Author Topic: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater  (Read 509795 times)

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Offline LTE

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #315 on: September 08, 2010, 08:43:37 PM »
yay.
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Offline DarkLord_Lalinc

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #316 on: September 08, 2010, 08:44:28 PM »
step 13: withdrawal.
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Offline lateralus88

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #317 on: September 08, 2010, 08:44:55 PM »
DREAM THEATER
Press Release
To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with
profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike
Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has
decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in
the band has meant the world to all of us
professionally, musically, and personally over the
years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major
force within this band.

While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other
ventures and challenges, we can assure you
that Dream Theater will continue to move forward
with the same intensity -- and in the same musical
tradition -- that you have all helped make so
successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.
Fans and friends: File this episode under "Black
Clouds and Silver Linings."As planned, we begin
recording our newest album in January 2010, and
we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "The Spirit
Carries On."

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike
the best on his musical journey. We have had a long
and meaningful career together. It is our true hope
that he finds all he is looking for, and that he
achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be
missed.


I got this from JLB's site.
>January 2010

They are going to go back in time so that MP can still record the drum tracks?
I felt its length in quite a few places.

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Offline Jarlaxle

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #318 on: September 08, 2010, 08:45:18 PM »
well, that settles it.

Offline Nick

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #319 on: September 08, 2010, 08:46:21 PM »
I'd disagree on two of those three.
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Offline SystematicThought

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #320 on: September 08, 2010, 08:46:28 PM »
Fixed it
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Offline Volk9

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #321 on: September 08, 2010, 08:48:32 PM »
While it is shocking that MP is leaving, I am definately with him for following his heart. He's enjoying playing with the other projects more than he was with DT, and I have to give him props for following that goal. Of course its going to be hard on the fans of DT, but you have to respect him for doing what he likes. He's worked 24/7 for us and we have so much to appreciate from MP, that it would be near impossible to thank him for all he's done.

With that said, I wonder what DT-MP will sound like :metal
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Offline Gorille85

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #322 on: September 08, 2010, 08:49:12 PM »
While it is shocking that MP is leaving, I am definately with him for following his heart. He's enjoying playing with the other projects more than he was with DT, and I have to give him props for following that goal. Of course its going to be hard on the fans of DT, but you have to respect him for doing what he likes. He's worked 24/7 for us and we have so much to appreciate from MP, that it would be near impossible to thank him for all he's done.

With that said, I wonder what DT-MP will sound like :metal
Yeah pretty much this.

Offline Pyroph

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #323 on: September 08, 2010, 08:49:20 PM »
Disappointing. Regardless of what people say about new potential for the next album, etc. I don't think I'll feel the same about DT. It just doesn't feel right. Personally I get attached to bands and their members, I have a lot of respect for bands that keep their core members, and this is just surprising. I mean, I understand why on what Portnoy said, but as a whole, leaving DT just makes it feel like it's over.


In other words, this is the reason why JM was so mum. He's been talking to KevMo the whole time and got MP out so they could rehire him.

Offline chrisbDTM

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #324 on: September 08, 2010, 08:49:33 PM »
DREAM THEATER
Press Release
To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with
profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike
Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has
decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in
the band has meant the world to all of us
professionally, musically, and personally over the
years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major
force within this band.

While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other
ventures and challenges, we can assure you
that Dream Theater will continue to move forward
with the same intensity -- and in the same musical
tradition -- that you have all helped make so
successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.
Fans and friends: File this episode under "Black
Clouds and Silver Linings."As planned, we begin
recording our newest album in January 2010, and
we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "The Spirit
Carries On."

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike
the best on his musical journey. We have had a long
and meaningful career together. It is our true hope
that he finds all he is looking for, and that he
achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be
missed.


I got this from JLB's site.
>January 2010

They are going to go back in time so that MP can still record the drum tracks?

LINK?

