//http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2585154.aspx
QuoteWednesday 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
:shock:
Seems unreal right about now...
Wow I just read this on a completely different kind of music forum. And now I'm seeing it everywhere.
If this is true, it's a complete shock.
You know what, I think he's done a good thing. DT was sucking too much blood from him and I think that changing members has always meant new blood to the new songs of DT. I wish all the best to him and I'm quite curious to see what DT will be up to without Mike. :)
I'm a big fan of Mike Portnoy, but not Dream Theater, so I can't say I'm disappointed at the news. Maybe there'll be more Transatlantic stuff now that's he got more time on his hands.
I think it sucks the other guys didn't give him the much needed break. That's the most shocking part of all this. I mean it's "his" band isn't it? It speaks for him to leave the band and let them continue. He might as well have pulled the plug on DT all together. That would make sense to me.
Anyway, good for him I guess. DT has been on autopilot for to many years anyway. Great shows and I love the band but the last 2 albums were rather boring IMHO. But that's just me. That being said; some of their work is among the best in prog-metal and is classic material.
I wish him all the best. He's one of the hardest working people in prog/metal land and a change every now and then is good! I for one wouldn't mind a few more Translatlantic albums! :)
Quote from: "keithd"I'm a big fan of Mike Portnoy, but not Dream Theater, so I can't say I'm disappointed at the news. Maybe there'll be more Transatlantic stuff now that's he got more time on his hands.
Mike is busy touring with Avenged Sevenfold at the moment so don't hold your breath waiting for more Transatlantic
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Quote from: "keithd"I'm a big fan of Mike Portnoy, but not Dream Theater, so I can't say I'm disappointed at the news. Maybe there'll be more Transatlantic stuff now that's he got more time on his hands.
Mike is busy touring with Avenged Sevenfold at the moment so don't hold your breath waiting for more Transatlantic
Stepping back from DT gives the man a sea of time and possibilities! Just a few weeks back I finished his "In Constant Motion" DVD box. Since when is Mike doing "just" one thing at a time?! ;)
Pah! He's "only" the drummer!
Good luck getting a replacement of his quality. They wouldn't try stealing Blunders would they :?: :!: :o
I can kinda see the band's point of view though, his lack of rest is of his own doing really. If you want to take a break, try not being in so many bands.
That said, a guy's gotta make a living.
Are any of the other members of DT in side projects? If not, I can see why they'd be a bit pissed off as they're already rested up and raring to go when Mikey gets back from "the office" all shagged out from a long squawk, so to speak. :lol:
That said, DT without Mike is like fish without chips, Peters without Lee, Champion The Wonder Horse without legs, etc...
I'll be fascinated to see what happens now, could it be their Gabriel leaves Genesis moment? Perhaps, they'll go all AOR on us. :lol: :lol:
Quote from: "owen"Good luck getting a replacement of his quality.
And his personality and charisma! It's like Frost* without Jem; makes no sense, does it?! :?
Come to think of it; it's like The Spice Girl without Sporty Spice! It CAN NOT be done! :shock: :shock:
Quote from: "Jem"Are any of the other members of DT in side projects? If not, I can see why they'd be a bit pissed off as they're already rested up and raring to go when Mikey gets back from "the office" all shagged out from a long squawk, so to speak. :lol:
James LaBrie's 4th solo album comes out later this month, They've all had side project in the past but not to the extend that Mike has.
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Quote from: "Jem"Are any of the other members of DT in side projects? If not, I can see why they'd be a bit pissed off as they're already rested up and raring to go when Mikey gets back from "the office" all shagged out from a long squawk, so to speak. :lol:
James LaBrie's 4th solo album comes out later this month, They've all had side project in the past but not to the extend that Mike has.
I see. I didn't know that. Well in that case, they're all meanies. :lol: :lol:
On the plus side, I bet the road crew are delighted, not having to lug his planet sized kit all over the world anymore. :twisted: :lol: :lol:
He can't have more side projects than Mr Mitchell, though :?:
Quote from: "Jem"On the plus side, I bet the road crew are delighted, not having to lug his planet sized kit all over the world anymore. :twisted: :lol: :lol:
I don't know if it's still the case but he used to keep a kit in the US one in the UK and one in Japan to save on the lugging around the world.
Quote from: "owen"He can't have more side projects than Mr Mitchell, though :?:
NO ONE has more side projects that the Mitch. :lol:
On the plus side, I bet the road crew are delighted, not having to lug his planet sized kit all over the world anymore. :twisted: :lol: :lol:[/quote]
They're the ultimate Spinal Tap band: a drummer with 3 kick drums, a guitarist with 7 strings (does he still) and Rudess on an iPhone :!:
I just heard this on the man's own forum. I never ever thought I'd see the day this happened. I want to hear from the other guys in the band now, I have a sneaking suspicion that Avenged Sevenfold's number one album had a lot to do with this too.
