The bright side of Portnoy's departure: let's talk about it

[Aniland]

Okay, so I've been a big Dream Theater fan for years. They were my favorite band from 2006 to 2010, and Mike was one of the greatest forces behind it.

I know that many people are upset and bitter, but don't you guys realize that this could actually be a completely different and awesome chapter in Dream Theater's career? THEY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. Mike fronted them, Mike wrote a lot of the songs alongside Petrucci, and Mike drove them to do certain things. Now, somebody else will step up...Petrucci? Possibly. LaBrie? Maybe. Either way, a change in leadership will change their output IMMENSELY.

Let's also consider that whoever the new drummer of Dream Theater is (I pity this man, since he will receive some of the rudest treatment a drummer has ever had when it comes to the fanbase), he probably will not be as technically proficient as the great Portnoy. What does this mean? It means they might change their style a bit. Do something very different than they have. Also, remember how Mike was the guy behind the metal stuff? Perhaps a progressive rock Dream Theater is on the horizon?

I want us to calm down in this thread and perhaps discuss some of the positive things that can come of this new change. It's something we have to live with, so let's try to make the best of this.

[SystematicThought]

I don't know why, but I feel there will be more diversity this time around

[Jarlaxle]

Right now, I cannot think positive.

[Ultimetalhead]

Seeing how it's been mentioned several times that JP is just as into teh Methul as Mike is, I don't expect anything drastic.

[OsMosis2259]

I hope they can find another drummer and continue as a band. MP was def. the driving force of the band so I think JP will be new one that writes setlists etc and do the extra work.  However, first I hope they find a drummer that they can get along with then I think they can write some good music and possibly another great album.

[zxlkho]

I REALLY hope this means JMX can write more. I love everything he does.

[Global Laziness]

I REALLY hope this means JMX can write more. I love everything he does.

Lyrically or musically? Lyrically, we already knew he was ready to start contributing again.

[Aniland]

That's what I'm thinking: the rest of the band will probably not leave all of the writing to Petrucci; perhaps they can get back to working as a band.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I'll come back in a couple of days and post lots of positive things that, I hope, will come out of this.

[Arcaeus]

I'm actually more excited for the band's future than I ever have been.

[zxlkho]

IMO, he's at his absolute best lyrically, so that's good news. But musically, I think it will actually improve the band's sound significantly.

I just still can't imagine what they will do to fill the void left by Portnoy...

[chrisbDTM]

they will get an incredible drummer, no doubt.



petrucci. myung. rudess.

that's all we have to say. behind them 100%

[Global Laziness]

they will get an incredible drummer, no doubt.



petrucci. myung. rudess.

that's all we have to say. behind them 100%

Don't forget LaBrie, buddy.

[zxlkho]

I hope LaBrie gets more input too.

[Dimitrius]

Maybe LaBrie gets more input and the guys bring in Mike Mangini to drum, that could work out.

[ReaPsTA]

One undeniable fact about Portnoy leaving DT is that JP will be assuming full control of the band. I like what he does musically, so while something will be lost without Portnoy arranging it, it will still have a voice to it. Maybe a good one.

[Aniland]

maybe the old Opeth drummer will join them

Okay, if Martin Lopez replaced Mike Portnoy, I'd be a happy shithead.

[Jarlaxle]

I thought that was his name was, I knew it was Martin _____ but I was too immersed to search it.

[ACID_FOX]

As depressing as this is, I'm far more exited for the new album than I was before.

[Dimitrius]

maybe the old Opeth drummer will join them

Okay, if Martin Lopez replaced Mike Portnoy, I'd be a happy shithead.

If they could get Mangini to leave Berkley College, I would so want that!

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

maybe the old Opeth drummer will join them

Okay, if Martin Lopez replaced Mike Portnoy, I'd be a happy shithead.

If they could get Mangini to leave Berkley College, I would so want that!

They can pull the "hey, we left Berkley and became big, you can become big too"

[chrisbDTM]

they will get an incredible drummer, no doubt.



petrucci. myung. rudess.

that's all we have to say. behind them 100%

Don't forget LaBrie, buddy.

i hope he steps up then

[orcus116]

OUTSIDE PRODUCER

[Scurvy!Dreams]

I'm actually more excited for the band's future than I ever have been.

Me too.

If it doesn't make the next album better, it at least makes it interesting.

[skydivingninja]

The biggest positive I can think of is no more MP vocals or really bad constant motion lyrics.

[Chagny]

DAY AFTER DAY

[Jarlaxle]

AND NIGHT AFTER NIGHT

[Chagny]

I think it'd be cool if Martin Lopez drummed for Dream Theater. But that's only a fantasy, and can;t come true. Blah.

[robwebster]

Tell you what this feels like, to me?

It might be completely psychopathic. But, you know when you're really getting into a TV show, and then about halfway through the series they do something massively drastic and kill off a main character?

That. It's like a brilliant cliffhanger. This is such a gamechanger. I'm so so SO excited to see what they'll do next. But christ! Mike Portnoy! He was... the glue! Love him or hate him, he did so much. What'll the publicity be like?! Special editions, etc. etc.? I'm sure the others are capable, but... man! They've got their work cut out.

I'm intrigued, though. This is the start of series 5. Who's not excited by a new series? New stories, new characters. New showrunner. Ooh. I like that, the showrunner one. This is Steven Moffat taking over Doctor Who. Dream Theater regenerating into Matt Smith. Exciting. But so so scary. And sad! The end of an era!

[robwebster]

Odd sort of jaunty upside...

Mike Portnoy's not a member of Dream Theater. His website's not a Dream Theater website. These are the de facto official boards, now, I guess. The closest to 'em, anyway.

[Jarlaxle]

Recently JR has been taking the camera and doing the interviews with bandmembers and stuff. Maybe this was a planned thing to make the transition easier.

[King Postwhore]

OUTSIDE PRODUCER

Yes.

[Perpetual Change]

Dream Theater will be forced out of their routine... for better or worse. I expect the next album to be a really big change of pace... but, this also definitely marks the end of an era with DT... hard to stay really positive right now.

[Jarlaxle]

Maybe their next album will be titled Transitions

[SystematicThought]

Sounds like they are going to start work very soon though. Maybe even before year's end. Lay down some guitar/bass/keyboard tracks and then do auditions over them?