Offline Zeltar

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #325 on: September 08, 2010, 08:49:44 PM »
On a side related note, the amount of people on the site is shattering DTF records, I'm surprised the place hasn't crashed yet  :lol

Jesus shit, I just got ninja'd 4 straight times.

Offline robwebster

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #326 on: September 08, 2010, 08:49:52 PM »
Disappointing. Regardless of what people say about new potential for the next album, etc. I don't think I'll feel the same about DT. It just doesn't feel right. Personally I get attached to bands and their members, I have a lot of respect for bands that keep their core members, and this is just surprising. I mean, I understand why on what Portnoy said, but as a whole, leaving DT just makes it feel like it's over.


In other words, this is the reason why JM was so mum. He's been talking to KevMo the whole time and got MP out so they could rehire him.
KevMo for new drummer!

Offline skydivingninja

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #327 on: September 08, 2010, 08:50:36 PM »
I'm very glad that they're continuing.  New DT without Mike is still new DT.

Offline Tripp

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #328 on: September 08, 2010, 08:51:21 PM »
It feels as though someone I know close has died, well, kind of.

Hopefully DT finds a drummer with amazing talent and creativity, a new member might be a good thing for DT. I just hope they don't split, as this could be the start of something great.
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Offline SystematicThought

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #329 on: September 08, 2010, 08:51:36 PM »
I can't find a link for it. I just went on JLB's site and there was a press release on the forum, posted by someone.  :(
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Offline robwebster

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #330 on: September 08, 2010, 08:51:49 PM »
I'm very glad that they're continuing.  New DT without Mike is still new DT.
It's new new DT. Like, not just "Ooh. Here's a new album." It's as new as it gets. That's the most you can change DT without destroying it.

I can't find a link for it. I just went on JLB's site and there was a press release on the forum, posted by someone.  :(
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Offline skydivingninja

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #331 on: September 08, 2010, 08:53:28 PM »
Quite correct.  I am optimistic.  But at the same time...this is one of the biggest musical shocks.  Last time I got this sad/shocked about a band was when my dream of a Floyd reunion was shattered with Rick Wright's death.

Offline Shadow2222

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #332 on: September 08, 2010, 08:54:18 PM »
The post on JLB's forum was by an administrator, so I trust it.

Also, does anyone think that they already have a new drummer picked out?
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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #333 on: September 08, 2010, 08:54:22 PM »
Yeah. Mike was no doubt the leader of the band, but Myung and Petrucci have been there since the beginning. Labrie has been there since the 2nd album, and Rudess has been there for over 10 years now. Mike may have been the most well-known personality of the 5, but there are still 4 very well-established personalities left. It's a big loss, but not enough to say it will no longer be Dream Theater. I'm very happy they're continuing under the Dream Theater name. They deserve to.
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Offline Volk9

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #335 on: September 08, 2010, 08:54:38 PM »
Theres a lot of new people signing up
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Offline lateralus88

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #336 on: September 08, 2010, 08:55:26 PM »
Theres a lot of new people signing up
This always happens when something big occurs, I've noticed.

inb4 Pull Me Under, Panic Attack and other noob likeness.
I felt its length in quite a few places.

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Offline SystematicThought

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #337 on: September 08, 2010, 08:56:07 PM »
The post on JLB's forum was by an administrator, so I trust it.

Also, does anyone think that they already have a new drummer picked out?
I kind of think they do have someone in mind. We will find out later probably
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Offline chrisbDTM

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #338 on: September 08, 2010, 08:56:55 PM »
mike will be back



im excited for what we get in between

Offline Gadough

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #339 on: September 08, 2010, 08:57:48 PM »
I'm going to be a hypocrite here because despite what I said earlier (about it being too early to discuss his replacement) I will say that a Blabbermouth commenter mentioned Mark Zonder as a possibility. That would be cool.
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Offline Quadrochosis

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #340 on: September 08, 2010, 08:57:51 PM »
space cadet, pull out.
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Offline Pyroph

