Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater!

ggonza43 · Post by **ggonza43** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:06 pm

I just don't want another " Black Clouds & Systematic Octavarium" album

pneumonia · Post by **pneumonia** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:12 pm

Exactly, Rebel. There is a chance for them. After Kiske-era there was "Time of the Oath", one of my favorite Helloween album. After Tolkki-era there was Polaris, comparing to last Stratovarius-Tolkki CD very fresh and next one seems to be even better.
After Tarja has left Nightwish, they have come with Dark Passion play, 10 times better than all their previous releases.

I am just very curious what will happen now. Maybe it will be better...

BTW LaBrie is releasing solo album and he also is a darker metal fan (i've listened to the samples) so let's see. I have also reminded of Mike Mangini who could maybe replace.

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:17 pm

Everybody is sad, but curious too. In DT forums, everybody is expecting to hear more prog again in the future. We hope they are gonna have a new era plenty of success, but let me tell you, it's difficult. LET'S HOPE!

Well, and many people is saying that he will return.

And yes, Labrie is releasing a solo album soon, and Petrucci too.

I'm listening to the samples from Static Impulse and sounds really good.

ggonza43 · Post by **ggonza43** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:35 pm

Petrucci too? Suspended Animation Pt.2

?! Please, I want that now!

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:18 pm

Jordan speaks:

Everyone is asking me to comment on my thoughts about Mike Portnoy leaving Dream Theater and this huge change that has happened in all of our lives. I have always been able to express my feelings and do my best "talking" through music, so I decided to voice my statement in this improvisation. Hope you "understand"

ggonza43 · Post by **ggonza43** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:20 pm

Well said Jordan

adrian9 · Post by **adrian9** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 12:25 am

it is such a crap when people can get to make it work...
there is not a single fucking chance that DT make a decent album without mike. they are on acid if they think fans will support that.
after they release their album without mike and sales drops to -0. they gonna have to phone mike.

yes reunion tour in 3/5 years

Susie · Post by **Susie** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 12:59 am

Awwwww Mr Rudess answer!!! <3

This is Mike's last DT-pre-divorce video, hehe

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:30 am

pneumonia wrote:Exactly, Rebel. There is a chance for them. After Kiske-era there was "Time of the Oath", one of my favorite Helloween album. After Tolkki-era there was Polaris, comparing to last Stratovarius-Tolkki CD very fresh and next one seems to be even better.
After Tarja has left Nightwish, they have come with Dark Passion play, 10 times better than all their previous releases.

I am just very curious what will happen now. Maybe it will be better...

BTW LaBrie is releasing solo album and he also is a darker metal fan (i've listened to the samples) so let's see. I have also reminded of Mike Mangini who could maybe replace.

The thing is though, on the Helloween radar, Kiske is an early blip, and Deris is the definitive singer of Helloween. Polaris though, that's a more apt comparison.

I was actually discussing this early and I ranked my favorite Helloween albums

Dark Ride>Better than Raw>KOTSK Pt. III: The Legacy>KOSK Pt. II>Master of the Rings>KOTSK Pt. I>Time of the Oath>Gambling with the Devil>Rabbits>Walls of Jericho>Unarmed>Pink Bubbles>John and Yoko Ono farting into a microphone for an hour>The sound of crying children>Chameleon

AAAAAAAAAA · Post by **AAAAAAAAAA** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:47 am

Rebel wrote:The sound of crying children>Chameleon

:user: That album is a classic! "I Believe" is one of the greatest Helloween songs ever. First Time, Giants, and Longing are all strong too. YOU SUCK!

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:09 am

AAAAAAAAAA wrote:
Rebel wrote:The sound of crying children>Chameleon
:user: That album is a classic! "I Believe" is one of the greatest Helloween songs ever. First Time, Giants, and Longing are all strong too. YOU SUCK!

I had a theory that windmill making it onto an album made Ingo kill himself.

AAAAAAAAAA · Post by **AAAAAAAAAA** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 5:03 am

Rebel wrote:
AAAAAAAAAA wrote:
Rebel wrote:The sound of crying children>Chameleon
:user: That album is a classic! "I Believe" is one of the greatest Helloween songs ever. First Time, Giants, and Longing are all strong too. YOU SUCK!
I had a theory that windmill making it onto an album made Ingo kill himself.

:user: Shitmill is...shit. But Heavy Metal Hamsters is worse.

I really do like Chameleon though, or at least 60% of it. Rabbit Don't Come Easy is the weakest link in the Helloween discography for me.

I agree with most of your other Helloween rankings. But Keepers Pt. 3 is way too high.

Master of the Onion Rings is underrated (the best since "If I Could Fry").

