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This Sucks

MIKE PORTNOY LEAVES DREAM THEATER!!

 Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 8:49pm by

Our inboxes are currently blowing up with this link, a lengthy post on Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy’s personal Facebook page, in which the DT mastermind / genius / orchestrator / everythingman announces he is leaving the band. Yes, you read that correctly; Mike Portnoy — the heart and soul of DT — is leaving the legendary band he helped create.

As best I can tell the post was indeed written by Portnoy; it certainly reads like him, and the Facebook profile it was posted from has 185,993 likes which would seem to indicate it’s actually his profile. And, yep, there we go; Roadrunner Records’ publicist just responded to our email seeking confirmation. Ladies and gentlemen, Mike Portnoy has officially left the building.

As for an actual analysis of what this news means to me — and to you, my fellow Dream Theater superfan — my mind is so fucking boggled right now that I think I’m gonna hafta take a day or so to think about and digest it. So, without further ado, Mike Portnoy’s Dream Theater departure letter:

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

Thanks to MS reader Luke P for being the first one to dial this unfortunate news in to us.

-VN

Tags: , , , , ,
  • KMFCM

    harsh

    • Rick

      A list of drummers qualified to replace Portnoy (in no specific order):
      -Matt Halpern
      -Travis Orbin
      -Thomas Haake
      -Bobby Jarzombek
      -Gavin Harrison
      -Danny Carey
      -Neil Peart
      -Gene Hoglan
      -Richard Christy
      -Van Williams
      -Misha “The Electric Light Bulb” Mansoor programming Toontrack Superior Drummer 2.0 (No joke, he programs drums very well.)
      -Morgan Agren
      -Thomas Lang

      But lets be realistic, probably none of these people will do it. Although I would really like to see Matt Halpern kick the shit out of all Portnoy’s drum parts and make them way better.

      • Rick

        By qualified I mean they are legitimately better than Portnoy. Don’t get me wrong, Portnoy has been my favorite drummer for a while and his material is all really fun to play and easy to listen to, but he uses one style of fill basically, and lets face it, with all the shit he has on his kit he’s not really that creative.

      • david

        dont forget joey shity ass jordison

        • Nebur

          Joey?? lol
          Maybe Virgil Donati.

  • http://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/ Alkahest

    the fuck…

  • Ryan

    That’s fucking bullshit. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  • The Impaler

    I must ask, who will replace?

    The who has the talent, the drive, and..the talent?

    OH GOD, WHY???

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sanskar-Wagley/1376400331 Sanskar Wagley

      Neil Peart

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

        right, cause he’d leave Rush.

      • smankad

        Lars Ulrich

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Filipe-Marques-Freitas/1151971518 Filipe Marques Freitas

          What the hell? You think Lars Ulrich can play the intro to honor thy father? In his dreams!

          • Igottawocket

            Pretty sure he’s kidding… at least I hope.

        • vagoo

          I second Ulrich…. haha

          • J-Rod

            How about that crazy dude from the ZZ cover band that got all the hype a coupla months back. He said he used to play some proggy stuff?!

        • Don

          Lars Ulrich???? LMAO that has to be a joke. He is TERRIBLE. The only reason it doesnt show so much is because the rest of Metallica is too amaing.

    • Ørsaeth

      Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Gabriel-Maldonado-Valentn/563540886 Gabriel Maldonado Valentín

        Bobby Jarzombek.

        • J-Rod

          That’s a great call from a guy with today’s most pretentious name!

    • Dirtman73

      That guy from Pelican.

      • Poopenshaft

        ^ rofl +1

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steven-Stamopoulos/575083326 Steven Stamopoulos

          keith moon.

          • I don’t hate metal

            sick

          • J-Rod

            That is not a great call from the guy with today’s funniest name!

          • Don

            too bad he’s dead….retard

      • http://raiseyerfists.wordpress.com raiseyerfists

        Aaaahaha this made me laugh

      • Sandy Duncan’s Glass Eye

        1

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jonathan-Delarosa/569469815 Jonathan Delarosa

      Meg White.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Beni-Merl/1164798840 Beni Merl

        haha best comment ever :)

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Uberto-Zacarias/639519178 Uberto Zacarias

        wat

      • cougar party

        Meg White couldn’t drum in a drum circle without fucking it up.

    • Me, I guess

      Chris Adler.

    • Greg

      Programmus, the drum machine.

    • Spanky

      A Spinal Tap drummer

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Austin-Pearl-Nutter/1418565949 Austin Pearl Nutter

        Toontrack Superior Drummer 2.0.

        • Slaughterhouse

          Haha….fucking hilarious

    • johnnyrio

      Sean Reinert, Richard Christy, Gene Hoglan? Just to name a few who could do the job easily and then some.

  • Jack

    Oh well, Dream Theater hasn’t been good since Images and Words.

    • Chainsaw Majini

      Agreed.

    • http://www.myspace.com/thestarsthrewdowntheirspears Tim

      This.

      They totally need to get Virgil Donati to replace him.

      • http://www.mikeintroini.net/blog Mike

        No one can replace Mike Portnoy.

        • troilio

          virgil donati can…

          • Dingas McCloud

            he has a sweet lisp but yes, he’d be good for dt

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Filipe-Marques-Freitas/1151971518 Filipe Marques Freitas

      you must be an insane person to say that.

      • aimjb yemchaos

        mike is irreplaceable…

    • Isaac

      I thought Metropolis Pt. 2, Octavarium and that one double album with the one forty minute song on the second disc whose name I can’t remember right now.

      • Isaac

        were good. Wow, didn’t even finish my sentence there.

        • cob

          haha I’ve done that so many times

  • HARRYDICKERSON

    So the other band members wouldn’t let him take a break, so they just said leave for good?
    Seems kinda shitty of them IMO, especially when you consider their history together.

    • Deaner

      Agreed. I would think a break would be good for them. Maybe recharge the creative energy – they most certainly need that imo.

    • cob

      Well, the band is sceduled to record this January. I agree that it’s kinda shitty of them, given their history and their RELIANCE on MP. But also, asking for a break at this point – just before they go in to record – does merit refusal in my mind. Imagine you’re in your “Brutality 101″ class and you have a group presentation that you were given two weeks to do (the subject of the presentation: Smashing Things). Then the guy who did a significant portion of the work: the powerpoints, part of the script, the photography, part of the research, etc. Then, the night before(the Dress rehearsal), he decides he wants a break from you guys. I know I would say No, we’ll just get someone else. Relative time leaves DT in a similar situation. I don’t blame MP for following his heart. I think it’s just the timing that caused this result. I still support both Mike and the Band until they stop putting out music that I love! Good luck to all of them!

      • headhumper

        I totally agree with your theory, but “Brutality 101″ … really?

  • Dave D

    Dibs on calling that he joins Avenged Sevenfold now

    • chainchomp

      i second, third, fourth, and fifth this.

    • paganheart

      Unless the dude is having a major midlife crisis and wants to be 25 again, I don’t see him joining A7X permanently. The impression I got from his post is that the guy didn’t realize how burned out he was on Dream Theater until he took some time to play in other projects, and decided that he needed a break to recharge his creative batteries (and the last couple of Dream Theater albums have sounded less than inspired, IMHO.) I’ll predict that Mike Portnoy disappears for a little while after the A7X tour is over, then pops up all over the place as sort of a mercenary, drummer-for-hire in a number of different projects.

