The Mike Portnoy Appreciation/Discussion Thread (merged)

[Samsara]

I think the most fans can hope for is a reunion of LTE. Even if MP mends whatever issues there may be with James (and if some exist with JM and MM), I don't see DT having MP as a guest. That opens too many questions, and honestly...would be a bad business move, considering all the time they've put into making MM significantly part of the band (in the eyes of both fans and industry). While I'd never say never on MP guesting with DT, I just don't find it to be likely at all.

But LTE reuniting, or JP/JR showing up at one of Mike's gigs to do a couple of DT songs? I'd find that very possible, and likely, moving forward. Just my gut feeling on it.

MP and JP were friends and bandmates and business partners for too long to let that relationship be ripped apart. But as long as MP is comfortable knowing that DT is not something he'll be a part of again, I think the two of them move forward as brothers.

The only scenario I ever see MP rejoining Dream Theater again is if MM decides, on his own volition, to step down. In that case, given that JP and JR drive Dream Theater, I absolutely think MP would be the first person they call. And if bridges haven't been rebuilt to JL and JM by then, I think it happens anyway. But again, that's if and ONLY IF, Mangini voluntarily, on his own volition, for his own reasons, leaves the band. I don't think Dream Theater will ever ask him to leave. They like MM, MM likes them. It would have to be MM deciding that he needs a change.

[MirrorMask]

I think the most fans can hope for is a reunion of LTE. Even if MP mends whatever issues there may be with James (and if some exist with JM and MM), I don't see DT having MP as a guest. That opens too many questions, and honestly...would be a bad business move, considering all the time they've put into making MM significantly part of the band (in the eyes of both fans and industry). While I'd never say never on MP guesting with DT, I just don't find it to be likely at all.

But LTE reuniting, or JP/JR showing up at one of Mike's gigs to do a couple of DT songs? I'd find that very possible, and likely, moving forward. Just my gut feeling on it.

MP and JP were friends and bandmates and business partners for too long to let that relationship be ripped apart. But as long as MP is comfortable knowing that DT is not something he'll be a part of again, I think the two of them move forward as brothers.

The only scenario I ever see MP rejoining Dream Theater again is if MM decides, on his own volition, to step down. In that case, given that JP and JR drive Dream Theater, I absolutely think MP would be the first person they call. And if bridges haven't been rebuilt to JL and JM by then, I think it happens anyway. But again, that's if and ONLY IF, Mangini voluntarily, on his own volition, for his own reasons, leaves the band. I don't think Dream Theater will ever ask him to leave. They like MM, MM likes them. It would have to be MM deciding that he needs a change.

I think this is the most realistic approach to the situation and the possible combinations. It's also the only situation in which I'd accept a reunion with Portnoy - Mangini leaving of his own free will, but also the friendship with the other guys have to be sincerely repaired. If they have to pretend for the sake of being in the band all together, just don't bother.

[Adami]

It'd be more likely for JP or JR to join MP on stage for one of his things.

The amount of backlash and drama MP joining them for even one song is just not worth it.

Plus, look at MM's current kit. Could MP even play that thing effectively? It's a really weird set up for most drummers.

[gzarruk]

I think having MP guest with DT is a terrible idea, as A LOT of things could go wrong. Just imagine MP appearing there to surprise everyone, he plays the song and everybody starts chanting his name, he leaves, MM comes back in, but people still chant for Portnoy to come back. If I were Mangini, I'd hate every moment of it (and my bandmates for letting this happen).

Okay, let's imagine that doesn't happen but, well, someone films MP playing with the guys and innocently uploads the video. Won't be long untill all the trolls start commenting on how they need MP back, how they suck with Mangini and blah blah. News outlets like Blabbermouth and others would definitely make things worse.

And about any beef there might be between Portnoy and some members of the band (James, Myung and/or Mangini), that's definitely 100% on Portnoy and he should be the one to apologise (sons of apologise, anyone?), not the other way around.

The only scenario I ever see MP rejoining Dream Theater again is if MM decides, on his own volition, to step down. In that case, given that JP and JR drive Dream Theater, I absolutely think MP would be the first person they call. And if bridges haven't been rebuilt to JL and JM by then, I think it happens anyway. But again, that's if and ONLY IF, Mangini voluntarily, on his own volition, for his own reasons, leaves the band. I don't think Dream Theater will ever ask him to leave. They like MM, MM likes them. It would have to be MM deciding that he needs a change.

