Originally published in Dream Theater Forums.org · June 2009
David Prater disguised comments
Article3 min read
It is an absolute fact that the issue of Prater triggering the snare sample was never a problem for anyone from the band, record label or band management during the entire DT Atco demos/IAW recording process. I was there and I saw the whole thing from start to finish. Prater had produced, engineered and mixed 3 songs for Derek Oliver (Atco demos) using the exact same kick and snare sample. Furthermore, no one complained about anything until long after IAW was released. Remember, in 1991, there were no computers such as Pro-Tools, Logic or Cubase. These recordings took place at least 6 years before anything like that was possible. Today, if you want to use a drummer's natural drum sound you can do so in a drastically less problematic manner than with what Prater had to work with. Considering the record was made at all (much less sounding as good as it does) still blows my mind.
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Unfortunately, Prater's responses to Rich Wilson's questions are 100% accurate factually, however, MP's rebuttals are in almost all cases completely without merit. At times even wildly so. It seems each and every time MP is queried he spews so much venom and vitriol a mature reader has to question his objectivity. Why he is so bitter has us all completely flummoxed.
Remember this, I was an eyewitness. I swear Prater's the one in the right. For the last 17 years MP has abused his bully pulpit and has never been taken to task by an objective 3rd party. What is even more pathetic is that his vast legion of MP wannabes anxiously line up to gorge themselves on every delicious morsel drooling out of his mouth. The problem is, 99% of the time he isn't anywhere near telling the truth.
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As interesting as this all sounds, we'll need some real confirmation. Otherwise, it just sounds like you're trolling behind a disguise. Nothing personal, just these merciless attacks you're sending against MP seem like nothing short of troll activity.
Super Dude, thank you for illustrating my point.
As the one person (assistant engineer) in this conversation who was actually there and can truthfully attest to Prater's account, you take offense with my position yet refer to the support for your position in the plural ("We'll need some confirmation"). Are you on the DTF board of governor's? Do you represent the rank and file who support MP's uncorroborated accusations. I gave you my qualification. Call Chris Bubacz or Doug Oberkircher from Bear Tracks if you can find them. The place was dismantled years ago. They'll tell you the same thing.
As for merciless attacks, MP has done nothing but eviscerate Prater verbally for the last 17 years for what appears to be petty and childish offenses. For me, Prater was a righteous boss who always tipped lavishly and took care of me when I had to log ridiculous hours. We enjoyed countless wonderful dinners at BonGiovanni's and Mount Fuji in Suffern yet I never had to spend a single dime.
So, there you have it. I'm not trolling. I'm testifying. And you don't like it because you might just be wrong. I have watched from the sidelines for 17 years as guys perhaps like yourself have unloaded as many vicious attacks against Prater as your heart has desired. However, the one time someone has the balls to shut you down, he gets the same marginalizing tactics Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity use to denigrate their opponents.
Prater is a good guy and deserves better, but, he won't take up for himself. There are, however, some of us who know him that have had all of it that we can eat. MP has been childish and unfair. Those of you who enjoy this type of senseless drama need to look in the mirror at your life and ask how you have served others in a higher cause before you continue to assail Prater's good intentions. With his work on IAW and ACOS, all that Prater did was try and make records that would stand the test of time and perhaps in doing so help make DT et al rich beyond their wildest dreams.