Duo was among the drummers who played for Mike Portnoy in the band; both see opportunity as positive and comment on any errors
Between the end of 2010 and early 2011, the Dream Theater He held a series of drummer auditions. The idea was to find a substitute for Mike Portnoyfounding member who had confirmed his departure from the group after more than two decades – and eventually returned to the post 13 years later.
Mike Mangini, Marco Minnemann, Peter Wilder, Virgil Donati, Derek Roddy, Thomas Lang and the Brazilian Achilles Priester Participated in the tests, which were filmed and transformed into a kind of reality show. The first mentioned got the vacancy and replaced Portnoy throughout the period of his absence.
In an interview with Rolling Stone BrazilLang and Priester remembered the auditions. Both the pair – about to complete a long battery tour across the country – and the others were already consolidated and worldwide musicians recognized for their skills when they received the invitation of the American band, the most popular of progressive metal. Still, they had to deal with any criticism for the videos of their auditions show small mistakes.
Thomas initially defined the experience as “very interesting and fun.” He explained the process as follows:
“We had to learn some songs and prepare. There was a part of improvisation, which I liked. I had very little time to prepare, because I was on tour with Paulina Rubio In South America. I remember sitting in hotel rooms and playing the songs in pillows, mattresses and such. But it was a lot of fun. Nothing but positive. Through hearing, we all probably had much more people watching us than before. So, in general, it had a very positive effect. ”
The Austrian drummer still played by presenting an idea: organizing a battery show in Brazil with everyone who failed to work, called “Drum Theater”with presenter Mike Portnoy. “Hey, Mike, if you come, I think it’s a good idea,” Lang said, followed by Priester’s observation: “Especially in Brazil, let’s play at least two nights with sold out tickets.”
The vision of errors
Remembering the period, Achilles Priester pointed out that a mistake made during a test is not definitive to miss the job opportunity – unlike many may think. The Brazilian also pointed out that the hearing did not end anyone’s career. On the contrary: everyone followed and had even more repercussion in their future initiatives.
In turn, Thomas Lang reflected on how the process of editing filming occurred to support the “narrative of choice.” That’s why the mistakes of other drummers that no Mike Mangini have gained more screen time.
“Virgil Donati is an amazing musician, a great friend of ours – we are all friends – and it seemed that he didn’t know what he was doing in hearing, because he had ideas to change parts, which wasn’t what they were looking for. But it was a little weird. ”
Priester pointed out that the display of errors was important, because “this is what happened.” He recalled:
“Many people tell me they were showing only their mistakes. And I say no, that’s what happened. When they sent me the video before releasing, they said that if I wanted changes, I could ask. And I said I wouldn’t change anything, because that’s real. ”
Achilles Priester, the right guy?
At another point in the conversation, Thomas Lang pointed to Achilles Priester as the right guy to enter Dream Theater. For him, the Brazilian fit perfectly into the style of musician wanted by the band.
“Honestly, I thought – and that’s my honest opinion – that Achilles would be the best for work. No, I’m not kidding. You [Aquiles] He is a fan of the band, knew everything and played with such strength, accuracy and attitude. I think Achilles should have gained this work. ”
Watch the full interview below.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
