Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

The guys who are saying "oh, MP wanted to party with AX7" aren't properly taking into account the degree to which MP really didn't want to leave DT.

Definitely, although as Jackie already said, mid-life crisis has (maybe) something to do with these recent events in MP's life. His dad passing away, his own very personality, his relationship with the other DT guys, etc.

[Zook]

Mike doesn't want to grow up. He's a Toys R Us kid.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Mike doesn't want to grow up. He's a Toys R Us kid.

This gives some cool ideas for a photoshop. Will do later though, I'm way too tired right now 

[Perpetual Change]

It does have at least something to do with A7X. Mike has said already that the tour- along with the TA and Hail tour- made him realize all the fun he was missing with DT. He just feels more energized touring with the other bands.

[Orbert]

So, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.  Dream Theater may have been Mike's baby, but it was also his job.  Any job, including being in a rock and roll band, is still a job, and there is a degree of "obligation resent" even if it's subconscious.

Transatlantic, Hail, Avenged Sevenfold, all those other side projects he's done in the past years... those were all things he wanted to do.  For the music, for the fun of it.  Going back to "work" (DT) suddenly seemed like a drag, so he asked the guys if maybe they could postpone going back into the studio... and the rest is history.

[ariich]

It does have at least something to do with A7X. Mike has said already that the tour- along with the TA and Hail tour- made him realize all the fun he was missing with DT. He just feels more energized touring with the other bands.

No he didn't, he said he was already feeling it a year ago before The Rev even died, and was already thinking about an extended hiatus when touring with TransAtlantic.

If you (not just you personally, a few people keep bringing up A7X) want to just assume that he's lying then go ahead, but I'm getting pretty tired of this crap now.

[Bertielee]

It does have at least something to do with A7X. Mike has said already that the tour- along with the TA and Hail tour- made him realize all the fun he was missing with DT. He just feels more energized touring with the other bands.

No he didn't, he said he was already feeling it a year ago before The Rev even died, and was already thinking about an extended hiatus when touring with TransAtlantic.

If you (not just you personally, a few people keep bringing up A7X) want to just assume that he's lying then go ahead, but I'm getting pretty tired of this crap now.

I for one am convinced that his decision has nothing to do with A7X. What bothers me is that if it all started a year ago, why in the hell didn't he discuss it with the other guys in DT instead of formulating an ultimatum that has led we now know where?!?!? One whole year to talk things over (even if I'm conscious of the fact that it took him that whole year to be burned out as well). Sad!

B.Lee

[tri.ad]

I think MP did take the possibility of an early departure while touring into account; the consequence would have been the cancellation of the remaining concerts, and that would have made the fans even more upset than they are now anyway. Cutting the losses, you know.

[Perpetual Change]

It does have at least something to do with A7X. Mike has said already that the tour- along with the TA and Hail tour- made him realize all the fun he was missing with DT. He just feels more energized touring with the other bands.

No he didn't, he said he was already feeling it a year ago before The Rev even died, and was already thinking about an extended hiatus when touring with TransAtlantic.

If you (not just you personally, a few people keep bringing up A7X) want to just assume that he's lying then go ahead, but I'm getting pretty tired of this crap now.

He said exactly that on Eddie Trunks (I think it was Eddie Trunks). I think you're reading too much into what I'm saying, because all I'm not *blaming A7X* like some are I'm just saying is what Mike said already: That touring with all those other bands this year helped him realize that he needed a break from DT.

Edit:

Here it is

Honestly, this all was brewing way before AVENGED SEVENFOLD, but AVENGED SEVENFOLD, the experience with them kind of just opened my eyes a bit, as did the TRANSLATLANTIC tour, and as did the HAIL! shows. It just opened my eyes up to what a fresh relationship can be...

[Plasmastrike]

So, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.  Dream Theater may have been Mike's baby, but it was also his job.  Any job, including being in a rock and roll band, is still a job, and there is a degree of "obligation resent" even if it's subconscious.

