MIKE PORTNOY Quits DREAM THEATER

[chiefs1111]

Drummer Mike Portnoy of progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER has released the following statement:

"I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write.

"After 25 years, I have decided to leave DREAM THEATER... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

"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....

"After having had such amazing experiences playing with HAIL!, TRANSATLANTIC and AVENGED SEVENFOLD this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in DREAM THEATER.

"Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DREAM THEATER guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them... it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break.

"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 DREAM THEATER's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band.

"But I've come to the conclusion that the DREAM THEATER 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 DREAM THEATER spirit hungry and inspired.

"We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here and there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'...

"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.

"Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DREAM THEATER and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'... Sadly, I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with DREAM THEATER...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

"I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come... I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

"I'm sorry to all the disappointed DREAM THEATER fans around the world... I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work... I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)... but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within.

"You DREAM THEATER fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me.... (and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future Mike Portnoy projects!)"

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/bla...sitemID=145749

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Reaper16

**** that. Portnoy was the best musician in that band and you know it.

Actually, I think Petrucci is his equal. And Myung, as well. I stand by what I said. It will definitely not be the same. But does that automatically make them a cover band? **** no. That is a band with every musician a top performer at his craft.

I mean, Petrucci played the G3 tour and is commonly referred to by many as one of the top guitarists.

Rudess is a Juliart(sp?) grad.

That was not a knock on MP. He is definitely a one of a kind, amazing musician. And he will be sorely missed. But I think you guys are selling the other musicians short.

[Reaper16]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Actually, I think Petrucci is his equal. And Myung, as well. I stand by what I said. It will definitely not be the same. But does that automatically make them a cover band? **** no. That is a band with every musician a top performer at his craft.

I mean, Petrucci played the G3 tour and is commonly referred to by many as one of the top guitarists.

Rudess is a Juliart(sp?) grad.

Obviously they're all masters. I didn't intend to say otherwise. Portnoy seems the best to me. Petrucci might be the "worst" of the band to me, LaBrie excepting. Petrucci is completely replaceable as a player as he's all technique.

[midgetbolt]

Originally Posted by Lzen

WTF? No way. I mean, I love Portnoy and he's been a huge part of their sound for so long. But this in no way will diminish the sound of the band because every single one of them is just as dedicated to perfection.

The really noticeable differences, IMO, will be with things like lyrics, dvd production, etc. Those were the kind of things that a guy with OCD like Portnoy were made for. Of course, I say all this before even knowing who will replace him. That task sounds next to impossible but I have faith in those guys.

Still, I am very sad to see him go. WTF is he gonna do now? Go full time With Avenged Sevenfold?

Just told my son (another drummer) and he was pumped, saying "Does this mean he's gonna be playing with Avenged Sevenfold full time?"

As far as the sound of the band not changing, I respectfully disagree. Portnoy's drumming allows Rudess and Patrucci to play in the crazy, mega chops style that they do.

I don't know who in the hell out there can replace Portnoy, I don't think that person exists, unless they're going to try and get someone like Dave Weckl or Steve Smith (even at that, I can't see either one of those guys playing a monster kit in that kind of rocking style).

If DT keeps going, and replaces Portnoy with a rock drummer, his skill level is undoubtedly going to be lower, and that either limits the things the rest of the guys can do creatively, or at the very least, makes it sound shittier. The only guy I can think of that could come close would be Mike Terrana. Even at that, all the different drums, cymbals, stax, octobans, etc... that Portnoy plays, I just don't see anyone else stepping in there.

[Reaper16]

If Mike joins Avenged Sevenfold full-time then I will hate him forever. That band is so, so terrible.

[Buck]

Eh hem...

[DMAC]

At least this means no more rapping.

DAY AFTER DAY...AND NIGHT AFTER NIGHT...

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Reaper16

Obviously they're all masters. I didn't intend to say otherwise. Portnoy seems the best to me. Petrucci might be the "worst" of the band to me, LaBrie excepting. Petrucci is completely replaceable as a player as he's all technique.

