What if MP wants to come back now?

[Pyroph]

Saying that their lawyer told him, not the guys, is just another way of him trying to make them look like the bad guys and himself as the victim.  Sad.

Regardless of if he's doing that, if that still happened, it's a dick move.

[Adami]

Saying that their lawyer told him, not the guys, is just another way of him trying to make them look like the bad guys and himself as the victim.  Sad.

Regardless of if he's doing that, if that still happened, it's a dick move.

If MP called up JP, and JP said "hold on" and handed the phone to his lawyer, or something like that...sure.

But we don't know what happened. For all we know, Portnoys lawyer called their lawyer and so forth.

[eric42434224]

Is it just me or do most people fail really badly at reading comprehension?

From the sounds of it, MP hasn't changed his mind, he just wanted to go back to fix any personal issues the guys are having (he mentioned the fans as well, although I don't see what we should have to do with anything).

Also, the lawyer thing is slightly ambiguous, but the impression I get from what he said is that he started by speaking to the guys normally, but that the final decision was notified by the lawyer. Which is maybe not all that cool of the rest of the band, but it's certainly not an uncommon approach.

I thought it was abundantly clear that it was not just about personal issues, but was also about re-joining Dream Theater.
So yes, it is just you.  

[Edan the Man]

Does this mean I can change my sig yet?

[snowdog]

Is it just me or do most people fail really badly at reading comprehension?

From the sounds of it, MP hasn't changed his mind, he just wanted to go back to fix any personal issues the guys are having (he mentioned the fans as well, although I don't see what we should have to do with anything).

He does want to fix any personal issues.  But he also said "I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer".  If it was just about fixing personal issues, why mention making announcements about a drummer?  The announcement would be irrelevant in making amends.  That statement to me says he wanted to be the drummer again.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Is it just me or do most people fail really badly at reading comprehension?

From the sounds of it, MP hasn't changed his mind, he just wanted to go back to fix any personal issues the guys are having (he mentioned the fans as well, although I don't see what we should have to do with anything).

He does want to fix any personal issues.  But he also said "I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer".  If it was just about fixing personal issues, why mention making announcements about a drummer?  The announcement would be irrelevant in making amends.  That statement to me says he wanted to be the drummer again.

Yes, considering the original thread on MP.com stated that MP offered to go into the studio with the other guys and record the album in January.

[KevShmev]

This also basically proves that his original statement about A7X not having anything to do with him leaving DT was bogus.  Think about it: if he was still touring with A7X into 2011, which he thought he's be doing until recently, would he still have reached out to DT to get back in?  Probably not.  This basically smacks of, "I dumped my longtime wife for my new girlfriend, but my new girlfriend doesn't want me anymore, so I will go crawling back to my wife. If she'll have me."  But she didn't.

[Super Dude]

Either way, it adds an entirely new dimension to this whirlwind drama.

[Zydar]

Either way, it adds an entirely new dimension to this whirlwind drama.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Caught in the storms of their lives.

[KevShmev]

Whenever he ponders this whole thing, do you think Portnoy is muttering to himself, "Is it really happening?"

[blackngold29]

And the whole situation has my head still spinning...


As for the lawyer thing, which also stuck out to me, I find it extremely difficult to believe that if MP wanted to call up JP and have a conversation that the call would be forwarded to DT's lawyer. Who knows how the thing went down?

[EPICVIEW]

My guess is that MP called his old bandmates, they let it go to voicemail., and the band at this point in the process of signing a new drummer told the bands lawyer to contact Mike or Mikes lawyer to so the band can stay insulated from talking direclty to Mike for legal reasons with NDA's with all drummers being interviewed etc.

this is like a divorce, evne if you want to talk directly.. it might not be allowed

[cthrubuoy]

Maybe it was done on Facebook?

MP > JP - Can I rejoin DT plz?
DT Lawyer > MP - No. (JP likes this)

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Whenever he ponders this whole thing, do you think Portnoy is muttering to himself, "Is it really happening?"

[Leorimus]

Maybe it was done on Facebook?