That said, actually, I haven't been hugely impressed with the direction Mike seems to have dragged DT in for the last few years, (though I thought Black Clouds was a step back in the right direction), so if they do continue I hope that they do something different with the sound.
Quote from: "Phrog"I just heard this on the man's own forum. I never ever thought I'd see the day this happened. I want to hear from the other guys in the band now
From DT's website:
To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.
While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.
Fans and friends: File this episode under "Black Clouds and Silver Linings." As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "The Spirit Carries On."
All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed.
QuoteI have a sneaking suspicion that Avenged Sevenfold's number one album had a lot to do with this too.
From MP's Facebook:
I BEG of the fans to please NOT hold A7X responsible for MY decision...they are just as shocked as you guys..I had been contemplating this and desiring a "break" (not split) as long ago as last year...everything else is fully explained in the press release...thank you all for your support and understanding...this is th...e hardest thing I've ever done... : (
Cheers Gandalf, I just found that myself too. Hopefully this will allow them to break out of the fairly formulaic pattern of the last few years. As for what he said about A7X, I'm just not sure I buy it at this point in time!
All drama aside, I think it'll be very interesting to hear DT without Portnoy's influence. Sure the band will feel a bit bootleg but in the end all that matters is how the music sounds, I say.
I was a little surprised by this announcement. I've been a fan of them for years but.... I must say, these days, I find it more and more difficult to listen to a complete album. I've lost interest in them over the past couple of years. Yes, they still write great riffs and technical bits but to me the songs don't cut it. I struggle with a few of the Jordan Ruddess hitting the demo button on his keyboard situations (they're supposed to be funny but I think it's just makes a train wreck of the songs) I know he's an amzing player but please.. stop using the demo button in the middle of a song.
Mike Portnoy is a great drummer but, and I mean no offence by this, a bit predictable. Some of his recent stuff is still very inventive but mostly predictable.
Now with that in mind will a new drummer bring anything new to the table.... I think we'll have to wait and see!!!
I'm more intrigued now to know who they have to replace him?!! ;)
Will it be the turning point?!!!! As a fan of Dream Theater I hope so ;)
I'm disappointed, but at the same time I think it'll be good for the band. As others have said, the last few albums have been "more of the same." It's hard to be progressive if you don't progress. This will give DT the opportunity to reinvent themselves.
Still, it's rather disappointing that the band wasn't willing to give the guy a break. Good on him if he continues with Avenged Sevenyoko.
Following his latest activities with AS, one could have seen it coming.
Still, quite a shock. I have seen DT first in 93 and since then on every tour (except one), so I guess I can call myself a fan. I support his decision. But always sad to see an important band member leave. Same with Neal Morse...
I do hope the members of Marillion are catering to Pete's every need. Stop the cycle!
Quote from: "gr8gonzo"I do hope the members of Marillion are catering to Pete's every need. Stop the cycle!
Heh! They seem to be quite happy to let him go off to various supergroups - with another one in the offing shortly! ;)
Was quite shocked to hear about MP's departure though. He kind of is DT to a significant degree - certainly not 'just the drummer'. In fact, a friend of mind commented that on the next tour they'd probably have his drum riser at the front of the stage as he was on 'lead drums'. (Actually, it was rather like that with Transatlantic earlier this year...) As others have commented, I too have been finding less and less I liked with each DT album as it got heavier and heavier and more samey although Black Clouds was a good album. (There again, I actually really like their most despised 'commercial' album, Falling Into Infinity... :oops: ) Maybe the change will act as a catalyst for new ideas.
Wonder who on earth will be able fill MP's drum throne though and will the diehard fans accept them...?
I hope I'm wrong, but...
He says DT is starting to burn him out, but like others mentioned, with all his other projects, I don't think it's DT, but the entirety of his involvements that are burning him out. I get a feeling he's going to sell out on an Avenged Sevenfold tour, and he's trying to cover this up with DT... Like I said, I hope I'm wrong.
And if that's the case, he better not think he's not going to be burned out after a world tour with Avenged, mostly if he continues with other side projects...
Personally though, I don't think I would last 25 years with a same band. I think DT fans (which include myself), have been lucky to have them for so many years. A change will do everyone good.
I saw this, and was actually devastated. My hero's left my favourite band, you could say I'm rather gutted.
Quote from: "Jem"I'll be fascinated to see what happens now, could it be their Gabriel leaves Genesis moment? Perhaps, they'll go all AOR on us. :lol: :lol:
In a bizarre surreal-Genesis way, might James Labrie turn out to unexpectedly be a good drummer? Just the way my rather odd mind works in these situations.
