Mike Portnoy first Interview out of Dream Theater!! Part 1 of 3 09/11/2010

[Siphonoglyph]

I like how Mike says he was put in a position where he had to make a choice: record an album his heart wouldn't be in or quit. WTF?! He put himself in that position. Then tries to get back in, obviously realizing it was a mistake to quit in the first place. He chose his path. I'm glad Dream Theater continued...the band needed a shake up...drop the guy holding them back. Now, all they need to do is find a singer who is more consistent with his voice and all will be well.

[darfunkelidas]

@Siphonoglyph Man, it's such a shame Andrew McDermott passed away, imagina DT + Mac on the vocals, would have rocked so hard.

[ZachValkyrie]

Yay for Steely Dan at the beginning!

[TheDBelanger]

Portnoy is a great drummer but Im so glad there are no more "mike prtnoy yelling vocals" on the new album.

[mksmrocks2]

now my two favorite members of DT are out of the band :( (Kevin moore, Mike portnoy)

[TheMindfulOne]

The new album is great but it still needed portnoy's playing on it. Mangini is a great fill in but is just that - a fill in.

[0611dean]

@thomasednie where did u hear the new album? considering its not out until the 13th .

[Hadascok]

@0611dean It's out in Japan. And torrent ;)

[bdfielson]

Shutup everyone-the man's been playing with the same band, same guys, same style of writing for almost 2 decades. Sure we/re die hard fans and didn't want him to leave but he has a life outside of DT. If he felt he needed the break and they didn't he did what he needed personally to do. Whether we believe he made the wrong decision or not it was his to make.

[awbttm]

Mike gone, Mike added ~DT is still DT got incredibly lucky to fine a perfect fit to keep going, nothing lost..!

[kratos2ish]

Dt was and still is the best band I ever heard in my life lyrics vocals instruments all work together in their music I feel at peace when I hear their music dt mp mm will all play together one day carry on is what they would all say dont be mad be grateful

[kratos2ish]

A long hiatius can make u lose love and support from fans and make fans forget about their favorite bands

[Aristowi]

No Mike, you are wrong, DT doesn't need a "few years" break, and all those bands you mention are so lame in comparison to DT, so you made the wrong choice, and DT is back in the saddle rocking hard. As you said, it was your baby, did you really need a break from your own baby?

[fatbeer85]

why couldn't james labrie leave instead!?! is it just me or does this dude doing interview keep putting words in mr portnoy's mouth?

[SpaceDyeDream]

@fatbeer85

Shut up.

[Rockyroopam]

@fatbeer85 YEAH

[tutoch]

Dream Theater wont be the same without MP but he made the wrong decision in leaving a band that has TON'S of potential to a band that wont be around in 5 years

[uofm97]

@tutoch A band that also decided not to keep him after he took the time out to tour with the band after recording the album. To call his decision to leave Dream Theater for Avenged Sevenfold "stupid" is putting it lightly.

[DylanEVH]

Eddie is like that with everyone else too, he's very picky and choosing on who he interviews and who he has on his shows, ever notice that he doesnt interview any new rock/metal bands coming on to the scene??

[DylanEVH]

Eddie Trunk is the biggest Pompus asshole in the scene. I like how he only interviews mike portnoy when it comes to everything about DT and none of the other members of the band, with the acception of score where interview both portnoy and petrucci but it was still portnoy, and even after he quit the band, eddie still hasnt even talked to the other members on their side.

[JoolsGuitar]

there will be a lot of people and stuff on stage in the next When Dream and Day Reunite Again

[realdrummer110]

@guitdude09 How could Mike have been a great drummer then and just a mediocre hack now? Doesn't make sense...and Dt as a whole? Dispoable would be a polite compliment...hahahahahahaha

[Burbridge92]

He didn't want a break though, he wanted to tour with A7X, he put his other projects before DT and he can't complain that he's now been dropped by DT.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 wrong

[Burbridge92]

@drewricomakeubu1 Bullshit. He tried to rejoin Dream Theater as soon as Avenged Sevenfold dropped him just before Christmas. He got shunned. As Paul Stanley would say: He was the master of his own destiny and now he only has himself to blame.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 Did you not listen or read any of his interviews? HE stated that Dream Theater needed a break, and the others didn't want to take a break so he left. Go fuck yourself you stupid piece of shit.