      Of course there’s always another side to the story, and I’m sure we’ll hear his ex-banmates’ take on the situation soon enough. This could all turn out to be just a colossal clash of egos, with the two sides burying the hatchet and getting back together in a few years, (see: Dave Ellefson rejoining Megadeth) especially if the wallets are getting a little thin…wouldn’t be the first time.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Filipe-Marques-Freitas/1151971518 Filipe Marques Freitas

        Playin’ music for money is not a mercenary action, it’s what musicians have to do to survive. You can be sure that whatever bands you like, even if they say that it is, their only preoccupation is not only to be true to their music, but to make records that sell and songs that their fans will like.

      • http://www.twistedcritic.wordpress.com Chris

        Agreed – he sounds fantastic on the new A7X, and it was a blast seeing him play with them in concert, but he really doesn’t belong in that band permanently. I have a feeling his convo with the other guys in DT probably went something like this:
        DT: Hey so uh, when you get back from tour let’s get our new record finished mmkay?
        Portnoy: Listen guys, I’m feeling a little burnt out. How bout we take a longer break this time, and come back when we’re all recharged?
        DT: Dude, you’re the one recording and touring with a shitload of other bands , while we’re sitting on our asses not getting paid.
        Portnoy: I’m not stopping you from playing with other people. And playing with other bands is what made me realize that our last couple of albums kinda choked on balls, and that maybe we should wait till we have something really good to record and release.
        DT: Fuck you
        Portnoy: Fuck you! I’m out.
        DT: Okay then. We’ll just hire that ridiculous guy from the youtube video covering ZZ Top.

        Seriously though, I’ll be surprised if he’s NOT back in DT within the next 5 years, after the other guys come to their senses. Portnoy (with help from Petrucci) practically ran that whole show.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Edwards/699094358 Matt Edwards

          DT + The ADHD drummer.

          I’d pay to see it.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Glenn-Pillsbury/641369365 Glenn Pillsbury

          1

        • josleviathan

          jajajaja holy shit!! this was fun, and nearly real at the sametime…

          And yeah, it would be fun to be 25 again with those shithead emos…skyiin and havin’ bbq…

          Damn, DT won’t be the same…

      • cougar party

        I bet he at least does a full year tour with A7X in support of the new album. Long Term? I don’t think he’s going to stay.

      • Slaughterhouse

        He has always has side projects though. I can name 5 off the top of my head. So I don’t get that line of him realizing his feelings about Dream Theater from playing in other bands

    • Igottawocket

      If he joins A7X what a waste of talent…

      • Poopenshaft

        ^ this

      • cob

        I disagree, I think he’s a strong influence on them, he could turn the group into something good, if they take him seriously.

      • Someone.

        Dude, I don’t care what you say about Avenged, but they have some fucking talent. Listen to Dear God then to God Hates Us(Yes, I know, Ironic), but do you know any other artist that can play a Country Ballad then go to a metal sound and make both sound good?Drivill

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Allan-Petteruto/52800678 Allan Petteruto

    Devastating news. But seriously, who the fuck do they get to replace Mike Portnoy?

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Filipe-Marques-Freitas/1151971518 Filipe Marques Freitas

      It’s what i wrote in my comment on the mp face book page: the other members must have not thought this through. Mike portnoy can’t be replaced, almost no one plays like him, and his style (correct me if i’m wrong) can’t definately be copied. I mean, who the hell is gonna play his drumset? I’m really pissed, this is the saddest i felt this year, no kidding.

      • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCp3b0ev7Cw aaron m.

        how about a drum machine?

        • aimjb yemchaos

          can a drum machine jokes around and have fun like what mike did in his show with dt…?

    • KVig1967

      Kinda like if Neil Peart had left Rush 15 yrs ago. with 2-4 albums left in them.

    • Chris

      Mike Mangini! If someone should take over MP’s part in DT, it has to be Mike Mangini! He’s in the MP league and a killer drummer…

  • Huthaifa Al-Rawi

    that’s very sad news…I refuse to believe it still
    DT is my favorite band of all times, and that’s just terrible AND WRONG!
    I’m glad I made it to Columbus 2 months ago for their headlining show where I got to meet him and the band….I hope he gets back to DT ASAP !

  • Johnny

    I want to cry

  • Tim

    WTF this is bull shit fuck that shitty band ax7

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bobby-Fiction-Atkins/1595844986 Bobby Fiction Atkins

      mike didn’t have the heart in the music anymore THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS, and this is what happens when you’re band feels the need to control you’re life i’m sure you’d do the same if you wanted to have more time with your family(take a break)

      • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCp3b0ev7Cw aaron m.

        oh no. he knows avenged sevenfold had nothing to do with this. they just suck.

        • Lulu B

          Okay, whether Avenged Sevenfold ‘suck’ or not is only an opinion, and it’s completely irrelivant to why he left DT!

          And you know, I thought that The Rev’s style of drumming couldnt be replicated, but Mike did a FANTASTIC job of it! Even though you say there will be no one to replace him, they *will* find someone with the technical ability <3 xo

      • cob

        Agreed. This decision was made by Mike Portnoy because he felt too… on. He just burned out his DT engine. 25 years in Mike Portnoy’s shoes… most people wouldn’t even be able to do it.

  • Chris

    Thank God i got to see them with maiden and was so looking forward to the new dream theater cd but now theyre nothing without him he was the band

    …..Good news for A7X tho

    • Slaughterhouse

      They all make the band. The only one they could replace is Labrie

      • cob

        2

  • Katia

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
    Fuck a7x

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bobby-Fiction-Atkins/1595844986 Bobby Fiction Atkins

      mike didn’t have the heart in the music anymore THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS, and this is what happens when you’re band feels the need to control you’re life i’m sure you’d do the same if you wanted to have more time with your family(take a break)

      • Igottawocket

        It’s your, not you’re. Just for future reference when you post fifty of the same post.

  • Triton

    How can they continue without him? This is so wrong, so dirty, so strange. How can it happen? Why would the others even try? I just don’t understand…

  • el fucko

    Avenged Sevensuck

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bobby-Fiction-Atkins/1595844986 Bobby Fiction Atkins

      yea because you’re totally the better musician, THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS, this is what happens when you’re band feels the need to control you’re life i’m sure you’d do the same if you wanted to have more time with your family(take a break)

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Will-Morley/618112437 Will Morley

        Lol it’s pretty lame that you have defended Avenged Sevenfold against like three posts on here. Are you being paid by Avenged Sevenfold?

        • Beauzaque

          And that he copy/pasted the same post to defend them with. I guess A7X fans like to be as dull and repetitive as the band they love.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jason-John-Crispen/100000169530540 Jason John Crispen

      avenged sevenfold are fucking awful. when i heard portnoy would be doing the drums for the new record i told my buddy that he’d have the drums recorded in an afternoon. and sure enough, he was done after a weekend.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Maslan/1533220621 Joe Maslan

    Danny Carey from Tool should fill in since they never tour anyway!