This. I'd be fine with him coming back (not a fan of his personality, but he's still a great drummer) ONLY IF Mangini doesn't want to do this anymore and they can get to an agreement with Pornoy on who's in charge of what and how things are different now than in 2010. I imagine that if they don't sort those things first, his control freak personality would clash with their new way of doing and deciding things (music direction, influences, setlists, keeping the band your priority vs doing a lot of side projects, etc etc) and he wouldn't last in the band for too long anyway.

[cramx3]

I dont know, all those trolls are out there already doing this (you only need to look at the latest DT social media post to find such trolls).  I'm not sure what changes if MP performed say Pull Me Under for a surprise encore at a random show just once.  What would make anyone think hes going to be back in the band when the band performs the next night in another city with MM and everything is back to normal? 

I do guess the actual drum set up could be an issue though like Adami said and it is way more likely to see the DT guys perform in a MP band than the other way around.  I still think it will eventually happen though.

[gmillerdrake]

And about any beef there might be between Portnoy and some members of the band (James, Myung and/or Mangini), that's definitely 100% on Portnoy and he should be the one to apologise (sons of apologise, anyone?), not the other way around.

I recall seeing/reading that he has said he's reached out to every band member and only JP/JR have followed up with him. Not sure if that means MM as well....but I think he was speaking more towards JLB and JMX. It just seems that those two...especially James....are still upset about the way it all went down. And, understandably so.

It's a bummer to see because life is short.....but, I think/hope that someday all of them will reach a point to where they'd at least speak again.

It's always nice to see those pics of MP with JR and JP....especially when the whole families are involved. And that's just from the perspective of seeing they still have a friendship. That's more valuable than making music....I'd imagine those guys have shared a lot in their lives so it's cool to see them speaking and together when it happens.

[gzarruk]

And about any beef there might be between Portnoy and some members of the band (James, Myung and/or Mangini), that's definitely 100% on Portnoy and he should be the one to apologise (sons of apologise, anyone?), not the other way around.

I recall seeing/reading that he has said he's reached out to every band member and only JP/JR have followed up with him. Not sure if that means MM as well....but I think he was speaking more towards JLB and JMX. It just seems that those two...especially James....are still upset about the way it all went down. And, understandably so.

IIRC, that was around the time he left the band (maybe 1 or 2 years down the road), but let's not forget he's the one who kept making passive aggressive comments and digs at DT on social media for years. I definitely want them to patch things up and think James and John M should't be bitter against him (it's been 8 years already, guys), but they definitely have nothing to apologise for. He left, and then complained about it. A LOT. Not them.

[axeman90210]

And about any beef there might be between Portnoy and some members of the band (James, Myung and/or Mangini), that's definitely 100% on Portnoy and he should be the one to apologise (sons of apologise, anyone?), not the other way around.

I recall seeing/reading that he has said he's reached out to every band member and only JP/JR have followed up with him. Not sure if that means MM as well....but I think he was speaking more towards JLB and JMX. It just seems that those two...especially James....are still upset about the way it all went down. And, understandably so.

IIRC, that was around the time he left the band (maybe 1 or 2 years down the road), but let's not forget he's the one who kept making passive aggressive comments and digs at DT on social media for years. I definitely want them to patch things up and think James and John M should't be bitter against him (it's been 8 years already, guys), but they definitely have nothing to apologise for. He left, and then complained about it. A LOT. Not them.

But we also don't know what specific reasons JLB or JM have to be on bad terms with MP. Could be stuff that was festering within the band before he left that they just don't feel the need to be diplomatic about anymore. I think it's unfairly assumptive to assume that it's all MPs fault and he needs to reach out (again) and apologize to fix those relationships.

[Cool Chris]

Just imagine MP appearing there to surprise everyone, he plays the song and everybody starts chanting his name, he leaves, MM comes back in, but people still chant for Portnoy to come back. If I were Mangini, I'd hate every moment of it (and my bandmates for letting this happen).

No way "everyone" starts chanting his name. At least if I am at that show, one person won't. Not a dig at him, I'll stand up give him the applause he deserves. But I'd be put off by the gimmickry of his appearance and that the band's drummer had to sit backstage while his predecessor takes over for a song, all for the sake of nostalgia. There is absolutely no reason for this to happen.

