Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater - Tree of Souls

Dreaming Of Pandora · #1 09-09-2010, 04:47 PM

This is quite a depressing day for me as Mike Portnoy, currently 5th best drummer of all time and temporary drummer for Avenged Sevenfold has decided to leave the prog-metal band, Dream Theater after 25 years playing for them. It was first announced in a press release and soon after his Facebook page.

Hopefully it's temporary but will be a huge blow if he splits altogether. DT isn't DT without MP. That's my philosophy. I'm very saddened by this. Its as if I lost something precious, which it is.

Despite this there is some good news. John Myung, bassist for DT is leading the vote for Best Bassist Of All Time

Gunny · #2 09-09-2010, 05:19 PM

No!!!

I was reading and kept hoping for a jk! This is sad, very sad only. You just can't replace him

Though as for john that's awesome! He is definitely an insane bassist!

Dreaming Of Pandora · #3 09-09-2010, 09:48 PM

Mike issued this statement. The ending moved me to tears.

Quote:

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

Human No More · #4 09-10-2010, 08:57 AM

****ing Avenged Sevenfold stole him

Stupid emos.

**Elyannia** · #5 09-10-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human No More

****ing Avenged Sevenfold stole him

Stupid emos.

So I must be ****ing emo then?

Anyways....I hope Dream Theater doesn't break up for good I love them =[

Human No More · #6 09-10-2010, 04:18 PM

Sorry, no offence intended

... I just don't like them myself, and I do generally consider metalcore 'emo'
Either way, this is very sad only.

**Elyannia** · #7 09-10-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human No More

Sorry, no offence intended

... I just don't like them myself, and I do generally consider metalcore 'emo'
Either way, this is very sad only.

If you consider metalcore 'emo' then you have no idea what the term 'emo' even means.

**TxonTirea** · #8 09-10-2010, 04:54 PM

*Brushes growing arguement aside*
He is silly for leaving. I'm all for him helping A7X finish their album (RIP: The Rev <3)
But I didn't want him to screw over DT. >.<