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- Topics: Active | Unanswered
- Mikkamakka
- Rep: 217
Re: MIKE PORTNOY Quits DREAM THEATER
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!)"
This is a disaster. Dream Theater were great
- Mikkamakka
- Rep: 217
Re: MIKE PORTNOY Quits DREAM THEATER
He does have a good reason though. He was burnt out and as he said "needs to recharge the creative batteries" and well the last two or three DT albums have sounded, as Lars Ulrich would say, "stock".
Mike was right, the others were wrong, It's very sad that they continue without him, he was even more to DT than Bonham to Led Zep, as Portnoy was the leader in the band. The only hope is that they'll hire a non-metal drummer, and make different kind of music. Otherwise DT will be a joke.
Re: MIKE PORTNOY Quits DREAM THEATER
What... the... fuck.
I'm totally in shock right now. Portnoy is a big reason that Dream Theater is so good. And although DT has seemingly settled into "comfortable" with their last couple of releases, I still think they rule. 
Mike will be missed, but I am glad to see that DT will live on.
Re: MIKE PORTNOY Quits DREAM THEATER
What a shame, as far as integrity to your music goes, Mike and Dream Theater never conceded. Their entire back catalogue is approaching perfect.
The reason he gives is dodgy though. LaBrie has a solo album on the way so the band are going to have to take a break while he tours that.
Heart Broken either way.
But something tells me, they'll be back before too long
