Originally published in Metal Hammer magazine (UK) 211 · November 2010
The Big Question: Should Dream Theater Call It A Day?
Article1 min read
The easy answer, is, of course, no, as the band are already intent on carrying on without Mike Portnoy. Obviously the news has come as a shock in prog circles, more because of what Mike Portnoy stands for in the progressive rock world. And while that is unlikely to change, the absence of the garrulous New Yorker from the Dream Theater ranks might prove more problematic, more for what he did outside of drumming for the band, than his musical input. It is perfectly feasible, given the talent on offer from the likes of John Petrucci et al, that they’ll come up trumps with a new Dream Theater record. How the fans react is a different matter of course. There’s absolutely no reason why Mike’s departure should affect Dream Theater’s popularity. However, Hammer’s recent online poll suggests the metal fraternity have other ideas. In prog-world there seems to have been less of a knee-jerk reaction as fans seem to have taken a step back to see how things pan out. This in itself is unsurprising given the multitude of prog-related endeavours Mike is involved in, so there’s a ‘more the merrier’ attitude from the ever-eager prog fans. And whilst there’s a gut feeling at Prog Towers that Mike Portnoy will return to the Dream Theater fold in time, one can only wonder how AX7 are feeling. For although Mike has clearly stated he’s not joining the band fulltime, M Shadows is in Classic Rock Presents Prog this very month extolling the virtues of both Mike Portnoy and Dream Theater. Talk about timing!
Jerry Ewing,