Equinox · Post by **Equinox** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 5:39 am

Portnoy is one of my all time favorite drummers. I will support both DT and MP with whatever they do now onwards. But it's a big shame that they are separating.

Train of Thoughts is the only album in my library that got a perfect 5 star rating. Even though DT is not my all time favorite. But, writing, composition and . . . .just the vibe of the album was perfect. Mike played a big part on that perfection.

It's a big shame. Probably as big as Jackson's death. When it comes to drummers, I do give a damn.

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 6:36 am

AAAAAAAAAA wrote:
Rebel wrote:
AAAAAAAAAA wrote:
Rebel wrote:The sound of crying children>Chameleon
:user: That album is a classic! "I Believe" is one of the greatest Helloween songs ever. First Time, Giants, and Longing are all strong too. YOU SUCK!
I had a theory that windmill making it onto an album made Ingo kill himself.
:user: Shitmill is...shit. But Heavy Metal Hamsters is worse.

I really do like Chameleon though, or at least 60% of it. Rabbit Don't Come Easy is the weakest link in the Helloween discography for me.

I agree with most of your other Helloween rankings. But Keepers Pt. 3 is way too high.

Master of the Onion Rings is underrated (the best since "If I Could Fry").

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM9NUkLwklI

any album with King for 1000 years

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:22 am

Petrucci's post:

Obviously you've all heard the news of Mike's departure from Dream Theater by now.
I felt it important to open up a line of communication in an effort to kill any rumors and to promote clarity.
I love Mike and really hope he's happy and successful in whatever he does.
I realize that Mike was always the one to actively stay in touch with our fans, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to try to be at least a bit more present on both mine and DT's websites and to let you all know that I am here.
To me, Dream Theater's story is one of defying the odds, standing for true integrity in music and creating our own success through perseverance and hard work, so although Mike's leaving is heartbreaking, I still look forward to an amazing musical journey that continues on with some of the most talented and respected musicians and composers on the planet!
-JP

http://www.petrucciforum.com/forums/sho ... hp?t=70325

James post:

Hi Everyone,

Thought I would give you time to digest the news of Mike's departure. MIke stated that he was burnt out with the DT world and needed a break. We have to respect where he is at and where this will lead him at this particular point in time. With that being said, we are more than pumped to continue the legacy of DT and jump full on into the next chapter. Rest assured it will be great. You can count on it.

On another positive note. Matt and I are psyched with the reaction and reviews 'Static Impulse is receiving around the world. We can't wait until everyone can get their hands on the complete disc. and hear it the way it was intended.
I will be around more often to see how you're all doing and to fill you with any and all news. Take care and not long now until the 27th or 28th depending on where you live.

Kick it up a notch,

James

http://www.jameslabrie.com/forum/index.php?topic=726.0

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:32 am

Petrucci answers:

Do you have anyone as of right now to fill MP's spot as a drummer?

No, not yet. This all went down yesterday.

Wow. So was this out of the blue for you guys too or have you been weighing the options over the past while?

Shocking.
No one ever anticipated Mike leaving.
I love him and personally think it's a mistake but he's his own man.

Did you guys even for a second consider ending the band upon hearing Mike's decision?

Not for a micro second.
25 year careers don't grow on trees!

I'm going to be very greedy and ask if musical differences played a factor in the parting with Mike?

Not at all.

Regarding drummers, are you going to try and find a player that you already know personally?

That's not a prerequisite.

John,

Do you know if you guys will write the new album in the studio or write most of it beforehand?

Both

Seeing as DT always bounce back when they have something to prove(Scenes & Images), has this changed got you pumped for the new album?

I'm absolutely pumped for the next album!
I was before the news and still am.
I love DT and love writing and recording new music more than anything.
I love the challenge of trying to top yourself each time.

If Mike chose to return in the future, would the band be okay with it?

I would love to have the chance to play with Mike again.

Did John Myung say something when he found out?

John has a lot to say and contribute

Hey JP.

Has the band been in serious talks about what comes next, or are you all kinda giving it a moment to sink in before any concrete plans?

Our plans for 2011 haven't changed.

You probably have no idea since it's so early, but how are the setlists gonna work out? MP always made them, and took the time to see what songs hadn't been played in a while in each state.

We will take great care in making the setlists

I feel bad that we're storming you with questions John, but you're handling it well and thanks so much for opening up this Q&A of sorts.

How do you think the band will fill the other roles that Mike played? At least from the fans perspective it appeared Mike did a great deal of the bands management, not just drumming.

God Bless

We have a manager that has always handled the band's affairs. Mike was excellent at promoting the band and making public appearances as well as communicating with our fans. We will have to step it up to match all he did.

