earachemyeye

Ok, I remember Vanilla Fudge. But to equate Vanilla Fudge with Dream Theater in respect to the association that the musicians have to the music that they have done is not apples to apples. Portnoy had spent many more years and albums with DT than Appice with Fudge and he sang and wrote lyrics to many of their songs. Did Appice do that? I'm under the impression that he was more of a drummer than anything else. When I think of Carmine Appice I'm more inclined to think of the other work he did with people like Jeff Beck ect. If I recall correctly, that is where he really made a name for himself. I could be wrong, I smoked alot of weed back then. Joe

Carmine Appice is one who has made a name for himself. Although he has never really had a "home" to speak of (can't think of one right now). By that I mean a group that his identity is an integral to like Neil Peart and Rush or Portnoy and Dream Theater. It will be pretty tough for Portnoy to better his years in Dream Theater. Especially if someone comes in and does his job with equal skill. Added: Restatements are due to slow typing skills. Joe

By deduction we should be able to establish what it is that these other bands have that DT is missing for Mike. 1- Easy grooves to play (for him) 2- More radio play 3- Easy to please fans 4- Youth 5- The opposite sex 6- Silly stage names Sounds like a "fun" move for sure but I think in the long run not the best move. I can't think of another "drummer for hire" who has left his point of reference where it amounted to anything greater than before. Even his name doesn't fit with avenge sevenfolds schtick. Maybe we can help him out with that. How about M. Portholetohell? No offense to anyone intended. My apologies to anyone who has been angered by my comments or actions. Except that lady in the McDonalds drive thru line this last week. YOU madam are an insane raging bitch. Joe

Ray and I are booked in at Suite Home Chicago. Looks like a real good place. We'll be staying Fri. and Sat. Thanks Dave! Joe

Can't wait! Joe

A no brainer, Im in. A firm date ASAP would help with scheduling gigs. Joe

That headstock shape is really bad. It looks like dead Toucan Sam. The V yes, this no.no.no. Joe

Jebus Beotch! Thats MY house! Knock it off! I'm negotiating with the bank motherf'er. Joe

I read that article too and thought of this post right away. How bizzare. Joe

I've met quite a few through the HFC Mpls. jams (thanks Bruce). All are cool people. It's redundant to list them but I feel privileged for having met them. BruceM BTMN JeffR Bloozguy Shredmeister Eric Weston BillW Robbie Hikarate Carfish7 JWhitcombe CheapChick Ctrixie gfc55 Butcher BadgerDave SirDan ScottM Duncans Lonote Doody Bubs42 JohnnyThunders MCchris Elduave I've probably forgotten a couple, no harm intended. Also, I never had the screen name SaveTheMatches. That was someone else. Aha! I forgot Belgian! Sorry Conrad. Joe

I just put a set of SIT strings on my Phantom Custom. +1 Joe

I think it's just a simple case of not liking to see a shitsack "win". Nothing wrong with that. Too bad it has to be him. I used to admire him for his talent and like some of us would have found some self affirmation if he was as cool as his guitar playing used to be. He's really become a pathetic figure. That's what's hard to take. EVH shoes now? I'm not surprised. He's been out of gas for a long time and the endless marketing of shit with his moniker on it (with the exception of fresh ideas expressed musically) and the recycling of his former career are proof of it. I suppose he has to pay the bills somehow though and I would do the same if I were him. I'd like to see the guy get it together but it's just not going to happen. I think he's just going to waste away. Joe

I'm always up for blues. I'll bring the harp. Joe

Jailbreak. Good suggestion. For the mellower crowd I also have in que Listen to Her Heart by Tom Petty and Best of My Love by the Eagles which would be a great tune for Jimmy Johnson to accompany on if there's interest. Joe

I should be good for the March dates. I need the practice. Joe

Count me in. Joe

Uh, I don't know. They sound too much like rock n roll to be real christians. Real christians listen to country and western music. Surely they are demon possesed. Don't listen to it or you'll go straight to hell with them. Joe

A moped driver.....it figures. Look for more of the same as people like this try to show everybody how smart they are saving money on gas. Too bad they didn't just run him over. Joe

Thankyou. Every now and then I feel like I could muster the energy to be in a band again. Then another story (or several at once) like this shows up and I realize it's not in me anymore to put up with other peoples shit like that. F*ck em and no regrets. I love the HFC jams though. No issues with anybody, no need to have any. Just pure fun. Joe

This is ridiculous. I'm out. Joe

Hoping for the best for ya DavidE. Joe

Happy Birthday! Joe

A few years back.

I'm still not jealous. Cheese has been good to him. Joe

Sorry to hear this Mindseyes. Prayers for you and your family. Joe