    • paganheart

      Not a bad idea, not a bad idea at all.

      If Cynic hadn’t gotten back together (and I’m certainly glad they did, especially since I suspect the future if Dream Theater is not a bright one) I would have suggested Sean Reinert as well.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Maslan/1533220621 Joe Maslan

        He’d be great too, but I’d much rather have new Cynic then new Dream Theater.

    • Johannes

      Only one drummer i can think of could replace Portnoy. Morgan Agren.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu2NjCvjnl4

    • msv81

      NO!!!! Horrible idea. Tool is in the midst of writing a new album which Danny is an integral part of. He need not waste his time with an inferior band. Yes, there, I said it.

      TOOL > Dream Theater (and every other band ever)

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Austin-Pearl-Nutter/1418565949 Austin Pearl Nutter

        I second that, Tool is the end all, be all of artistic achievement.

        • >_>

          Tool is thinking mans music

          I am not fond of thinking mans music, I would much prefer music that actually sounds appealing.

          *gets out fire extinguisher*

      • cob

        I respectfully and SINCERELY disagree. I can hardly stand to listen to most of what Tool records. I agree with the post aout tool being thinnking man’s music. THINKING IS NOT METAL!! =D

  • Jake

    I just have to wonder whether this will make A7X any better, or whether whatever Portnoy brings to the table will be overshadowed but shitty guitar work and horrible vocals

    • TheRevsDisciple

      ok you know what you fuckstick. Avenged sevenfold is an honestly amazing band. They must be to attract a drummer such as MP to tour with them. They have been pulling amazing albums out of their asses, and even managed to record and album and tour, right after their fucking drummer DIED. you guys can diss on a band all you want, but avenged is still fucking amazing, and their talent is alot more fucking useful then sitting in a cubicle talking trash on blogs feeling sorry for yourself.

  • James M.

    I hope he rejoins later…

  • http://www.theblacklaser.net Joe The Wizard

    I really love what he did with the span tags at the end of his post. Really hammered it home for me.

  • j

    “staying true to yourself” has got to be the most fruitiest, narcissistic, overload of self importance ever quoted. Its the me me me Oprah generation after all, in which people somehow believe they’re staring in their own little movie and we’re all just extra’s. How utterly lame. Its just about selfishness and ego. You can easily spot the self absorbed attitude in Mikes post about how he is the leader, the creator, the one who works the hardest—its obvious who the problem was by reading that load of back patting–he did everything but erect a Golden calf to himself.

    • yildundave

      There’s no denying that Portnoy was the driving force behind Dream Theater. Its also impossible to have a band without a leader, and Mike fit that role especially well. This post of his really wasn’t all that self-absorbed and egoistic. His point of view makes total sense to me, even though his decision sucks for the fans.

      • Ørsaeth

        there’s still John Petrucci to lead the band

        • cob

          I totally agree with this.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Will-Morley/618112437 Will Morley

        I don’t think it does make sense though. Sure Portnoy is the founder and self-appointed leader of the band, but he’s just been playing in various other projects for the past year when he was supposedly taking a break, still feels burned out and then expects the rest of his band to sit on their asses until he feels comfortable. I don’t even like Dream Theater any more but I can see where the rest of the band are coming from.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Eirik-Kjs-Usterud/1067091137 Eirik Kjøs Usterud

        >Its also impossible to have a band without a leader

        Um, no?

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Will-Morley/618112437 Will Morley

          Also, I think the fact Portnoy has rushed a statement out before the rest of the band is quite telling.

    • cob

      Personally, it doesn’t bother me at all because everything he said is true. Additionally, if you are as significant of a force in a band as MP was for DT, I don’t think it is out of line for him to state it. Plus, I think his statement was more about “what burned me out”, and not “why I was so awesome”

      Yours is a very cynical view, j. Its pretty metal

  • Doogs

    Not a fan of DT, sometimes I could even say I really dislike them but…

    THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK?

  • this

    I refuse to believe this.

    • g329

      1

  • Octillus

    That’s really fucked up. While I’m sure the DT guys aren’t like Metallica wealthy, it’s obscene to think they couldn’t just take a breather. OR just have someone fill in while Portnoy recharges his batteries.

    I was never a huge fan (like ex-keyboard player Derek Sherinian’s solo stuff a lot though!) but I liked them well enough when they opened for Maiden.

    To be honest though, this is the kinda thing that just screams that it’ll be worked out someday in the future anyway.

  • Red G

    Double-U Tee FUCK!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sam--Shereck/825474139 Sam Ψ Shereck
    • ANGRYDUCKSECKS

      yes.

    • BASSQUATCH

      This

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Andrew-Sterner/1335958279 Andrew Sterner

    Huh….that ams dildos.

    All I can really say on the matter..other than it’s shitty news.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

    they’re done. unless petrucci’s willing to write all the music, i don’t see them going on without mike.

  • DC

    I know a guy with the drive, the talent and has lived and breathed DT forever. He can definitely fill Mike’s shoes, and I’m talking about the most complex parts not just the commerically side earlier stuff. So where do drummers contact the band? Directly through the label or an agent? Cheers and may my friend Jerry Z. get this gig. Shit he even looks like Mike, they’ve met numerous times.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

      i’m sure dream theater will release an official statement soon if they want to actively look for a replacement. for all we know they could already have a guy lined up for the job.

      and dream theater’s early stuff is hardly commercial…

      • Dirtman73

        Pull Me Under wasn’t commercial?

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

          ok, that’s one song. that and Another Day are really the only songs on Images and Words that sound like they’d ever get any radio airplay, and only Lie is radio-friendly on Awake. They have a higher concentration of radio friendly songs on recent albums than they did in the past imo.

          • Goro923

            …and don’t forget Innocence Faded.

  • jakeinyourbox

    Think about it……. who would you rather hang out with…… Music nerds like Petrucci or a bunch of party hungry rockers like Avenged Sevenfold.

    I would rather be in a band that I had fun with.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

      i’d rather hang out with music nerds. because music is fun. then again i’m a loser who doesn’t drink or party so maybe it’s just me.

      • Brock Sterns

        Really? That picture makes you look like a regular party animal…

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

          yeah, i guess i have the hair for it.

          • jakeinyourbox

            You’re right.

            you are a boring loser

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ben-Robson/1375985482 Ben Robson

            a boring loser who gets to sing for nevermore next month :P

          • Goro923

            jakeinyourbox,

            You now can never leave your house.
            You have been charred worse than diner bacon.
            And I with Ben Robson in every way.

          • Goro923

            I agree with
            Damn sticky brain.

    • cob

      I’d rather be with the music nerds! In fact, I am a music major and a Petrucci Fanboy ha.

      Dude, that is the stereotypical american view. “I just want to party out and go on tour and be famous” DT has always stuck to the idea that the music comes first. I’m not saying all their music is perfect but, they always put the music ahead of the lifestyle. That is such a significant trait and it’s exactly what MP was doing that probably had a serious impact on him.

  • change

    Dream Theater were the band that got me into music. I hope they break up now. It just isn’t right to go on.