Hey John,

How do you think this will effect the writing of future (or at least this upcoming) records? Do you think you guys are still going to enter the studio on a blank slate and go from there?

Our method of writing wont change. It's hard to say.

John,

Don't know if you'd answer this, but are you guys considering an acoustic album, without drums? After seeing Jordan's video today, I think if you all were putting together songs without drums it might create something completely different and pretty cool.

Not at this time

John,

Are you still just as happy with the Mark V's, or do you still like going back to your Mark IIC+'s?

They are all awesome. The Mark V is a monster and I will definitely use it in the studio.

Hey John i had a few questions. Any answer would be fine and none would be fine. lol. anyway...

I was wondering if the revolving setlists for the shows would remain? I know MP kept track of that stuff and i was wondering if that was going to change.

Now that MP is gone are you guys producing the album yourself or are you thinking about hiring an outside producer?

and What about ytsejam records? Will that continue or go away.

Thanks!

We haven't decided.

Last question, I promise. Do you foresee a stylistic change with the forthcoming album? Many fans are speculating that Mike had a large role to play in the recent shift towards a more modern metal sound.

It's not predetermined. It happens organically when we write together. I'd rather not speculate because I've always had a passion for playing heavy music. We'll have to see what happens in the studio.

Without going into too many details, how did the Mike tell you he was finished?

He was a gentleman.

John,

Are you intimidated at all going into writing a new album without mikes creative input?

P. S., thanks for taking the time to do this. A lot of us have been members of your page for ten years, and we've waited patiently to hearing (reading) your words.

No. There is nothing I enjoy more than writing and recording. I'm really looking forward to it.

Hey john are you working on a new solo album??. Do you have an estimated date of release?

Yes, it's mostly written and yet to be recorded. Coming soon details to follow.

pneumonia · Post by **pneumonia** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 11:14 am

In those Q&A of Petrucci and his statement as also James statement there is no information, except this that they gonna release new album in date.
We can expect that if Portnoy wants, they will reunite. And maybe in 3/5 years they will

Intiaani · Post by **Intiaani** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 6:57 pm

Never been a big fan of the band. I don't find their music very progressive, or, at least I think of the word 'progressive' in music a little more changing, interlacing than what DT mostly plays. Maybe songs like In the Name of God are progressive, but mostly they seem to me being all about changes in tempo and rhythm and just playing skillfully. Sorry guys.

pneumonia wrote:I like the intro and pre-chorus [of I Walk Beside You], but the chorus is so pop (not even rock), i just can't stand it.

That about sums up my generalization about Brit"rock" of today.

(The song is supposed to sound like U2 and, actually, I got to know last year it's NOT an U2 song.

) Mostly bands aren't even melodically driven anymore like Oasis in their prime. They just do that thing which is sold as rock music but is not rock music. And it instantly blows many more minds than for example power metal will ever do. I don't get it. :X Maybe I'm just bitter. Or maybe the (indie) alternative Britpop-rock listeners just are wrong. Yes... that must be it!

Back to DT. As an occasional, casual listener of their music, I've gotten an image that they are VERY clean and pure. They even seem TOO gentlemen-esque for metal musicians. I thought they lack the certain spirit there should be in a rock band, i.e. to deliver (at least mental) energy and edge to the music. They're more Mozart than Metallica. And, yes, they're not trying to be anything else. Still, could those saint-like former members of the band suddenly abandon their Transatlantics and OSIs and whatever is there... Wait, I was going to say if some former drummers just abandoned their little projects for dah monee, but I checked and DT never had another drummer. Oh well...

ggonza43 · Post by **ggonza43** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 8:27 pm

Well, JP seems not to be affected THAT much for Mike's departure but what else could we expect from somebody so silent like he is. Anyway, we have now to expect the best, and GOD please change MP's mind so they could reunite someday

BTW, I just love how short the answer were considering the long questions the fans did

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 8:32 pm

Intiaani wrote:Never been a big fan of the band. I don't find their music very progressive, or, at least I think of the word 'progressive' in music a little more changing, interlacing than what DT mostly plays. Maybe songs like In the Name of God are progressive, but mostly they seem to me being all about changes in tempo and rhythm and just playing skillfully. Sorry guys.

pneumonia wrote:I like the intro and pre-chorus [of I Walk Beside You], but the chorus is so pop (not even rock), i just can't stand it.

That about sums up my generalization about Brit"rock" of today. (The song is supposed to sound like U2 and, actually, I got to know last year it's NOT an U2 song. ) Mostly bands aren't even melodically driven anymore like Oasis in their prime. They just do that thing which is sold as rock music but is not rock music. And it instantly blows many more minds than for example power metal will ever do. I don't get it. :X Maybe I'm just bitter. Or maybe the (indie) alternative Britpop-rock listeners just are wrong. Yes... that must be it!