Well, that's where you're dead wrong.

[Reaper16]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Well, that's where you're dead wrong.

Name 12 guitarists off the top of your head that can do what Petrucci does.

That didn't take long. Now, name 12 drummers off the top of your head that can do what Portnoy does.

That one's a lot harder.

[JD10367]

I have a hard and fast rule about bands: if the founders/songwriters leave, it's not the same band.

There is no Iron Maiden without Steve Harris and Dave Murray.

There is no KISS without Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

There is no Metallica without Hetfield, Hammett, and Ulrich.

There is no Rush without... well, all three of 'em, LOL.

Et cetera.

[Third Eye]

Originally Posted by JD10367

I have a hard and fast rule about bands: if the founders/songwriters leave, it's not the same band.

There is no Iron Maiden without Steve Harris and Dave Murray.

There is no KISS without Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

There is no Metallica without Hetfield, Hammett, and Ulrich.

There is no Rush without... well, all three of 'em, LOL.

Et cetera.

Alot of folks would have said there is no Metallica without Cliff Burton, if we're talking founders/songwriters.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Reaper16

Name 12 guitarists off the top of your head that can do what Petrucci does.

That didn't take long. Now, name 12 drummers off the top of your head that can do what Portnoy does.

That one's a lot harder.

I disagree with your logic. First, you did not name 12 guitarists. And even if you did, I doubt I would agree with them. But its obvious that people have given you enough compliments on here of the last few years that it has gone to your head. Apparently, your opinion is all that matters to you. So, I guess there is no point in continuing this discussion. So I'll leave it at this.

The one thing I forgot to add to my previous post is that the musicians in DT are perfectionists and pretty much all virtuosos. Yes, even LaBrie who is even, amazingly, trained in opera. But they are so much more than that. They are so much more than just guys who can solo all the time. It seems to me that when you listen to them, you are not listening to or hearing the same things that I am hearing.

Now I know Portnoy was a major driving force behind the band. My initial comment was not to downplay his departure. It was more meant to say that I think those other guys are great enough and professional enough to find a drummer that will "fit" DT. Yes, the sound will change some. That much is inevitable when a member leaves. But I don't agree with the assessment that the band will automatically be nothing or sound like a cover band as someone put it. If that was not meant as a joke, that was a moronic statement, IMO. To suggest that the only great member of this band was Portnoy is ridiculous, IMO.

And your comment about Petrucci tells me that you really aren't as knowledgeable about this band as you portray. Petrucci is a Hell of a lot more to this band than just a guitar player. IMO, you would have a tough time finding a guitarist that is as good a producer, songwriter, etc. as Petrucci.

I will give these guys a chance before I automatically assume the band is no more. Time will tell.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Third Eye

Alot of folks would have said there is no Metallica without Cliff Burton, if we're talking founders/songwriters.

And I always liked the Foo Fighters much better than Nirvana.

And as good as Creed was for a time, Scott Stapp leaving was actually a good thing. His solo album wasn't half bad and Alter Bridge is, IMO, a better band (despite it being the same basic band with a different singer).

Dave Mustaine leaving Metallica wasn't a bad thing, either. Turned out 2 great bands.

[DMAC]

Originally Posted by Third Eye

Alot of folks would have said there is no Metallica without Cliff Burton, if we're talking founders/songwriters.

And I do believe they were a different band once he was gone. ...AJFA was his album even though he was gone.

Then...commence suckage.

[alpha_omega]

Wow...i didn't realize they had been around for 25 years.

[talastan]

This news just killed my NFL season beginning buzz. Oh well thanks for all the inspiration and memories Mike! I'll still be a DT fan even after this but just the same as when Phil quit Genesis, this might hurt Dream Theater quite a bit. I'll be following whatever Mike continues to do no matter what. Next to Phil Collins he is the reason I play drums.