How did Mike end up being the drummer for John Petrucci’s band on the 2001 G3 tour?
MP: Well, um, my end of it came about just by John simply asking me to do it! (laughs) You know? John’s involvement came about by Joe (Satriani) and Steve Vai asking him to do it. It is that simple. Basically, John was offered the gig. He took it. And then John offered me the gig, and I took it. You know, I actually am very flattered that John asked me to do it, to be honest. Because, he could have very easily have gone out and done this on his own and not been willing to share the spotlight with any Dream Theater members. Like I said, I’m flattered and I admire the fact that he feels such a close connection with me musically, and personally, that he would not mind sharing the spotlight with me. And for me it was a really different role because I was really…almost like a hired gun on this thing. As soon as John asked me, I said “Look, if you want my opinion, if you want my input just ask for it.” But I said, “If you don’t ask for it, I’m not going to give it”. Because it’s not going to
