Mike Portnoy Blocked From Re-Joining Dream Theater

Dream Theater Members Refuse To Reunite With Mike Portnoy

posted Dec 20, 2010 at 1:41 PM by xFiruath. (47 Comments)

Band Photo: Avenged Sevenfold (?)

Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently ended his time as touring drummer with Avenged Sevenfold. In a response to a post on his official forum, Mike Portnoy has issued the following confirmation that he attempted to rejoin Dream Theater but was rebuffed by the band:

"Just for the record, this is indeed true.. Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives...(plus I know how much it meant to alot of the fans...)

"I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer...but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did...they didn't even tell me themselves....)

"Sorry gang, I honestly gave it my all... So now the fans on my twitter and facebook can please stop asking me to go back to DT...I tried, and the door is now shut...the ball is now in their court, not mine...

"PS - I'm not crying or looking for mercy by posting this...I am merely trying to set the record straight as that is always the most important thing about my relationship with you guys...no BS, no spins, nothing to hide...and for better or for worse, I tell it like it is...

"I've also recently seen some people accuse my online activity of 'looking for attention or media coverage' or 'looking for sympathy,' but it's honestly none of the above...I merely value having an open and active communication with my fans...always have, always will...it is the cornerstone of everything I've done since day #1 with DT....

"This was posted here FOR YOU GUYS to know about...here on MY message board on MY website....if it ends up on Blabbermouth or wherever else, that is THEIR choice to spread, I did not request it or send out a 'press release'.... Anyways, onward and upward..."

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47 Comments on "Mike Portnoy Blocked From Re-Joining Dream Theater"

Member

1. KREDD writes:

so he parts ways with DT and plays with A7X, coincidence? then he parts ways with A7X and the next thing we see is him trying to get back with DT. coincidence?

I'm not a fan of DT but I don't think he should be allowed back in either. At least not this soon. But that's just me.

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 2:02 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

2. BrianMN writes:

If he knew his gig with A7X was temporary, why did he leave DT to begin with?
DT sounds like a bunch of artsy, fartsy drama queens anyway.
I still like their music but......you never know what people are like behind closed doors.
Except Metallica and Megadeth, sounds like they're just mean to everyone all the time. LOL

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 2:48 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

3. IrishMetal writes:

That's a lot of dots.

Mike got what he deserved - he said he needed a break, and made his leaving very public, so what did he think would happen :/

Especially since the a7x work was supposed to be temporary - it all seems a bit weird and stupid.

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 3:48 PM ET | IP Logged

4. Metalheadx101x writes:

Mike knew his gig with A7X was temporary right? Because it seems like he ignited a lot of grief between himself and DT.

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 3:52 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

5. WOLF7 writes:

Not that I care about DT or Portnoy much, but I wonder what does Mike think getting out of posting a statement like this?
If anything, now he's made certain the door is closed for good.

DT's reaction doesn't suprise me at all. It's the most humain reaction in the world. "Hey guys, I'm leaving the band for good to play with some youngesters". No wonder the DT guys are not very excited in talking with Mike right now, plus why should they, as they just "admitted having found a new drummer".

I wonder what Mr. Portnoy is on these days?

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 4:38 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

6. hellrat writes:

nah, its all just pieces of a fabricated drama

porkboi will return to his old fart band just as soon as the 999th of their nerd fans begs them all to PLEASE just work it out guys

them dream of chunder jackoffs are beyond narcissistic

megalomaniacal fvcking DORKS

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 4:53 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

7. Trendkill91 writes:

Why is this guy still making news?
Sounds like a huge sook if you ask me.

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 5:18 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

8. KORNDOGG writes:

Its DT"s loss, not his. They are upset because he wanted to explore his options, or take a break? Can you blame him, sounds like a bunch of jealous haters if you ask me. p***ed because he toured with a much more popular and more successful band? Get over it....

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 7:26 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

9. btbamfav20 writes:

i just find this very hard to swallow...
he leaves his longrunning highly inspirational music for a bunch of whining emo music, for good, not even a "seeya guys, be back soon."
And once the emo douches are through sucking what talent they can from the man, he's all boohoo, im left hollow and lost, wonder if DT would let me back...

I hope the new drummer doesnt leave, it'll teach a lot of new bands today the reason y u dont just drop a band on a whim, where's ur f***ing dedication?!
i think thats whats missing most in todays music

NP: Octane Warriors - Tankard

# Dec 20, 2010 @ 8:46 PM ET | IP Logged

10. Cynic22/ Angry Dream Theater/MP Fan writes:

What the FVCK!?? Dream Theater wont take him back?? Now they're just being D-bags.

They both had stuff to work out, but if Dream Theater wont take him back then I hope they look forward to getting drowned in crap from angry fans who wants the original, rightful, drummer back on that throne

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 12:31 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

11. bananaterracottapie1 writes:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

This made my day, what a f***in idiot!