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #341 on: September 08, 2010, 08:59:55 PM »
mike will be back



im excited for what we get in between

Yeah, I mean leaving the band you invested your whole life in just because they want to continue music and you wanted a break? I mean, I don't know how long a break he needs/needed but that's a pretty silly reason. I'm sure he's going to rejoin them eventually. (Sooner than we think)

Offline Nic35

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #342 on: September 08, 2010, 09:02:00 PM »
I just looked at my BCSL vynil signed by MP. That hurts. I won't be able to listen to DT in a long time.
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Offline 73109

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #343 on: September 08, 2010, 09:03:15 PM »
Shit man. This sucks. I mean, I am worried about what DT will become. I am excited for the future, but a little scared.


Offline ReaperKK

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #344 on: September 08, 2010, 09:03:20 PM »
Sad news, felt like someone hit me in the stomach but here are my thoughts that I'm tossing in this whirlpool of craziness:

I think this is gonna be a good move for DT and MP. I'm not surprised that MP left the band, I felt he always wanted something more, more fame, maybe a different direction with DT, something. I always felt that reading posts and interviews throughout the years he was aiming for something, but never really got it. I think A7X gave a new spark. Whether he becomes their new drummer or not is irrelevant, I don't listen to A7X simply because I'm not a fan but if he is happy, then I'm happy for him as a fan.

As for DT, well there are many drummers out there who can and will replace MP in terms of technical prowess. Few will put as much work keeping the fans satisfied but I feel that could only come from someone who sees that band through since the beginning. I will say this though, I'd much rather have great musical output (I don't think the past 3 albums have been great, good, but not great) than a personal touch. Take OSI for example, we get nothing as fans really besides the music, but the music is stellar.

My best wishes go out to MP and his family, as well as DT. I'm now more excited than ever for DT's new release.

Also, I'd love to see Gavin Harrison be the new drummer, but it's just a fantasy, plus I feel he fits perfectly in PT.

EDIT: I also think he will be back with DT, although I don't think DT should hastily take him back if that is the case.

Offline TheOutlawXanadu

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #345 on: September 08, 2010, 09:04:02 PM »
If there is one thing about life I have learned and feel comfortable preaching - despite being just 19 years-old - it is that change is not gradual. Some changes are, surely, but the biggest changes are sudden.

For example: Going to college; you are living at home one day, like normal, then you are gone. Or when your wife announces she is pregnant; you are the same as you have ever been one day, like normal, then you are grown-up.

And now there's this. Today Dream Theater was Dream Theater, like normal, and now Portnoy has left.

When Portnoy joined A7X for their tour I said to myself, "I would not be surprised if he left DT". But now that he has left, I am, put simply, shocked.

You see I am unlike most of you in that I don't really listen to DT anymore. I can spend hours trying to articulate why, but the fact is I just got too familiar with them and moved on. They ceased being a band to me and became... I don't know... Something else.

They became something I could always lean on. Something that didn't change from the time I was 14 - when I became a fan - to the present. I could always go to MP's forum and check on what was up in his life. I could always go buy a new Ytse Jam Bootleg. I could always look forward to a new DVD. To a new MP Forum Christmas video. To a new DVD commentary.

In life where change is sudden they were something that did not change. And now they have changed. And I am sad about it. I am not blubbering or crying, and I probably won't lose any sleep about it. But I am sad, for sure.

Funny, I am typing this as "A Change of Seasons" rings. Great song. I hate to say it but I disagree with you guys saying DT will still be DT. They will be DT, but they will not be Dream Theater. Dream Theater was more than music. Dream Theater was closeness, and most of that closeness was through Portnoy. Even if we get that closeness again, it will not be the same.

Musically, I think this is really good for them. But now I have one less thing to lean on, one more memory of the way things were. Tomorrow, I will look back on classic DT fondly. In a year, I might be glad Portnoy left.

But right now, I don't feel like trying to be positive. I feel like being honest, and honestly, I wish this did not happen.