MP > JP - Can I rejoin DT plz?
DT Lawyer > MP - No. (JP likes this)

LOL, that was too funny!

[hefdaddy42]

so there it is...He regrets his decision cause was not rational, was just a big mistake. He thought it was rational, but time tells him no.

And again. I was bashed for that:

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=16386.msg586315#msg586315
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=16386.msg586252#msg586252
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=16386.msg586283#msg586283

I did a quick scroll there, but didn't see any bashing.  I just saw some discussion.

[emindead]

Whenever he ponders this whole thing, do you think Portnoy is muttering to himself, "Could this be the end?"

FTFY

[antigoon]

Holy shit, Portnoy is the Count. It makes so much sense.

[Nosirp Ssalg]

AFAIK, the latest info about this whole thing comes from MP forum and it was in a thread started by a member from Netherlands, who posted a paraphrased version of MP's interview from Ardschok Metal Magazine. That interview took place back on the 15th of November. So, MP must have reached out to DT about his intentions some time earlier.

So, it means that MP didn't plan to tour with his temporary band in 2011, right? So all those negative and (rude) comments on blabbermouth about MP wanting to rejoin DT ONLY AFTER he found out that he has no band to play in 2011 are all wrong, right? Please tell me I'm right, because I'm broken-hearted for MP's predicament.  

[Aniland]

I've been singing for my band for the past 19 years, and if I was in his position I'd would also be devastated

LaBrie?

[Freko]

I've been singing for my band for the past 19 years, and if I was in his position I'd would also be devastated

LaBrie?

LOL 

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I've been singing for my band for the past 19 years, and if I was in his position I'd would also be devastated

LaBrie?

[bosk1]

My interpretation of this is that all talk at this point is being done through their respective lawyers, so probably MP had his lawyer to contact DT's lawyer to make the said proposal and was met with a no thanks...  Now this might sound cold and heartless, but actually it is not. When you have this type of break up, a lot of things have to be sorted out, economic, future royalties, etc. and it is BEST if while these negotiations take place all communication is done through their lawyers, you don't want sentimentalism, to get in the way they are both very emotionally envolved to think clearly. Think of a divorce, a lot of the times it happens like this, and even when they have one to one conversations they are advised to be done in front of their lawyers.

So I don't think there is any real animosity, it's just they way this things are handled professionally.

Exactly this.  There is nothing wrong whatsoever with the fact that it came from the lawyer, and in fact, that is really the best way for any communication about this sort of thing.  It is unfortunate, but is a reality that nowadays, lawsuits happen at the drop of a hat.  Here, the band and a former band member have been in month-long negotiations over ownership of shares and all the other things that go into a member leaving.  Everything about that situation has to be handled correctly from a legal standpoint to make sure the band doesn't put itself in jeopardy by doing something that, from a common sense standpoint, was may be perfectly fine, but from a legal standpoint, creates huge issues.  Don't read anything into the fact that the lawyers are involved.  It is exactly what should be happening at this point.

[Moonchild]

must have been something like this...

Date: 12/12/2010  05:00am

From: Mike Portnoy (mike_best_bohnam.portnoy@gmail.com)
To: John Petrucci (john.wonder.petrucci@yahoo.com)
cc: John Myung; James LaBrie; Jordan Rudess


hey guyz

wassup how y'all doings??

my tour ended yesterday....so I thought...since you guys haven't announced who the new drummer is.... you must be in deep trouble...

...can I go back?

Hugs

MikeP

-------------------------------------


Date: 17/12/2010 03:57am


From: Mike Portnoy (mike_best_bohnam.portnoy@gmail.com)
To: John Petrucci (john.wonder.petrucci@yahoo.com)
cc: John Myung; James LaBrie; Jordan Rudess


hey guyz

wassup?

I've seen the receipt and you all have read my e-mail. Can you answer me please??? For the fans? I can't sleep!!