Back to DT. As an occasional, casual listener of their music, I've gotten an image that they are VERY clean and pure. They even seem TOO gentlemen-esque for metal musicians. I thought they lack the certain spirit there should be in a rock band, i.e. to deliver (at least mental) energy and edge to the music. They're more Mozart than Metallica. And, yes, they're not trying to be anything else. Still, could those saint-like former members of the band suddenly abandon their Transatlantics and OSIs and whatever is there... Wait, I was going to say if some former drummers just abandoned their little projects for dah monee, but I checked and DT never had another drummer. Oh well...

I really think you don't understand what Progressive rock or metal means or you don't want to understand it, or you don't have any idea of the discography of DT. You name In the name of God as their only progressive song, and in that days they had released tons of progressive songs. Then you talk about I walk beside you which is a radio friendly, just to blame the band, a band that you don't follow. From that album, you could name Octavarium and compare it with I walk beside you. It's like if you come here and say that Stratovarius is not a power metal band, just because they have other kind of songs. Then, any band can have an style, cause if there are some moments in his discography where they try other elements, they have never been a band with the style they always had.
Then Stratovarius is not a power metal band, and have never been a power metal band.

If you don't see progressive metal/rock in DT discography, then... just you know what's your definition of progressive rock or metal.

And you say that there are just rythm changes and skill and that's all, ok, then in Stratovarius there isn't power metal, there are just speed and catchy choruses.

Anyway, please do not come here just to say opinions based in nothing, mainly because you don't like DT and you never understood their music.

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 8:33 pm

ggonza43 wrote:Well, JP seems not to be affected THAT much for Mike's departure but what else could we expect from somebody so silent like he is. Anyway, we have now to expect the best, and GOD please change MP's mind so they could reunite someday

BTW, I just love how short the answer were considering the long questions the fans did

He is very classy man. I like a lot the way he answer the questions. It's impossible to fight with this man.

Intiaani · Post by **Intiaani** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:41 pm

RazielSR wrote:I really think you don't understand what Progressive rock or metal means or you don't want to understand it, or you don't have any idea of the discography of DT.

Actually there is sense in all of this. I think DT and Symphony X that first come to my mind from the progressive metal scene just keep repeating their own patterns in the end. Them having their patterns alone really make them less progressive than, say, some songs that don't have choruses, songs that just keep changing and/or growing. Or even decreasing. In volume, amount of instruments, in their complete soundscape. Just maybe some theme melodies that keep certain familiarity in there, but not necessarily those either. BUT! I know this goes against general view of progressive music, because DT and Symphony X, for example, ARE being considered as progressive overally.

You name In the name of God as their only progressive song, and in that days they had released tons of progressive songs.

I said I'm not a big fan of DT, and there was some intended bad taste in my previous message. But by no means I tried to name In the Name of God their only progressive song! I added the "songs like" part there and all!

It's true, too, that I don't know the complete discography of DT. Why should I, since the albums Images and Words, Train of Thought, Awake, Octavarium or any separate song I've heard from other albums (pretty much actually) haven't embraced my musical senses? I'm actually not into (downloading and) listening all the band's material just because it's a band "anyone liking this-and-that should have listened to" or for any other reason. I tend to buy albums from the bands I truly like, and, unfortunately, DT haven't been one of these bands for me so far. There's so much going on in their music (I've read that Octavarium netsite, etc.) it's actually unfortunate, for real, that I haven't had a chance to really get impressed from their music!

I have Train of Thought as my only DT CD though - maybe that's why I namedropped In the Name of God in the first place. That song somehow is by far my biggest DT favorite for some unexplored reason... o.O

Then you talk about I walk beside you which is a radio friendly, just to blame the band, a band that you don't follow.

Now this is my mistake alone. I just wrote badly. I actually like I Walk Beside You pretty much; I erroneuously used it to collect my greatly generalized opinion toward this Britrock/pop thingy, only because I found a spot to channel it through.

But I could even say I like U2! But it seems most (and new) bands down that line are crap in my opinion.

Also, LaBrie's imiation really impressed me - I actually meant it sounding U2 as a compliment, since I couldn't have imagined it's really non-U2!

From that album, you could name Octavarium and compare it with I walk beside you. It's like if you come here and say that Stratovarius is not a power metal band, just because they have other kind of songs.

