A sad day for Dream Theater

[James C]

This was very sad news to me when I heard it, though it's understandable.
I guess it'll be "Only a Matter of Time" before they get a new drummer. Who knows maybe the new drummer will result with us having the "Best of Times". Still never will be the same without Portnoy.

 

[kneeoh]

Bummer man

 

[JoeDogInKC]

This is the press release that Rob (moderator for JLB.com) posted. Hasn't been posted on DT.net though

Press Release
To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with
profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike
Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has
decided to leave Dream Theater. 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.

While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other
ventures and challenges, we can assure you
that Dream Theater will continue to move forward
with the same intensity -- and in the same musical
tradition -- that you have all helped make so
successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.
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. "The Spirit
Carries On."

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike
the best on his musical journey. We have had a long
and meaningful career together. It is our true hope
that he finds all he is looking for, and that he
achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be
missed.

 

[paranoid70]

Yeah, this is tough news. I can't blame the DT guys for not wanting to take a break, nobody told him he had to tour with Transatlantic and AX7. (Transatlantic was awesome by the way). Hopefully both parties will continue to make great records.

 

[tommyindelaware]

gotta agree w/ ya 100%
they will be fine....

Its too bad since he was the founding member but as a drummer, he can be easily replaced.

He’ll be missed & I wish him well.

 

[morsecode]

Yeah, this is tough news. I can't blame the DT guys for not wanting to take a break, nobody told him he had to tour with Transatlantic and AX7. (Transatlantic was awesome by the way). Hopefully both parties will continue to make great records.

I couldn't agree with this more. I don't want to take anything away from Mike and his contributions...he's a monster drummer and a key member. But to ask the rest of the take a hiatus because he burned himself out is selfish and not fair to the other members who have committed their livelihoods to Dream Theater. Perhaps this is a blessing in the sense that it will give them new energy and a change. I felt the last few albums were a little more formula-driven and forced sounding if the makes any sense. I would also like to see how this impacts the contributions of John Myung and James in particular as I feel that their opinions were somewhat shunned down by Mike. I wish Mike the best but I am very much looking forward to what becomes of the new Dream Theater.

 

[MJM]

holy crap! I'm shocked

 

[slukather]

Shocking news for sure, there doesn't seem to be any bad blood between both parties, Mike wanted a break, which l can understand, the rest of the guys didn't, which l can also understand, maybe getting a new drummer can add a bit of fresh air in the band. Hopefully they don't get a Portnoy wannabe, god knows there's lots of those around, but there can only be one Portnoy.

 

[dwells]

my 2 cents worth: I actually think DT has out grown Portnoy!
musically the drumming hasnt really changed for years but musically JP JR JM have pushed them selves as musicians and they all still practice like mad!
so hopefully they get someone who at the top of there game i.e Virgil Donati etc i still love MP but musically hes drumming hasnt evolved from AWAKE

 

[the24thfret]

I don't care what anyone else says. Mike Portnoy IS Dream Theater. He contributed more than anyone else in every possible way.

 

[Big Poppa]

I had a long chat with JP tonight before the story broke. It's all high road....A band that has stayed intact this long needs congratulating.... they are still very excited to continue to make music and sincerely wish Mike nothing but the best.

 

[biggestmuff]

That's good to hear. I couldn't tell one way or the other with Mike's statement.

 

[kdj771]

i know its kinda hard to tell since his intentions kinda change throughout the statement. at first MP just says he wants a break, but then when he talks about the band wanting to continue, he makes it sound like a split.

Is this him wanting a break, but becoming a split due to everyone else, i can't tell and its worrying me, if its a break, he'll likely return in the future, but a split?!?!?!? i shudder to think...

any opinions anyone? BP, did anything JP said relate to this? Was it agreed upon as a break or a split?

 

[D.K.]

Well, I saw something like this coming in the last couple of years, however I could not imagine it would be Mike who leaves...

I'm sure MP is spot on with the need to take a rest - just confirms the feelings of many fans, mine included, how bland, one-sided, and "commercial" the last two albums sound in comparison to what was before...

Musically it can be a very good thing - more MP on other records/projects, and maybe finally a bit overthinking on other DT's guys side. And yeah, it would seem kinda inappropriate if "Dream Theater" would go on without Mike under the same name..

 

[B2D]

Its too bad since he was the founding member but as a drummer, he can be easily replaced.

It's easy to get another drummer. It WON'T be easy finding someone who can fill Mike's shoes and do justice to that position.

Holy Wow... didn't see that one coming. I'm glad to hear (from BP) that things are remaining optimistic, though.

 

[Bungo]

So, new drummer speculation?

I hope they get Phil Rudd in, that'd be a laugh!

 

[PaoloGilberto]

I think I will have a heart attack
although I'm not behaving never very emotionally , this news made me almost cry, like someone died
and from a certain point of view something for sure died, DT is no longer DT and will not be
ironically : after seeing them live last year in Budapest - Hungary (for the second time in my life) I've decided that from that moment I will join at least a show / year in Europe.
who would have thought that show would be the last with great Portnoy


I agree the idea that to honor Portnoy's contribution the band should not continue under the name Dream Theater , 'cause it's not DT anymore

 

[fbecir]

Well, Adrian Smith left Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden ... and when they came back it was the rebirth of Iron Maiden (Maiden during the 90's was embarrassing for old fans).
So I foresee a DT reunion tour for 2014 ...

 

[ScoobySteve]

I say, lets wait till the dust settles and move on from there.

 

[Andrew Whitmore]

I had a long chat with JP tonight before the story broke. It's all high road....A band that has stayed intact this long needs congratulating.... they are still very excited to continue to make music and sincerely wish Mike nothing but the best.

If you speak to John anytime soon, give him best wishes from all the guys here on the EBMM forum.





I'm sad and excited about this.