Liquid Tension Experiment

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Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental rock project consisting of Dream Theater members John Petrucci (guitar), Jordan Rudess (keyboard), and Mike Portnoy (drums), as well as progressive rock icon Tony Levin (bass, Chapman Stick) of King Crimson (though he has played with so many bands and artists in his lifetime that that association is more or less superfluous). The combo was formed as a side project to Dream Theater in 1998. Though some theorise that Rudess was asked to join the band largely because of the success of Liquid Tension Experiment, he had already declined a previous offer to join in 1994 and instead became a member of the Dixie Dregs. The band played fast, fusion-based pieces similar to those of Dream Theater, if somewhat more jazzy, and devoid of vocals.

Liquid Tension Experiment released two albums, Liquid Tension Experiment (1998) and Liquid Tension Experiment 2 (1999) on Magna Carta records. They also played a few live shows in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Mike Portnoy has stated in numerous interviews (and on his web site FAQ) that there will not be a third LTE album, as 3/4 of the band is in the current Dream Theater line-up. However, several songs and "riffs" have been incorporated into Dream Theater's live performances, such as the instrumental medley from Live at Budokan.

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