Classic Rock News reported this story this morning, had Dream Theater's statement, but also a much longer one from Mike (which, if you're familiar with Mike, is not at all surprising):
This is what Portnoy has said: "After 25 years, I have decided to leave
Dream Theater... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter
of a century. "To many people this will come as a complete shock, and
will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it
is not a hasty decision...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
relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream
Theater. "Please don't misinterpret me, I love the Dream Theater 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.
"Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every
single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never
taking time off from Dream Theater's never-ending responsibilites (even
when the band was 'off' between cycles)... working overtime and way
beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band.
"But I've come to the conclusion that the Dream Theater machine was
starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in
order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my Dream
Theater spirit hungry and inspired.
"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 from ourselves'... "Sadly, in discussing this with the guys,
they determined they do not share my feelings 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...
"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 to not hold them back against their wishes. "Strangely
enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about
the future of Dream Theater and I talked about 'always following your
heart and being true to yourself'... Sadly, I must say that at this
particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would
simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to
myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I
felt I needed.
"I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created
together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come... I am proud of every
album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....
"I'm sorry to all the disappointed Dream Theater fans around the
world... I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work... I
honestly just wanted a break (not a split)... but happiness cannot be
forced, it needs to come from within.
"You Dream Theater fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you
all know, I have always busted my **** for you guys and I hope that you
will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead
me.... (and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no
shortage of future Mike Portnoy projects!)"
For Jocelyn and myself, we are truly shocked and disappointed. This is almost like a "I remember where I was when I heard" moment for us. We were at their 20th Anniversary show at Radio City Music Hall and have the T-shirts to prove it. Mike is my favorite drummer, period. But, nothing lasts forever. We wish both Mike and DT all the best, and will continue to follow them both.