Bloody Hell, I wasn't expecting this...
Although, I must say that I prefer the older DT material, such as Images And Words, so it could be interesting to see if the band goes back in that direction... :|
Hmm... the memory of that Southampton gig is starting to sound much better now... ;)
Quote from: "D S"Wonder who on earth will be able fill MP's drum throne though and will the diehard fans accept them...?
(//http://jonchappell.com/hc/snamm08/LinnDrum-NAMM%20Museum.JPG)
:lol:
From what I've heard over the last couple of years, Mike seemed to pretty much have a strangle-hold on the musical direction of the band - it's no secret that it's mainly due to his 'system' that John Myung (who wrote some of their best early material) doesn't write lyrics any more. In this respect sympathize with the rest of the band. I'm not sure I'd be too pleased if I was them and he was expecting me to put my career on hold while he crammed his schedule with a gazillion other bands. He's always said that DT is his baby and that he would never prioritise any other band over them. Until, of course, one of them becomes more commercially successful than DT. Hmm...
Musically, this could go either way. Mike was very fan-minded, which is great in terms of getting the right releases out, but not so great when he has a slightly misconceived idea of the fans actually want in terms of music, which I suspect was a big factor in the current 'formula' being established. On the other hand, we don't actually know how much of the really good stuff came from MP. It could be that we end up with a whole album of JP/JR wankery next.
This will certainly be a turning point, lets just hope it's in the right direction!
I love Mike and I think everything will go great for everybody.
But Mike just wanted to make everything so MERTAL!
Growling and blastbeats and double bass drums (whats up with that?)
I can see DT becoming a band of real virtuosity. No more Mike playing four to the floor and screaming.
As for the next drummer, I have no idea. I hope its someone obscure. I'd love it to be TBE with his cute brummie accent But we'll see.
And he dropped out of DT but hasn't joined Storm Corrosion with Wilson and Akerfeldt? Whats up with that?
Mike is a fantastic drummer, and a HUGE part of DT, especially in the organisation area- the time and care he puts into things as simple as the video show at gigs is just crazy!
But yes, he has definitely been pulling the music in the direction that he wants it, and I agree with others- death roars and blast beats just aren't Dream Theater.
Here's a video of an interview with Mike shot during the recent Transatlantic tour, he covers quite a few topics including why John Myung doesn't write lyrics anymore:
http://vimeo.com/14827294 (http://vimeo.com/14827294)
I am a diehard Dream Theater fan, I mean hell they are my number 1 favorite band. But as far as creativeness the last good genuinely good album was Octavarium. It will be interest to see as this all plays out. Personally I think I will be back within one albums time. Though I would have to say that with him and Avenged Sevenfold there is gonna be some good shit from them. Hell their new album kicks ass! Whatever way he goes I still wish him the best and hope he's happy with the musical direction he decides to take.
More than a sound, the rest of the band now have to build up a new identity for themselves from the ground up! Mike had become so closely associated with all aspects of the band that we barely know those guys anymore.
I'd be rather chuffed if he joined Avenged Sevenfold full time. Perhaps if Blunders is indisposed some time he could join Frost* for a workout. :twisted:
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Here's a video of an interview with Mike shot during the recent Transatlantic tour, he covers quite a few topics including why John Myung doesn't write lyrics anymore:
http://vimeo.com/14827294 (http://vimeo.com/14827294)
Just saw this. I love this guy. He's doing so many great things. I got back to playing drums myself after seeing him doing a drum clinic back in '99. You don't have to love everything he does but I love driven people like this that create stuff and get things done. Remember how he brought a lot of bands to the spot lights by bringing them on tour with DT.
I really hope people cut him some slack. It's like a lot of people are telling him what he should or shouldn't do. It happens all the time with celabs. It's rediculious. Love them for what they are or go find something else that suits you better. Jem once wrote a nice little song about that btw..... ;)
Rock on Mike! 8-)
Octavaian was the last one I enjoyed, they've become a bit too metal for me.
They've been together so long now I think they've become formulaic in their music, perhaps this will give the band a new life .. afterall he's only the drummer ;)
One thing is for sure, we will all be watching and listening now .. some waiting for a fall and others with open minds.
Seems a bit odd that the band weren't prepared to take a break, but I guess if the others are all primed and ready to go ..
Being a big DT fan, and also MP on his own, I was really surprised to hear this.
But I'm actually not as gutted I was expecting to be.
Will be an interesting one to see how both sides go from here.
Quote from: "Ecosse"Being a big DT fan, and also MP on his own, I was really surprised to hear this.