You would've had a point there IF I saw the word power metal used wrong in my mind as well. The thing is, it's just the word "progressive" that, in my mind, has lexicalised into meaning that changing, still repeating style of music this DT, Symphony X "genre" is doing. Still, I get what you mean: comparing I Walk Beside You to Octavarium the song is like comparing I Walk to My Own Song to Visions (Southern Cross), even though Octavarium is even, bigger, fruitier yadayada than Visions. :3 AND of course there's no marvelous Bono imitation in IWtMOS!

Then, any band can have an style, cause if there are some moments in his discography where they try other elements, they have never been a band with the style they always had.

Mmh. But even bands that I count trvly progressive (see what I did thar) have their style, even without them repeating anything in their songs. This difference about the word 'progressive' in our points of view is actually the main reason why you thought my message was attacking in the first place.

Oh, and the fact I exaggerated, generalized and even flamed. But hey, it's me. You guys should get used to it. Possibly Finns are generally just straighter than many others? Especially us coming from a poor industry towns.

Anyway, please do not come here just to say opinions based in nothing, mainly because you don't like DT and you never understood their music.

Sorry.

I might like DT a bit, it's one of those bands I sometimes listen to a song or a few, or an album. Then I somehow tend to get a long pause during which I have no desire to listen to them at all.

And now, since I just wouldn't like to make you understand my points of view, a little something else...

Some DT fans are very, very intolerant towards any negative comments on the band. I wouldn't like to state you are one of them, but I think you took my message faaaaar too seriously anyway, and misinterpreted parts of it just to build some more steam. I understand there's this tragic leaving-the-band thingy and all, but, please.

I know there's a fanbase of those too serious fans there, somehow especially with DT, it seems. I've met some of those guys. I know a die-hard DT fan - my best friend - who thinks there are such fans. I think people should just understand that there might be people who are not into DT, no matter how perfect their music is in its own way. I guess it really might be, on paper. Just that I don't have the priviledge to feel that in my heart, ok?

It might even be that I've never even heard DT's most progressive works though. Bad luck that time. I think I have, though, some of the most progressive anyway. Like friend's self-edited Twelve-step Suite for instance.

But that's all for now. I never really meant to despise DT. Except for their too soft attitudes - they're supposed to be rockers! ;D And their wannabe-progressive structures. And their music built on virtuosos masturbating with their instruments. And...

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 10:20 pm

You are completely fool and disrespectful. I won't debate with you.

ggonza43 · Post by **ggonza43** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 10:41 pm

Well, this was too long to read, but assuming Raziel's reaction I can surely state Initiaani said something disrespectful about DT. This forum is a place where everybody can say anything about any topic, and we also have to respect their opinions...And this usually ends up in difficult discussion that could turn out into violent respones (I include myself I had some while ago). So I think the best thing to do now is to forget about stupid arguements and focus on what's really important

adrian9 · Post by **adrian9** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 11:03 pm

ggonza43 wrote:Well, this was too long to read, but assuming Raziel's reaction I can surely state Initiaani said something disrespectful about DT. This forum is a place where everybody can say anything about any topic, and we also have to respect their opinions...And this usually ends up in difficult discussion that could turn out into violent respones (I include myself I had some while ago). So I think the best thing to do now is to forget about stupid arguements and focus on what's really important

people always talk and argue.....in any case, Images & Words and Metropolis Pt 2 are unbeateable progressive album and if you think they arent go and try to play those songs. they are beyond impossible.

Intiaani · Post by **Intiaani** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 10:53 am

ggonza43 wrote:Well, this was too long to read, but assuming Raziel's reaction I can surely state Initiaani said something disrespectful about DT. This forum is a place where everybody can say anything about any topic, and we also have to respect their opinions...And this usually ends up in difficult discussion that could turn out into violent respones (I include myself I had some while ago). So I think the best thing to do now is to forget about stupid arguements and focus on what's really important

I think you really should read my responce and decide for yourself who's disrespectful.

Unfortunately, for me, music isn't automatically good if it's hard to play. Good music is in my head, heart, whatever, and it has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not a musician is a virtuoso! Just that unexplained *it*... sound, style, melodies... that works for me.

I'm not a big fan of Dream Theater, true, but I somewhat like their music. Frankly, I don't even see what IS the problem here.

Balu · Post by **Balu** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:05 am

adrian9 wrote:
ggonza43 wrote:Well, this was too long to read, but assuming Raziel's reaction I can surely state Initiaani said something disrespectful about DT. This forum is a place where everybody can say anything about any topic, and we also have to respect their opinions...And this usually ends up in difficult discussion that could turn out into violent respones (I include myself I had some while ago). So I think the best thing to do now is to forget about stupid arguements and focus on what's really important
people always talk and argue.....in any case, Images & Words and Metropolis Pt 2 are unbeateable progressive album and if you think they arent go and try to play those songs. they are beyond impossible.

