Portnoy Exits Dream Theater, Possible Future With A7X?
I am about to write something that I never thought I would have to write, based on something I never thought I would have to read, regarding something someone wrote, which he himself thought would never write. Ladies and gentlemen, the unthinkable has happened…
Mike Portnoy has left Dream Theater.
Yesterday, Wednesday September 9th, Mike Portnoy, drummer for Dream Theater, took to his official Facebook to announce his departure from DT after 25 years of rocking the stage with them. He based his decision on the fact that he realized he had more fun and chemistry playing with side projects (which includes Hail, Transatlantic, and yes, Avenged Sevenfold), than he has recently had with Dream Theater.
Portnoy helped A7X finish their album after the passing of The Rev, and has been traveling with them on their current Uproar Tour with Disturbed. Before he even announced he was leaving the band, he said his mind was full-time with Dream Theater and he would only be drumming for A7X until they found a new full-time drummer; he considered himself a rebound drummer. Whatever the future may hold of Mike and A7x, he will never be able to replace The Rev on drums, but he will be able to establish a new legacy with the band, if indeed he decides to drum for A7X. It seems he is looking for greener pastures, whatever the fact, I wish Mike and Dream Theater the best of luck.
Check out Dream Theater’s statement regarding the matter here.
Upon reading Mike’s Facebook post we immediately called A7X’s management firm and they say that there hasn’t been any official statement released yet. But when there is, we’ll get it to you first. Now, let us all close our eyes, get out our air drum sticks, and air drum away to ‘Overture 1928.’ Then, watch this tribute video for Mike, with music played on the worlds smallest piano and violin.
Vince
September 9, 2010 3:32 pm
Sweet! He’ll make a great addition to A7X if he chooses to.
Sergio | Phone-Op
September 9, 2010 4:19 pm
John Myung in jealous anger is rumored to want to replace the deceased Slipknot bassist after hearing about Portnoys departure….haha jk
angel
September 9, 2010 4:52 pm
wtf this video seems like this guy died ..it doesnt even show pics of him and DT………….he said it himself he has more fun in a7x
Eric
September 9, 2010 7:05 pm
As a 20 year fan and veteran of 25 DT concerts, I am also shocked. I am actually really excited for the next DT album now. I hope it is a Prog Epic from the minds of Petrucci-Myung-Rudess. Plus, James LaBrie’s newest solo album comes out a the the end of the month and it sounds great so far!
Guillermo | Phone-Op
September 9, 2010 7:36 pm
I last saw DT when they opened for Iron Maiden back in July in Phoenix, Bakersfield, and Concord (I’m a hardcore Iron Maiden Fan =) Up the Irons!). I liked their music but was never a fan, but I must say they really won me over at that show. It sucks that Portnoy is leaving DT.
Here’s hoping Portnoy and can bring a lot of the creativity and talent he had with DT to AX7 if he choses to join the band.
iggnasty
September 9, 2010 8:34 pm
Mike Portnoy has said “me leaving Dream Theater is like Hayley leaving Paramore”
iggnasty
September 9, 2010 8:35 pm
Portnoy just announced that his decision was made purely because John Myung stated “Portnoy can not drum in 4/4″
Mike Towers
September 9, 2010 8:37 pm
I heard that Mike Portnoy has made more money with A7x in the short period he’s been with them, than his whole DT career.
lyssa
September 9, 2010 9:17 pm
he’ll nvr replace da rev tho. im still rlly depressed about the rev’s early death
cmo
September 10, 2010 7:09 am
One of the best drummers ever….