MIDLAND – There are many sides to James LaBrie’s personality.

The Midland rock ’n’ roller has been the lead singer of metal band Dream Theater for decades, but he also has a deep appreciation for classical musicians, particularly Mozart and Bach.

He has toured the world and performed with big names like former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde. But his website lists one of his favourite actresses as Meg Ryan, the star of countless romantic comedies.

For LaBrie, nominated twice for a Grammy Award, there are many ways to be a good performer – and having varied interests is one of them.

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“If you’re one dimensional, that just limits you. How could you possibly be eclectic … if you just listened to metal?” he said. “It’s crucial to my development (to have different tastes).”

LaBrie, who has sold nearly 15 million albums in his career, will appear at the Midland Cultural Centre Jan. 14. He will be in the spotlight as a guest of the ongoing “A Day in the Life” conversation series.

LaBrie said he doubts there will be anything too scandalous revealed about his rock ’n’ roll history, other than Dream Theater’s original drummer leaving in 2010 in a less-than-amicable split.

A glance at his discography reveals the married father of two has hardly stopped putting out albums with Dream Theater, as a solo artist or as a guest artist on various records.

LaBrie, whose real first name is Kevin, has even sung on Queen tribute albums. He calls the late Freddie Mercury “one of the best showmen and naturally gifted vocalists of all time.”

A memorable performance for LaBrie happened in La Paz, Bolivia, which is about 3,700 metres above sea level. It is more difficult to breathe at that height and oxygen tanks were at the ready just in case, he said.