Mike Portnoy quits Dream Theater

[ytsejam]

http://www.nme.com/news/dream-theater/52915

Dream Theater founder member Mike Portnoy has announced he is quitting the band.

The drummer formed the group in 1985 with John Myung and John Petrucci and, though there have been various line-up changes, Portnoy is the first founder to leave the band.

Portnoy said that he wanted to take a break and was "hurt" when his bandmates refused and indicated that they would carry on without him, though he has said he will not "stand in their way".

"It is with profound sadness – regret – we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater," the band explained in a statement. "Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band."

They added: "Fans and friends: File this episode under 'Black Clouds and Silver Linings'. As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2010, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour... All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey."

Responding to his former bandmates, Portnoy issued his own statement explaining that he wanted a break.

"To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision…it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so," he admitted. "Dream Theater was always my baby…and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985… 24/7, 365… never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilities… But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out… and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

"Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather… I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be… While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!), I do not want to stand in their way, so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes."

My buddy just called me tonight on my lunch break with this news.
I am crushed.
Mike is one one of greatest drummers on Earth, playing with an insanely talented group of musicians with Dream Theater.
Such a force

So:

Thanks, Mike. Thanks for all of the hard work, awesome drumming, kick ass songwriting, dragging your ass all around the world on crazy long tours for us fans, and for being such a class act nice guy for those of us lucky enough to meet and chat with you. Most of all, thanks for being such a huge part of the band that made me demand more from the music I chose to listen to.


Tokyo 1992 (where my handle comes from)

 

[Homercidal]

Wow! Although I can't seem to get into all of their tunes, they certainly can JAM! Easily regarded as some of the most talented people in rock music today.

I can see how doing all of that work and touring can burn someone out. I hope he gets his break and starts another band, or some other project.

Petrucci is insane on guitar!

 

[WildGingerBrewing]

This sucks but it doesn't come as a surprise. When I saw DT with Maiden back in June he was not with them. I had heard that he was producing a Seven Dust album and that he intended to tour with them. Don't know if that's true or not but if it is it doesn't sound like he wanted a break very badly. DT is one of my all-time favorite bands. Seen them a few times and they never cease to amaze me with their talent. He will be missed!

 

[johnodon]

Sad to hear this as I am a huge Rush fan and Neil was Mike's main influence.

I'm sure he will do just fine though.

 

[Germelli1]

I just saw Avenged Sevenfold live in concert last week and Portnoy was drumming for them.

In case you didn't know, A7x's drummer died this winter. Mike Portnoy was his greatest idol so the band asked Mike is he would record a tribute album with them. Much to the band and their fans' surprise, Mike agreed to do it and to tour for a year with them.

He is an awesome drummer and an awesome guy. It was bittersweet seeing Avenged without The Rev, but seeing Mike live in concert filling in for my favorite band was simply amazing

 

[Gfei]

Wow that sucks. He is a phenomenal drummer.

 

[WildGingerBrewing]

Oops...my bad. Avenge Sevenfold is what I meant, not Seven Dust. I knew there was a "7" in it!

 

[Germelli1]

Oops...my bad. Avenge Sevenfold is what I meant, not Seven Dust. I knew there was a "7" in it!

Haha well the album is done, released (Nightmare, Avenged sevenfold) and they are touring it with Portnoy currently. He was SICK with a completely crystal clear set. The show was amazing.

If you are a fan of avenged dating back to their earlier days, you probably wouldn't like the album, but I am one of the few that have accepted the fact that bands can evolve so I absolutely love the album

 

[ytsejam]

The first time I saw Dream Theater live was May 13th, 1998.
The tenth time I saw them live was May 13th, 2008.

That last one was lucky on my part.
I live far away, just started new job, was broke.
Called my friend giving her my excuse why I couldn't make it, when she said she had +1 on guest list and aftershow from Rudess.
I called in sick from the Map Room.
Got to meet James and Jordan again (thanks again Jordan for the seat!), Charlie Benante from Anthrax was also there for a bit (to say hi to James I think)

 

[strat_thru_marshall]

Death is the first dancing turtle!

 

[thataintchicken]

Thing is, I have to say that this was bound to happen.
Dream theatre IS Mike's Band. His father helped name the band after a theater in Monterey, CA ( which I lived next to for a couple of years).

A7X is a group of YOUNG musicians. DT is not.
It's Musician Midlife crisis. He's living in the fastlane again -- just like when Images and Words was released.

The last time I saw DT it looked like they were just going through the motions.
The last album was boring. Capital B boring.

With Redemption getting stronger, and Fates Warning touring and working on new material -- I will not miss DT if they collapse.

Maybe a Dream Theatre without Mike Portnoy will be creative again -- Hell, maybe they might let Myung write some lyrics.

 

[thataintchicken]

If you are a fan of avenged dating back to their earlier days, you probably wouldn't like the album, but I am one of the few that have accepted the fact that bands can evolve so I absolutely love the album

I like the new album. Mike Portnoy added something to the sound that was missing. Whether or not the next album is progressive or just crapmetal, is still up in the air.