Dream Theater - “Bridges in the Sky”

[@JaredPlane]

If you listen closely James' studio vocals (or other pre-recorded tracks) are playing in the background the whole way through the song, just at fairly low volumes (although there are some moments where they stick out rather obviously, like at 6:02, where James is clearly not singing at the end of the line). As others have already mentioned, the section from 6:38 - 7:02 is entirely pre-recorded with James lip-syncing throughout. My theory is the band (or simply James) wanted to give him a break for a moment so he can more comfortably sing the long, high note that immediately follows (Shaman take my hand). In general, I don't have a problem with live production effects (for lack of a better term) being used to make shows go more smoothly and be a more enjoyable experience for the fans - Petrucci lip-syncing his backing vocals, sampled LaBrie vocal harmonies from albums, even playing to a click track which they have been doing for years now. But lip-syncing lead vocals to this degree is frankly disgraceful. Just my two cents.

[@fernandohenriqueribeiro9337]

Yes, this is it. In 6:31 when he's singing in the "lip-sync pose" you can't really hear his voice, just the backing track. Then, in "Shaman take my hand" you hear his live voice again together with the backing track. To me, in this footage, he did not sing at all in 6:31 and all we can hear are the studio vocals, which absolutely is lip-sync.

[@MoeedKazi]

You are absolutely bang on. The other thing you notice is James vocals right from the start is a bit off key... and as soon as the part 6.38 kicks in, you hear it absolutely in key. Live vocals are always to a certain degree off key when compared to studio versions. It's not that he is not singing live, but in certain parts ... it's lip sync.

[@GamingDrummer89]

I don't agree with the "lip sync" assessment...if you listen carefully, you can hear some slight doubling of the vocals, particularly on "my life". It happens quickly but you can hear a weird cut-off effect happen on one of those vocal layers when he pulls the mic away (this can only be his live voice fading out suddenly since the track clearly continues after he pulls the mic away). There are even more nuances of this sort on the second supposed "lip sync" moment in this performance and on other videos of these performances where you can hear the same doubling going on. You wouldn't have any doubling, even of a subtle nature, if it was a lip sync.

[@fernandohenriqueribeiro9337]

@@GamingDrummer89 Then why double, though? Seriously, why would they keep his studio version vocals in the backing tracks, and why would LaBrie start singing so quietly in the same part of the song, of every show of the tour, that only the backing track is listenable? I don't get it. I honestly think they shouldn't have any backing tracks at all, maybe JP's or Portnoy's backings vocals are acceptable as backing tracks, but not LaBrie's.

[@GamingDrummer89]

@@fernandohenriqueribeiro9337 I'm not sure of the "why" of it, but my point is it wasn't a lip sync, just a doubling. That being said, I get not being a fan of the presence of the backing tracks...sometimes it sounds cool (especially if it's for harmony purposes), but other times I wish it was lower in the mix as it starts to sound like there's two lead singers.

[@joaorenatomendes2200]

one of the most underrated albums...

[@theravenskillrebelmilitia139]

Last tolerable DT album. Next one - one of the worst drum sounds of all time.

[@ConstantineM]

It's best album for me. There is actual music, not that prog synth bullshit

[@amo757]

I agree, love the music, but the album sounds like it was recorded underwater. I wonder if DT will ever remaster it?

[@JablesTheSpartan]

Damn James, I've never thought I'd ever see you sing in playback.

[@meshuggahman3225]

what part? backing vocal playback?

[@JablesTheSpartan]

@@meshuggahman3225 the parts at 6:39 and 9:31 , maybe to relax a little before the voice get high at the end of the choruses

[@sjdpfisvrj]

It's getting really sad at this point. That section was so egregious

[@meshuggahman3225]

@@JablesTheSpartan he stopped singing at 6:36.. and what your hear is pre recorded backing vocal.. thats not sing in playback.. watch again.. you can hear his " live again.." just when Rudess turns his keys facing the crowd.. the same at 9:31..

[@theravenskillrebelmilitia139]

I complained about John Petrucci pretending to sing backing vocals a couple years ago. Of course, the DT fanboys chimed in with their predictable, usual attacks against me, and now we see that the problem has gotten even worse. When are people ever going to admit I was right about this band?

[@ToMmEsTeA]

7:09😵‍💫

[@amalee7424]

Thank you so much for sharing this!!

[@politicspolitics4888]

So many Gods of Music in the comment section. 🙂

[@DannyMulligan]

Ok ya'll, he is not lipsyncing. The album vocals are playing softly in the background and he is clearly singing live over those vocals. That is not at all the same as lipsyncing. His mic is louder, he is actually singing, and you can hear it. It is pretty normal these days to have audio samples playing in the background of live performances, including backing vocals. I didn't listen close enough to check if the backing track has his lead vocals in, but if it does, that's not a big deal and not lip-syncing. Essentially, that is the same as having another singer on stage doubling the lead vocal line for the chorus, which is common in many forms of music and how it is done on albums when you want a bigger sound. Of course, it would be more authentic and better to have John, John, Jordan, and Mike singing beautifully in-tune background vocal harmonies with a doubled lead line, but that is not realistic. Let's appreciate this band for all they have given over almost 40 years. They are godly, but they are not gods. They can't be perfect. James is 60 years old and has been constantly belting A4 to F#5 (most tenors cannot even belt G4 without sounding forced) for 3-hour shows on 30 or 40-show tours for 30+ years. Give the man a freakin break.