  • A2James

    I’m not surprised, hell even A7X has been more musically progressive the past few years than Dream Theater. As for a DT drummer replacement, how about Igor Cavalera? One of the most underrated and progressive drummers around

  • Ben Dover

    They should get The Rev to replace Portnoy.

    • A2James

      The Rev would make a great ghostwriter! On account of him being a ghost, of course

  • Random

    OMG PICKLES IS RE-RE-RE-FORMING SNAKES AND BARRELS AND LEAVING DETHKLOK?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Lane-Regli/100000674829918 Michael Lane Regli

    Dont give A7X a hard time. Honestly, i never really gave a crap about them other than a few ok singles but i saw them last saturday at uproar fest and wow, they were the second best, only to tool, live band ive ever seen. They are pure showmen and their actually quite talented for being a “party” band. Almost like pantera in a way. So, i got 2 albums because of this show and i quite dig them. Fun driving music. So, if portnoy has more fun with A7X and his other bands then dt will have to move on.

    • Goro923

      I agree with you, but NEVER compare Avenged Sevenfold to Pantera. NEVER

  • nick

    i wonder if John Petrucci’s rack will have the same earth controlling, murderous capabilities without Portnoy behind him?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexandre-Perrault/545955672 Alexandre Perrault

    This is fucking bullshit, and we all know it, and it may mean that Dream Theater may start sucking hard, but I do see one very sexy solution.

    Gene Fucking Hoglan. A man can dream.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joshua-Salcido/1071367959 Joshua Salcido

      Probably the only other drummer in the world who can come close to Mikes abilities

      • Scourge441

        Except for the massive amount of drummers who equal or surpass Mike.

        • Steve O

          Yeah, I mean that’s a fucking joke. Hoglan is clearly better, but then you have Bobby J, Charlie Zeleny, Hannes Grossmann, Sean Reinert, Jon Karel, Derek Roddy, and obviously Tomas Haake, all of whom have better technique and can play fills that consist of something that aren’t double bass quads.

          btw, I’m Steve08 /wave

  • Zergerberger

    To me I reckon Portnoy’s done the right thing, he may sound self-interested but clearly playing with other musicians has relieved him from the closed-in-world Dream Theater lives in as far as music writing goes. You just simply can’t carry on writing 10-20 minute epics all the time with prodigious wankery solos and thinner and thinner themes. Don’t get me wrong always been a DT fan but each record since Awake (bar Scenes II perhaps) has only had half an album of GREAT versus merely good music on it, as opposed to focused innovative tunes that appeared on Im and Words and Awake, and very often in very similar keys. I think Portnoy is starting to enjoy more variety in the style of music he plays and wanted more of his band in that regard, but they want to stick with their formula. But great playing doesn’t mean good songwriting and enjoyable tunes. Portnoy is trying to re-invent himself, he is probably right to do so and DT may sound better with a new set of hands behind the kit, even if the drumming isn’t as flash. Looking forward to hearing what he does with Mike Akerfeldt and co.

    • Fufkin

      Very much agree with this. Just one thing, he isn’t going to be a part of the Akerfeldt/Wilson project. They confirmed it will be called Storm Corrosion and Portnoy is not involved.

      • Zergerberger

        Ah yes found out about this earlier as well cheers

  • LYCANTHROPE

    this would be all fine and dandy if it wasnt for the fact the Avenged’s latest album was pathetic and barely listenable. i’ll be the first to admit that i like a lot of A7X’s work, but lately it seems like every album is getting cheesier and cheesier. rebounds aren’t unheard of, but i personally vote for portnoy to start his own thing up….something similar to Liquid Tension Experiment would be nice

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joshua-Salcido/1071367959 Joshua Salcido

      if you actually knew.. Mike didnt write the drum parts! He recorded them the way that A7X drummer wrote em

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bobby-Fiction-Atkins/1595844986 Bobby Fiction Atkins

        josh is right

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joshua-Salcido/1071367959 Joshua Salcido

    I feel.. Speachless… Mike was NO IS the best drummer around! hmm Sad sad day in musical history

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bobby-Fiction-Atkins/1595844986 Bobby Fiction Atkins

    to all you dumb idiots bashing a7x for this i’m sure this is somewhat of a shock to them aswell, and its really not a shock he’s been working with dt aswell as a variety of side projects for the past 25 years but all of a sudden he works with a popular band and you dumb fucks blame the band for what the person does and another thing i don’t understand why you’re so mad he done what was right his heart wasn’t in the music anymore so he quit

    • Chris

      Dude chill im a big A7X fan 2 but who cares if people blame them just cause they hate A7X theyre missing out on good music, oh well sucks 4 them, stop commenting on everyone that bashes/blames A7X 4 it

      • Jake

        I DONT KNOW WHAT WE’RE YELLING ABOUT!

      • Jake

        LOUD NOISES

        • cob

          Their periods attract bears… *they can smell the menstruation…*

    • Beauzaque

      No fucktard. They’re saying A7X sucks, not that it’s their fault. And they do suck. Really, really, bad.

      • cob

        Dude, obviously you haven’t been paying attention. A lot of people think he’s quitting DT for A7X. Which is wrong but the point is they blame the band because he toured with them and now he quits and references playing with them.

        However, to Bobby: Calm down dude. Seriously, i don’t like A7x that much and I agree that he followed his heart, which is most important. But, we don’t know the whole story, so people are placing blame in haste and anger. You just cocked yourself by being such an ass to everybody about it. Youre acting like people blaming Avenged = bear spooging on your face.

  • Elston_Gunn

    Fucking fuck. This is some of the shittiest news I’ve heard in a long time. I hope that the guys in the band reconsider. I can’t imagine *forbidding* Portnoy from taking a little break. It doesn’t make sense. Actually, that makes me think that we haven’t heard the whole story yet. Regardless, fucking fuck.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Kurtz/1493586117 Matthew Kurtz

    Good! Nightmare is a fucking fantastic album! I always found Dream Theater to be a little too preoccupied with wanking off on their instruments rather than just writing a good song. They’re maybe the most boring band on the planet. A7X will be a good fit for Portnoy. He’s obviously very happy playing with the boys.

  • Turff

    For the love of christ…

    CHRIS PENNIE!

    If DT can hire anyone in who will help them create a record that will redefine the rest of their careers (as Scenes from a Memory part 2 did) it would be that man, or perhaps Gil Sharone…or any punk rock inspired drum virtuoso. I think adding that rock and roll vibe back into what they do could help massively…

    …also I hope portnoy leaving helps DT get back to doing more interesting non-ballad and non-metal songs…he seemed to be pushing a bit hard for the modern metal thing. Not that they didnt kill at it, but I feel as though its not their lot in the universe to be a “modern” metal band.

    • Norm

      Completely agree, Pennie FTW.

    • Adam

      Dude as much as I love Pennie and your idea, I just don’t think he’d fit with them. But omg would that be fucking awesome if he did!!!!

      • Turff

        @Adam

        You’re absolutly right, I seriously doubt it would happen. I’m sure Pennie would stay with Coheed for the same reasons Portnoy is probably looking to greener pastures, namely, a better paycheck. As much money as I’m sure DT brings in, I’d be quite suprised if their income was larger then Avenged Sevenfold. By the same token, Pennie left Dillinger due to personal difference and I’m sure the carrot on the stick being a much larger paycheck. I doubt DT could offer him a substantially larger check.