[cramx3]

There is absolutely no reason for this to happen.

Other than many fans who would love to see the band and MP officially bury the hatchet.  It would be an awesome moment for the band.  And who says MM needs to go off stage, maybe they wheel out a kit for MP and they go at it together, maybe MM plays the drums while MP hits the hi hats standing outside the kit.  I think it would just be cool for everyone to be on the same stage again, and at least appear like they are friends and enjoying being together for the fans one more time.

[KevShmev]

Yeah, and that might as well sing "Kumbaya" while they're at it!

Sorry, but I would see no reason to do this.  Portnoy is friends with Petrucci and Rudess (again), so what is the issue?  If he doesn't get along with Myung or LaBrie anymore, BFD.  Not every friendship or working relationship is for life.  In fact, most are not.

[Adami]

Not every friendship or working relationship is for life.  In fact, most are not.

Except ours, right?

[KevShmev]

Not every friendship or working relationship is for life.  In fact, most are not.

Except ours, right?

Exactly. Your place tonight, right, sweetie?

[Dublagent66]

Just imagine MP appearing there to surprise everyone, he plays the song and everybody starts chanting his name, he leaves, MM comes back in, but people still chant for Portnoy to come back. If I were Mangini, I'd hate every moment of it (and my bandmates for letting this happen).

I don't see that as being even a remote possibility.  The decision to bring MP in as a guest would have to be entirely unanimous and I doubt that will ever happen.

[Anxiety35]

There is absolutely no reason for this to happen.

Other than many fans who would love to see the band and MP officially bury the hatchet.  It would be an awesome moment for the band.  And who says MM needs to go off stage, maybe they wheel out a kit for MP and they go at it together

This. It would be proper closure for the fans. I know we're not entitled to anything. I just think it would be a cool thing.

[pg1067]

And who says MM needs to go off stage, maybe they wheel out a kit for MP and they go at it together, maybe MM plays the drums while MP hits the hi hats standing outside the kit.

Just give him a cowbell and a splash cymbal.

I don't get why this "reunion" thing is even a thing.  Obviously, they did it with Charlie and Derek (and tried to include Kevin) when they did WDADRu, but (a) that was all MP's idea, and (b) it was a one-time thing that they never did again -- even when MP was still in the band.  JP and JLB both commented that it was cool having Charlie and Derek play with them.  I don't think JM said anything about it (shocking); nor did JR (probably because he never played with either Charlie or Derek).

Personally, I think it would be cool, but I don't see this ever happening.  It would, however, be interesting if someone would ask JP -- and if he would candidly answer -- something like the following:  "We've seen a couple pictures of you and MP hanging out together, and the fans seem to like seeing that the two of you are on good terms.  Have you and he ever discussed the possibility of him making a one-off appearance with DT and, if you hadn't, is that something you and the other guys would be open to?"  Again, this would only be worthwhile if he answered candidly and didn't just give the stock, "MM is our drummer and we're looking forward" answer.

[DT2003]

Years ago I never thought I’d say this, but at this point I’d rather not see MP on stage with DT again.  I just don’t see a point to it anymore. I would love to see LTE either tour again or make a new album then tour. Mike playing with JP and Jordan makes sense to me, but Mike being on stage with James and John M. wouldn’t feel right given all that’s gone on. I know after Mike left it seemed like him and Jordan remained close, but I wonder if that has changed given the childish comments Mike’s current bandmate made about DT and Jordan specifically.  Glad to see Mike and JP together and I really hope to see them together on stage again in some capacity.

[Ruba]

I don't care whether this leads to anything. I'm just happy that Mike and JP are in speaking terms.

[MirrorMask]

The simple fact that a picture of these two guys together sparkled all this discussion about the possible musical outcomes of this, is the proof that it's better to leave things as they are, on the musical side of the issue, and let MP doing his thing and DT doing their thing with Mangini. Two longtime friends can't even post a picture together that the speculation immediately arises 

This is the best approach:

I don't care whether this leads to anything. I'm just happy that Mike and JP are in speaking terms.

[Anxiety35]

There's another pic MP put on Instagram with both families at Rockefeller Center in front of the Christmas tree. Looks like it's good times for all.