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Offline Rafael Guerra

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #346 on: September 08, 2010, 09:04:08 PM »
I won't be able to listen to DT in a long time.
I know. Me neither. It's sad.
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Offline emindead

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #347 on: September 08, 2010, 09:05:19 PM »
I wanna see the reaction of our friends in Europe...

Dream Theater has been my favourite band since for seven years now. I cannot believe it. Honestly, this is shocking.

Even so, I know that he will be back. I just know it. One of my first threads here was "Is Mike Portnoy Improving?" and most of the answers were "no". I know that he will be in lots of projects, but if he takes this time to focus on wanting to get better, trying new chops... I dunno.

I wonder if with this new line-up someone will take care of recording everything on his camera... most likely JR?

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Offline chrisbDTM

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #348 on: September 08, 2010, 09:08:16 PM »
*waits for official post of DT press release

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Re: Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
« Reply #349 on: September 08, 2010, 09:08:56 PM »
So, I was standing in line at Wal*Mart, waiting to check out (which took a total of 25 minutes or more - could've listened to ACOS while I was waiting in line) at the registers when I was checking Facebook on my mobile when I saw a post by MP on my wall... and was then completely saddened. I tried my best to remain calm and hold my composure as I loaded the conveyor belt with my groceries and such.

I read his letter with utter sadness and slight disappointment, but as I thought about it, he has every right. No one, not even the others in the band, have any right to hold him back. I'm happy Mike is willing to leave his baby behind in order to do what's best for him. He's slaved away with, and for, Dream Theater for the last 25 years with barely a break in the last 10, and he definitely does deserve some extended break.

I also understand that the rest of the band does need a source of income that, while MP is being paid to tour with A7X, the others have only been doing studio work (at least JLB, JP and JMX) for albums that won't clear nearly a fraction of the sales that BC&SL or even SC got them with Dream Theater. It was always made apparent their plans were to reconvene in January next year to start their 11th album, but when Mike started touring with A7X and would be doing so through most of the rest of the year, it seemed like the man wouldn't get a month to himself! He's been touring pretty steadily since the spring! He needs time to recharge and spend time with his family.

Upon thinking about it more, it'll be interesting to see how the band handles songs in the live setting in the future, especially since many of the latter DT songs feature MP doing prominent backing vocals. Who would do that AND drum at the same time?

Nick D'Virgilio? I wouldn't mind seeing him join DT, even if just for an album or tour or two. He's known the band for awhile, and toured with them with SB a couple times, so he knows them. He's certainly a VERY capable drummer, and while he doesn't have the ruff-n-gruff vocals that MP does, he could still do backing vocals to some extent. Also being a lead vocalist, there's a chance that he and JLB could do some really cool harmony stuff. He also does a lot of song-writing and I think between him and JP, they could pump out some great tunes in the Awake/FII sense. Nick's pop-sensibilities with the band's current popularity could push them to higher heights than BC&SL did, and be good publicity for Nick (who's been touring with Frost*, Agents Of Mercy and his own band Spock's Beard).

As for Mike... it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that he could get his own band and play his DT songs - imagine a small tour of the Mike Portnoy Band - covering songs he wrote lyrics for, doing the Twelve Step Suite, "The Best Of Times", and maybe "A Change Of Seasons". It would be quite a thrill and I would definitely pay quite a bit to see him play, even if it wasn't with DT.

This also makes me wonder - will DT play any more of Mike's songs? I know they've played songs written by Kevin since he left, but I'm sure things like the Twelve Step Suite, "A Change Of Seasons", possibly "Just Let Me Breath" and "Take The Time" might be taken out of future set lists... it also makes me wonder how the format of the live band will change as a result of touring without Mike - rotating set lists? Covers?

Also, what about the future of YtseJamRecords? That was pretty much MP's baby. Maybe in some of his down time, not touring or recording, he'll go through his amazing basement library archives and find some goodies... or we can hope.

A very sad day... but... we can only be hopeful for the future for both DT and Mike, now that they're no longer one and the same.

Carpe Diem, Mike... Carpe Diem.

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