Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater - Official Press Release

Splinter76


I have to add two things: I'm praying for Mike's sobriety to stay strong while out with the party crew that's on the Uproar Tour. Not that he's not strong, but as a recovering addict... being around the stuff that had you bound is never easy.

Absolutely -  I was thinking the same thing.

Again, this sucks bad.  Perhaps you can always replace a drummer, but not a personality.  I do like the Avenged Sevenfold, and frankly, the only saving grace is that AX7 may continue to be great because of Mike.  I am, however, a Dream Theater fan, not a Mike Portnoy fan specifically (unlike most people on this forum, which makes sense since it bears his name).  I will not be following his millions of other side projects unless they amount to something amazing like AX7 or DT...the rest is just too wacko or bland to me.  So, I do wish him well, I also hope this is a brash/hasty decision made during some mid life crisis he's going through (it's the second time in DT history that he's wanted out, only he did it this time).  DT will suffer, but mostly because the "leader" is gone.  As for Mike himself, I hope the drink hasn't caused any part of this.

I'm completely floored....there are not enough words to express how bummed I am right now. Mike, I wish you well in whatever comes next. Dream Theater will NEVER be the same.

Also just wanted to add that I was just watching the Wither video yesterday and that made me so excited for a new DT album.
The DT album is still going to happen though a bit different.

Splinter76


Also - Holy Crap, please stop worshipping at the altar of John Myung's lyrics. They aren't that f%cking good!!!!!!!!!!

Agree to disagree.......they may not be Gospel..esk, but they generate much more thought and emotion than some of the more recent attempts...but that's neither here or there....
 
 
 
But I am right with you on the sobriety thing...I hope he remains strong.

Holy shit. I did not see that coming. At all.

I do have a couple things to say:

1. Bruce and Adrian left Maiden. Halford left Priest. People have returned after taking a break for a while. I am feeling 100% positive that this won't be forever unless some bad blood forms between the guys, which I at least can't see happening.

2. Way to go with your heart Mike. For real. You had to do what you had to do for yourself. You've given us so much musically, it'll be great to know that you're getting some YOU time even though you will be with other bands.

3. If/When DT and MP join forces again, it'll be madness!

spocks_brow


My sadness isn't about MP leaving (completely), but rather about the DT kingdom crumbling.
I wish nothing but the best for MP and his side projects, as I will still be following them with the same excitement (hell, that's good chance another Transatlantic album will happen soon).

My problem is that Dream Theater is my #1 favorite band of all time. #1.  Metallica owned the majority of my childhood, but when I discovered Dream Theater, I knew instantly that they would surpass any feelings I had about Metallica.  I cannot count the times a DT song has given me chills, excitement, tears, and the will to push my brain further than it had gone before.  Being a drummer, finding a drummer that good playing music that good with musicians that good was not only mind-blowing, but inspiring.  I've heard tons of other progressive and technical bands that try to sound like DT, but none come close to the absolute perfection of their songs.  The creative process that goes through their heads is just astounding.  
With Mike leaving, it feels like a leg has been kicked out from under the DT chair, and we're on top of it, sliding close to the edge, ready to fall off.
I didn't jump on the DT train until 2005, but they were still pretty unknown then.  Since then, I've watched them sell out Radio City Music Hall, play at MSG opening for Iron Maiden, and get a #9 album.  When you see your favorite band reach that level of success with selling out with all pop songs, it's great.  I honestly felt that the next DT album would reach #1 (especially with the A7X fanbase on board now).  I feel like without MP there, it won't ever happen now.  I know, I'm a firm believer in not giving a shit about what those charts say, but if any band deserves it, it's these guys.
Without Mike there, not only is there a creative void, but there's that style that won't be on the kit anymore.  MP has such a signature style that it will be obvious when he's gone (just like with people saying MP playing on Nightmare was good, but it just wasn't the same).  It's almost sickening to think of opening the booklet to the next DT album without seeing MP's name in there (much like it would be for any other member, including JR).  I'll never accept the facts when I see MP's name written on websites as "Mike Portnoy (A7X, Transatlantic, ex-Dream Theater).
There's no denying that MP has over-worked too much on Dream Theater.  YtseJam releases, Drum-cam DVDs for every studio and live album since 2002, doing hundreds of interviews every month.  Just of the thought of that gives me a headache.  Just knowing that he has worked that hard to give more to the fans is enough to make him my idol.  Hell, I've been telling MP for years now to take a break and stop spoiling the shit out of us and enjoy himself.  It's a shame DT couldn't agree to wait out a longer break, since I don't think the other guys are ready for the amount of interviews they will be offered from now on.


I'm not even sure if I have a message through all of this.  I'm seriously crushed right now.
Not only do I fear DT's next album being a flop, but if that reunion does happen, it just wont be the same anymore.  I just witnessed the best musical thing in my life turn sour, and I don't like it.

