DREAM THEATER Singer Says Last Week's Drummer Auditions 'Were Phenomenal'

On October 26, vocalist James LaBrie of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER was interviewed by "Démentièllement Vôtre" on Québec City's CKRL 89.1 FM radio station. The interview has now been posted online at this location. It can also be streamed using the audio player below.

When asked about DREAM THEATER's current status following the recent departure of drummer and founding member Mike Portnoy, LaBrie said, "DREAM THEATER, we're communicating a lot to one another — John Petrucci [guitar], myself, Jordan Rudess [keyboards] and John Myung [bass] — we're staying in close contact with one another. Obviously we just did the drummer auditions last week in New York. So right now we're going to take our time and really be sure of the decision that we make, which is one of the most important decisions ever made within the band. So right now it's all about preparing for the future and making sure that the next chapter will be an exciting and really amazing ride. So that's what we're taking care of at this moment in time."

Regarding how the drummer auditions went, LaBrie said, "[The auditions] were phenomenal. I mean, it was something, obviously, unprecedented for this band, and it is for most bands, but it was just a really unique and very surreal experience for us. But I can't really comment on it any further than that other than that we're moving forward and everything is very positive. And that's about it. It's really touchy as to what we can really talk about in that area right now."

"Démentièllement Vôtre" interview with James LaBrie (audio):

In a recent interview with DJ JC Green of Metal Messiah Radio, LaBrie stated about which qualifications are desired in a potential new drummer for DREAM THEATER, "We are looking for the right chemistry, the right vibe, the right attitude, the right personality, the right look — somebody that we feel really will embellish upon what DREAM THEATER has stood for and what we plan on standing for in the future."

According to LaBrie, the caliber of candidates that were lined up to audition for DREAM THEATER was second to none. "There's seven drummers that [were scheduled to try out for the band], and out of those seven, we will definitely have our drummer," he said. "They're all world-class drummers. I can't tell you who — I'd love to tell you, but I can't. I can't divulge or disclose that information. Not at this point. It's too sensitive at this point."

"Démentièllement Vôtre" is a metal radio show on the oldest independant Francophone radio station in North America. The program has been airing since 2003 and can be heard every Friday night from 10 p.m. to midnight.