[Burbridge92]

@drewricomakeubu1 He's talking shit you ignorant moron. In December, when A7X KICKED HIM OUT, he immediately TRIED TO REJOIN Dream Theater, and they told him where to go. Dream Theater needed a break my arse, Portnoy has made it blatantly clear he was talking a load of shit in this interview, stop being a gullible moron and believing everything Portnoy says out of his arse.

[Burbridge92]

@Burbridge92 AND YES, I've listened to and read all of his interviews since he's been out of Dream Theater. He started contradicting himself in December. So don't make out his interviews defend him because they don't.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 good job replying to yourself dumbass...

[Burbridge92]

@drewricomakeubu1 lol, are you a complete idiot? That was additional to my original comment.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 well say that instead of looking stupid.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 well say that instead of looking stupid.

[Burbridge92]

@drewricomakeubu1 Me saying "arse" looks no more stupid than you saying "ass", and by "end of" I mean "end of the argument", if you're going to believe everything Portnoy says is true, like I said, that's up to you, but there's no denying that he's contradicted himself in interviews. I still stand by my view that Portnoy is in the wrong here, that he talks shit, and that he has no one but himself to blame for what happened.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 in america, we say "ass." so for future reference, say ass so you dont like an idiot...

[Burbridge92]

@drewricomakeubu1 It's "...don't look like an idiot", lol, calling me an idiot when you can't even string together a coherant sentence is laughable to say the least. So I'm an idiot for using the word arse because you're an American and you don't use it? Hardly. Seeing as you use OUR language I hardly see why I should change my wording to suit you...but getting back to the point: if you're going to take what Portnoy says as absolute truth, that's up to you, but he contradicts himself, end of.

[drewricomakeubu1]

@Burbridge92 end of what?

[jerm26554]

You could tell by the last few albums they DID need a break. Less than stellar.

[jerm26554]

Mark Zonder for Dream Theater.

[Madaxxeman]

Sounds to me that you guys needed to "miss" each other for a bit. Had a break been taken I'm sure DT would have come back even better than what they already are.  If thats even possible. I appreciate your honesty and maturity dealing with such a sensitive issue. It's unfortunate that things turned out like this but I have a feeling you will miss each other and eventually be together again. Good luck either way for you and DT. I couldn't find a better band if i tried.

Peace

[saigafan]

whether the new drummer is any good or not is not that important. mike had more influence in the band than just drumming. he was a driving force in the whole band, in the music entirely. no other person can bring the same things to the table that mike did. DT will be different no doubt about it. could be better, could be worse. time will tell. we shall see.

[guidav123]

mid-life crisis !

[Superapeaholic]

I cant stand Eddie Trunk. Hes such a kiss ass douchebag... Probably a cool guy, but he gets on my nerves

[EthanMusicLover]

Am I the only person who understands why he left? If you guys actually listened to what he said you'd realise why he left. Grow the hell up.

[acdrnn]

Derek Sherinian says: MP will back to DT this is his band. Also i think about bobby jarzombek or peter wildoen for DT ..

[MagnificentSessions]

Put in a position? He wanted to make a classical album or what??? BULLSHIT. if he needed JUST A BREAK, JP and the guys would have done it!!!!!!!

[davenoy]

they take a break, then someone passes away. BOOM IT'S GONE!

[Madaxxeman]

@davenoy they don't take a break and someone passes away. BOOM IT"S GONE! Was there a point to that?

[Shynrang]

Dream Theater made Portnoy not Portnoy.

[Shynrang]

do u need a Break from your own family...oh common ..you can go fuck ..play your own drums mike..no offence love you a lot.. but now you kinda suck now and you sound kinda selfish, ..damn how many times will you say Break,,,and you say I don't know...haaa,,ya ya its kinda weird ,,,all selfish means..Long Live Dream Theater!! Dream Theater to Death.

[KackeEgal]

@LOLERSKATEZZZ Which planet do you live on?

