Five Days Gone

Don't know where the last week has gone. Actually, I've not been feeling the best - apparently the technical term is "rotavirus gastroenteritis". Messy is the word. But I do recommend it as a way of rapidly losing weight, as I've lost half a stone. Result! Apart from that, I've been doing my best to go through the ongoing contract negotiations without straying too far from the bathroom or my bed. But I'm feeling a tad better today, so I might venture out for a kebab later - though that might be a touch adventurous/ stupid. Maybe if I just go for "mild" chilli sauce instead of the usual "inferno" level of heat . . .

I see Dave Ling was lucky enough to attend the listening party in London for the new Rush album (http://www.daveling.co.uk/diary.htm ). Sounds like the oik from Kerrang! was on form. Really, that magazine died on its arse about fifteen years ago. Album sounds as though it could be a cracker. I did actually receive an invite to go down myself for the preview, but given I'm about 200 miles away and this week's little problem, decided against it. There might have been a few "Vapor Trails" . . .

Back In Time

Just as the book is being proof-read and edited, ready to be flung in the direction of the designers, I've managed to track down a couple more people who played pivotal roles in DT history. No, not Kevin Moore (even I've given up on that one) but people who were involved in signing DT to their first label. I've been trying to track them down for three years, and thanks to a chance encounter on Myspace with Long Island guitarist Rich Brymer who is in contact with 'em, I've finally hunted them down. So, it's back to the process of interviewing, transcribing and editing their accounts into the text. Which is great, as it makes the book just that little bit more complete. In fact, Kevin Moore aside, the only person I've now not tracked down is a guy from Florida called John Hendricks who worked with DT in the period before James LaBrie joined the band. So Johnnie boy, if you're out there and by some miracle are reading this, get in touch . . .

More Masterplan

In answer to a few questions, it is unlikely at this stage that the book will be distributed to the likes of Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Borders etc. Copies will be sold via my http://www.dreamtheaterbook.com website and the publishers http://www.rockcandyrecords.com also intend to sell it. I hope to do a pre-sale to ensure that the hardcore DT fans on all the forums get first shot at a copy. As for the wording of "Limited Edition", I will be granting rights to the publishers for them to produce a paperback version - which would just be the text without photos or CD. But there is no guarantee that they will take up the option . . .

== EDIT ==============

Received the following query:
"I was wondering how us europeans will be able to get our hands on the goods? Will we have to order it from the U.S., or can we hope for a seperate european shipping?"

The books will be distributed worldwide from the UK.

======================

The Masterplan

So here's the plan with the book. But don't send the boys round to give me a good kicking if any of this doesn't work out! The book is entitled 'Lifting Shadows - The Authorised Story Of Dream Theater'. The initial release is the 'Images And Words' limited edition. But what's so special about the limited edition I hear you cry? Well, it's basically TWO books. One called 'Words' containing the words (of which there are over 140,000 with all new interviews with the band) and the other called 'Images' which funnily enough, is full of photos, memorabilia, letters etc etc. These are held together in a slipcase and both printed on top drawer paper (apparently 130gsm art paper for those of you who understand these things. . .) In total the books are expected to contain around 600 pages, and the books weigh around 4.5 pounds (2kg). Now, here's the main attraction. Included as an awesome freebie in the book set is a free CD of Dream Theater music, compiled by the ever-generous and supportive Mike Portnoy, which includes a stack of previously unreleased tracks. I'll release the track listing nearer the time, but rest assured that Mike really has pulled out the stops on this one! Oh, and if things go to plan, the book's cover is being designed by Hugh Syme, and Mike has also graciously offered to write the foreword. Phew! I can't confirm a release date as yet or a retail price, but I'll update you all here as and when I know more . . .

Calling Y19

Made my way to the Manchester Apollo to last night to catch Journey. Steve Perry may not be with them any more, and their last vocalist Steve Augeri disappeared in a haze of a miming controversy (my lawyer tells me to insert the word "allegedly" here), but all of this mayhem has at least given Jeff Scott Soto a chance. Decent job he did too, though there was the passing thought as to how many of the 3000+ in attendance knew about the change. I thought I heard a distanct gasp of "Who the f***? when he came on stage. They were supported by the equally able Danny Vaughn, who despite looking like a slightly camp, mini-me version of Iggy Pop has a solid back-catalogue of solo and Tyketto/ Waysted albums to dig into. Anyway, once again it's time to shame a cretin! This time it's the woman who was sat in seat Y19 in the lower stalls. Thanks for talking all the way through the set about your fascinating life, which judging by the level of conversation, consists solely of watching "World's Most Amazing Lobotomy Videos", "Tricia", and the cartoon channel. I just don't get it. But then like a lot of things, I find myself asking the question "Is is just me?" regularly these days. It usually is too . . .

Jerry Garcia's Ghost

So, today became the nominated review-writing day. I must have been a bad bastard in a previous life. No really. I have the dubious joy of reviewing The Moody Blues, Supertramp and The Grateful Bloody Dead. What can you say about any of these? Apart from the fact that they won't make the transition from my desk to my CD collection. There are only fifteen other words for "bland" in the Thesaurus. Just as I thought things couldn't get any worse, as I was cheerily demolishing the Grateful Dead album, the power went off. For an hour. Clearly there must have been a light drizzle within 10 miles of an electricity pylon. And of course, when it came back on again the Word document on my PC had vanished into the ether. I reckon it was Jerry Garcia returning from the dead and taking a beardy, tie-dye revenge for my dissing of his legacy. It's still a dreadful album. If this page disappears or the server goes down for a few days, you know who to blame . . .

Elks Blood

I'm disappointed to find out that Jagermeister doesn't actually contain Elks blood. It would have explained why my mouth tasted like a deers bottom this morning, as I staggered out of bed grunting and looking like Mr Burns. At least there are a few benefits. Never again will I utter the words "Let's start the evening off with a few shots of Jagermeister." It screws with your legs that stuff - at least that's my excuse, as I spent the rest of last night walking around like Douglas Bader with a severe woodworm infestation.

Of course, the end result is that today has been wiped out, with my good intentions of firing off a few Classic Rock reviews exchanged for a few packets of "Resolve". I might try and get hold of Paul McKenna to see if he can hypnotise me so that in future, whenever I try to order a Jager at the bar, I actually ask for a half of Top Deck Shandy with a lemonade top . . .

£1 = $1.95861

Well, the contract has finally been honed to perfection at my end - I just need the publishers to read it and agree with it. Here's hoping as I really would lick my finger and shove it into a live mains socket if I ever have to look at that document again. Once that is signed off, I will finally reveal all about the book. This has been far too long a process, and I can only thank everyone for their patience as I know there are a few of you at least who want to buy this book. What I will say is that I really hope you think it's been worth the wait. My only real concern is the awful £/$ exhange rate (well, if you're American) and the fact that this set of books (there's a titbit for you) weigh about the same as a dead cow. Consequently, this might add a fair few dollars on for postage and packing (it'll be sent from the UK), plus the set won't exactly be bargain basement pricing - due to the design, quality and "extras". So, I'm trying to figure out a way we might be able to distribute directly in the US. Plus the other aspect is that this book will be mainly sold online (at http://www.dreamtheaterbook.com and http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk) and not necessarily sent to the likes of Amazon, and you certainly won't find a copy in Barnes and Noble. So that's something else for me to worry about . . .