DRUMMER MIKE PORTNOY ON REJOINING DREAM THEATER: ‘I WOULD DO IT IN A HEARTBEAT’

[RJhog (Admin)]

Mike Portnoy Facebook

Dream Theater experienced a drastic shift in 2010 when drummer Mike Portnoy announced his departure from the legendary band. Portnoy’s plan was to take a temporary break from Dream Theater, but the group chose to cut all ties with their longtime drummer. Despite the drama, Portnoy has just revealed that he would rejoin Dream Theater “in a heartbeat.”

Mike Portnoy took time away from Dream Theater in 2010 to tour and record with Avenged Sevenfold after they lost their drummer Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan to a tragic death. Though Portnoy’s plan was to return to Dream Theater, he announced his leave from the band in September 2010, and since, the relationship between the drummer and his former bandmates has been complicated. Portnoy attempted to rejoin the band after A7X severed ties with him, but was rejected. In early 2011, Portnoy claimed that no one from Dream Theater was returning his phone calls or emails and that tension between himself and singer James LaBriewas especially severe.

Portnoy went on to form Adrenaline Mob, Flying Colors and the Winery Dogs after his Dream Theater departure, but during a new interview with Chile’s Radio Futuro, Portnoy affirms that he would come back to Dream Theater if the option was there:

“I would do it in a heartbeat,” claims Portnoy. “They are the ones that have closed the door on it. I’ve only needed a break, and I’ve had that break. So I’m ready, willing and able. But I honestly don’t think they ever will; they’ve closed their door on it and I think they’re too headstrong in having to prove themselves without me. So I wouldn’t count on it. But my door is always open.”

Dream Theater will release their twelfth studio album, a self-titled effort, on Sept. 24. The Winery Dogs’ self-titled debut record is now available for purchase.

[RJhog (Admin)]

I had no idea we don't have a Dream Theater group page.  Anyway, the last DT album with Mangini on drums was really good, so I'm guessing they are happy.  Portnoy just wanted to branch out a bit.  Maybe he should have done that on the side and stayed in the band.  

[Niels (Mod)]

If you'll give me a few days, I'll be glad to create a DT-page?!

[RJhog (Admin)]

You 'da MAN!

[Niels (Mod)]

I don't think, that it will happen. DT's new drummer is not bad at all, and Portnoy is too big a Star/ego, and DT's (rather bad) singer has an even bigger ego, and is probably glad, that Portnoy is gone. And how about that Neal Morse-album, Portnoy? Get on with it!!

[Scott]

Agree that he should move on and hitch his wagon to Morse

[TageRyche]

Given how much of a pissing contest happened between Portnoy and the band when he left the band, I just don't see this ever happening.