HOLY SH*T: Mike Portnoy is Back in Dream Theater
They said it would never happen. John Petrucci said everyone should just stop asking for it. There were multiple explanations about how occasional side projects didn’t necessarily mean this would ever be a reality. But here we are: on October 25 in the year of our Lord, 2023 — Mike Portnoy is once again the drummer of the iconic progressive metal outfit Dream Theater.
Thirteen years after Portnoy left the band because he wanted to take a break and the other members refused, he’s reunited with his former bandmates. In a press release announcing the reunion, Portnoy understandably said he was excited to be back in the band he helped create.
“I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers! There is so much shared history between us all…so many memories, so much music…to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began! The idea of creating new music together is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to hit the road and get to play live for a whole new generation of fans that weren’t ever able to see this lineup before…There’s no place like home!!”
In recent years, there seemed to be a softening between Portnoy and the rest of Dream Theater, though everyone involved said from the start that they still respected one another. Petrucci and Portnoy worked together on the guitarist’s solo album. Portnoy expressed pride and support for Dream Theater’s 2022 Grammy win. But ultimately, those interactions were through the lens of “we’re never getting back together.”
But that’s all in the past because Portnoy’s back.
In the band’s announcement, it was revealed that Portnoy’s return comes just as they’re getting ready to head into the studio to work on their 16th studio album and their first with the drummer since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings.
Petrucci said he and the rest of the band were excited to “roll up our sleeves and get back into the studio together,” while vocalist James LaBrie said “having Mike Portnoy back in the band is exactly where we and things should be.” As one of the band’s three co-founders, bassist John Myung said he was also excited to have the founding drummer back in the fold.
“It’s great to be back true to form with our original drummer Mike Portnoy. We started playing together as Majesty almost 40 years ago and I am excited to see what this next phase of Dream Theater creates for the future. I wish nothing but the best for Mike Mangini for all the blood, sweat and tears he put into DT during his 13-year tenure with the band.”
Oh shit, that’s right — Mike Mangini. Ever the consummate professional that was thrust into a tough spot from the start, he’s now the odd man out. And while it likely sucks that his 13-year tenure with the band is over, having contributed to everything from the 2013 self-titled album to 2021’s A View from the Top of the World, he said he was happy to see Portnoy back in the band as well.
Seriously, check out this level-headed reaction:
“I understand Dream Theater’s decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time. As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor. I also really enjoyed spending lots of time with the crew. And then there’s the GRAMMY® win, which was amazingly satisfying. To the fans: thank you so much for being amazing to me. I cherish the pictures I have of you all losing your minds and having fun. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best.”
In their announcement, the rest of the band praised Mangini’s contributions to Dream Theater, as well as his professionalism both on and off the stage. Though his time with the band is over, Petrucci said Mangini will always be an integral part of the band’s history, helping keep the dream alive for more than a decade.
“Mike Mangini’s drumming is otherworldly and I’m extremely grateful for the time he spent with us in Dream Theater. I’m very proud of all the amazing music we made together that culminated in our first GRAMMY win last year and the countless magical moments that we’ve shared on stage over the past 13 years. I wish him all the best of success in his future musical endeavors.”
So yeah, Dream Theater may not have felt the same since Portnoy left for many fans, but a new dawn’s here, kiddos. The band is back together.