[@diegomorales8616]

With lip sync: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rILdkn97qryXns0 (El Cajon) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rILdkn97qryXns0 (El Cajon) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5rYl4t9jdajnNU (West Valley City - audio) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5rYl4t9jdajnNU (West Valley City - audio) kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIfNYqilZq2Cr9k (Denver) kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIfNYqilZq2Cr9k (Denver) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYaxgoNme7Nmb8k (Milwaukee; 2nd best evidence) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYaxgoNme7Nmb8k (Milwaukee; the best evidence) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl7Go6iGpJKroKM (Detroit) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl7Go6iGpJKroKM (Detroit) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6eXXqGLaciKh9U (Akron) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6eXXqGLaciKh9U (Akron) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJi1kKFpnrlsa68 (Boston) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGSplKJ9mpucebM (Quebec City) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGSplKJ9mpucebM (Quebec City) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3ymZJ6FrreeZ7s (NYC) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3ymZJ6FrreeZ7s (NYC) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4DWY5tnrs9kg9k (Wallingford) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4DWY5tnrs9kg9k (Wallingford) Without: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqmzoYeJhq5_rLcsi=B-7LyLimm7JVtj0b&t=1380 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqmzoYeJhq5_rLcsi=-z518VQQrysm3rkK&t=1553

[@ChristopheMarle]

This is sad. It's very disappointng to see Labrie using playbacks live. I get it that he's older and that it's obviously very difficult to sing some of these notes, but I'd rather see him perform the song in a different vocal range that he can actually give his best to sing, than to see him lip-synching on stage. It's like they think their fanbase won't notice it LOL

[@theravenskillrebelmilitia139]

The current fans will excuse ANYTHING. Those with standards gave up no later than 5 years ago.

[@MarkRiches]

oh dear. 8:55 It's a shame to see he's lip syncing parts now. I've thought for years and years he can't seem to do it live anymore. I'm not even trying to insult him, that's just aging for you - and he used to have a hell of a voice. The weird thing, to me, is his on-stage rant denying he has ever lip synced in his life. Like, the evidence is right here bro. Why bring attention to it? I'd never have even seen this video if he didn't rant about it.

[@fernandodicarlo2524]

7:00 to 7:02 no doubt there was playback in background

[@fernandodicarlo2524]

People you have to understand LaBrie is in a very very difficult situation now. But that doesn’t mean he Is a bad singer, he never was. Simply his time is done, and leave the band to another singer Is not the same as sell your car

[@MiguelDaughters]

5:38 🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦 omg James!!

[@carlost711]

Diablos, me sangran los oidos viendo a James cantar así

[@terr4c0]

I'm come for the chorus playback

[@austin5732]

I could have handled breaking all illusions instead of this but oh well. Guess they did that one more recently. I need glass prison, lines in the sand, blind faith, panic attack for Christ sake!!! Be ballsy lol

[@dragosconstantinsoneriu7356]

they're not touring for you bruh, be glad they're touring xdddd

[@peteT269]

Mangini seems a bit off. He misses the monster fill at 4:50 or so.

[@efecan311]

I have been saying this for years now. Although he s a beast technically, the lack of energy and intensity that portnoy brought before pushed me away from DT for good. sad.

[@gianfrixmg]

He actually does a very fast fill between the toms and the octobans. It's just low in volume. You can hear it in other videos.

[@diegomorales8616]

6:58 "my life" doesn't sync.

[@meshuggahman3225]

doesnt sync to what?

[@chrisvanloenen1406]

@@meshuggahman3225 to the backing track

[@meshuggahman3225]

@@chrisvanloenen1406 so? backing track is just that.. backing track, then you sing on top of that..

[@chrisvanloenen1406]

@@meshuggahman3225 Yes, but he clearly wasn't singing along anymore at that point.

[@meshuggahman3225]

@@chrisvanloenen1406 why does he need to sing along with that part? if he has to sing the same part, he doesnt need the backing track..

[@AdhidaZ]

Best mike from Dream Theater..

[@MattORec]

Not lip sync, just an octave lower. Hear again

[@lht001300000]

Check the live few years back, he would say something like “sing it”, suppose the audience are invited to sing this chorus, it is fair to include a backing track as generally won’t expect audience to sing with just band playing. Quite unfortunately 6:02 James raised his hand but audience is not audible, so maybe that’s why James stop a bit and catch up. If he want to skip 6:30, why lip syncing, just point the mic to fans solves it all 😏 age is always an issue, just enjoy the show, it is one show less from now

[@alejandrorosales6937]

Dream theater 🎥 ✨ still rocks my world 🌎 😎 and I whant to see them again soon how ever with this virus out there I don't like this one the people have to what it off

[@jaspergillgannon4991]

Awesome! Do you have 6:00 perhaps? I have yet to see any footage of it from the two shows.