[BenjyT27]

I hope that in future we will look back and refer to the 11th and 12th DT albums as "The albums without Portnoy" - hope a break does him good, DT write some epic stuff with a different drummer, different drummer clashes after a while (like Sherinian did) and then MP returns

[Joziaac]

Despite how Mike Portnoy was a founding member of the band, I think many people are over-evaluating his significance in the band. Jordan, for example, managed to fit in beautifully and contribute amazing composition to the band, and that without being some replica of Kevin Moore in his style. And DT is auditioning drummers, not just grabbing a random guy who can play well, after all. Yes, the album will sound different, but when have two DT albums EVER sounded the same?

[mattovarius]

@Joziaac Agreed. I'm looking forward to the next DT album - I know they're going to find a great drummer and their music is still going to progress and be great.

[2112bart]

the next dt album will be very intresting and im looking forward to it aswell as seeing wat mp gets up to in 2011 im sure they will get back together and if not i would get a different drummer for every album keep it fresh and for all the people hating on black clouds get a life thats a great album its progressive its metal its melodic its dream theatre. if you like awake or images better go fuking listen to it

[carlsousa]

I am totally agree with Mike, DT should take a break, I didn't felt the same magyc in the last album and last tour, they're starting to just produce music, not compose music.

[SlayerJab0r]

gavin harrison for DT!

[USAon3]

@SlayerJab0r

That's a joke, right? Harrison is a jazz drummer - doesn't have 1/10 the power or drive that MP has. His poufish drumming style wouldn't even be heard in a metal environment. Plus the other members of DT would probably stuff him in a travel trunk after about an hour of listening to him talk.

[mattovarius]

@USAon3 .... Procupine Tree = NOT a jazz band. And although he has jazz influence, that makes him groove, which is awesome. DT isn't solely about metal and power, they're about progressive music with many elements.

[SlayerJab0r]

@USAon3 Harrison is technically at least as talented as portnoy. regarding the power aspect: Did you ever hear any songs of porcupine tree? Sure there are many soft and melancholic songs, but also powerful ones.

Nevertheless im sad about portnoys decision leaving the band...

[Instrumedley]

wow. this is powerful. Im sad to see this departure, yet more even stoked and excited to see Mikes progression, cant wait to see the creativity flow, rock on!

[GabrielDhalaman]

9/11  is nothing compared to this 9/11!!!

[Electricshrock]

@GabrielDhalaman Well, aren't you a wit? Or half a one anyway.

[BenjyT27]

@GabrielDhalaman That's just horrific

[Emanusmell]

you heard it from the words of portnoy himself

"I just felt like we needed a break from each other in order to reignite the flame"

I think what he talks about around 3min mark is important and people dont consider that...Dream theater isnt like some slack ass band drunk and touring making shitty music...these guys work fuckin HARD at every aspect...their play list is always different at your favorite venue because they consider everything.

When he returns he will be better than before



[wolf11]

Without Mike Portnoy there is no Dream Theater period

[itsvoogle]

DT without Portnoy is like Zeppelin without Bonam.....its dead

[Windermarin]

@itsvoogle they said the saaame thing about Paul Di'ano and about The Rev.

Anyone can be replaced by the right guy.

[itsvoogle]

@Windermarin Paul Di;ano was replaced at a time where the band wasnt big enoug hor had a long enough history to create such a comotion as in this case, secondly Dickinson utterly rapes Diano, and Paul is awsome as well,,,The Rev to most A7X fans will be always be irreplaceable no matter who you put it, even though Portnoy is a far superior drummer in my opinion, DT is a band that has had such a long career with this lineup changing any of them now will change the formula. its inevitable.

[Windermarin]

@itsvoogle It might be change for the better, they replaced Kevin Moore. Megadeth is playing with all new members and after listening to Labrie's and Petrucci's solo stuff. I am at more ease than EVER, their albums are fantastic (elements of persuasion is incredible) and Im sure that DT will be just fine. If anything, Portnoy had a stranglehold in DT and now it is gone, lets see what happens. it might crash or it might soar better than ever. At least give them the benefit of the doubt, wait.

[itsvoogle]

@Windermarin again he might be replaced by an incredible drummer but that specific sound he gave to the band will be gone, it will be interesting to see what happens, all im saying is that the DT that we have known for 20+ years will be diff, and thats a big THING FOR ANY FAN! yes the band will go into new territories maybe some bad maybe some good. I dont see how MP had a stranglehold like many believe, everyone had and has a say in the band. i guess its ONLY A MATTER OF TIME...heehehe

[MulletMan3108]

@itsvoogle he did have a stranglehold on the band.because he is quite arrogant he wanted the music to sound the way he wanted it. and on the last 3 albums it was becoming mainstream. I mean he was even telling james how to sing each line etc etc.