Just to argue here too (I love arguing), I must say, that nearly impossible to play songs doesn't mean the music is progressive.

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 3:14 pm

Some footage from the last show with MP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njOOt-THock

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<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mxJKqpYYWy0?fs ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mxJKqpYYWy0?fs=1&hl=es_ES" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxJKqpYYWy0

RazielSR · Post by **RazielSR** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 3:20 pm

Interview with MP about the departure:

PART 1:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgD-ns2_Kpg

PART 2:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QE2aXjMbnk

PART 3:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk-Jxyhx7uo

TRANSCRIPTION:

Former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy discussed his departure from the band for the first time during an appearance on tonight's (Friday, September 10) edition of Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM. A BLABBERMOUTH.NET transcript of the chat follows below (only slightly edited for clarity).

Q: Clearly you weren't just some drummer — you were very much a focal point and driving force [behind DREAM THEATER]. So what went down and how did we arrive at this point that you are no longer a member of DREAM THEATER?

Portnoy: Well, I don't know how to sum it up, but I guess I could sum it up by just saying I was put in a position where I kind of had to quit in order to move forward. I love DREAM THEATER, I love the guys, it's been my baby for 25 years, but I just needed a break from DREAM THEATER. And a lot of people have already misinterpreted my press release, saying, "Well, if he needs a break, why is he playing with all these other bands?" I didn't need a break from playing and from touring and doing projects — I really just felt like DREAM THEATER needed a break. We have been on a write-record-tour cycle for a solid 12, 15 years — almost 20 years at this point — without any real breaks, and I was just feeling like it was... I don't know... It was just a pattern that needed to be broken. And this isn't something that I just started feeling and decided overnight; I mean, this dates back to last year. I was already feeling it [back then]. We were in Europe on the Progressive Nation tour last fall and I even suggested to the guys, "Why don't we not tour as much in 2010?" We were gonna do an American tour in the spring and we ended up blowing that out — just 'cause I really felt the need to shake up the cycle and break the pattern that we'd been doing for so long because it was starting to become a little stale to me. I would go off and do these other projects and they were very refreshing to me and yet I'd come back to DREAM THEATER, and as much as I love the music and as much me and the bandmembers are brothers, I just felt like we needed a break from each other in order to reignite the flame. Dating back to last fall I was feeling it, and then when I was out with TRANSATLANTIC this last spring, I was talking about it with some people on that tour. And then when we were out with [IRON] MAIDEN this summer, I knew it was coming to a head. And finally I brought it up to the guys and suggested, "Why don't we just take a little bit of a break? We've been going non-stop for so many years, I think maybe a couple of years' hiatus would do us good. It would give us each a chance to recharge our batteries and be reinspired." And those guys didn't agree with me. They wanted to keep going, and they wanted to start a new album in January [2011], and I just really felt strongly that a break could do us some good. And we just disagreed on that point. And, basically, it came to... After this initial discussion, we went off for about a week or so to think about it, and we came back together a couple of nights ago to talk about it, and they didn't wanna budge; they really wanted to start the album in January — with or without me. And I really felt if I was forced to go into the studio in January feeling the way I'm feeling that my heart wouldn't be in it and I would be going through the motions and not really doing what I really, really felt in my heart I should be doing, which is getting a breather... And that's what happened. Basically, I was put in the position where I either had to do the album in January against my will or I had to say goodbye, and I chose to say goodbye. It was the hardest decision I've ever made in my life and I feel really sad about it, and those guys are really sad about it. It's kind of weird that it came to this because none of us really wanted it, but inevitably this is the way it went down.

Q: You didn't wanna quit and obviously they didn't want you out. It really just seems like it was a disagreement as to where you were in your life with the band and what they wanted to do, and I guess the odds came out to four against one, and they decide they're going without you.

Portnoy: That's exactly it. I mean, I didn't wanna quit and they didn't want me to leave, but yet here we are; it was the only way that they could happily move on and I could happily move on. It's a weird kind of break-up, because it was a break-up where we still loved each other. I got, like, the nicest e-mail today from John Petrucci [DREAM THEATER guitarist] and I got a great e-mail today from Jordan [Rudess, DREAM THEATER keyboardist]. They miss me and they're sad about this, and I'm sad about it and I'm heartbroken, but we just strongly disagree. I really think that the band could have used a few years to recharge our batteries and so many bands have done it — whether it be SOUNDGARDEN, ALICE IN CHAINS, JANE'S ADDICTION, PHISH, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE... A lot of bands, when you're going this long and this strong, they take a break and then come back bigger and better than ever, and that's kind of what I hoped would happen with DREAM THEATER, and I was hoping that would be the path we could take together, but it was not to be.

