So Basically The Winery Dogs Rock

The Winery Dogs features Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen. Basically, anything that Kotzen is involved in or with, I love. He's a great singer, guitar genius and so underrated. I wish more people knew of his talent.

I've heard a lot of fans of Portnoy (and old Dream Theater) are having trouble getting used to the simpler drum patterns of The Winery Dogs. The Winery Dogs are just a straight up rock band and I dig it. The world needs more stripped down rock n' roll without a million gimmicks. Do you agree?

Comments

[Red6ixx]

could go well as long as Portnoy,Sheehan keep Kotzen away from their wives

[GNR]

Good sound. Don't know why Portnoy lovers get their panties in such a bind when he's not banging out some 20 minute opus for Dream Theater (ok, that may be stretching it).

My exception may be Billy on Bass... not exactly a spring chicken to be starting a band with ? But yet so talented.

Other than that, Allyson is right the world needs more sound like this than some of that "new rock", "modern rock", "hard rock" crap that comes out today.

[GEO II]

Nope.

[Jack]

Good stuff, but would have loved to hear the band they were supposed to w/ John Sykes in place of Ritchie.

[Gary]

Wonder What ever happened with that Jack? I remember Sykes and Portnoy making the announcement on That Metal Show. My guess is Sykes backed out.

[bob]

Kotzen is a great guitarist, but I find his vocals kind of nasal and shrill at times. definitely would have preferred Sykes behind the mic. Either way, this is still a great band, and I love the guitar/bass interplay; similar to what Sheehan did with Steve Vai in DLR's band, and with Paul Gilbert in Mr. Big. Living close to wine country, I know what a winery dog is, but I'm not sure that the name would make sense to people who don't frequent wineries. for that reason, they maybe should have chosen a different name. and finally, dream theater fans are generally pretty pompous, so I'm not surprised that they're so up in arms that, heaven forbid, Porttttnoy isn't playing in 7/4 time on this record.

[Jack]

Gary, from what I've heard you are right on the money, Sykes dropped out of it. Sykes really seems like a guy who does whatever he can to avoid success (or at least fame); he's always right on the verge, then BAM he's gone.

[Him]

The suggestion has been that Sykes is far too relaxed, schedule-wise, to fit into what Portnoy and Sheehan wanted. Obviously, there might be more to the story than that. But that is the story.

And Sheehan is still one of the top three Scientologists making music today! No one can take that away from him. If that is what going Clear does for you, more power to him.

Glad to see three gifted musicians making music.

[Metalboy!]

Whoa!, HIM! I'll be sure to steer "CLEAR" of Sheehan on The Monsters of Rock Cruise when Winery Dogs are roaming the boat. Still, I'll be interested in seeing these overplayers finally playin' some REAL Rock & Roll.

It's refreshing to see these old dogs, who wasted decades of their lives playin' boring a*s Prog Rock, finally getting it right -- well, as close to right as they're capable, since none, including Kotzen, who, granted, did play more in a true Rock & Roll style than the other two a*s clowns when he was in Poison for five minutes and Arthur's Museum, while still in his teens.

Kotzen's solo stuff, however, isn't catchy and just all over the place, no matter how much he's masked it with Prog like overplayin' which makes it even worse. Still there's no taking away the fact that he is an incredible player. But remember, it's not how well you play, but what you play!

Okay, okay, I'll admit it: Sheehan ROCKED once, for 4 minutes and 45 seconds -- "Addicted To That Rush"... well, and of course, every time he played that live, too.

Hey, maybe you CAN teach an old DOG new tricks! Ouch!

[Him]

I first heard Sheehan on Talas's _High Speed on Ice_ (a ratty tape someone left lying around) and was hooked. Funny thing is, aside from his work with DLR after that, I hadn't been too interested.

He's gifted . . . and entitled to his personal beliefs. I just couldn't resist a wee jab. In person, I bet he is an engaging fellow.

[Metalboy!]

Yeah, we'll I got a bit of a problem with his personal beliefs. He's yet another victim of brainwashing through Scientology! How UNROCK!

[dj]

i could get into em they're [retty cool.