[itsvoogle]

@MulletMan3108 and i suppose you were there right? when all of these things happen? i mean of course! you had full access to there jam and recording sessions i suppose, after all you are close friends with them right???

[USAon3]

@MulletMan3108

I agree on the stranglehold, but his "arrogance" is from being a recovering alcoholic, and OCD, which MP has had for just about ever. MP is also a perfectionist, which also drives his need to control and drive the band.

I may be a dinosaur for saying this, but I miss the DT from the Awake era. They've lost the progressive sharpness from their early days. Black Clouds & Silver Linings is, IMO, my least favorite DT album. I even rate Falling Into Infinity above it.

[MulletMan3108]

@USAon3 well I think their is still an air of arrogance about him tbh - although those two things you mentioned are contributing factors. I agree with you - awake imo was their best album. I think it was better when all of them wrote stuff - kevin moore wrote many great songs, jm wrote learning to live, jlb has written blind faith/vacant/dissapear (all great songs) but yet petrucci and portnoy continue to write 99% of it all. shame. personally I rate BCSL as good as Octavarium

[Foxer35]

@Windermarin THIS. THANK YOU.

People also seem to forget that prog is a musical genre that thrives on CHANGE. As shitty as it is now, Mike's departure from the band might open the door to some new, great stuff down the line, so everyone can stop throwing all their DT shit onto the pyre at least long enough for the new album to come out.

[thepolice911copeland]

@itsvoogle Yeah change the drummer and youll change the sound

[syvyvai]

dreamtheater without mike portnoy isnt dream theater at all. period

[josephjester]

@syvyvai Haha ala "Ministry of Lost Souls."

[battosai63]

@syvyvai nah man, it's still DT, it just fuckin sucks. D=

[DDDekost]

@syvyvai Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy returns being a BAND, after being a Mike Portnoy solo project for too much years.

[tmayne220]

@syvyvai let's let the 2011 album determine whether there's any truth in that statement, shall we? I'm almost certain that the next album will kick so much ass that people will finally get over Mike leaving and remember that the band consists of other god-like musicians and an awesome new drummer. 2011... cannot fucking wait

[eimitfiertep]

@syvyvai Give them a chance dude! There are a lot of great drummers out there. Portnoy is GREAT, but I'm curious how these great musicians will get through this.

[BeardedDanishViking]

@syvyvai No ofc, Petrucci, Myung and Rudess never contribute anything ;)

[nengstro]

@syvyvai Well it is, you just have to learn to live with it...

[multisonus]

Stef Broks!

[TheCelticknights]

vergil danati would be good ,with out mike its gonna be very hard

[MrZoso500]

Aquilies for Dream theater........

[sayde73]

Here its the question that no one does who will replace him at DT? i dont have many names to said one, and im saying could be on the list Aquiles Priester....any other name?

[Tarck452]

Sometimes, after I would take a dump, I couldn't get my culo clean. I'd wipe and wipe, but I still couldn't pass the white glove test. But then I finally found a solution! I went to the drugstore and bought one of those blue rubber ear syringes. I fill it up with warm water and then fire it up my chute after my movement. I hold it for a few seconds and then blast the water out of my arse and into the toilet. Bam! Instant clean bunghole! And I always feel like a million bucks afterward!

[dtjesus101]

I think an DT album with Mark Zonder would be absolutely sick!

[lostnparody]

Shyte.......... didn't see this comming. Good luck, God bless Mike, hope you're back in a few years!

Much fufilment and scuccess either way, to both Mike, and Dream Theater........

[tpattern1]

MARCO MINNEMANN FOR DREAM THEATER

[agus6115]

@tpattern1 my thoughts exactly!

[MuvoTX]

@tpattern1 YES.... MARCO kicks ass. Id love to see that

[ALLEN80Z28]

haha he sounds like hes talking about an ex gf lol, "we need a break from each other to reignite the flame" lol oh well mike, hope all goes well with your other side projects.

