Rod in Toronto

Received the promo copy of the album today. Will listen to it later!

I know the Hogarth output can sometimes be perceived as...lacking in testosterone, for lack of a better term. But repeated listens will yield amazing results.

How come there's no official Marillion thread? And why were they so hated by Rush audiences in the 80's? I prefer the Fish era, but the Hogarth output does have a few gems. Their new album comes out in a few days, and here's one of the singles from it, which they already debuted live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcDFIKncAMA

I'm here! Just not posting all that much anymore. And I'm still doing interviews with musicians! I did one with Steve Rothery of Marillion today! Rod, did you know your profile picture hasn't been showing for a while? I did not!

I'm listening now. It's mastered very LOUD! Who's the drummer now? His sound is a bit dead. Mikkey Dee!!!!

I'm here! Just not posting all that much anymore. And I'm still doing interviews with musicians! I did one with Steve Rothery of Marillion today!

I saw them live in 2017, with Megadeth opening. They played a medley of 70's songs, and Motorhead's Overkill. It was a great show!

Ian is on Facebook.

Here's my interview with their guitar player:

Nobody sounds like them.

My review of the new album: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/voivod-synchro-anarchy/

The setlist would have improved significantly if they dropped a song off the new album and added Glass Prison, and dropped Count of Tuscany and added Octavarium.

Hahaha! Yes my brother. I will spending money on stuff on Sunday. Funny to note, on March 3 I'm driving down to Anaheim to see the last Ghost show of this leg. Sorry to hear that. Ghost sucks!!! Just kidding man, enjoy it!

I hope their show in Toronto is confirmed - they're scheduled to play here on March 03rd, and haven't cancelled (knock on wood) yet. If this concert happens, it will be the first international act I'll see in over 2 years. I'll probably spend a week's worth of salary in merchandise!

The new tour started last night, and this was the setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/dream-theater/2022/mesa-arts-center-mesa-az-3388c8cd.html What are your thoughts? I think MInistry and Tuscany together are overkill, but I do like those songs. I hope the show here in Toronto on March 03rd actually happens!

Thank you! I had 5 or 6 more questions, but he elaborated A LOT in his replies. One of the things I didn't ask is what was his recollection of the late 70's when apparently the rise of punk meant the death of prog. I was only 4 at the time, but recently I've been reading that prog was a victim of its own excesses. I wanted to hear his thoughts on that, but it would have been another 15-minute reply! :D

I would love to know your thoughts on this interview.

I have a handful of pairs.

Proudly sharing here my interview with Ian:

And did you watch my interview?

Yeah, he was happy to talk. Actually, when we reach the 25 minute mark more or less, I asked him "how much time do we have left?". And he said "well, I talked a lot, and I know you probably have a million questions you didn't ask, so fire away". And we stayed a bit longer than we were allowed. He and Satriani were VERY cool in the interviews. And the one I did with Eric Gales is coming out this week as well. He was amazing.

Thanks man! I kind of developed a formula for these interviews, and pretty much can come up with about 20 questions for the artists on the night before the interview. But I think you can tell I was a bit nervous when talking to Vai, and loosened up as the interview went along.

Funny you should say that. I love both, and career-wise, I prefer Vai. But when it comes to their new albums, Satriani's is miles better. Both are good though.

Another topic with a shameless plug by yours truly... I love Steve Vai, and got the chance to interview him to promote his new album "Inviolate", which comes out this Friday. Check it out, and please comment on the video!

He also did a cameo on Moneyball, playing the USA National Anthem: