Re: Dream Theater
^^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.