But I'm actually not as gutted I was expecting to be.
Will be an interesting one to see how both sides go from here.
I agree with Ecosse. Having been a fan since Images And Words, and having seen many bands go through this type of upheaval, both Mike and hopefully Dream Theater will continue to make interesting and uplifting music. Afterall, a change is as good as a rest isn't it?
Quote from: "Jem"Perhaps, they'll go all AOR on us. :lol: :lol:
Oh, you mean we finally get to hear some decent tunes again from them since that is what I found lacking in their output ever since Falling Into Infinity.
Quote from: "MrBabou"He says DT is starting to burn him out, but like others mentioned, with all his other projects, I don't think it's DT, but the entirety of his involvements that are burning him out.
The thing is, as has been said by others, he wasn't just the drummer but for the most part THE force behind the slow ascent of Dream Theater. He was the locomotive that kept the DT train running while the rest of the band were 'lounging' in one of the passenger cars so it seems. From what I have gathered over the years he was a huge organisational force within DT and it was from all of these responsibilities that he wanted to take a break for a year or two. All of his other projects were purely projects to which he contributed only a musical level, although I would reckon that he might be a bit more involved in TransAtlantic. My best guess is that we will see hem get involved in even more projects on a purely musical level because that is what he loves doing most. Also with the whole A7X thing: he isn't in charge but purely in it for his own pleasure. He probably just has to turn up with his drumtech and roadie and bang away and at the end of the tour gets a nice fat paycheck.
Quote from: "ChrisX"He probably just has to turn up with his drumtech and roadie and bang away and at the end of the tour gets a nice fat paycheck.
Which is nice for a change, eh? Stuff like Transatlantic is great for his creativity and great for us fans but they hardly make a decent buck out of that. In fact, giving up DT is giving up his main source of income. Takes balls to do that.
Listening to "Images And Words" again. Man, what great stuff - even after all these years!! 8-)
When I first heard the news, I didn't really think much of it. Tonight I did feel a bit of sadness though. DT has been a huge part of my life, and now it's just not the same anymore.
On a side note, there's a topic over on Mike's forum, with the title: Just been Bummed all day!!!!!!!! (//http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2587402)
To be honest: I'm still laughing. :lol:
Quote from: "D S"Wonder who on earth will be able fill MP's drum throne though and will the diehard fans accept them...?
Surely, there can be no better man for the job than this master of the skins! (//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp9g8TMW5-Y)
I'm a little over the whole thing now. I was listening to Transatlantic's Whirlwind last night, and damn, it was incredible, more of that would be brilliant. I'm seeing Avenged later this year too, so I'll be glad to see him then too, but I'm still gutted, obviously. Last thing I did last night befofre sleeping was listening to Portnoy's drum solo on Once In A Livetime, and I really do think that after hearing that, they're gonna struggle with replacing him in DT.
Word has it Mike Mangini could be a fill-in drummer.
I so hope they're gonna make a real album now. The last good album from them was 6DOIT, afterwards they only had some bright moments, but not really ideas brushed up to perfection (well, Octavarium was a nice concept, but the album has only one good song for me, and that's Octavarium). Lots of formulaic writing, and actually they started becoming very predictable, which got on my nerves. They totally need this change. And a new producer. OR OLD ONE.
I think the best thing they could do now is go back to BearTracks studios and reunite with Doug Oberkircher and David Prater, who did such an awesome job on I&W, ACOS and partially on SFAM and 6DOIT.
They won't be getting Prater involved, there was an episode not long back where he started posting on a forum pretending to be an assistant engineer from the I&W sessions, bigging himself up and saying how awful to work with the band were. He was found out and thus made a right tit of himself!
That said, I think bringing in an outside producer would be an excellent idea - Steven Wilson?
Wow that's nasty. Perhaps Mike's OCD was at fault? :P
Well they could still call Doug. :D
Quote from: "EvilDragon"actually they started becoming very predictable, which got on my nerves.
Well, that is not only found in the writing but also very much in Portnoy's drumming style. I really can hear some his drumfills coming in from miles away and most of the times I know what kind of fill comes in. He does lots of those that start out with what sounds like a triplet kind of figure on his bassdrums. What he really should do is take the time and reinvent himself and his drumming style, strip away all unnecessary 'fat'.
Interview with Mike done after the announcement:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbe ... mID=145872 (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145872)
Good interview. Sounds more promising of them getting back together at some point. Mike's getting the time away from the band he wants and the rest of DT can continue with their plans. Only thing is, Mike will returned refreshed, but the others won't have had the benefit. Still, maybe the time without Mike's influence will have a positive impact on their writing. I'm hopeful, anyway.