[@HalenShredder]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYPGZX-ugt95lbc Wasn't bad. Reminds me of his 2012 singing, with like 95% of the rasp taken out.

[@andresarmento7820]

Amazing

[@davidepannone6021]

Damn so many apologists in the comment section it's unbelievable.

[@Zneiero]

perfect nasally, off key.."HE DID GREAT!"

[@adityatitokristuaji]

Hey, what happen to the snare drum? Is it snare drum mic problem?

[@jaspergillgannon4991]

Yeah, I have no idea either. All the recordings I've seen/heard so far from the 3 shows all have that problem no matter where the filmer is located.

[@Diegosaurio]

what about it?

[@gfcapitani]

Ué, cadê o amplis?

[@nicolascano6732]

Public 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@estebanjustinelias9541]

At the end of the day James is knocking 60 and his voice isn’t what is used to be- if to savor it somewhat he uses some backing vocals why is that such a big deal? DTs Music is very challenging vocally, he is getting old and wants to the vocals to present as they should- why is that such a big deal? Rush also used pre-recorded Geddy backing vocals a lot.

[@bobtjitro16]

Well.. James' pre-recorded vocal shows that they're not getting younger.. and those who over criticize this band should think about that fact despite talking sh*t about it

[@notsure9137]

Why THAT part? What's so hard about that particular line that it has to be lip synched?

[@criquetbite]

We saw them back in 2019, it was good but LaBrie was a bit out of shape, and I was thinking is he drunk or something. His singing lacked dynamic, it was kind of flat. I guess we shouldn't expect studio level of vocals anymore. But then again, what do we expect. Many many artists run into the same issue. Is it better to fire the guy, like some bands have done, as soon as problems appear? do you add backing vocals? sing in a lower key? try to hit those notes and fail? there is no correct answer, they will get trashed anyway. I've seen lots of artists, especially when they had less people on stage, use loops, I'd hear synths and drums that were not on the stage, etc... is that ok or not? when do we draw the line? I remember The Cure's drummer being criticized for adding pre-recorded drums in some live tracks to "keep up with the original track". Sometimes they would be unfair because the pre-recorded stuff was adding stuff that was not there. Let's not react like those guys are employees that need to perform, and we are the bosses who will ask for them to be fired (from their own company). In any band, or group of people, there might be someone who isn't what they used to be anymore, or that uncle telling bad jokes or having bad breath. You can't excommunicate them because of that. You can't say you'll find a better uncle. You support them if they're in a bad place, you tell them to get their sh*t together if that's what they need. They did, at some point, make your life better, after all, you owe them.

[@linuxuser2142]

the only correct answer: sing in a lower fucking key! the music does not become worse just because you hit E4 instead of B4.

[@leemurray9091]

Dream LipSynker

[@danielzechim5552]

For god sake, lower the tune and be happy James... This sonds really bad as he clearly cannot reach the high notes.

[@lamborghinihuracan1222]

Cannot high note it's A4 vocal notes. The limited vocal ranges.

[@msalzge]

The same line at the ten minute mark is even worse. This is tough line to walk for aging rock stars who sing high parts. Rush is my most favorite band in the world and as far as I know, Geddy Lee never used vocal overdubs for the melody track (they used backing vocals all the time), but he sang live. And... well, if you watch anything they recorded from about 2008 on, you get one of the best three-piece bands in the world being fronted by a sixty year old voice. It was real, but at times it wasn't pretty. DT is an even harder problem as these vocals are big and powerful and really push this song along. Odds are if you handed James a mic with no backing tracks it would sound like karaoke. Personally I sympathize with James as he's just not physically able to do it anymore, unlike the rest of the band who appear to be able to continue. If he needs a crutch to keep going... isn't this better than no more DT tours?

[@Tdrummer888]

James LaBrie might as well retire at this point this is absolutely awful, and it’s my favorite all time DT song :(

[@edsoncosta9463]

The production is excellent... the performance is quite good, and James is singing well......however, I wonder why they are using playback in choruses...... there is no need in using playback..... I believe they committed a terrible mistake......

[@bigsnacks2350]

They need to use playback, it's the only way James will be able to hit those high notes at the end of the chorus, I have problem with it, James is just older now, doesn't have the same voice he used to

[@meshuggahman3225]

listen to the studio version.. there are layers of vocal in that part.. they need to use backing vocal to make a full sound.

[@edsoncosta9463]

@@meshuggahman3225 listen to the "Live at Luna Park" or "Chaos in Motion Tour"..... they didn't use pre-recording backing vocal or even playback ......

[@meshuggahman3225]

@@edsoncosta9463 LALP? listen again.. just before he goes " sing with me.." to the crowd.. exactly like this.. he didnt even sing the word " again..."

[@euledj79]

at first lipsync and then singing completely out of tune "shaman take my hand" over playback. What a shame😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lonelyrobot6777]

boring...

[@dragosconstantinsoneriu7356]

why tf are u here then

[@lonelyrobot6777]

@@dragosconstantinsoneriu7356 because they made Images and words in 1992

[@dragosconstantinsoneriu7356]

@@lonelyrobot6777 well its kinda been 30 years, they changed