Palmer drum duet!!!

LTEPortnoy: I think it’s going to be most intimidating for Derek, cause Emerson and Lord are two of his favorites.

LTEKeys: It should be exciting for Derek!

AURACLE: Mike -- do you consider Carl Palmer and Ian Paice to be influences on you?

LTEPortnoy: I love Carl Palmer and Ian Paice.

MRBURNSPJB: ?Tony, could/would 1 teach themselves. No one around me(NJ) even knows where to buy a stick let alone play it.

LevinBass: You can find a Stick for sale thru the Stick web site (Chapman Stick site) and you don’t need a teach

Calvin 6S: Petrucci - So is the same company going to release the FII Tab book - Warner Bros?

LTensionEx: Yes

SmshPump 9: FII tab book?!? is there a release date?

JKorby1973: PETRUCCI- When will the FII book be out?

Calvin 6S: John - Did you work on the tab book to get the accuracy down?

LTensionEx: Cal: not on this one

YESFAN1046: Will Bozzio/Levin/Stevens ever do anything live Tony?

LevinBass: don’t know, seems unlikely at present.

Boona P: LTensionEx, did you ever meet Eddie Van Halen, and what does he think of DT???

LTensionEx: No but I hope to in June when we open for VH

TowIndigo1: John (sorry about the volume of questions!): where did you get the ‘faces’ design for your guitars?

LTensionEx: an artist named Dan Lawrence

KEZCOM: Mike, any new DP tour confirmations?

LTEPortnoy: We’re still waiting for the DP dates ourselves.

DSherinian: did the guys split?

AURACLE: Hi Derek!

KEZCOM: Hey Derek!

DSherinian: woah oooo woah oooo

LTEPortnoy: You missed some good Derek jokes, Derek. Derek, can I come to the Platypus chat?

DSherinian: absolutely!! what Derek jokes?

YYZTROOPER: Mike- final question- John p said met 2 was one of the craziest songs dt has ever written (or something to that effect. what are your thoughts on it

LTEPortnoy: Yes M2 is definatly crazy.

SmshPump 9: Mike & John: is there any video in the works or being planned to follow up Images & words in japan??

LTEPortnoy: I really want to do a new DT video, but we’re having trouble talking the label into it.

Khatru27: Mike is I & W really platinum worldwide?

LTEPortnoy: Went gold in America.

YYZTROOPER: Tony is still awaiting word from Peter on when his solo album is due out:)

LevinBass: True, I’ll be asking Peter this week, but I doubt if we’ll see the cd till next year

LTEPortnoy: Are you guys still here?

LevinBass: us?

LTEPortnoy: Yes, Hi tony. :)

LevinBass: must admit, my eyes were out of focus there! Not enough fast typing for me.

LTEPortnoy: Tony, when can we do some LTE dates? I’m really putting the pressure on.

LevinBass: this Summer??

LTEPortnoy: On tour with DT. :/

LevinBass: I need a few weeks for honeymoon! then free

LTEPortnoy: Maybe the fall? We’ll talk in private. :)

LevinBass: yup

MentolPyro: what is dream theater doing now that you’re done touring?

LTensionEx: We’re not done touring

Fred Hellm: Tony did you enjoy working with John Lennon ?

LevinBass: yes, very much

RackleyK: Mike, are you thinking of using the RADIA cymbals?

LTEPortnoy: I like some of the small bells so maybe, I don’t have much room left.

DSherinian: How about a LTE, Platypus tour this October?

LTEKeys: DSherinian- Let’s do it!

LTEPortnoy: Derek: That’s the idea!

DSherinian: c’ mon babeeeee!!!!!!

Calvin 6S: Who would headline LTE or Platypus?

LTEPortnoy: Calvin: We would all play together, and separate in all different combinations.

LTEKeys: It’s a toss up I guess. Derek- What shall we jam on??

LTEPortnoy: But LTE come before Platypus alphabetically, so I guess we would have to headline :)

DSherinian: Jordan would have to be penalized 3 fingers!!!

LTEKeys: D- Oh comon!

Boona P: TONY, what is the tuning on your 3 string bass??

LevinBass: The low one, and the next two higher ones.

LTEKeys: D- we could do some Kiss tunes

AURACLE: Kiss tunes with synth solos? That could be interesting. <g>

WhoFooldU: no, Jordan and Derek on “chopsticks”

LTEKeys: I jammed chopsticks with Enrique Iglesias in front of 30000 people

DSherinian: platypus should open so I can pick up chicks after!!!

LTEPortnoy: LOL, Derek!!

DSherinian: I have a rep to keep up with!!

HappyApril: Jordan- Can I get Speedway B..album? I wanna listen to it!

LTEKeys: I don’t know how to get that at this point

HappyApril: It’s difficult to get Jordan’s work.

LTEKeys: You can get my stuff through my web site anytime

AURACLE: Jordan -- how difficult was it for you to play some of those harmony lines with John P? I’m sure Derek will attest that it can’t be too easy...

LTEKeys: As long as I had the chart I was cool. John memorizes everything incredibly!

Mthaam: Mike and John you keep mentioning Houston in this chat when are you coming here?

LTEPortnoy: WE always loved Houston, but for some reason the promoter and our booking agent couldn’t work it out.

Calvin 6S: Portnoy or Petrucci - Was the LTE Jam REALLY all improv - or were some ideas jammed earlier?

LTensionEx: All improv

NCMCKilroy: *** I’d like to thank all the guys for dropping in to chat with us tonight... It was a great time and we thank you all! ***