        THAT STATED

        Having a guy that actually understands how to musically work in some more bizzare stuff, who can easily handle all the time changes AND has a deep electronica backround would add some unique elements to DT that they are lacking in.

        Plus the guy knows when to shut up and step out of the spotlight, a skill that DT can be desperately lacking in at times.

        Oh well, my realistic choice would be Gavin Harrison since unlike most of the drum shredders that have been mentioned thus far, he actually has musical taste.

  • Johnny Sillers

    I think Johnny Sillers should replace Mike!!!
    Just do a YouTube search for Johnny Sillers and post what you think!!!

  • http://www.Johnnysillers.com Johnny Sillers

    Johnny Sillers!!!!

  • Anthony

    It’s on DT’s myspace and Metal-rules.com. Yeah, it’s official

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Josh-White/100001331550923 Josh White

    I pray he joins Avenged permanetly

    • feegore

      I pray you die

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Brendan-Regino-Snow/514886363 Brendan Regino Snow

        I pray avenged die….permanently….

        • cob

          I pray everybody dies! Then when we get to heaven, we find out it’s exactly like earth only people pick up their dog shit…. I think that is honestly the source of a lot of problems on earth. Not picking up dog shit means everyone has to look at shit. And by that virtue, everyone has a shitty day on a shitty walk thinkin about shitty things and it results in a shit storm like we have now!

  • Mitch K

    “i immediately regret this decision”

    • Jake

      Milk was a bad choice.

      *A7X was a bad choice*

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Brendan-Regino-Snow/514886363 Brendan Regino Snow

        +1
        “I’ve made a huge mistake.”

  • Phil

    This really sucks, but I have a feeling he will eventually come back. In the mean time, a good fill in guy… all you drummers know him.. THOMAS LANG!!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Razza-Tu/717008242 Razza Tu

      This.

  • Igottawocket

    Wow. Damn.

  • Sambo

    This blows! I was glad to have seen Dream Theater on the first night of the Progressive Nation 2008 tour with Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, and 3. Really outstanding musicians and hearing this news devastates me. Actually this was the first metal band I heard an entire album from (Train of Thought). I knew eventually that something like this was gonna happen because the last DT album was incredibly horrible.

    If Mike Portnoy does decide to join A7X, good for him. I would much rather see him in a band that will improve with every upcoming album than get worse with every upcoming album. Nightmare is a great album and Mike’s drumming really shines on that disc. His drumming on the album reminds me of Scenes from a Memory, which is their best album personally.

    If Dream Theater will find a replacement, I’m hoping they find the right drummer because they can just find anyone and think that they can go along with the music. I don’t see that one coming from a million miles away. Closest drummer I can think of is either Neal Peart or the drummer from Despised Icon (that dude is a monster and I bet that he can take Dream Theater’s music WAY too easily).

  • Anthony

    Joey Jordison

    I kid I kid. He’s probably getting paid more with Rob Zombie anyways.

  • xxJuggaloSlayerxx

    What’s a good DT album(s) to get started on if you are a noob?

    • Sevenspinner

      Images and Words is the quintessential.

      Train of Thought, Metropolis Pt2, Awake and Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence are also high, but I think every DT fan has their own opinion on that.

      The Change of Seasons EP is also a good bet.

    • Sambo

      Train of Thought, Images and Words, and Scenes from a Memory.

      • xxJuggaloSlayerxx

        Awesome thanks!

    • JustGrimace

      Awake! My personal fave.

    • Peter Griffin

      Train of thought X1000!!!

  • Sevenspinner

    I doubt Portnoy will join AX7 permanently, but I have a feeling we’ll keep seeing him around behind AX7′s kit for a while. I really don’t see AX7 hiring a “totally new guy” at this point.

    • Anthony

      Portnoy played on Nightmare. It’s probably only “fair” that he plays with Avenged on the entire tour cycle.

    • bob

      a7x A7X not ax7 -_______- sorry just annoyed me hahaha

  • JustGrimace

    I can’t lie, I’m don’t really believe this is legit. I mean, a “Note” on his Facebook page? The Dream Theater website doesn’t mention any of this at all.

    • ibanez

      he also posted it in his forums under his personal name

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Brendan-Regino-Snow/514886363 Brendan Regino Snow

      it does now.

      • JustGrimace

        Well, alright then. It’s legit.

  • bubba J

    finally, that band sucked hairy balls for a long time now…

  • http://monica.rdkilo.com/ Monica

    josh is right.

  • Malamor

    Maybe he will join Dimmu for a day

  • Bierko

    Fuck portnoy. He was powerhungry and ran the band into stagnation. They were probably happy as hell he left and I’m sure they wanted him out for a while because he would veto everything. He also thought he was replaceable, which isn’t the case. I wish I saw his face when he thought that his break idea would go over and the other four said “no”.

    He’s tired and burnt? Then you should have taken the break even the fans said the band needed as far back as 2004, but they kept going on, now with a million side projects.

    This will mean they will get a better, less ego-centric drummer, and LaBrie will contribute more and Myung will finally contribute again now that Mike’s melody rule will be thrown out the fucking door. Maybe the band will become interesting again.

    I wonder if they will try to get Jason Rullo from Symphony X to go over. The guy plays great, room to grow, and also writes.

    • sYgnal

      A little bitter,BUT, interesting read.

      I always wondered why you couldn’t really hear Myung shine like he should. Hopefully, DT will actual get “Progressive” again and start fusing some shit like I&W. But, I fear that signing with Roadrunner was always the ultimate mistake. I dunno, just a feeling. Maybe I didn’t give their last album a chance, but, it just sounded a bit formulaic.

      I have no idea who they could replace Portnoy with but I think they should add a rhythm guitarist….

      • Bierko

        Portnoy put in a rule after he restructured the band after Falling into Infinity. He claims that the band was going to break up, but no one else says so. They elude to that he was going to leave back then, but they made an ultimatum to the record company. Around then, he took massive control over their affairs, then instituted a rule that if they had some material, it had to be accompanied by a melody, and if not, it had no consideration. Due to that, Myung’s contributions became little to nothing afterward as he stopped contributing his own music and lyrics. Petrucci will now need him to help out and carry the load and I’m betting they’ll tap Jason Rullo as their first choice. SHort term, might be great, but Rullo is in a solid place with SX still on the rise, though not with all the cash and hype DT gets. He’ll also endlessly be compared to Portnoy until he comes back in a year or two. It’s a dangerous place to be as a permanent member. Whoever they get should only do it as a temp and see what happens.

        • sYgnal

          Well, I don’t know if I can totally blame Portnoy then. Things always get fucked up when it comes down to contracts, labels & money. It’s obvious that Myung & Co. were okay with stepping aside for the advancement of DT. Maybe Kevin Moore had some sort of ESP… (Yea, I totally dig O.S.I.)