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 1:42 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

12. slade900 writes:

what the hell is going on ?

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 3:19 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

13. Triforce writes:

I think Dave Mustaine directly influenced Portnoy's witing style lol.

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 6:02 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

14. TheIronMan writes:

As much as I love DT and MP, and as much I'd love to see them back together...

I laughed.

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 9:13 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

15. decapitator94 writes:

I think he's trying to "close the door" on purpose... to shut the fans up...

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 9:45 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

16. kool_ambo writes:

well...."walking music encyclopedia" is repenting on his sh** decision from moving DT!!!
in fact...he is been kicked out from A7X too!!
i guess...ummm...he should join LINKIN PARK!!!
\m/

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 9:56 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

17. brandedcfh420 writes:

NOW WE SHOULD ALL SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO DT, FOR THEY ARE NOW GOING TO FADE INTO OBLIVION!!!

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 10:08 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

18. Blindgreed1 writes:

This reeks of a publicity stunt.

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 10:35 AM ET | IP Logged

19. jimpa writes:

Portnoy and the rest of DT guys act like a bunch of ladies

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 10:39 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

20. WOLF7 writes:

^ cos that's what they are

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 1:09 PM ET | IP Logged

21. b.bristowe writes:

Omg this is hilarious. He's not upset but his "P.S" is 3 paragraphs.

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 1:54 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

22. OlafBerzerker writes:

gasp! i shouldnt have drank in the parkinglot during DTs set when they opened for maiden this summer. I wonder if the metal gods will keep me out of hell for that one
np: Hypocrisy - osculum obscenum

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 3:26 PM ET | IP Logged

23. Dingas McCloud writes:

Wow I really just don't care anymore. Just play drums with someone Mike.

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 3:59 PM ET | IP Logged

24. ER!C writes:

Dream Theater is over-rated. They are great musicians, but not much soul. I also, in my opinion, think they should get rid of that cheezy vocalist;p Be an instrumental band maybe?

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 4:21 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

25. BrianMN writes:

Brian forsees Portnoy joining Amon. \m/

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 4:31 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

26. wilco writes:

good for them
portnoy a big lameass p***y
but wait next year the will comeback together for the summer festivals and than everything will be fine

its like the germans and than we did forgive them for what they did and we became friends withthem lol

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 4:37 PM ET | IP Logged

27. That_Metal_Dude writes:

To be honest... I think DT are having a blast with all this crap that's going on with PORTNOY... seems to me like these few days there has been alot of talk about them more than in there whole 20 something years of playing... so for those who even give a flying turd about DT... dont worry.. i'm sure they'll keep talking smack back and forward but eventually they'll get back together with PORTNOY and everything will be chill again like the past 20 something years... lol

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 6:46 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

28. btbamfav20 writes:

its Cavalera all over again...

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 7:48 PM ET | IP Logged

Podcaster/Writer

29. n0thinghead writes:

i'm with BG on this one as well.

# Dec 21, 2010 @ 8:42 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

30. tallica_fan writes:

DT are technical as f*** but nothing about their music really grabs me. they've got a few good songs but the best thing portnoy could do is get into a decent band that requires a tight drummer, oh and not a gay one like the last attempt. any band would surely be screaming for him, hes a god when it comes to the sticks.

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 12:02 AM ET | IP Logged

Podcaster/Writer

31. n0thinghead writes:

he should probably drum with that project that mikael of opeth and steven wilson of porcupine tree have together.

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 8:51 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

32. BrunoHockalugie writes:

hahaha, when Portnoy left the band everyone from his mother to his sister to his high school band teacher had to speak for him and justify why he was leaving Dream Theater now he wants back in? LOL

basically, Mike left his wife of 20+ years (DT) for a younger woman (A7X). At first, it seemed to be such a relief- he was worshiped, the sex AKA music was great, but once that initial attraction wore off he realized how good he had it.

Mike probably woke up one day to the A7X guys crowded in a bathroom, doing their makeup and teasing their hair, and said, "What the f*** am I doing?"

So......what does his sister think?

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 11:59 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

33. WOLF7 writes:

"DT are technical as f*** but nothing about their music really grabs me"

Fully agreed, tallica_fan

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 12:02 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

34. decapitator94 writes:

Bruno, that's so true, except the sex (music) was sh!t...

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 4:17 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

35. livingDeaDbeat00 writes:

Maybe DT decided there’s room on the bus for Mike Portnoy, but not Mike Portnoy AND his enormous ego.

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 5:51 PM ET | IP Logged

36. macky writes:

I liked him at one point but then all this media crap happened and i lost respect for him as a person,great drummer though.