Hugs

Mike

---------------------------------

Date: 17/12/2010 04:57am


From: Mike Portnoy (mike_best_bohnam.portnoy@gmail.com)
To: John Petrucci (john.wonder.petrucci@yahoo.com)
cc: John Myung; James LaBrie; Jordan Rudess


hey guyz

Fuck I'm crying.. and I love you all....please take me back??? please please!!!

Mike


-------------------------------
Date: 19/12/2010 10:30am

From: Dream Theater Lawyer (lawyer@roadrunner.com)
To: Mike Portnoy (mike_best_bohnam.portnoy@gmail.com)
cc: John Petrucci (john.wonder.petrucci@yahoo.com); John Myung; James LaBrie; Jordan Rudess


Dear Mr. Portnoy


Thank you for your concern but Dream Theater has no interest for you to return to the band.

The band has vouched to carry on with a new strategy and with a new drummer which is making them very happy and will be announced very shortly to the media and fans.


Thank you for the years you've spent in Dream Theater and I sincerely ask you not to send any more communications to my clients in the near future.


Yours sincerely,

DT Lawyer



Date: 19/12/2010 11:00am

From: Mike Portnoy (mike_best_bohnam.portnoy@gmail.com)
To: John Petrucci (john.wonder.petrucci@yahoo.com); Dream Theater Lawyer (lawyer@roadrunner.com)
cc: John Myung; James LaBrie; Jordan Rudess

Is that so? I'm going to blab on my website that you are evil!!!! My fans are the best in the world and I'm Dream Theater!!!!!

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Never enough

Mike

[Rina]

Yeah, legally it should be handled by the lawyers, thats what they're for, lol. So that shouldn't be too surprising.

[tri.ad]

*drivel*

[Rina]

*drivel*

Er....That too. 

Good effort into that. 

[EPICVIEW]

lol Moonchild!!!!

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Yeah, that must have taken time.

[Moonchild]

Had time to do it.

[Metabog]

Had time to do it.

"Never Enough" was the best part.

[blackngold29]

AFAIK, the latest info about this whole thing comes from MP forum and it was in a thread started by a member from Netherlands, who posted a paraphrased version of MP's interview from Ardschok Metal Magazine. That interview took place back on the 15th of November. So, MP must have reached out to DT about his intentions some time earlier.

So, it means that MP didn't plan to tour with his temporary band in 2011, right? So all those negative and (rude) comments on blabbermouth about MP wanting to rejoin DT ONLY AFTER he found out that he has no band to play in 2011 are all wrong, right? Please tell me I'm right, because I'm broken-hearted for MP's predicament.  

This is how I'm seeing it:

1. MP starts tour with A7X, planning to stay on until December and enter the studio with DT in January for DT11
2. MP enjoys A7X tour, goes to DT and offers that the band go on hiatus (though it was years in the making, per MP)
3. Band wants to keep going
4. MP offers: Hiatus or I leave
5. Band wants to keep going
6. MP leaves DT
7. MP says in interviews that he's got more free time now, will stay on with A7X until the end of the tour if needed, A7X never comments
8. DT holds auditions for new drummers, make selection
9. MP offers to come back, band denies
10. A7X splits with MP in December as planned at step 1
11. MP helps Neal Morse record new album
12. You read this list

The biggest question (not that it matters) is if the band picked the new drummer before or after MP offered to come back. He said this in a Nov. 15 published interview and DT was at the Long Island HOF thing on Nov. 16 with JP saying, "We haven't made that announcement yet." Wasn't until about a week or two later they officially said "We have our guy."

[Metabog]

Willing to bet MP's first solo album makes reference to him being kicked out, or is a concept album about it. 

[lordxizor]

The biggest question (not that it matters) is if the band picked the new drummer before or after MP offered to come back. He said this in a Nov. 15 published interview and DT was at the Long Island HOF thing on Nov. 16 with JP saying, "We haven't made that announcement yet." Wasn't until about a week or two later they officially said "We have our guy."

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the remaining members of DT were 90% sure of who their next drummer was going to be before they ever started the audition process. They all know lots of drummers and have worked with other people in the past. The audition process was probably merely a formality and a time to make sure that they guy they wanted was truely interested.