Mike Portnoy Quits

Prog metal legend walks away from his “baby”, Dream Theater

Mike Portnoy has left Dream Theater after 25 years with the band.

Portnoy, who has spent much of this year recording and touring with Avenged Sevenfold, said in a statement that this was a decision that he had “struggled with for the last year or so”.

He continued: “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 [sic] from ourselves.”

“Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings,” he continued, “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.”

Portnoy founded Dream Theater in 1985, releasing 10 albums and selling more than 10 million records worldwide since then.

When asked in a recent interview with Rhythm how he saw the next 25 years panning out, Portnoy gave little indication of his plans to leave the band.

He said: “Dream Theater is my baby, that’s my real gig so I assume and hope we’ll have the longevity we’ve had. One of the things I’ve been able to do is branch out to other things whether it be Avenged Sevenfold, Transatlantic, OSI, Liquid Tension Experiment. I’ve had the opportunity to play so many things with so many different musicians and bands. That’s a really important part of who I am as a drummer and person. I hope I continue to get to do that, and have a home base that continues to thrive.”

Catch Mike playing with Avenged Sevenfold on their UK tour in October.