DREAM THEATER Bassist: 'We Want To Make A Great Record That We're Happy With'

DREAM THEATER bassist John Myung, who was recently honored with MusicRadar.com's "Greatest Bassist Of All Time" award (beating such legends as Paul McCartney, James Jamerson, John Entwhistle, and even some of his personal heroes, such as Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris),spoke to MusicRadar.com about his huge bass poll win, his relationship with fans and his practice routine and the future of DREAM THEATER without Mike Portnoy. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

MusicRadar.com: More so than any other member, you're bound to be impacted by a new drummer — after all, the rhythm section is the bedrock of a group. Are you excited to play with somebody new?

Myung: "I'd say we're all impacted, because we all interact with the rhythms. So this isn't going to affect me more than anybody else, really. Creatively, the DREAM THEATER process has always been extremely collaborative — there's always been plenty of input from everybody — so when working with somebody new, we're going to have to look for those common ground points that we have. A new member will be influential, no doubt. Hopefully, new directions will open up. I think it can be cool."

MusicRadar.com: It has been suggested that Mike may change his mind in a year or so, that he might want to rejoin. If so, would you welcome him back with open arms, or do you see this as a necessary, clean break?

Myung: "Anything is possible. But right now, the band is focused on finding a new member to get in the studio with. We want to make a great record that we're happy with and have a great next tour. That's what we do, and that's what we're looking at."

MusicRadar.com: The "Greatest Bassist Of All Time." That's quite an honor — and a stunning testament to the devotion of your fans. But how do you even respond to such a title? Is it all too overwhelming?

Myung: "It definitely an honor. I view it as a social endorsement that reflects on a lot of different things, from the band I'm in to the records we've put out to the basses I play. But it's quite an honor, absolutely, one which tells me I'm on the right path. My gratitude goes out to everyone who voted. But I, in no way, feel that it's true in the sense of the title of the award, because there's so many great players all over the world who contribute amazing music. So, even though I'm deeply flattered and appreciative, let's say that it's taken with a bit of objectivity."

MusicRadar.com: How do you feel about your relationship with your fans? Obviously, they hold you in high regard. Do you feel a sense of duty to please them, or do you feel that, as an artist, you have only yourself to answer to?

Myung: "You know, there's a lot of people reaching out to me, and when that happens, when you get the kind of positive reinforcement that I get, it's bound to make you feel good, and it's definitely going to push you to do your best. Moving forward, I think all I can do is put my instincts to work and do my best and hope that I'm on the same page as everyone else. The fact that there's an audience out there that accepts what I do is a huge source of stimulation, motivation and energy. I wouldn't be where I am without them. The audience is a big part of this whole thing. At the same time, yes, I have to be myself because that's how it all began. So what I do is, I take in the energy from the fans, but I have to give what I have inside me and push it outward — if that makes any sense." [laughs]

Read the entire interview from MusicRadar.com.