NEAL MORSE On MIKE PORTNOY: “He Is Like A Freight Train”
NEAL MORSE (SPOCK’S BEARD, TRANSATLANTIC, FLYING COLORS) will be performing in Greece on September 26th for a unique concert with ex-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy. Zisis Petkanas and Rock Overdose had the opportunity to speak with him for his long awaited appearance in Greece.
An excerpt from the chat below:
Rockoverdose.gr: You’ve been playing with Mike Portnoy and Randy George since 2003 or so. At the moment, I think there’s chemistry and a very close relationship between you guys. It’s very much like a family I guess. Can you tell us how it’s to work with them?
Neal: “Working with Mike has a lot of variation. It depends on the hour of the day. I’ve learned to not give him direction before 3 p.m. Seriously, he is not only an incredible drummer, but also a great producer, arranger, manager, and friend. So to answer your question, working with him is generally a really fun ride. Randy is very easy going in the studio generally speaking. He contributes quite a bit and has a plethora of musically ideas and talents. I’m very fortunate to work with such people.”
Rockoverdose.gr: Since Mike Portnoy departure of Dream Theater, has anything changed between Mike and you? Do you feel him less stressed?
Neal: “Mike does seem a bit less stressed in recent years, although I think our projects were always kind of a diversion for him anyway and he never seemed like he was particularly stressed to me. But he is and was like a freight train when he starts working and wants to keep the momentum going. Sometimes it’s like you just gotta get out of the way and watch him work and do his thing.”
To read the rest of the interview visit RockOverdose.gr.
Mascot Label Group has announced the Monday, October 14th release date of Flying Colors – Live In Europe on the Music Theories Recordings Label on Blu-ray, DVD, 2CD, limited edition 3LP vinyl and digital download (iTunes, Mastered for iTunes, Amazon MP3).
Flying Colors features Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (vocals, guitars), and Steve Morse (guitars).
The concert release captures the band live in Tilburg, Netherlands at 013 on September 20th, 2012. Directed and edited by Bernhard Baran (GUNS N’ ROSES, THE CURE, PORCUPINE TREE) with Bill Evans as executive producer, the concert presents the entire studio album, alongside popular favourites performed by the individual members of the band.
Live In Europe trailer:
The limited edition vinyl set includes 3 LPs on 180gr coloured vinyl, a LP sized booklet and an exclusive bonus track. The Blu-ray and DVD include stereo and 5.1 surround mixes. Every effort has been made to assure the highest audio quality: All Blu-ray audio being uncompressed, mastered for iTunes is prepared from a 96KHz/24-Bit master, and the vinyl edition spans 3 audiophile-grade LPs.
The vinyl edition can be exclusively pre-ordered here.
The Blu-ray and DVD includes the 45-minute documentary First Flight, featuring exclusive interviews with the band members, meet & greet footage and candid moments on the road captured backstage, in the dressing rooms, the band bus, and during tour rehearsals.
The Tilburg concert includes song performances of the following:
‘Blue Ocean’
‘Shoulda Coulda Woulda’
‘Love Is What I’m Waiting For’
‘Can’t Find A Way’
‘The Storm’
‘Odyssey’
‘Forever In A Daze’
‘Hallelujah’
‘Better Than Walking Away’
‘Kayla’
‘Fool In My Heart’
‘Spur of the Momen’
‘Repentance’
‘June’
‘All Falls Down’
‘Everything Changes’
‘Infinite Fire’
You may also like...
Prog Sphere Android App
You must be logged in to post a comment Login