Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater - Official Press Release

   Wednesday September 8th 2010
 
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 DT 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 DT'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 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.

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 & 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 DT 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 DT 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 DT 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 MP projects!)

Sadly...
Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,
MP

 
"Move on be brave, don't weep at my grave, because I am no longer here...
But please never let your memory of me disappear...."
--- The Spirit Carries On

I'm speechless...

"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." - Hedley Lamarr

holy crap...

Whatever you think is best for you, my man.

What??

In peaceful sedation I lay half awake
And all of the panic inside starts to fade

genuinely close to tears right now

After reading through it again, I don't blame you, Mike... do what you need to do

In peaceful sedation I lay half awake
And all of the panic inside starts to fade

This can't be happening...

Check out my instrumental band PROPHECY WITHIN: www.myspace.com/prophecywithin


Check out my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FreakLemming

As much as it closes a chapter of your life, it does the same for me....thank you Mike for everything

hmm, I looked to see if this was an old April Fools joke. 

Sadly, MP's dedication to the fans was a big part of what I loved about DT. 

Sorry it couldn't be worked out.

This news sucks.....looks like there will be ALOT of folk here on the forum saying 'I told you so' in the upcoming hours/days.

My initial reaction is shock, there's a little of me that's mad, there's alot of me that is already craving the next DT album just to see where the rest of the guys are going to take DT.

Unbelievable.....

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.....Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."                  Khalil Gibran

this wont do at all.........

good god im speechless

My Band - Valcata

Horsebox

Wha....

Verification of the truth of the words of the Book of Counted Shadows, if spoken by another, rather than read by the one who commands the boxes, can only be ensured by the use of a Confessor...

Oh my god...

A wise man once said,

"Eat my ass and balls"

I'm actually crying a bit!!!! :'(
That was so unexpected!!!

The headless lover of three...
an unspeakable affair...

this can't be true .. why :(

does this mean your doing Avenged Sevenfold full time now ?

I.. uh... wow... I feel SO stupid saying this, but I feel like someone I love has died. I'm not mad at MP at all. Hell, I think he was MORE than reasonable in what he wanted and needed because HE IS THE ENGINE behind this band in every way. 

Mike... whatever you do after this. Whatever it is, man... I will be there buying up everything. 

Oh wow this has hit me hard.

Not as hard as I'm sure it has hit Mike. 

We love you, Mike.

"... [L]et's continue that musical journey right now with 'Images and Wads'!" - James LaBrie: Score

WOW!!  did not see this coming.....

HEAVY METAL, KEEP THE FAITH, PRAY TO GOD
~Devin Townsend

Taffer


genuinely close to tears right now

http://www.liamgaughan.com/    lost the game?
Production / Performance / Tuition

does this mean no more ytsejam stuff? 


oh well.  My attempt at humor...

So you're gonna focus on Avenged Sevenfold now? I say them because the other bands mentioned are rare gems...


I'm really sorry for saying this but... really??

I can't imagine DT without you Mike.

I'm at a fuckin loss for words here.

I'm at loss for words right now. Later.

Maybe...

www.yourmajesty.net
www.musicwaves.fr

Wow.....stunned. Geuinely disapointed to hear this.

But all full marks to Mike for having the balls to control his destiny and make such a tough decision. I know feel extremely grateful at having the opportunity to see you perform with them.

Best of luck with everything in the future Mike - will support you 100% :)

Thanks for the note, Mike. You've always been there for your fans. Cheers, and here's to the next MP era!

if ever someone was irreplaceable in a band

My Band - Valcata

Horsebox

Oh my god. I...just...I...please let this be a joke. PLEASE.

EDIT: Please don't mistake me, I can't imagine a DT without MP. It's mostly shock. I'm positive you're doing what you feel is right. It's the end of an era man. 

I always knew this day would come but I didn't think it would be so soon...

I have no words....

9pc Tama Starclassic Performer DCF, Gibraltar rack and Sabian cymbals.

http://www.wi4x4.com

wow..just wow.

There is no doubt in my mind that DT (with Mike) will rise again

http://www.facebook.com/that1drummerguy: My DJ Page for my radio show
http://www.facebook.com/w3rdradio: The radio station Where I host my show.
http://joshrundquist.blogspot.com/ That Drummer Guy's Music Review

Not surprised.

http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2582396

http://www.last.fm/user/ouMD/

I'm completely shocked. Dream Theater is not Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy. I don't think they'll make it without him honestly. Maybe an album and tour and that's it.

Wow. This is the last thing I expected to see on this forum. Having read through your letter a few times, I can see that you've really tried to keep things together. I have been a fan of yours for over 15 years now, and will continue to support whatever you do. Thank you for 20+ years behind DT's drumkit, Mike. I wish you nothing but the best in the future.

Bill

The worst thing about censorship is *******.

Death once had a near Chuck Norris experience.

Wow. That's some heavy stuff.

This is like Geddy Lee leaving Rush.... The band is basically over with.. done. Never will be the same again... great, just great. About to become another Spock's Beard.. a shadow of it's former self.

