John Petrucci chat

Obviously you’ve all heard the news of Mike’s departure from Dream Theater by now. I felt it important to open up a line of communication in an effort to kill any rumors and to promote clarity. I love Mike and really hope he’s happy and successful in whatever he does. I realize that Mike was always the one to actively stay in touch with our fans, and I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to try to be at least a bit more present on both mine and DT’s websites and to let you all know that I am here. To me, Dream Theater’s story is one of defying the odds, standing for true integrity in music and creating our own success through perseverance and hard work, so although Mike’s leaving is heartbreaking, I still look forward to an amazing musical journey that continues on with some of the most talented and respected musicians and composers on the planet!
-JP

Do you have anyone as of right now to fill MP’s spot as a drummer?

No, not yet. This all went down yesterday.

Wow. So was this out of the blue for you guys too or have you been weighing the options over the past while?

Shocking. No one ever anticipated Mike leaving. I love him and personally think it’s a mistake but he’s his own man.

Did you guys even for a second consider ending the band upon hearing Mike’s decision?

Not for a micro second. 25 year careers don’t grow on trees!

I’m going to be very greedy and ask if musical differences played a factor in the parting with Mike?

Not at all.

Seeing as DT always bounce back when they have something to prove(Scenes & Images), has this changed got you pumped for the new album?

I’m absolutely pumped for the next album! I was before the news and still am. I love DT and love writing and recording new music more than anything. I love the challenge of trying to top yourself each time.

Has the band been in serious talks about what comes next, or are you all kinda giving it a moment to sink in before any concrete plans?

Our plans for 2011 haven’t changed.

Regarding drummers, are you going to try and find a player that you already know personally?

That’s not a prerequisite.

Do you know if you guys will write the new album in the studio or write most of it beforehand?

Both

If Mike chose to return in the future, would the band be okay with it?

I would love to have the chance to play with Mike again.

Did John Myung say something when he found out?

John has a lot to say and contribute

You probably have no idea since it’s so early, but how are the setlists gonna work out? MP always made them, and took the time to see what songs hadn’t been played in a while in each state.

We will take great care in making the setlists

How do you think the band will fill the other roles that Mike played? At least from the fans perspective it appeared Mike did a great deal of the bands management, not just drumming.

We have a manager that has always handled the band’s affairs. Mike was excellent at promoting the band and making public appearances as well as communicating with our fans. We will have to step it up to match all he did.

How do you think this will effect the writing of future (or at least this upcoming) records? Do you think you guys are still going to enter the studio on a blank slate and go from there?

Our method of writing won’t change. It’s hard to say.

I was wondering if the revolving setlists for the shows would remain? I know MP kept track of that stuff and i was wondering if that was going to change. Now that MP is gone are you guys producing the album yourself or are you thinking about hiring an outside producer? And What about Ytsejam Records? Will that continue or go away.

We haven’t decided.

Last question, I promise. Do you foresee a stylistic change with the forthcoming album? Many fans are speculating that Mike had a large role to play in the recent shift towards a more modern metal sound.

It’s not predetermined. It happens organically when we write together. I’d rather not speculate because I’ve always had a passion for playing heavy music. We’ll have to see what happens in the studio.

Without going into too many details, how did the Mike tell you he was finished?

He was a gentleman.

Are you intimidated at all going into writing a new album without mikes creative input?

No. There is nothing I enjoy more than writing and recording. I’m really looking forward to it.

Hey John are you working on a new solo album??. Do you have an estimated date of release?

Yes, it’s mostly written and yet to be recorded. Coming soon details to follow.

Sorry guys I have to stop at page 13. I will try to answer the rest of your questions tomorrow. Goodnight and thanks for all the love and support.

Peace,
JP

What will be the fate of ytsejam record? Is this the end of the official bootlegs for DT or any plans for running the similar thing?

That should not be affected.

What are you going to be looking for in your new drummer? Is it likely he'll have a different style to Mike's, as to give DT a sort of new creative angle?

A monster who can handle the technical, groove, metal and sensitive sides of our music.

Do you think this will give the other guys in the band more creative input? IE James writing more melodies, JM writing more lyrics.I guess to some outsiders it seems like Mike kind of held them back a little, just my observation.

Everyone in DT contributes as much or as little as they choose.

Off topic, but do you still own/play your old Ibanez guitars?

I still own the originals but don't play them anymore.

What DT album and/or song do you feel has the best tone? How are you planning to evolve your tone onto the next album(s)?

Obviously tone is so important to me and so subjective as well. That's a difficult question...I love the tone on "Scenes..." as well as "Black Clouds..." and "Suspended..." It just evolves as the guitars and amps do but at the end of the day, I believe it's all in the hands.

Are you going to try to get a drummer before you start writing/recording? Or write the record first and then bring someone in? Are you looking for a permanent member or a temporary member/revolving door type thing?

To me it doesn't matter if someone is in place or not as far as composing is concerned. We are not looking to do anything "interim" or "temporary"

This is very early stages, but do you think that you may have to take on the responsibilty of being the sole producer for the next album? Do you think that you and MP will work together in the future?

I love producing but it could be nice to get a fresh perspective as well. Not sure yet. I would love to play with Mike again, of course.

Which modern drummers you look up to that you think would fit with your band? Or, just which modern drummers you look up to?

There is so much amazing drum talent out there!

Do you prefer African or Domestic honeybees for a metronome?

Clover honey bees from Madagascar.

Just curious, what music have you been into lately?

My head is buried deep in my solo material!

I know you've talked about it in the past, but are you any closer to possibly making an album with STEVE MORSE some day?

Would love to but not any closer.

Would you consider doing a mini tour playing smaller venues in support of the new album? Maybe playing some DT or LTE instrumentals along with your solo stuff?

I would be into playing larger venues!

Aside from musical interaction, are you still going to be good friends with Mike?

Yes it did. Mike and I are friends.

In regards to the future of Dream Theater, I am wondering if you and the rest of the band would be in support of John Myung contributing lyrics again. Though there is already so much to be excited about in regard to DT's future, I think everyone would be excited to hear something from the man who seldom speaks.

Unsure about JM's lyrics. He hasn't expressed anything.