m3rg3 Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Drummer Mike Portnoy had decided to leave Dream Theater. Post from Portnoy on his forum (http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2585154.aspx): 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 He recently was on Eddie Trunk (Friday i think) if you want to listen here you go: MP_on_Eddie_Trunk_09-10-10.mp3 http://www.mediafire.com/?vixys2onfo1rbrw Sad time for music! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.jiggles Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Ohh noes whos going to perform the sick drum solos D: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Atleast hes not quiting music. he is by FAR my favorite drummer, and Dream Theater is one of my Favorite bans. A sad say tho =( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I cried when I found out. I was gonna post on the forums about it (MP leaving, not me crying), but I figured there weren't too many DT fans on here besides me and merge. My biggest fear is that DT is going to become the next Yes, being the former shell of the powerhouse they once were. But MP did mention that he would like to return on stage with DT one day, so here is hoping to the Dream Theater World Tour Reunion in 2012! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linoleum Knive Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I bet he replaces A7X's drummer. Didnt he help them finish the Nightmare CD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
**Roy** Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I feel sad inside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted September 14, 2010 Share Posted September 14, 2010 He'll probably just end up becoming a studio drummer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m3rg3 Posted September 14, 2010 Author Share Posted September 14, 2010 Yeah, he made the album and is now touring with then, he'll finnish the tour now, i dont think he'll join A7x I think DT will get a jazz drummer in and make a album like awake... witch will kick ass! Yeah, MP said, DT said the doors are always open for him to come back... i think he'll be back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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