Q: How much do you think that playing with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and the other projects that you do — you're always busy working creatively, doing other things, whether it's DREAM THEATER or not — played a role in this coming down, if any?

Portnoy: Well, it absolutely had nothing to do with my initial thoughts, because, like I mentioned earlier, I was already discussing this with the guys last fall. And last fall, The Rev [late AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer] was still alive and well and I had nothing to do with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and I was already feeling these feelings last September/October. If you watch the "Wither" video that we shot on that tour, almost all the footage is me hanging out with Mikael Åkerfeldt [of OPETH] or Damon Fox [of BIGELF]; I was already feeling some separation from the guys in DREAM THEATER. The groundwork in those feelings was already laid down back then. So, really, the feelings had nothing to do with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and once 2010 rolled around, I went and did some shows with HAIL!, and then I went and did a couple of months of touring with TRANSATLANTIC, and then I started the tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and all three of those projects — not just AVENGED, but all three of those projects — equally showed me how I was feeling very comfortable and happy and refreshed with some of these other bands. And I go back to DREAM THEATER, like on the MAIDEN tour, and the relationships between the five of us in DREAM THEATER were a bit strained; everybody was kind of just burnt out on each other — sitting in different dressing rooms and not hanging out, and like I mentioned, if you watch the "Wither" video... There was a bit of that strain, and 25 years together sometimes will do that. We love each other, we're brothers, and we're family, but sometimes you kind of grow apart and need some space, and that's what I was feeling. Honestly, this all was brewing way before AVENGED SEVENFOLD, but AVENGED SEVENFOLD, the experience with them kind of just opened my eyes a bit, as did the TRANSLATLANTIC tour, and as did the HAIL! shows. It just opened my eyes up to what a fresh relationship can be... I don't know... It's real tough for me to put in words and I really don't wanna be misnterpreted. I really don't want people to think that I left DREAM THEATER for AVENGED SEVENFOLD — I am not a member of AVENGED SEVENFOLD; I'm just touring them and helping them out, and we're having a great time. I just felt like I wouldn't have my heart into going back to DREAM THEATER in January without having some sort of a break. I mean, the way it is now with AVENGED, I guess we'll just ride this out together, because they're a band without a drummer, and now I'm a drummer without a band. We haven't made any decisions or have even discussed where we go from here. It's just for now I will continue playing with them and we'll see where we go from there.

Q: The first thing I thought about when I heard about this, and I'm sure a lot of fans did as well, was that the other guys in DREAM THEATER probably said , "Well, he's playing with all these other bands, but when need to work, he doesn't have time for us, so that's that." But you're saying that really wasn't it.

Portnoy: I don't know... Yeah, maybe they do feel that way.

Q: Kind of like your girlfriend is off doing other stuff and then when you need her, she's not available.

Portnoy: You know, I cannot ever be accused of not having my heart into DREAM THEATER. I mean, I've literally spent 25 years... It's my baby . . . I mean, I almost felt like I had to sacrifice myself from the situation so I wouldn't be holding them back and I wouldn't be doing something against my will. It's incredible for me to think that they're carrying on without me, but I guess that they're... I used to joke with them all the time. I used to say, "If I ever die, don't say 'He would have wanted us to carry on.' Because I wouldn't want you to carry on without me.'" The last thing I ever wanted to see was a DREAM THEATER without Mike Portnoy in it, so I used to always joke with them about that. But now, here when faced with this reality... I mean, sure, the selfish side of me doesn't wanna think of that band without me, and I kind of wish we would have just taken a break, but then there's the side of me that... I can't hold them back. They're my friends and they're my brothers and if they really wanna continue, then I can't say no; I don't wanna be an a-hole and do that to them. It's a strange situation, and luckily it ended on good terms and those guys have made it blatantly clear that the door is always open for me. So, I mean, it's a weird thing because I would go back to them in a heartbeat, just not now. I just need a break.

Q: How much time did you feel that you needed that you told them that you wanted away [from DREAM THEATER]?

Portnoy: When I proposed it, I proposed an indefinite hiatus, as so many bands go on, and all of whom have come back bigger and better than ever. But that didn't go over [well with the other guys], so then, after talking about it, I said, "Well, then how about, let's say, a year [or] a year and a half? Why don't we take off 2011 and reconvene in 2012?" John Petrucci could do a solo album — he's been talking about that for the longest time — and James [LaBrie] just did a solo album, and John Myung just did a JELLY JAM album, and Jordan's got plans... It made sense. It's like, "Let's just take off 2011 — everybody could do their own thing — and reconvene in 2012." And that didn't go over [well] either; they didn't wanna do that either. I even offered to do various work with them in 2011 — even though it wasn't what I wanted, I was willing to do it just to keep the band afloat. It just didn't fly. It's just unfortunate that that's the way that the chips fell.