I know I said what I said earlier in this thread about the music but the bottom line remains in what I said. If their relationship has been restored then that's the most important thing. I'm glad to see them together and happy.

[ProfessorPeart]

There's another pic MP put on Instagram with both families at Rockefeller Center in front of the Christmas tree. Looks like it's good times for all.

I know I said what I said earlier in this thread about the music but the bottom line remains in what I said. If their relationship has been restored then that's the most important thing. I'm glad to see them together and happy.

[pg1067]

There's another pic MP put on Instagram with both families at Rockefeller Center in front of the Christmas tree. Looks like it's good times for all.

I know I said what I said earlier in this thread about the music but the bottom line remains in what I said. If their relationship has been restored then that's the most important thing. I'm glad to see them together and happy.

Geez...could Max look any more like his dad at the same age?!

[Darkstarshades]

The reason a reunion is so urgent is because I don't think Tony Levin will be able to wait yet another 15 years

[nobloodyname]

What a wonderful picture that is. Two families looking very happy together. And that's all that really matters.

[ReaperKK]

The reason a reunion is so urgent is because I don't think Tony Levin will be able to wait yet another 15 years

*googles Tony's age* dang I didn't know he was 72

[As I Am]

Definitely would LOVE an LTE reunion (w new album). Aside from that, I don't really care about a DT reunion with MP anymore. MP does so many better things than DT now, I'm past all of that.

[ytserush]

What a wonderful picture that is. Two families looking very happy together. And that's all that really matters.

Exactly.

[gzarruk]

Mike has posted a few screenshots of his iTunes showing the longest songs on his library. Long story short, Illumination Theory is in there and people were commenting on it like “how cool is that!” but now the comments are “misteriously” gone 

[SystematicThought]

I may be misremembering, but didn't JP give MP a copy of the self-titled when they got together? I probably am just dreaming that up. It honestly doesn't surprise me that he has the album, as much as he's said he doesn't like The Astonishing, he probably has that too. I think it's cool that he has those songs, I wonder what he thinks of them.

[MinistroRaven]

He is probably rehearsing the songs for when the time comes





















JK

[gzarruk]

I think it's very cool that he at least has the music, doesn't mean he listens to any of it, but he has it. I guess that Mike, being the completist he is, needs to have everything DT related even though he's no longer in the band.

My comment was on why he started deleting comments, people were actually saying positive things about it, but then you could hardly see any DT related comments in his post. Weird.

He is probably rehearsing the songs for when the time comes





















JK

 

[Kocak]

JP and MP's daughters live together in NYC. So there's that connection to the latest photo as well.

[Fritzinger]

There's another pic MP put on Instagram with both families at Rockefeller Center in front of the Christmas tree. Looks like it's good times for all.

I know I said what I said earlier in this thread about the music but the bottom line remains in what I said. If their relationship has been restored then that's the most important thing. I'm glad to see them together and happy.

MP: let’s take a photo together
JP: ok
MP: dude is that a guitar over there
JP: no
MP: looks like someone left his guitar here
JP: please no
MP: good thing I’m always packin my drum kit
JP: what have I done

[Nick]

Huge update on 2019 for Mike:

MP New Year Update: Back To Work!!!

Starting TODAY: myself, Derek Sherinian and Bumblefoot will begin the writing/recording process for the new Sons Of Apollo album and (along with Billy Sheehan and Jeff Scott Soto) we will continue to work on SOA2 throughout the year for a release towards the end of the year or possibly early 2020 when we will begin touring again...(I also will continue work on the SOA Live in Plovdiv release that will be coming out early summer)

Also in the coming months, work will continue on the new Flying Colors album that I have already tracked to and that we are hoping to release around late summer...and hopefully (fingers crossed) live dates around the fall if possible... 🤞

In the meantime, I will be hitting the road in a few weeks to begin my tour cycle for the first half of 2019....which will include some special one off shows/events like Metal Allegiance In Anaheim (this Jan 24th), a very special “Mike Portnoy & Friends” Show aboard Cruise to the Edge next month and my All-Star Music Camp Percussive Nation in July!

And of course there’s a few full-on tours...
First the Neal Morse Band will spend Feb & March traveling all across North America and then March & April all across EU and the UK...doing “Evening With” shows playing our entire new epic double concept album The Great Adventure every night!

