DREAM THEATER’s Collaboration with Desmond Child: A Unique Musical Experiment
Background of “You Not Me”
In 1997, DREAM THEATER embarked on an unusual musical journey by collaborating with renowned writer and producer Desmond Child. This partnership led to the creation of “You Not Me,” a track featured on their album “Falling Into Infinity.” Child, celebrated for his work on hits like “You Give Love A Bad Name” by BON JOVI and “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, was introduced to the band through their then-record label, East West. The label aimed to steer DREAM THEATER towards a more mainstream sound, prompting the reworking of a previously demoed song titled “You Or Me.”
John Petrucci Reflects on the Experience
In a recent interview with Gustavo Maiato and Mateus Ribeiro of Brazil’s Whiplash.net, guitarist John Petrucci shared insights into this unique collaboration. He noted, “I remember that we wrote the song [in its original form]. I think this was the first and the only time this ever happened.” Petrucci recounted the fun he had working with Child in his studio, emphasizing that it was a different experience for the band. “It was just something different,” he remarked, highlighting the novelty of the collaboration.
The Production of “You Not Me”
Produced by Kevin Shirley, who previously worked on AEROSMITH’s “Nine Lives,” “You Not Me” runs for just under five minutes and peaked at No. 40 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Petrucci described his time with Child in a Songfacts interview as “a fun experience,” noting that it was a departure from the band’s typical process of keeping songwriting internal. He appreciated Child’s expertise and influence in refining the song’s lyrics, calling the encounter a “cool experience.”
Mixed Reactions from the Band
While Petrucci viewed the collaboration positively, not all members shared the same sentiment. Drummer Mike Portnoy expressed his discontent with the experiment, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, the experiment failed and this will never happen again.” This divergence in perspective highlights the complexities of integrating external influences into a band known for its progressive metal roots.
DREAM THEATER’s Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, DREAM THEATER is set to continue their “An Evening With Dream Theater” tour in spring 2026, celebrating their latest album, “Parasomnia.” The tour will feature a complete performance of the album as well as the seven-movement masterpiece “A Change Of Seasons,” marking the first time since Portnoy’s return that the band will perform this piece live.
Recent Lineup Changes and Album Releases
On October 20, 2024, DREAM THEATER reunited with Portnoy for their first concert together in 14 years at the O2 Arena in London. Portnoy, a founding member, played a pivotal role in the band for two decades before his departure in 2010. He returned in October 2023, taking over from Mike Mangini, who had been with the band for five studio albums and extensive tours.
About “Parasomnia”
Released on February 7, 2025, via InsideOut Music, “Parasomnia” consists of eight songs spanning 71 minutes, recorded at DREAM THEATER’s DTHQ studio in Long Island, New York. The album, produced by John Petrucci and featuring artwork by Hugh Syme, follows the successful “A View From The Top Of The World,” which debuted in the top 10 of several Billboard charts. Notably, six tracks on “Parasomnia” exceed seven minutes, with the closing epic “The Shadow Man Incident” approaching 20 minutes.
The Origins of DREAM THEATER
DREAM THEATER’s history dates back to 1985 when Portnoy, Petrucci, and bassist John Myung formed the band originally known as MAJESTY after meeting at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston. They were later joined by vocalist James LaBrie in 1991 and keyboardist Jordan Rudess in 1999, solidifying the lineup that fans continue to celebrate today.
Conclusion
The collaboration between DREAM THEATER and Desmond Child remains a notable moment in the band’s history, showcasing their willingness to experiment with their sound. While the results may have sparked mixed opinions within the band, it ultimately highlights their commitment to creativity and growth. As they continue to evolve and tour, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this legendary progressive metal group.
FAQs
1. What was the goal of DREAM THEATER’s collaboration with Desmond Child?
The collaboration aimed to help DREAM THEATER adopt a more mainstream sound, leading to the reworking of the song “You Or Me” into “You Not Me.”
2. How did “You Not Me” perform on the charts?
“You Not Me” reached No. 40 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
3. When is DREAM THEATER’s upcoming tour scheduled?
DREAM THEATER’s “An Evening With Dream Theater” tour is set for spring 2026.
4. Who produced the album “Parasomnia”?
The album “Parasomnia” was produced by John Petrucci.
5. When did Mike Portnoy return to DREAM THEATER?
Mike Portnoy returned to DREAM THEATER in October 2023 after a 14-year hiatus.