          Seriously, imho,it’s almost impossible for a really experimental, tech savy band to stay afloat. All these supposed “Metalheads” complain that it has too much “wankery” or the songwriting gets lost due to the technical aspects. Gimme a fucking break. They said the same shit when Atheist released “Unquestionable”. When these people “don’t get it” then the band suffers because no one gives ‘em a second listen.

          Personally, I think the Metal Scene today has become a lot like the Pop scene here in the US – 3 minute mindless wonders! So, maybe it will be good for DT to stop being a business & start creating some interesting shit again.

          *waits for flaming session*

          • cob

            No flaming dude. 100% agreement! Personally, I think wanking feels great! And I enjoyed DTs newest album. I thought it had a lot of good stuff that people just didn’t want to even listen too. People come in expecting it to suck then only hear the things they don’t like. I’ve found that the new album can be listened to and you’ll notice a new subtlety every time. Dream Theater’s tone has changed, theyre style may have changed(still progressive but, heavier and heavier) but, their attitude towards their music hasn’t changed at all and THAT is precisely why they continue to wank and why i continue to enjoy it.

    • Beauzaque

      This is good because Mike’s lyrics were awful, while Myung’s were brilliant (Learning To Live).

      • Bierko

        Myung created some of their most unforgettable songs, which are now absent due to Mike’s rule to “carry your own weight” by providing an accompanying melody.

        Mike himself has admitted to being a control freak with OCD.

        Mike also had a big hand in shutting down the official DT forum and banning people during Octavarium who were even constructively critical. Everyone walked on eggshells.

        He made a secret about it with the defective DVD’s of Budokan and you had to find the source to get a replacement absolutely buried on HIS forum, which was locked down.

        Mike Portnoy is a fucking scumbag, and on top of that, I had it with Dream Theater when they started writing songs about how it was never enough for the fans and how the fans ruined their personal lives and how the fans forced them to keep going out and blah blah. Last I checked, the fans were filling seats on their headlining tours where they were the only act.

        He also usurped the most control away from even Petrucci and things have not been good with them for at least a couple years as mike’s been making an effort to be the frontman and one of the few drummers to do this and that and everything else. Strained relations with Labrie were also rumored and some months ago, it was rumored that Labrie was going to leave, but it appears that they got together and decided mike was the problem and voted him out. That I’m 100% positive about. He would never leave Dream Theater, the band where he’s king and the other members are prepared to go on, so that means they’ve already worked it out in their heads to move forward.

        All for the better, since Symphony X and Redemption are putting out some of the best prog out there, in addition to Alchemist and Opeth on the harder side of it.

        Mike is full of shit. He had plenty of chances to rest, but then when he can, he takes on more projects. More power to him, but don’t tell half-assed lies.

        • cob

          I had it with Dream Theater when they started writing songs about how it was never enough for the fans and how the fans ruined their personal lives and how the fans forced them to keep going out and blah blah.

          To be fair… Mike Portnoy wrote that song.

      • cob

        Learning to Live is absolutely one of my favorite songs by any band ever. Except for that F# which makes my testicles compress.

    • cob

      Yeah that’s pretty brutal and hateful. BUT! I completely agree with you, every time John Myung lays something down, lyrically, musically, or otherwise… I love it! He is full of talent! And I don’t know if it was definitely portnoy holding him back but I hope that without him, Myung will step up on some of the writing.

      Also, on a side note, Why am I the only one who liked the new DT album?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Denisa-Zaharie/100000621073581 Denisa Zaharie

    Pickles.

    • Phil

      Yes! Best choice for the next drummer!

    • cob

      yes

  • Doc

    If his health has improved – MARTIN LOPEZ.

    • Anthony

      It’s not just his overall physical health, Martin Lopez apparently suffered from panic attacks when he was with Opeth. I would only think joining a slightly bigger band like Dream Theater wouldn’t exactly be a calming experience.

      • Doc

        Ahhhh….

        Probably not a good idea, I guess – I thought he had some sort of pulmonary problem.

        • Anthony

          That too, but apparently he had panic attacks. However, he could be over those by now, and I think it was mainly during the Ghost Reveries tour cycle that they were getting out of hand and he had to take time off.

          • Random

            Best suggestion thus far, but health prob wont allow. Imagine his sound in DT…. (drools)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexithymia-Lawrence/501160345 Alexithymia Lawrence

    RAGE

  • Lucifersmile

    People listen to Dream Theater?

    • halloway

      for real.

      • gnarlk

        that’s what boggles my mind…

  • DemonicLemming

    As much as Dream Theater doesn’t impress me (their latest cd was nothing short of snore-inducingly boring, and I like instrument-wankery prog), claiming that playing with a band like Avenged Sevenfold was “a better experience” than playing with DT just seems….weird. However, it seems that he was as much kicked out (per the other members declining his partial inclusion in further work) as voluntarily leaving. Maybe because he preferred a band like Avenged Sevenfold over DT?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jesse-Williams/1364805735 Jesse Williams

    We all know DT wont be the same anymore, but hopefully a fresh drummer means they can bring something new to the table. A new album comes out January 2011, and I must say I’m pretty anxious to pick it up, a Dream Theater album without Mike could be an absolute travesty. I think DT really need to consider the move they’ve made here, not only was Mike a key songwriter, but relationships with fan clubs and other community based things all relied on Mike. As much as I love Dream Theater, I think they should stop while they’re ahead. But hey, if they hire the drummer from a band like Tool or Opeth, you never know how it could turn out.

    • Bierko

      A DT album without Portnoy controlling and scrutinizing everything could bring Myung back into the fold and make it the most exciting thing they did in years.

      …and yeah, he was kicked out. Not even Myung or Petrucci could work with him anymore.

      • Bierko

        Oh, and even though they reconciled later, Moore left mostly because of Portnoy taking over the band before awake and he said it was a dictatorship, not a democracy. I don’t think Moore reconciled with the others, however.

  • Sparks

    Blake Richardson from BTBAM. He even cites Portnoy as an influence, and it shows in his drumming.

    • msv81

      Good idea. Maybe then BTBAM and all their self-indulgent, soul-less and overrated music will stop.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Toy/193302066 Daniel Toy

    While I haven’t outright disliked their past couple of albums, they have seemed kind of uninspired. Maybe a new drummer will get some new creative juice flowing and it will all be for the better. Who knows? Still sad he’s leaving though.

  • http://deleted Farts

    This many people still like dream theater? No wonder this site is full of people with bad taste and ridiculously mindless comments.

    • Mongorian

      10

    • msv81

      Hahaha. Yes, you sir hit the nail on the head.

    • cob

      This is a rude and shallow comment. I don’t care what band someone else likes and dislikes. I attribute the mindless comments to being metal. Referencing my own earlier comment; ‘THINKING IS NOT METAL!”

  • Joey

    No fucking way. There is no Dream Theater without Big Mike himself.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alejandro-Aldana/683878171 Alejandro Aldana

    this makes me regret not going to see dream theater and iron maiden at msg when they were here during the summer =(

  • Roope Aramo

    Gavin Harrison kkthxbye!

