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| 9/10/2010 |
Mike Portnoy Leaving Dream Theater
The unthinkable is happening for Mike Portnoy. The drummer writes in a posting that after 25 years with Dream Theater, he is leaving the band. He explains, quote, "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 relationships with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater." Portnoy notes fans shouldn't take this to mean there's trouble with the band, and adds, quote, "I love the DT 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...I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out."
The drummer says even though he discussed taking some time away with the other band members, they did not share his feelings. He concedes, quote, "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 not to hold them back against their wishes."
The remaining members of Dream Theater say they're saddened by Portnoy's departure, and he will be missed. They note in a statement, quote, "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 in this band." The group adds that even without Portnoy, quote, "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." The group intend on keeping their current plans to start recording a new album in January, with a full-on world tour to follow. |
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