On how his role in DREAM THEATER and whether he thinks he can be easily replaced:

Portnoy: The two situations I could think of that are similar [to this] — Tommy Lee with MÖTLEY CRÜE and maybe Phil Collins with GENESIS — and in both of those cases they both left, and in both of those cases they came back, so you know what?! Maybe that will be the case here... I don't know. But to be honest with you, to me the thing that is so weird about this is that my role in DREAM THEATER just went so beyond the drumming. Honestly, I think there's thousands of drummers that could walk into DREAM THEATER right now and could do a great job drumming-wise, but what about the other thousand things that I had to do in DREAM THEATER?! . . . I think they'll have no problem getting a great drummer — there's lots of great drummers out there — but I think they're gonna have to really step up to the plate to cover all of the other responsibilities; they're gonna each have to put in 500 percent more to cover that ground. And I guess they're up to it. I've already seen John Petrucci doing Q&As [question-and-answer sessions] on his web site, which in all these years I've never seen him do, so I guess they're each gonna step up to the plate and cover that ground that I used to cover. You know, I never in a million years thought I would ever see a DREAM THEATER concert, and I'm looking forward to one day doing it. [Laughs]

Q: If I'm a betting man, I have to say that it won't be more than a year or two before you return to that gig under some circumstance.

Portnoy: Well, you know what?! If that was to happen, then I got what I wanted [laughs] — I got my break from them and they got what they wanted; they got to continue on. Maybe a couple of years from now we'll get back together and we'll live happily ever after. I don't know. But there's been so many cases — you've seen it; history has shown — and I've already cited MÖTLEY CRÜE and GENESIS, but you could talk about... AEROSMITH went on without Joe Perry and MAIDEN went on without Bruce [Dickinson] and [JUDAS] PRIEST without [Rob] Halford... Ultimately, they all came back together and I would love it if some day that happens with us . . . The whole thing is as tough for me to swallow as it is for the fans. I feel really bad for the fans, 'cause I spent my entire career making decisions for them and trying to feed the fanbase, and I knew this was one decision that wouldn't be a popular one with the fans, but for once in my life — for once — I had to do what Mike Portnoy felt was right and not what was best for DREAM THEATER. I mean, what would have been best for DREAM THEATER, in my opinion, would have been to just take a few years off — everybody do their own thing, recharge the batteries and come together. But we're five different people with five different personalities, and I guess we differed on that subject . . . We've mentioned these other scenarios [where the members parted ways and then] all [came] back together. The thing that scares the crap out of me, though, is I see a similarity to maybe Roger Waters with PINK FLOYD and that never came back together, and that scares the crap out of me. It would be a tragedy if I never got to be on stage with DREAM THEATER again . . . I'm at peace with [my decision to leave the band] — I really am. I'm depressed and sad and shocked over it, but I am indeed at peace with it, and I think it was the right thing [to do], because I had to follow my heart. I've never been a fake or a B.S. person, and if I would be forced to go into the studio in January, I would feel resentments, and I can't do that. I need to love what I'm doing, and I've never done a project or an album or anything with any other musician that I didn't believe in.

Q: You're out with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, which is gonna continue into the New Year, so at this point, you're just gonna hold with that gig and continue playing with those guys and I imagine you're having fun doing it, right?

Portnoy: Well, yeah. I am indeed having a great time with these guys, so there's no denying that. They're a great bunch of guys, the show is awesome, their fans are awesome, and they've been great to me. The thing with them is they need to take small baby steps because of the situation they just went through with their drummer dying, so they're really in no rush to get a permanent drummer, and they're taking baby steps one day at a time. And I'm in the same boat now, because I don't wanna make any major decisions right now either and now I'm gonna take baby steps and just take this one day at a time. And I guess right now there's no pressure for me, and there's no pressure for them, to make any decisions for awhile now; we can just carry on with their tour, and we have the luxury of time now without any pressure hanging over either of our heads. So I'll carry on with them and then when the time comes that I have to make a decision to do something else, I'll climb that hill when I get there. But right now, it's nice to not have the pressure and I could just play.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbe ... mID=145872

Post by **JensJohansson** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 4:30 pm

RazielSR wrote:Interview with MP about the departure

What happened seems a bit familiar for some odd reason.

I think I can sum up the general psychological interplay within a rock band with these emoticons:

:poke:

:yuk: :bounce2:

:poke: :square:

:pissed2:

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