  • JAAKRKE

    they should hire Josh Freese. He has zero respect for himself will play drums for anyone/thing. He played my gangbang last year. kind of weird, but definitely percussive if ya know what i mean LOL

  • Beauzaque

    Yeah I think DT will be all the better for this. While his drumming was stellar, his creative direction was becoming increasingly narrow. I’m reasonably certain that the rest of the guys weren’t fully on board with just being a metal band, and I’m sure they’re well enough off already that they didn’t to change their sound like that just for popularity.

    I can see two enormous positives to this. First, Myung and Rudess will get a chance to contribute more and the music will hopefully be a lot more interesting for it. Second, the band will likely start using an outside producer again (Devin Townsend anyone?). The last few albums, especially Systematic Chaos, would have been so much better had there been someone around to tell them when something fucking sucked.

    The biggest downside I can see, besides the obvious one of being out such an incredibly talented drummer, is that their manager will probably have to take on an assistant to cover all the responsibilities that Mike used to take care of.

  • Maderchod

    Fucking maderchod

  • Maderchod

    Wtf a7x suck balls and ass

    Cannot believe he’s leaving DT for that shit

  • Kirsty

    How can you be sure he’s gonna permantly join a7x? He has not said that as far as I can see.

  • Mr. Shredd

    He’ll be missed, he was such an active member! I wonder who will fill his place? I think DT will put up an audition, I wouldn’t be surprised to see loads of unsigned drummers standing in a line, lawlz!

  • Kirsty

    also, it’s funny how some people on here seem to have gone from being his biggest fan to saying he was bringing DT down just cause he’s moving on.

  • Adam

    I’m not trying to discount Portnoy’s years of dedication to his instrument, but I think nowadays there are plenty of drummers out there who could fill his spot.

  • Foster

    Man what a huge shock this is. Who on earth could they possibly get to replicate his talent? My best guess would be blake richardson but I can’t see him leaving between the buried and me.

    They’ll probably him to come back after a few months once they realize just how important he is :S

  • macondo71

    maro minnemann

    • Slaughterhouse

      I agree…Marco would rip it up

  • Sin and Death

    Does anyone really care? I mean, come on.

  • zerovirus

    dave lombardo

  • mondog

    Good for him!

    I hope he does well. He doesn’t need the money (why do people keep mentioning money, DT sold allot of albums and toured allot which is where the money is these days) and lets face it, he’s an awesome drummer and a whole load of people will want to work with him. Personally, I want to see him join a grindcore band. That would be awesome. Progressive grindcore.

    As for a replacement, who knows but they won’t replace his song writting skills. It will be like Maiden without Adrian Smith and Brucie.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Lauren-Vega/100000288146013 Lauren Vega

    He’s said it himself, Dream Theater just isn’t his type of music anymore. As a fan, I’m still in denial. But once the devastation subsides I can see why he’s doing this.

    I’ll say he does some kind of metal project. Its obvious he wants something heavier, look what he tried to do with the vocals on A Nightmare to Remember. Even his awkward toned down “growling” scared some DT fans, and I’d love to see what he comes up with given the right outlet.

    It still fucking sucks.

  • Chris

    Wow.. Some of you are complete IDIOTS… You can’t blame A7X for this! MP asked for a break.. His band members did not want that!! Gosh.. The facts are in the letter. Some of you assholes have to stop being so ignorant!

  • Mike

    How can you guys even think about possible replacements!?!???

    There is and will always be only one legitimate drummer for DT and without him, they can just as easily stop performing!!!

    MP was the heart and soul of this band!

    Period!

  • William

    They don’t want a new drummer, they want Mike Portnoy to continue in Dream Theater, just like we do!

    It’s quite allowed to take a break that spans for a while after 20 years of nonstop writing/touring. And I’m sure they can fill the time with something ( Like Jordan Rudess has, he is always up to something! ) if a member feels burnt out.

    Fuck A7x, they drugged him!

    • William

      it’s not selfish to leave the band if he’s tired and wants more time off to spend with his family and take a break from making music.

      However, it IS selfish to leave one of the best working bands in the world because you’re burnt out, and then join one or more equally hard working/touring bands. If Mike is hired as a permanent drummer in a band like that in the following years instead of rejoining DT, he’d be known as the biggest, most selfish dumbass musician to ever have lived.

      Who in their right mind would do that?!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Chad-Brown/635176603 Chad Brown

    dave grohl hes been in everything else

  • Ben Danish

    Total Shocker!!! Just when i thought DT would become the greatest band ever!!! (or did they achieved that status already)…

    But yes, maybe there is a positive side in all this, hearing to DT’s recent creations just give the impression that there not going anywhere, any further. Their stuffs are kinda repetitive. There’s not even anything new n unique to JP’s riffs… Don’t get me wrong, individually, they are still up there, in the class of their own!!! Respect that!!! No other bands have i seen able to group up 5 professional individuals, and still create Monster-like productions..

    As for MP, i’m sure he won’t end up permanently with A7X, or any other project bands. Hmmmm…come to think of it, he did mention this a few months back,

    “”Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011…..”"

    So there might be a few surprises left up his sleeve..Who knows right?!

    As for his replacement in DT, i’m sure The Rev can be a perfect fit. Direct swap with MP if he’s still kicking the pedals that is.

    Long live MP!! N long live The Rev (in our memories)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Wolfgang-De-Marcko/100000293796623 Wolfgang ‘De Marcko

    I vote for Pickles the drummer to replace Portnoy in DT. No seriously that’s sad. A7X is a crap band, and Portnoy is at his best in DT and will always be one of the best drummers. Just wish he didn’t have to quit DT to try different projects.

  • Perpetual Black Screen Name

    I am seething with anger right now. This is a crock of fuckin’ shit! This has nothing to do with Dream Theater and everything to do with Avenged Sevenfold. DT doesn’t seem like the type of band that would hold someone back from expressing their creativity to the fullest and dive into some new projects. And if he thinks the negative reactions are inappropriate or feels misunderstood, than he’s an ass and in all likelihood has no idea how much his band means to so many people. And what’s even worse is, I do not think it’ll be long before the DT resignation letter comes about. 2010 is by far the shittiest year we’ve had in metal since the death of Dime. This is the biggest non-death related shock yet. What a waste.

  • Screen Name

    VIRGIL DONATI

  • Dennis

    They should ask Bobby Jarzombek immediately! That guys is as much a drum machine as Mike is and I think he fits nice into DT! They only problem could be that Mike is not only a drum machine but also a real mucisian. He helped to create DT songs, wrote lyrics, sang backgrounds etc. I doubt if they find a new drummer who is able to take over this role to! I wish DT all the luck and in the meantime I am going to follow MP. I hope that he will create a new band and not going for the experimental projects only! Impress us once again Mike!!

    • Fred

      I think Phil Collins could swing it. Just kidding. This is fucking horrible. I would expect this from a young, immature band, maybe. But DT is so established, so mature….what now!!!??? Portnoy will never fill the venues on just his name alone. DT, I believe, CAN find a legit replacement but, this is just bad for the superheroes and, in my opinion, the sons of Prog rock.

