WOW indeed!! Sincerely I didn't expect that.
I'm superfan of MM, so I'm also partially sad with the news, it seems like it wasn't a commom decision, as he said “I understand Dream Theater’s decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time”, and by DT, he was meaning the other guys for sure, though I believe there wasn't any bad blood here. I think it really is, at least from JP and JR, the immense desire to work with MP again in DT. And I think JM and JLB are at least OK with that. In a way, it's a bit like Derek's situation at the time, with JP and MP wanting very much JR being in the band. Money factor has a part on it? I don't know, it seems like DT was doing well in that departament and I believe at their stage of their lives, there are much more important things to look at and I think that still having more or less 10 years of DT's work ahead, I think it's really great to not let this reunion happens on their last breath.
Thanks for all amazing work with DT, MM, you are an incredible musician and DID make an wonderfull job in the band!!
Welcome back MP to the band, you're always one of my idols and your playing, chemistry and all the work in DT was always fantastic and undeniable!! Anxiously looking forward to the next album (and tour)!!