And then on from the Prog epics Of NMB, I jump onto a month long US Tour for a long awaited Reunion of myself, Richie Kotzen and Billy Sheehan: The Winery Dogs are Back for a fun run through the States all throughout May!

It all sounds crazy and hard to keep track of, but really it’s not!! Literally Bookmark and click on this link which is always updated and you’ll always know where I am!!! —> https://www.facebook.com/116713035013014/posts/2639127959438163/

And Here’s my upcoming schedule as it currently stands:

with Sons Of Apollo:
Jan 8th to 15th - Writing Sessions in PA
Jan 17th to 22nd - Tracking Sessions in LA

with Metal Allegiance:
Jan 24th - Metal Allegiance - Anaheim CA

w The Neal Morse Band:
Feb 2nd - Nashville, TN - City Winery
Feb 3rd - CTTE 2019 Pre-Cruise Party
Feb 4th to 9th - CTTE 2019
Feb 9th - Orlando, FL - The Abbey
Feb 10th - Atlanta, GA - City Winery
Feb 11th - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre
Feb 12th - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
Feb 13th - Jersey City, NJ - White Eagle Hall
Feb 15th - Boston, MA - The Sinclair
Feb 16th - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theatre
Feb 17th - Westbury, NY - The Space at Westbury
Feb 18th - Montreal, QB - Club Soda
Feb 19th - Quebec City, QB - Salle Sylvain Lelievre
Feb 21st - Toronto ON - Opera House
Feb 22nd - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
Feb 23rd - Cleveland OH - Beachland Ballroom
Feb 24th - Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom
Feb 26th - Chicago, IL - Arcada Theater
Feb 27th - St Louis, MO - Delmar Hall
Feb 28th - Dallas TX - Gas Monkey Live
March 1st - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theater
March 2nd - Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
March 5th - Seattle, WA - The Triple Door
March 6th - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
March 7th - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
March 8th - Whittier, CA - Center Theater
March 9th - Chandler, AZ - Bogel Theater (CAC)

March 24th - London, England - Islington Assembly Hall
March 25th - Paris, France - L’Alhambra
March 26th - Tilburg, Netherlands - O13
March 27th - Luxembourg - Rockhal Esch Sur Alzette
March 29th - Koln, Germany - Kantine
March 30th - Copenhagen, Denmark - Viften
March 31st - Goteborg, Sweden - Stora Teatern
April 1st - Stockholm, Sweden - Skandiascenen
April 3rd - Berlin, Germany - Heimathafen
April 4th - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
April 5th - Leipzig, Germany - Halle d / Werk 2
April 6th - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
April 7th - Brno, Czech Rep - Sono
April 9th - Munich, Germany - Technikum
April 10th - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
April 11th - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao
April 12th - Milano, Italy - Trezzo Sull Add
April 13th - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra 1
April 14th - Madrid, Spain - Sala Mon

with The Winery Dogs:
April 30th - Derry, NH - Tupelo Music Hall
May 1st - Derry, NH - Tupelo Music Hall
May 2nd - Jim Thorpe, PA - Penn’s Peak
May 3rd - New York, NY - Sony Hall
May 5th - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse
May 7th - Hopewell, VA - Beacon Theater
May 8th - Nashville, TN - Basement East
May 9th - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
May 11th - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey
May 12th - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
May 15th - Ft Wayne, IN - Pierre’s
May 16th - Milwaukee, WI - Potowatami Casino
May 17th - Milwaukee, WI - Potowatami Casino
May 18th - St Charles, IL - Arcada Theater
May 20th - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
May 23rd - Denver, CO - Oriental Theater
May 24th - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater
May 25th - Las Vegas, NV - Vamp’d
May 28th - Sacramento, CA - Crest Theater
May 29th - Santa Cruz, CA - Rio Theater
May 30th - Anaheim, CA - The Grove
May 31st - Los Angeles, CA - The Saban Theater

July 8th to 12th - MP Percussive Nation Music Camp

w The Neal Morse Band:
Aug 30th & 31st - Cross Plains, TN - MorseFest 2019

—————————————————

MP 2019 Releases:
• Jan 25th - The Neal Morse Band: The Great Adventure
• Early Summer?? - Sons Of Apollo: Live With The Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony
• Late Summer?? - FC3

[Nekov]

The man is a machine...