  • Brodie capel

    As far as I can tell this is the death of dream theater as we know it. I’m sure there will be a band called dream theater and chances are they will even write some pretty cool music. But now that the core members (mp,jp and jm) arn’t all in it it’s just not the same. I’m just glad everytime they came to australia (only twice) I got too see them. I wish both DT mike best of luck in what they do and will be eagerly awaiting to see what comes out if both camps in the future

  • bigbonus

    hIs parting words:

    GUYS PLEASE PLAY MY LYRICALLY PENNED SONGS AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE AND RELEASE THEM ON LIVE ALBUMS, I NEED TEH MONEY

  • Seb

    What I hate the most is the fact that the last show I saw of them was with fcking Iron Maiden.

    I wish they made a last show as the main band.

  • it is what it is

    MP is a very good drummer and has been a integral part of DT since their inception, thus, it is hard to believe that he would want to leave the band. One thing to consider, this could be a positive change for DT. Yes, I said it!! This could be positive.

    I like DT and they are my favorite band of all time, but MP is a control freak and I think that has inhibited the talents of other band members of the years. MP complains of how much time he put into DT, that was only because he wouldn’t stop and needed to be in control at all times.

    The first time I ever took my wife to a DT concert I asked her, “What do you think”. Her reply was, “Well, did you ever see the movie Rock Star”? That is just it! Every thing that we parody about rock and roll music has been emulated my MP, it is just corny! Sorry, rock and roll and heavy metal drummers don’t glue together seven drum kits anymore, that died out in the 80′s. Even Rush learned to stop writing 20minute plus songs and they have done well for themselves now for 40 years (if you count their time together before they had a record contract). Given MP’s antics, he probably forced JP to have an amplifier with a volume dial that goes up to 11?

    Okay now don’t get me wrong, I like MP and I have always been a DT fan, but I just don’t buy his cry story. The exhaustion that DT has brought the man over the years was self inflicted and if the other guys in DT don’t want to take a break at this time, the let them go forward. Typically, whenever a band has such a dramatic change, they are criticized. Some will claim that Van Halen sucked after picking up Sammy for example, but I don’t care, DT needs to move forward and do what they do best. Dare I say that the Johns, James, and Jordan may do better without MP? Let’s give them a chance to see what they do in Jan 2011. Also, lets give MP his chance to do what he needs to do.

  • http://evilsausage.livejournal.com/ Evil

    What I don’t get is the dumbasses who accuse the band of wankery. I mean come on, MP, JP & JM are all rated at or near the top of their instrument by their peers, in magazines about the instrument year after year. When you’re among the best on your instrument of COURSE you’re going to solo the shit out of it. Really, what part of that is hard to understand?

    Now re the matter at hand: If the story MP tells us in his press statement is true, then he will definitely be back after he’d taken the break he wanted, that the other guys wouldn’t let him have. But if it’s personalities, and MP’s control issues are getting in the way of the creative process, as a lot of people are speculating, then maybe not. If he’s refusing to take songs that his bandmates are writing because they don’t have a melody, then whatever. He’s a great drummer, but strangling the creative process is never a good thing.

  • hs

    cheese theater sucks ever since KM left the band.
    i am sure MP realized how much DT sucks and what a joke they’ve become

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Katt-Chiang/1754754084 Katt Chiang

    Without Mike, Dream Theater is not Dream Theater any more !!!
    Most of the songs, lyrics are written by Mike!!!!!!
    I’ll miss the old Dream Theater.

  • TJ

    mike portnoy can officially burn in fucking hell!!! dream theater is the best thing that has ever happened to the world!!! he created it, and if he’s willing to leave DT for sum emo piece of shit band fuck him. he can tuck his sack and burn in hell!! DT doesnt need his shit anymore there too good for his shit!! i hope he dies with A7x dick down his throat!! Marco Minnemann has what it takes he should be in the running for teh spot in DT. i never want to see him back with DT!! FUCK MIKE HES NO BETTER THEN SOME GREEN DAY WANNA BE!!

  • Gugered

    I have been struggling with this whole situation about Mike Portnoy leaving Dream Theater, pretty badly. At first I though it was a publicity stunt, like the one Steven Tyler pulled out at the beginning of the year. However, while reading this letter by Mike Portnoy I realized this was no joke. At the same time, however, I didn’t curse Dream Theater nor Mike Portnoy, because, when you fell so deeply into a band like I have (I recently heard their entire discography for crying out loud) you can never be mad at them. Will Dream Theater be the same after Portnoy’s departure? Definitely not. Will Dream Theater continue to compose music that is beyond of this world? Who knows. Will Mike Portnoy ever gonna return to Dream Theater? Chances are that he will.

    The thing is, the only person that can replace Mike Portnoy is Mike Portnoy.

    P.D.: TJ, you’re an idiot.

  • Dont have facebook

    here is an interpretation of Mike Portnoy’s and or Dream Theater’s Twelve-Step Suite if it was ever to be released the cover art came from Mike Portnoy’s Blog on his website,and the wiki PDF came from… yep wikipedia. I’ve been a DT fan for well over 2 decades and just recently discovered that Portnoy’s drinking was a result of addiction. Anyhow my intention was not to break any laws, i own the Cds I copied the songs from and rearranged them to what I believe would be the “Twelve-Step(s) Suite.” Enjoy… http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KUOG6JCM

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Thomas-Doll/100000892598402 Thomas Doll

    First of all: Portnoy CANT BE REPLACED. He is just a legend and to unique. ( That doesnt mean that there arent better drummers, but many lack a unique style of drumming )
    Ever listened to Vadrum on Youtube ( Andrea Vadrucci is his real name if i remember ). He covered couple of DT Songs ( well , there a many drummers BUUUT: ) and also made Video Game and Classic Cover Drummings in which his Style is clearly Portnoy influenced. He would be a good replace that would even be capable of playing Portnoys Style.

  • MindKey

    Mark Zonder!!!!

  • NWill

    While I was initially saddened by Mikes departure it opens up alot of doors for the band. Somewhere out there is the next big thing. Some guy nobody has heard of who has cut their teeth on Portnoy, Donati,Harrison, Peart, Colaiuta just to name a few. Throw that in with a totally new distinctive style. I trully believe the next big thing as far as drummers go is waiting in the wings for his shot. This could be very cool. Yeah I’m showing my age (50) but have always kept up with prog.

    NWill

  • Renee Puccio

    I too, am sad to say that the last time I saw DT was with Iron Maiden at PNC Arts Center in NJ. And they were absolutely terrible! I have seen them 6, 7 times at least. And the best time I ever heard them play was when they opened up for YES. They weren’t even headlining, ironically. They were probably so good because all they played was old DT, nothing after Train of Thought. They weren’t trying to sell whatever new album they had up their sleeve, just playing old, classic DT songs. Awesome show.

    Anywhom, you people need to relax about how devastated/pissed/angry/sad you are about MP leaving! Who cares if he left on his own doing to explore another realm of creativity? Or if he was simply kicked out for being a cocky deuche. We will never know. Whatever happens, happens. I think this is a GREAT opportunity for DT to explore their creative side and perhaps get back to writing the way they used to years ago! And if MP wants to go heavier , than good for him! I was once a die hard DT fan. Not so much anymore. In my opinion they suck now compared to the 90s. I am very curious to see what direction DT will take now, and what MP will do with his new projects.

    Looking very forward to hearing it!