(LOOTPRESS) – Progressive metal act Dream Theater announced on Wednesday the long-anticipated return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy, along with news of an upcoming LP.
Originally formed in the 1980s by common association of the three founding members’ then-active studies at Berklee College of Music, the band would become a staple of the progressive genre, going on to sell 12 million records and securing three Grammy nominations – along with one win.
Drummer Mike Portnoy departed the band in 2010 to pursue other projects, including hitting the studio and road with Avenged Sevenfold following the passing of the band’s drummer, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan.
Following Portnoy’s departure, Dream Theater would secure drummer Mike Mangini, who remained with the group until Portnoy’s return and expressed gratitude for his time as part of the group, writing,
“I understand Dream Theater’s decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time. 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. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best.”
Mangini’s former bandmates returned the sentiment, praising the drummer’s ability and dedication to the group for over 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,” said guitarist John Petrucci in a statement.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Mike Portnoy back into Dream Theater! As an original founding member, longtime friend and incredibly talented and creative drummer, I know that his return will bring a renewed spirit, passion and energy into DT that all of us, including our fans, will joyfully welcome. I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get back into the studio together!”
Founding bassist John Myung commented on the full-circle nature of the association expressing excitement for the group’s future.
“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,” said Myung.
“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.”
James Labrie, vocalist for Dream Theater since 1991, notably asserted that the return of Portnoy would mark the final lineup shift for the band, writing,
“Having Mike Mangini with us all these years has been, quite simply, a terrific ride. He is one of the most amazing and naturally gifted drummers I have had the pleasure of working with. I am excited with the prospects of this classic DT lineup being reunited. I can say with absolute confidence this will be the final incarnation of DT with many chapters still to be written well into our future. Onward and upward guys!! Welcome back MP”.
Finally, Portnoy himself issued a statement confirming his return and expressing enthusiasm at the prospect of working with his old band once more.
“I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers,” Portnoy said.
“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!!”
Dream Theater confirmed in a statement that the band would be starting work on a new studio album, the group’s first since 2019’s Distance Over Time and their first with Portnoy since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings.
