Miek Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 (edited) The following was on the Ultimate Guitar homepage. Link to UG's article Mike Portnoy, founding member of progressive metal legends Dream Theater, has quit the band after 25 years. Widely accepted as one of the finest drummers in the music industry, his decision has come as a shock. He released the following statement on 8th September, explaining his actions: "I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write. "After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. "To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so.... "After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail!, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater. "Please don't misinterpret me, I love the guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them... it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break. "Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never taking time off from Dream Theater's never-ending responsibilities (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band. "But I've come to the conclusion that the Dream Theater machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my Dream Theater spirit hungry and inspired. "We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here and there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'... "Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather... I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be... "While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes. "Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of Dream Theater and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'... Sadly, I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed. "I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come... I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played.... "I'm sorry to all the disappointed Dream Theater fans around the world... I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work... I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)... but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within. "You Dream Theater fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my butt for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me.... (and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future Mike Portnoy projects!)" Rumours stating that he had quit started circulating last week, with most fans dismissing them as false. Recently, Portnoy has been touring with American hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold following the death of their drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan in 2009. Rumours are now spreading that Portnoy will be named as a permanent member of the band. However, this has not yet been confirmed or denied. REALLY? Mike Portnoy was the drummer for Dream Theater, one of the BEST bands to exist in the last 30 years. Mike was the founding member and he's leaving it all behind to play with Avenged Sevenfold, who is one of the WORST bands of the last 30 years? I just don't get it. Some things in this world just don't make sense. (Avenged Sevenfold's drummer died last year, and it looks like Mike Portnoy is taking his place). So... Anyone else care? Edited September 9, 2010 by Miek Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flibo Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 Yea I just saw that on U-G. Sad news indeed. I can imagine millions of fans being like "Thanks A7X." right now But well, let the man do what the likes to do. I'm not a big fan myself so I'm not so concerned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewr05 Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 I don't think I've ever heard any of there music. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avinexis Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 I don't think I've ever heard any of there music. One of their songs has 123 time signatures, if that means anything to you, and that's JUST Portnoy Gives an idea of how...Unusual their music is Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bp9801 Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F13Bubba Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 DUDE! I'm not so much amped about the Portnoy thing, as i am that other OCC'ers frequent UG! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
malmsteenisgod Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 This sucks! I've been a huge dream theater fan for quite some time and unfortunately have only gotten to see them twice. But every time I listen to their music it's a total eargasm. Portnoy is one of the best but I'm sure Dream Theater will have no trouble finding someone just as good to fill his spot. But I'm afraid the band won't ever be the same without his creativity in their song writing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Nate Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 Damn! I had to pass on a ticket that I had to their tour this summer...business trip. Gahhh! At least the gf caught them... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireonice Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 This is a terrible day in the music industry..... Loved Mikes crazy drum solos and Dream Theater in itself. But hes leaving for Advenge sevefold whattt!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miek Posted September 11, 2010 Posted September 11, 2010 DUDE! I'm not so much amped about the Portnoy thing, as i am that other OCC'ers frequent UG! Yep. I'm on there basically everyday. I don't go on the forums much anymore because I have all the guitar equipment I need (LTD EC-1000vb, G&L Legacy in Olympic White, Digitech RP150 for playing though headphones as I'm in an apartment now). But yeah, I'm still a little disappointed in his decisiong. I mean, I won't judge him for doing what he feels is best for himself career-wise, but still. 25 years with D.T. and he spends a year deciding when he wants to just walk out and join a metalcore band? I wonder, though, who D.T. will choose as a replacement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F13Bubba Posted September 11, 2010 Posted September 11, 2010 Yep. I'm on there basically everyday. I don't go on the forums much anymore because I have all the guitar equipment I need (LTD EC-1000vb, G&L Legacy in Olympic White, Digitech RP150 for playing though headphones as I'm in an apartment now). But yeah, I'm still a little disappointed in his decisiong. I mean, I won't judge him for doing what he feels is best for himself career-wise, but still. 25 years with D.T. and he spends a year deciding when he wants to just walk out and join a metalcore band? I wonder, though, who D.T. will choose as a replacement. I hate you, and i want to steal all of your gear ... ... But on topic, he didn't want to leave DT, he just wanted a break. it was the rest of DT that forced him out, to be quite honest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miek Posted September 11, 2010 Posted September 11, 2010 Rereading that, yeah. It kind of looks that way. He seems almost sad to even take a break from it. And please don't steal my gear. TBH, I wish I would have gotten an LTD Eclipse model with a Seymour Duncan JB and '59 set (vs. the EMG 81/60 set of active PUPs I have). The EMG's are great for FACE CRUSHING HEAVY! but no so much for anything clean. The SD's are more versatile... Though the G&L has some nice single coil PUPs that do cleans nicely. I repeat, please don't steal my stuff XD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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