Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater

Sad news because i love that guy, but i think we can replace a drummer in a band. We'll see how it will affects the compostion level with the next cd.

I wouldn't say I'm a big fan. The couple of albums I have of theirs I find interesting, but no more really. However, reading this did come as a big surprise.

It will be interesting to see where he goes next. I would hope more Transatlantic like projects.

sad news .but let see where mike goes now he is a great .drummer

Tony R wrote: I think the $40,000 a show he's allegedly getting with AS might have something to do with his decision.

See, I would disagree there cause he's probably paying about five thousand a night out of pocket for the Transatlantic gigs.

In my mind, it goes something like this:

Roadie walks up to Portnoy:  Mr. Portnoy, umm, the pizza guy is here.
Mike Portnoy:  Oh, great, tell him to put it over there, Pete was getting hungry, (looks around) where did Pete go anyways?
Roadie:  Umm, yeah, he was hoping to get paid.
MP:  (Blinks) oh, go ask Neal, I paid in Berlin
Roadie:  He's indisposed.
MP:  in the bathroom?
Roadie:  No, umm.
MP:  Oh, right praying, ask Pete.
Roadie:  He's also indisposed.
MP:  Neal got him too?
Roadie:  No, He's in the bathroom
MP:  And I suppose Roine's missing as well.
Roadie:  I think he's arguing with Australia or something, he keeps shouting Nads.
MP:  (sighs and pulls out his wallet) You know, this is the fifth night in a row that I've paid for the pizza.
Sound Tech walks in:  Mr. Portnoy, the guy's done fixing the sound board and wants to get out of here.
MP:  and let me guess, he needs paid.  (Looks up into the rafters of the hall, speaking to no one in particular) I'd like to point out that this is only the fifth night on the tour.

Roland113 wrote: Tony R wrote: I think the $40,000 a show he's allegedly getting with AS might have something to do with his decision. See, I would disagree there cause he's probably paying about five thousand a night out of pocket for the Transatlantic gigs. In my mind, it goes something like this: Roadie walks up to Portnoy:  Mr. Portnoy, umm, the pizza guy is here. Mike Portnoy:  Oh, great, tell him to put it over there, Pete was getting hungry, (looks around) where did Pete go anyways? Roadie:  Umm, yeah, he was hoping to get paid. MP:  (Blinks) oh, go ask Neal, I paid in Berlin Roadie:  He's indisposed. MP:  in the bathroom? Roadie:  No, umm. MP:  Oh, right praying, ask Pete. Roadie:  He's also indisposed. MP:  Neal got him too? Roadie:  No, He's in the bathroom MP:  And I suppose Roine's missing as well. Roadie:  I think he's arguing with Australia or something, he keeps shouting Nads. MP:  (sighs and pulls out his wallet) You know, this is the fifth night in a row that I've paid for the pizza. Sound Tech walks in:  Mr. Portnoy, the guy's done fixing the sound board and wants to get out of here. MP:  and let me guess, he needs paid.  (Looks up into the rafters of the hall, speaking to no one in particular) I'd like to point out that this is only the fifth night on the tour.

Look on the bright side - hopefully we'll see more projects featuring Mike Portnoy.

Im going to cry

I was suprised and shocked after finding this out, I did not see this coming at all. I fully understand his reasons though. I agree it could be a good thing for both parties and who knows? They could be back together again before long.

DangerousCurves wrote: I was suprised and shocked after finding this out, I did not see this coming at all. I fully understand his reasons though. I agree it could be a good thing for both parties and who knows? They could be back together again before long. I don't believe the decision had anything to do with money.

Well, I'm not a huge fan, but I have enjoyed there more recent work (in small doses).  However, it's pretty obvious DT has been on autopilot for a few albums now (or so it seems to me) so this just might give them a chance to head in a new direction, since Portnoy seems to have been the prime mover of the band.  Of course, it could also be a complete disaster if Pettruci writes all the lyrics   (seriously).

If it means more Transatlantic (which is not necessarily going to happen, since the other members have plenty going on), that would be excellent.  Maybe Portnoy could be the next Flower Kings drummer?    (not a good fit)

Anyway, sounds like he's doing what he needs to do and hopefully it will all be for the best.