ater has left the band. Since their formation in 1985 Portnoy cradled the band as if it were his baby, being a chief songwriter/lyricist, handling most press duties and touring schedules as well as running the Ytsejam label. Now, he has left. Read his statement HERE.In 2010, Portnoy’s most notoriety came with his affiliation with Avenged Sevenfold, joining to record drums on Nightmare, following the death of The Rev. He also agreed to tour with the band until the year was out. Dream Theater completed a US tour this summer supporting Iron Maiden and Portnoy, also played the first High Voltage festival in London with Transatlantic (his prog supergroup with Neal Morse). Needless to say Mike Portnoy has always been a busy guy.
But Dream Theater always came first and foremost. However, that has seemingly changed. As outlined in the statement, agreeing on a ‘hiatus’ with the 4 remaining members proved fruitless and hence, he has parted ways with the band he has been one with for 25 years, after 10 studio albums and countless live releases.
Portnoy is, simply put, the best drummer in the world. Clichéd statement? Bold? You’re damn right it is. So, when you possess a mantle such as that where do you go next? The first thought is that he will become a permanent fixture in Avenged Sevenfold. The next is that Transatlantic appearances will become more common, and perhaps some of his many projects from the past will materialise again and new ones with it. It seems though that the former is far more likely.
What’s next for Dream Theater however? Frankly, it’s mind numbingly difficult to imagine Dream Theater without the ever towering presence of Portnoy’s drumming. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure, today is indeed a very sad day.
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