Good luck to you man. I hope you find what you're looking for.......

I'm waiting for someone to tell me this is a joke... Please?

I tried to walk into Target, but I missed. Damn. - Mitch Hedberg

This is quite honestly the biggest shock I've ever received from the world of music.  What the fuck?!

Mike, this is horrible news, but you have to do what you have to do, so good luck for whatever you do in the future. I have a been a HUGE fan for only about 2 years. Im just hugely glad I saw you last year, and saw the percussive nation 09 in London. I guess my first show was my last. But good luck!

I first read this on Facebook and thought someone had hacked MP's account.  Interesting, to say the least.  Actually, this will make the next DT record the most anticipated.   I can completely understand the burnout factor.  Everyone needs a good a timeout once in a while.

"Whenever we do any of these commentaries, I realize how little we talk to each other in real life." JP on WDADRU commentary

What a heartbroken way to kick off the Jewish New Year. On one hand I understand, on the other I just can't see Dream Theater being Dream Theater without you.

Godspeed, live long and posper and all that good stuff.

www.shreddymercury.com

I... ummmm.....

... no, I got nothin'.

Thanks for a great run, Mike.  Good luck.

Good Luck,Mike!!!!
:)

Learning to live!

Oh my...

{o,o} |)__) -"-"- O RLY?

If this is for real I'm completely stunned & speechless.

Good on you, Mike.

Follow your heart.

I'm stunned.

No other words for it... Just completely stunned.

You gotta do what you gotta do though, Mikey. The heart will never lead you wrong.

Joe
In Canada, they have three gods. Number one is beer. Number two is Rush and number three is Wayne Gretzky. - Sebastian Bach

I'll get my comment in...

UGH!!!   


Should be interesting to see what DT does without a real spokesperson!  

Shameless self promo... My radio show:  www.moshpitradio.com   facebook.com/moshpitradio

Devastated, DT will never be the same. Will be hard to concentrate on my exam today after this

I would love to buy a Jumping Castle

This is really unexpected, and very upsetting. 

I remember a while ago someone (was it MP?) said that if someone left, DT wouldn't replace them and would break up. 

Worst.day.ever.

9.17.07 || Reaper || Blood Obsession

Wish I could say im suprised..  But im not..   Good luck Mike..  I know things are gonna continue to be awesome for you..

As far as DT is concerned, I cant say I blame the guys for carrying on.  But I liken this to Neal Morse leaving Spocks Beard..  The Beard has tried to carry on, but they are not even close to the same band that the once were.. The same will be true for DT minus MP.   And thats not a knock on the other guys..  Thats just the truth.

Even though im not surprised, it is still a sad day indeed..  RIP  DT..



Matt

To love someone is to know the song that is inside their heart, and sing it to them when they cannot remember how it starts..Izz-----R.I.P Dime--------Cheat to win! EG

Shit, shit, shit.  What a loss.  Mike, I know you'll keep active in music and I know you'll do great things - you can't do anything else.  I sincerely wish you the best and look forward to your creativity in the future.  

As for DT - well, everyone needs to do what they really feel in their hearts.  If they wish to go on without Mike, then God bless 'em and I wish them well too.

Damn .... just .... damn....

You can not be fucking serious.

Dream Theater just ended.

"He's such a perfectionist. Such a fucking monster musician."  - Geddy Lee on Neil Peart

Can't blame you, if you're not having fun or if you're having more fun with your personal projects go for it, i think it works the same for the other guys, if they're still having fun with DT can't blame them for not taking a break, anyway, thank you so much for DT and keep doing what you're doing, you're great at it :).

fuck. starting to hit me now.

http://www.liamgaughan.com/    lost the game?
Production / Performance / Tuition

I saw the facebook status before the forum post...and for a sec I thought all of DT was over. In my opinion, it might as well be... but it's really not my place to say.

Mike, you've been a huge inspiration to me ever since I discovered DT 2 years ago. My drumming has improved immensely since I started to learn and play your drum parts. You've been, without fail, my favorite drummer since then, and you will probably always be so. I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but I hope you'll take a little comfort in knowing that me, one small MP fan, has been touched by your beautiful songs and that I will continue to follow you til the terrible day you decide to stop performing live. Thank you for all that you've done for me (without even knowing!), and I'll see you at your next gig nearest me!

Your fan,

Scott Barber

What a sad Rosh Hashana for me :(
i'm completely shocked!
i wish you all the best Mike in the future Mike.

Always had the feeling Mike really did want to be a super star, and it appears the A7X gig is going to get him there.  I'd use the term "sell out", but I don't really blame him honestly.  DT has gotten an absolute ton of mileage out of their career...no way in hell it survives much longer, however.

Wow.  Speechless.

Rolling Stone loves the Lord almost as much as they love the Strokes. -Stephen Colbert
www.facebook.com/Solarisx1

...

I haven't had news hit so close to home like this in years man.  I started listening to DT when I was just a little kid and I'll be 23 soon.   Mike's been my inspiration as a drummer, and DT my all time favorite band for like over 10 years. 