Transatlantic, Hail, Avenged Sevenfold, all those other side projects he's done in the past years... those were all things he wanted to do.  For the music, for the fun of it.  Going back to "work" (DT) suddenly seemed like a drag, so he asked the guys if maybe they could postpone going back into the studio... and the rest is history.

Clear, well-put explanation. Speculating is fun about the details, but I think this is it. Pure and simple.

[MykeHavoc]

Regardless of how long he's been thinking about it, he didn't act on it till now...which so happens to be in the midst of his tenure with A7X. Its hard me for me to honestly believe that this experience hasn't pushed him further in a direction, whether he was already heading down that path or not prior to the turn of events. I think him expecting us to not connect the dots is insulting. We're not stupid.

[KevShmev]

I doubt Portnoy is directly lying.  I think he has convinced himself of what he is saying, but he sort of gives himself away with comments he has made.  On the one hand, he says him leaving DT has nothing to do with A7X, but on the other hand, he says how the personal relations he has had in the bands he has toured with this year, A7X being one of them, are better than the ones he has had in DT.  Like what just said in the post above mine, we are not stupid.  Connecting the dots is not that difficult.  This is not reading too much into things either; this is simply coming to a natural conclusion based on the facts and info we have been privy to.

[Nick]

I saw Jordan Rudess at PT last night and after talking with him about the show I said that it was unfortunate that Dream Theater was experiencing a rough patch and he very quickly chimed in that he was excited about the future. He said that he thought that, "this is a chance for us to up our game a notch", and overall I truly got the feel that he was not only okay with Mike's leaving but actually somewhat happy about it. While I don't know if that is accurate or shared by the rest of the band that is the impression I got from him.

[SystematicThought]

I saw Jordan Rudess at PT last night and after talking with him about the show I said that it was unfortunate that Dream Theater was experiencing a rough patch and he very quickly chimed in that he was excited about the future. He said that he thought that, "this is a chance for us to up our game a notch", and overall I truly got the feel that he was not only okay with Mike's leaving but actually somewhat happy about it. While I don't know if that is accurate or shared by the rest of the band that is the impression I got from him.

I definately think that they are excited about the future, and I have been getting the impression that they really aren't dwelling too much on Mike. They've moved on.

[hefdaddy42]

I saw Jordan Rudess at PT last night and after talking with him about the show I said that it was unfortunate that Dream Theater was experiencing a rough patch and he very quickly chimed in that he was excited about the future. He said that he thought that, "this is a chance for us to up our game a notch", and overall I truly got the feel that he was not only okay with Mike's leaving but actually somewhat happy about it. While I don't know if that is accurate or shared by the rest of the band that is the impression I got from him.

That's great to hear, Nick. 

[glaurung]

I saw Jordan Rudess at PT last night and after talking with him about the show I said that it was unfortunate that Dream Theater was experiencing a rough patch and he very quickly chimed in that he was excited about the future. He said that he thought that, "this is a chance for us to up our game a notch", and overall I truly got the feel that he was not only okay with Mike's leaving but actually somewhat happy about it. While I don't know if that is accurate or shared by the rest of the band that is the impression I got from him.

Have you met JR enough times that he recognizes you or something?

[Nick]

That was only my 3rd time meeting Jordan. If I met Portnoy for the 8th time *maybe* he'd recognize me.

[tri.ad]

I saw Jordan Rudess at PT last night and after talking with him about the show I said that it was unfortunate that Dream Theater was experiencing a rough patch and he very quickly chimed in that he was excited about the future. He said that he thought that, "this is a chance for us to up our game a notch", and overall I truly got the feel that he was not only okay with Mike's leaving but actually somewhat happy about it. While I don't know if that is accurate or shared by the rest of the band that is the impression I got from him.

That's very interesting to hear. Nice story.

