If they don't want long songs then they should go listen to listen to punk rock and stay out of our proverbial deep end (aka: progressive rock) of the music genre pool.
"To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.
While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.
Fans and friends: File this episode under "Black Clouds and Silver Linings."As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. "The Spirit Carries On."
All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed."
I just read that myself, but after 20+ years it is no surprise to me. I had a feeling Transatlantic and his other side projects would leave him hungering for more challenges outside of DT. I read he is asking his fans to Not blame Avenged Sevenfold for this, he doesn't have to worry about me I don't like AX-7 at all.
But I wish him well, he has handled this whole matter with class and everyone understands when you lose your passion for something to continue doesn't make sense, I would feel the same and out of respect for his band mates he has left them plenty of time to get a replacement for the new album and world wide tour next year.
Well from what I understand he asked if the band could take it's first real hiatus, which I could understand since he's been recording with half a dozen other groups over the last decade, but they decided against it since they wanted to get started on the next album next year rather than take a break.
I don't blame Mike or the other members of Dream Theater for him leaving but I really don't know how they're going to be able to recover from his departure. Aside from being one of the hands down most talented and irreplaceable drummers on the planet he also handled backing vocals, wrote a substantial chunk of the lyrics (especially after Kevin Moon left 10 years ago), produced their albums alongside John Petrucci, and handled a heavy share of the behind the scenes work. I mean, he really is probably was the hardest working member of the band.
I heard a few months ago that Mike Portnoy was talking with Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree and Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth on collaborating on a project together. I'm not sure were that is headed now. I'd love to see it.
I agree Priest. Honestly I consider Mike to be at a level along side Neil Pert that is just miles above all other drummers in terms of raw talent. I don't know who they could find to take Mike's place that could actually play his parts.
^^It might be a while until he does decide to go back to DT. They are not going to sit around and wait indefinitely either.
I've always considered, Vocalists and then Drummers to be the hardest two spots in a band to fill, one is the signature sound of the band, and the other is essential for the group to hold together. More than one of my young aspiring musician friends have always complained that singers and drummers are by far the hardest members to find that fit with what you want to do.
I am not being fatalistic, but I feel Mike has left for good, all this nice respectful commentary is most likely genuine, but as Cosmic said there had to be behind the scenes Professional things taking place that put him in this position. He can stay friends with his old band mates on a personal level, but has decided to move on musically.
Sad day, but life goes on. I hope another Transatlantic album is forthcoming now that he has time.
"Black Clouds And Silver Linings" I've been giving this 2009 release some boot lately and just got to say it gets better and better. Slap on the head-phones and bosh, excellent, musically they are all over the place a great piece of work IMO.
I am getting more into this band and I am lucky enough to have my friend send me copies of all of their albums so that I can research which are the ones to buy, can't wait to get them and give a whirl
"Black Clouds And Silver Linings" I've been giving this 2009 release some boot lately and just got to say it gets better and better. Slap on the head-phones and bosh, excellent, musically they are all over the place a great piece of work IMO.
That's a top pick for album of the year in '09 for me Sox. I rank it in the top three of Dream Theater's work.
My fav behind Images And Words. I have the 3 CD version with CD 2 the band doing cover versions and CD 3 is instrumental mixes of the first two CDs. I can really hear the Rush influence on this album. Here's the bands cover of a King Crimson tune:
MP Edit: Video removed and could not find replacement
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