Once again Mike, if you're reading this through the flood of posts, thank you for EVERYTHING you have done for this group over the last 25 years.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Words cannot describe what this band means to me, and I'm sure you felt the same at times.  You always said you didn't like doing something unless it was a surprise for the fans.  I guess this is the last one.  
I won't go burning my DT shirts, I'll still be wearing them proudly.  

Good luck with everything Mike.  I know this sounds like a goodbye, but it clearly isn't since I'll still be following every side project like a dog, and I wont be leaving this forum.  It's just saying goodbye to the DT Mike that's the hardest part.

x1. This post exactly sums up what I think.

Something just occured to me. Pulled from another post here.

With DREAM THEATER:
 
Sat Aug 7th - Osaka, Japan - Summer Sonic Festival
 
Sun Aug 8th - Tokyo, Japan - Summer Sonic Festival


Are these the last 2 live dates to include the DT lineup as we know it? That's just incredibally sad to imagine.

Man, so much of DT's catalog is so personal to MP. Will they still play the AA songs? A Change of Seasons? So many questions.

Lets not kid ourselves here. MP left because A7X is more successful and more fun than DT. If he was too burnt out he would have decided not to do A7X's European tour and stay home and rest before DT started up again. He made his choice: A7X over DT. I'm not judging him, because I would likely do the same thing, but the other members have a right to be upset (whether they are or not). He said this is a temporary thing so help the A7X guys out, and it looks like it probably isn't like that at all. I'd be upset about that.

I can't believe it.... This feels so bad... i wish it didn't have to end like this


/sadness

Sad.

I will say two things...

1) Mike good luck to you on whatever lies ahead.

2) The last time I looked Dream Theater still has four AMAZING musicians so for the people saying "DT is dead", I personally wouldn't bet on it. I think this opens a new chapter in the Dream Theater saga and I am personally looking forward to it.

I am honestly shocked when I just found this out. Even though i'm in complete loss of words, I understand when MP left DT. But there is so many things that I just can't picture. I can't see DT releasing a record with him. Mike Portnoy was Dream Theater!!! Ultimately, it's his choice. I wish the best for him.

:(

Jeeze Mike right at the start of Rushashanah?
Ruined my whole night. I can't enjoy this :/

Mike, I can't say I'm very surprised given the events over the last year.
 
Thank you for everything.
 
Never say never!

3 letters...

W T F  ????????

peart=GOD


 I am feeling 100% positive that this won't be forever unless some bad blood forms between the guys, which I at least can't see happening.

Really?  Read the letter over again, carefully....it's painfully obvious that there is a tiff going on.  Like in a marriage, couples can fight and still love one another...but then divorces do happen.  I fear bad blood may occur, as a tiff was the catalyst.

Mike, your music and your work has inspired me for well over 10 years now - and although I feel like you leaving Dream Theater is like dealing with a death of a very closed loved one (hell, DT's music is practically my life everywhere I go), I know you have to do whats best for you.

You met me and my band at Montclair State's Modern Drummer Fest many years back - and you were probably the single most enthusiastic about others when it came to musicianship (you actually though we sounded pretty good lol) - in a practice room at McEachern Hall.

 You have personally touched everyones life here in this forum with your professionalism and your work ethic towards the progressive rock realm and we are behind you. It is really too bad that JP, JR, JM, and Labrie cannot come to some way to give you a hiatus - and as hard as this loss is musically to us, we wish you the best....and support you %100.

Unexpected... I wish you and DT the best.

it's funny.....

I always thought that DT was crazy....album world tour, album world tour, album world tour ect ect.....but then i thought, "yea, but look at MP?!, he does THAT + all the other side projects...i wonder when he's going to stop and run out of gas"....i guess it happened, in a way, still chugging along with other bands but still......

anyways, i DO NOT BLAME YOU AT ALL

and to any DT fan whose upset AT mike for leaving: your selfish, think how much MP has spoiled us by constantly touring, and making music for our favorite band....because DT was one of the first i ever called "my favorite band" all other bands i got into i got dissapointed with because they didnt release albums every year...so you know what, good for you mike, take time away from your "baby"

John Myung has commented:

...

First off, it's good to see some familiar names that hadn't posted in the forum in a while.  It's also unfortunate that the circumstance of their post has to do with a big fracture in the band.

It was brave of MP to come to this decision.  I wish him well in the future.  Add me to the list of folks interested in seeing if TA will be a bigger part of his music future.

I also wish everyone else in DT the best of luck.  Maybe this shakeup is the opportunity to challenge themselves artistically and prevail.  Everyone remaining in the band has to fill that void MP has left.  This may just be the opportunity to take DT to the next level.

On a personal note, my interest in the band has drifted further and further since ToT's release (been a fan since '93).  This may have been because things have just been getting too comfortable for everyone making the music.  That being said, I would also like to contradict myself by stating that the band as a unit is still stronger than the sum of its parts.  I really hope that the time apart will make everyone involved realize just how much they mean to each other.  I'd really like to think that this isn't the end.  One day, we will all be in celebration that MP will have that enthusiasm to join DT again.

