Originally published in DPRP.net · April 2004
James LaBrie interview (excerpts)
InterviewJames LaBrie2 min read
MARTIEN: James, first of all I would like to ask you a few questions regarding Dream Theater, as this is your “main job”, and then we’ll move on to the Frameshift album. How was the European “An Evening with Dream Theater” tour, which you just finished?
JAMES: The European Tour went absolutely fantastic. The crowds were huge and everyone I spoke with loved the shows.
MARTIEN: Best/worst gig?
JAMES: I can’t say there was any gig that was the best or worst. All the shows seemed to be right how we wanted them to happen.
MARTIEN: The new album “Train Of Thought” seems to have divided the critics (who cares??), but also the fans. Some really like it while others almost seem to “hate” it; what is your opinion about that?
JAMES: When you release and put out an album of this nature, where the immediate musical element that hits you is heavy, hard and relentlessly hitting, it is going to be controversial. Some are going to want to hear more of the inter-playing of elements; be they progressive, classical, jazz, etc. If you do take the time to sit with this album, you will hear most of the elements you have come to know Dream Theater for. The only difference is the elements that are there are very intense and powerful. Some might find the technical and complexity a little too much of an exercise but if you put it into perspective you will see that it made sense for the type of album that we wanted to make. We love it and obviously you are not going to win with everyone. That is the subjective reality of music.
MARTIEN: Is it your favourite DT album?
JAMES: My favourite DT albums are Images and Words and Scenes from a Memory. Make no mistake, I love this disc too.
MARTIEN: Again there was some criticism about your vocals. Does that still bother you, or do you think, hey, what the h…..?
JAMES: These people are pathetic and need to move on. I say get a life and maybe work on making your life a better one instead of thinking the answer lies in cutting someone else up to raise your miserable spirit.