This sucks really bad.  As much as I'd like everyone to reconsider this, you gotta do what's best for you.  I really didn't see this coming. 

I still respect the decision and continue to support both Mike and the band.   Things just won't be the same though.

nope

Wow Mike,

I guess you had to do what you had to do, and the rest of the guys well, it will interesting !

Good thing I started taking Zoloft today...

My Myspace

I really like Mike.In fact,I think he's GREAT.Those guys won't have ANY PROBLEM REPLACING him.

Sarcasm intended.
 
Special Thanks to G.White for the inspiration.

Please, tell me it's a fucking nightmare (no joke, i'm serious)
I'm really close to tears right now reading this .... oh god !

http://www.youtube.com/dtalex22            http://www.facebook.com/alexmetivierpage

Hahaha April Fools...

And I thought JM would always be the first to leave...

Both DT and MP will carry on and honestly I think that it's time for a change in DT.  The past few albums have become stale in my opinion.  I've been a fan since '95 and will continue to listen to DT on into the future.

Mike, do you have Devin Townsend's number??

I'm not insane - i'm just smarter than you

Stunned....absolutely stunned!!!
 
This is a very sad day indeed.
 
I think I might go cry now

wow.

If you would have told me this yesterday I would have laughed in your face. I'm stunned. My favorite drummer has left my favorite band......

Good luck Mike, I hope this works out for you and Dram Theater.

With every step and every breath it's farther from youth and closer to death and the things I've realized now beckon me to shut my eyes and I will grow to the age of maybe eighty years in such little time. "Where Am I Going"-Gino Vannelli.

and mike portnoy is dream theater. addimitidly are more skillful drumers than MP out there, but if one was to replace, it would be the same, and how would the rest of the band cope. playing without there old camel there.

Looks like I picked a bad day to stop drinking...


But seriously.  It does not surprise me that Mike needed a break.  IT SHOCKS me that the band would EVEN CONSIDER FOR A MOMENT continuing as Dream Theater without him.

I mean, do side projects for awhile.  Maybe even work together for awhile.  But to absolutely INSIST pushing forward without one of the three founding members?   I'm sorry, but that is absolutely wrong.

I could see ALL of the other four doing *something* together...but don't call it Dream Theater without Mike...seriously.

" Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world
Than the pride that divides when a colorful rag is unfurled" - Neil Peart
My Facebook page
I am a Voice123.com voice actor!

Just when DT are at the top of their game...

I have a few choice words, and some big assumptions about this whole thing, but it's not my place to open a can of worms.

Nothing else to say. Peace.

"We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free."
-Bill Hicks

Here in Italy it's 2.45 a.m. I'm hoping this is a nightmare.
I'm speechless. Close to tears. Because for me Dream Theater are the music in it's greatest level.

But I respect your choise.
You are my inspiration, as a drummer and as a man.

Just keeping rocking and drumming.

Mike, you're the emperor of the drums.

Bedo - Iacta Alea Est.

I can't believe this! I genuinely can't, some part of me is expecting that he'll post in a couple hours and tells us that it's a joke, or maybe his account was hacked or something (edit: just checked and it's on his twitter as well...).

To be honest though, a little part of me suspected a bit that this might happen. Looking at pics from his latest tweets, and everything from how he's been hanging with the A7X guys and the rest of the circus from the tour you could see that this is something new to him (totally different kind of tour from DT) and that he's been loving every minute of it. IMO this decision is kinda rushed, i'd have waited till after the tour to talk with the rest of DT, but MP knows better than any of us the specifics of the situation and his feelings. 

I really hope that whatever road you take makes you happier Mike, and i want to really thank you for all of what you've done with DT. You're the reason why i started playing drums, which led me to find my true passion and pursue a career in music. I'm sorry things didn't work out with the rest of DT, even though i kind of understand why they might not feel like waiting on you. Still, in my opinion, you were always the driving force behind DT.

Anyway, i'm absolutely shocked, sorry for the rambling. Good luck with whatever projects you pursue!

PS. I'm not that sorry that he's leaving DT because i really believe that he has already done all he could do with them including some incredible albums. I'm forever grateful for that. 

portnoy311


holy crap...

Whatever you think is best for you, my man.

Right on. 

I kind of figured this day would come, though.... 

Nonetheless, keep on doing what you do, Mike!

'Have you ever heard of Dream Theater?'
"Yeah man...they play a lot of notes" -Bryan Nichols, Jazz Pianist

Wow.  I am a DT fan since the first album but most of all I am an MP fan.  Through his music he has been a great inspiration and source of enjoyment for me for years.  I will follow him to any project or gig he goes to. 
Change is inevitable in life and it is not a bad thing.  I am excited to see what happens for us fans with the Man's future endeavors!

I believe that any girl that wants to wear a belly shirt should have to go through an application process.

Wow! I do agree with MP that DT needs a break. There have been too many side projects and too many distractions over the past ten years or so. I wish them all well and I hope they continue making music for years to come.

http://www.cyberrentals.com/rental/p120774