[chromakey84]

@ALLEN80Z28  haahaahahahha

[ROZUN]

He says in the 2nd part that he'd come back and just wants 2011 off, so I think he'll be back in DT eventually.

[japeto1]

but with all that said, i do wish the best for him, and i do hope he comes back, i just know DT will still be great ! Miss ya mike ;) see ya soon.

[japeto1]

This is just BS all the way ! Thank you DT for deciding to keep going on, i know the new album will kick serious ass ! And so will the next drummer. I love you mike, but this is gonna be very good for DT. At least the next album is not gunna sound like a7x ! It will be good for mike to. Im not trying to sound like a mike hater but damn, the exuses (lack there of) are bad. We might get an full show from DT now, and not have so many shitty bands opening up for them. Except zappa plays zappa !

[albertd200vc]

@Breathe1988

Thanks for the correction. XD

[mushroomzagain]

shut the fucj up mike................

[albertd200vc]

Yes, something they have to do quickly ... One question ... If a new drummer come in ... Which will be the line of the next album ?? Heavy like ... Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds? Or they will re-take the old DT style... As SFAM or even SDOIT ... Is a big question. I would like the last one for sure.

[blavaburnulots]

@albertd200vc How about further back... like IAW. I wouldn't consider SDOIT as "old DT." But yeah, I'd like to see them revert back to how they were in the 90's. But seeing them change their sound and experiment is cool too. I'm kind of excited for their next album, either that or that's dread I'm feeling.

[tansuturdag]

these guys needs to take some negotiation class. they reached a lose-lose situation instead of win-win.

[albertd200vc]

So ... When the other guys will tell something about that issue?

No reactions from Jhon or eaven James ...

[albertd200vc]

Gavin Garrison is my choice ... :)

[EndeavorLeadGtr]

@albertd200vc Harrison*****

I agree!

[breathe1988]

@albertd200vc

i think you mean gavin Harrison, don't you?

[japeto1]

@albertd200vc YES i have to agree !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Happytaco1236]

@albertd200vc You mean Gavin Harrison right?

[qnislavmitev]

Who was gonna be the drummer of DT ??? ='(

[albertd200vc]

A nightmare to remember guys ...

Poor other members!! What they will do without Portnoy!!!!???????????

They will be seeking new Drummer ... but ... That is a very difficult challenge!!!!!!!!

My god!! We are talking about Mike Portnoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!

The best drummer ever!!!!!!

Completely offset.

[KackeEgal]

@albertd200vc Worry not. He is not the best drummer ever. No-one is. There are thousands of extremely good drummers in the world. Only a few of them are widely known, that does not mean the others are worse in any respect than any of the famous ones. Go and listen to graduate concerts of musical highschools and academies. You will be amazed and you will probably widen your view.

[bababoomagh]

@dreamtheaterpantera dude they live of music and what were they suposed to do? sit there and wait until Mike's ego just went away (i must say i admire him and i think its a hell of a drummer but..)what about the fans?,what about their work or obligations? its not fair the other members of dream theater are great at what they do so it could be just a fresh start...Hope Terry Bozzio Could fill that spot

[nirvanadicto]

This is not good... they should have take that break!!! MP is the most important pillar of this band!! this sucks!!! MP Come back!!!!! Dream Theater will never be the same. DT without MP = NOTHING!

[NeedHeadMusic]

@nirvanadicto I don't think so

Mike was a big part but I think it was too much. He was too much the boss of DT

I also think the break would've been great, but this is also good, cause the other members now can be more creative without being cut by MP

I also hope that JRudess will get a bigger and more important part in DT since he's so creative and inspiring

[Timeforunleash]

Ogawd. I think this will negatively influence the 11th album.

[oldvic88]

We will miss you bro! ='(

[elvancor]

for 25 years mp made the right decisions concerning almost every band-related thing. how come the other guys suddenly lose their trust in him?

he is so damn right about the need for a break.

please someone tell jr and jp to not let this happen to the dream. they gotta reconsider their opinion, review their latest work, whatever, mp is right, and the others must not do an album without him just to maintain the current success!

when did somthing become more important than playing together?

[bibatone1]

oh, no why did you do that???

the worst new of my life!!!!

[qnislavmitev]

@bibatone1 for me too ;(