[Gorille85]

I saw Jordan Rudess at PT last night and after talking with him about the show I said that it was unfortunate that Dream Theater was experiencing a rough patch and he very quickly chimed in that he was excited about the future. He said that he thought that, "this is a chance for us to up our game a notch", and overall I truly got the feel that he was not only okay with Mike's leaving but actually somewhat happy about it. While I don't know if that is accurate or shared by the rest of the band that is the impression I got from him.

That's very interesting to hear. Nice story.

And I think that JR is not afraid of changes in general at all.

[tri.ad]

Yeah. He describes himself as a person who embraces change, actually. For reference, watch the "Change" video on YouTube.

[Gorille85]

Just look how he embraces new music-related technology. That's not commun for a man of his age.

[orcus116]

He embraces it alright. Utilizing it to an audibly acceptable level is a completely other story.

[moffatt]

New update from MP's fb/twitter

I am sickened to say that it has come to this: "fans" (cough) that continuously spam my Facebook wall with non-stop "go back to DT" or "F*ck A7X" posts will be removed and reported...I cant believe some of you DT fans are this mean and insensitive...show some class and respect....I'm very disappointed...please re-read my press release and Trunk interview to refresh your short term memories...

[wolfking]

Poor Mike, he obviously cries himself to sleep every night.

[tri.ad]

Nothing new or surprising there.

[ACID_FOX]

New update from MP's fb/twitter

I am sickened to say that it has come to this: "fans" (cough) that continuously spam my Facebook wall with non-stop "go back to DT" or "F*ck A7X" posts will be removed and reported...I cant believe some of you DT fans are this mean and insensitive...show some class and respect....I'm very disappointed...please re-read my press release and Trunk interview to refresh your short term memories...

Some guy commented "Shut up Mike, we don't care anymore", I lol'ed.

[Zydar]

*sigh*

[hefdaddy42]

Wait.  What's wrong with his post?  That kind of activity is stupid and childish.  Those posters SHOULD be reported.  I don't have any problem whatsoever with that post from MP, and I don't see why anyone would.

[?]

Wait.  What's wrong with his post?  That kind of activity is stupid and childish.  Those posters SHOULD be reported.  I don't have any problem whatsoever with that post from MP, and I don't see why anyone would.

My thoughts exactly.

[wolfking]

New update from MP's fb/twitter

I am sickened to say that it has come to this: "fans" (cough) that continuously spam my Facebook wall with non-stop "go back to DT" or "F*ck A7X" posts will be removed and reported...I cant believe some of you DT fans are this mean and insensitive...show some class and respect....I'm very disappointed...please re-read my press release and Trunk interview to refresh your short term memories...

Some guy commented "Shut up Mike, we don't care anymore", I lol'ed.

 

[KevShmev]

I agree that that kind of activity is very childish, but I do find it a bit LOL-worthy that a guy who embraces the phrase "Eat my ass and balls" would tell other people to be classy. 

"Do as I say, not as I do!" 

[ReaPsTA]

I agree that that kind of activity is very childish, but I do find it a bit LOL-worthy that a guy who embraces the phrase "Eat my ass and balls" would tell other people to be classy. 

"Do as I say, not as I do!" 

Well, dude, look, I'm not gonna lie, I think the difference is that this didn't happen:

M. Shadows' phone rings. It's difficult for him, but he answers:

Shadows "Hello?"
Portnoy "Oh my god dude. I heard about The Rev dying, I'm so sorry."
Shadows "Thank you so much for calling. I wasn't sure how much it would have affected you and I-"
Portnoy "Listen man, it's okay. I wanted to tell you something."
Shadows "Yes?"
Portnoy "Eventually this will all get better, and I know how to start."
Shadows "Uh... Yeah?"
Portnoy "EAT MY ASS AND BALLS!!!"

*click*

[TAC]

What MP needs to understand is that he DID piss off a lot of people with this decision. I'm sure he thought about the repercutions (sp?), but he clearly underestimated the effect of seeing them in writing.

[Zydar]

He made the decision, he must face the consequences of it. As ugly as some of them might be.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

MP should just ignore such posts. They are just making him bad.