Why he decided to tour with Take That is beyond me.........you would think the negative comments would be enough of a warning......Actually i will create time machine and travel back in time and tell their parents not to conceive....and also get rid of Lars Ulrich

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 8:47 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

37. RTB writes:

Ya agreed with post 30 as well. ..luv to see Mike in a solid metal band

# Dec 22, 2010 @ 8:56 PM ET | IP Logged

38. J_the drummer_army scout writes:

Eh . .I'm still kind of at a shock that MP even left DT anyway. I am a fan of a lot of DT's earlier work. Kudos to them for wanting to branch out their musical path after Metropolis Pt. 2 (one of my fav albums), but it makes perfect sense, as sad as it is to admit, that DT decided to not let MP back in the band. He has a resume that's pretty much golden so, I see him either rejoining later on, doing more with, (or maybe sticking to one or two) of his side projects, or doing a sh** load of clinic's and passing on more of his knowledge as a drummer.

As for A7X, my opinion is after Waking The Fallen, they started to suck when the scenesters caught onto them. As a drummer, The Rev and MP were two of my inspiratiions when I switched from one to two kicks. When he died, we lost a good drummer. When A7X signed on MP. . that was probably the best choice they could have ever made. . Letting him go, the worst.

# Dec 23, 2010 @ 12:59 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

39. btbamfav20 writes:

#31
That would be an awesome project! Mike Portnoy and Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth on vocals, with Arif Mirabdolbaghi from protest on bass. And Mikael and Ron Jarzombek on guitars
THAT would be the sickest band ever!
never gonna happen though :(

NP: Mirror Of Sins - Made Of Hate

# Dec 23, 2010 @ 1:08 PM ET | IP Logged

40. Kengolfnut writes:

Wow... Who really gives a sh**?!

# Dec 27, 2010 @ 11:33 AM ET | IP Logged

41. DrummaTx writes:

Here's a thought. Maybe MP is going spiritual. Think about it. Outside of DT, who has MP most associated with? Neal Morse - both in Transatlantic and on Neal's solo projects. I hear MP is working with NM now in Nashville. Anyone get the new Transatlantic album by chance? Freakin' kick butt, especially the drums. But if you read the liner notes, NM makes a mention of God and Jesus hearing Mike's prayer. If that's really the case, then to me, it makes more sense why MP is no longer in DT or in A7X. Leaving DT must have been very hard for him to do. That was his bread and butter for 25 years, and we all see he was having 2nd thoughts about that decision. A7X may have let go of the best drummer for their band, but I think they want someone more in tune with their vibe, and MP's potential spiritual awakening is not compatible with that vibe. We'll all learn soon enough what really went down. Both DT and A7X will move on w/o MP. Don't think MP will reunite with DT anytime soon. MP will instead work with NM. So long as he's happy with that and doesn't mind the paycut, then that's all that really matters.

# Dec 28, 2010 @ 12:39 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

42. btbamfav20 writes:

im sorry, but if MP left DT because god told him to, then he doesnt deserve ne respect.
religion and money are the 2 worst things to ever plague upon the planet

# Dec 28, 2010 @ 2:26 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer/Reviewer

43. Dasher10 writes:

I'm betting on Gene Hoglan

# Dec 28, 2010 @ 2:58 PM ET | IP Logged

44. DrummaTx writes:

MP gonna be at Forks in Nashville on January 9th from 2-4. Wouldn't be in Nashville unless he was working with NM. Wikipedia says that MP was working on project w/ NM as well as guitar master Steve Morse and bassist Dave LaRue from Dixie Dregs. May not be metal, but you know it's gonna kick some butt!!!

# Dec 29, 2010 @ 1:12 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

45. Lynx-Ragnarok writes:

I've seen MP play with DT last here in Australia, Great f***ing show, Amazing f***ing drummer, The whole band was tight. Both bands were fools for letting him go in the first place, Personally, I think DT should become public with the new drummer. MP shouldn't have left, He was a fool, Its fine to take a break to tour with some other band but to flat out leave to do that? sh** doesn't add up.

I'm with BlindGreed (comment 18), Publicity stunt ;D

# Dec 29, 2010 @ 1:43 AM ET | IP Logged

46. DrummaTx writes:

Lynx - Many people said the same when Bill Bruford left Yes to join King Crimson way back when. I think this MP/DT split is long-term. I think this has been brewing for some time, and I think it's a big reason why MP jumped at the chance to do Transatlantic and A7X. He knows that someone will hire him for other projects, like his buddy NM. As for DT, they're gonna get a killer drummer, but something tells me their next album is going to fall short. It's gonna be like Genesis w/o Phil Collins. Anyone remember Calling All Stations?

# Dec 29, 2010 @ 9:53 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

47. Hammerheart writes:

For the record, Portnoy didn't want to leave DT, he just wanted a break, and DT didn't, so they just kicked him to the curb.

# Dec 29, 2010 @ 2:29 PM ET | IP Logged

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Dream Theater Members Refuse To Reunite With Mike Portnoy

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