I wish the best for everyone in DT (past and present).

I was just about to post this:

"Avenged Sevenfold is set to play in Oklahoma tonight. They hit the stage at 8:40 and Mike's post was 20 minutes prior. Wouldn't he be practicing or something? Also wouldn't he have left in a manor such as having a sit-down meeting with the rest of the band?"

Then I realized. Time zones.

And Jordan just tweeted the Press Release. What ho!

*accidental dumb post*

fuck my life
so fucking bummed out

A good statement posted by the band above!!!

Portnoy is a trending topic on Twitter. No doubt - the rush he gets from A7X just gets bigger.

Thank you for all the years in DT and all of the great music. I look forward to your future Endeavors!!!

I'll make my first post since February and say:   best of wishes to you Mike.  I'll definitely keep ears out for your future stuff.

From Jordan, just posted on Twitter"

Jcrudess
  
Hello Everyone! Big changes here in DT land.. I want you to know that we are excited and looking forward to continuing to make great music!

Do what you need to do to keep yourself sane.  Any disappointment I feel would be from pure selfishness.

The spirit carries on.

This is a sad day.

Thank you MP for the hard work you put into Dream Theater. I'm glad I watched a rock music show on public access channel 26 back in 2000 where they had a show on DT playing live in San Francisco. I was a fan right there,and I wish I knew who the band was back in 1993 that was playing this new song I heard called Another Day. To think of all the shows I could have seen added to the 8 times I've seen the band. You made the drums a lot more fun to play!

The Radio City 4/1/06 show will be one of my top 5 favorite concerts out of the many I've been to since 1982, and I don't think there will ever be a band I will fly across the country to see live ever again.

Best of luck to you.

Most importantly, say strong with your sobriety.  Please don't follow the rev's footsteps!

Very very sad news. I feel that the soul and the man that made Dream Theater something special is gone. I won't blame Avenged Sevenfold for this, I really want to think Mike left the band because he really wanted/needed to, and not because others convinced/pushed him to left the band he created and supported for 25 years. I's kind of ironic that Mike left the band when they are at their peak with a strong fanbase, and not when the situation was pretty hard back in the days when FII and SFAM were recorded.

The best of lucks to Mike and the rest of DT, I hope the breakup was in good terms. We've seen many times when a band/musician/artist is facing a difficult stage, and they know it's time to swim or sink, and I hope you and DT swim stronger than ever.

You and DT changed the way I hear music the day I heard Scenes From A Memory ten years ago. Thank you, thank you so much.

I'm really excited to see what will come after this.

Stay strong and keep on rockin'!

Sorry, But Mike blaming DT for the break-up is a little tacky

hpmcginny


if ever someone was irreplaceable in a band

No.  Mike was/is Mike (a musical giant, if you will), but I think DT can be a unit without him.  There's the DT 'machine' and then there's the DT sound.  Mike was a huge part of both, obviously, but he was very much a business-end 'whirlwind', and the band can deal with that, I think.  Sound-wise?  Sure, Mike's drumming is distinct; no one, I'd hope, would argue otherwise.  Still, I'd argue that it's James and JP (especially JP) that really makes their sound what it is.  Musically, OF COURSE Mike will be missed, but DT will certainly score a world-class replacement that will bring a whole new set of skills to the fold.  I think this band can go on and do further great things.  Don't sell them short. 

I'm not extremely heartbroken...I think that he will go on to do great things. To be honest, I can see him doing a solo album, pulling in some other big names from the industry to help contribute. All and all, no matter what Mike chooses to do, I will always support him. He has been the driving force behind my musical passions, and while Dream Theater over the past few years have fallen down the charts as my "favorite band", Mike Portnoy will always be my favorite drummer, no matter what. Thank you Mike for a great 25 years with Dream Theater, as well as your numerous side projects. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

This is your decision and your life Mike. I, along with many people, will continue to stand behind you and support you

Plus c'est la meme chose

I just can wish you the best things in wolrd, althoug, DT will loose the kind of groove and braindrilling rithm, they had.
Nevertheless it is your life, your decisions, your passion and job. So, if you want to play A7X-stuff, it's your task to do, because, you want do do it. We are in a weird way your slaves (Althoug, the trials of escape wouldn't end deadly ;)). You are the guy who have the power, and you decided, to examine a new time in your life.
I thought about the phrase"These were the best of times", but I think that's not the right quote for your situation. Atm, I don't know the right one, but I really hope, that you can find your way for the next episode of life. So just go on, do the things, you wanna do.

With the best wishes, Valentin Stoffels

PS: Sry@all, my english-skills aren't that kind of good, but it's definetly not my natvie language. So, in my word:
Alles Gute!, Mache das beste aus deinem Leben!