Mike Portnoy is returning to Dream Theater for his or her 16th album, but why did the drummer make a decision he sought after to leave the band initially?

The Gist:

  • Dream Theater introduced that Mike Portnoy, their founding drummer, can be returning to the band after nearly 15 years.
  • Mike in the beginning left the band to explore different musical opportunities amid a rumored feud with John Petrucci.
  • Mike Mangini, the band's present drummer, graciously stepped aside with Portnoy's go back.

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After nearly 15 years away, Dream Theater announced that Mike Portnoy, the band's founding drummer, would be returning for their latest album. "We are thrilled to announce the return of drummer @MikePortnoy to Dream Theater!" the band wrote on Twitter on Oct. 25, 2023. "We will be going into the studio to begin working on our 16th studio album and the first with MP since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings!"

Following the news that Mike is back with the band, though, many sought after to raised understand what made him leave in the first position. As it turns out, Mike left most commonly in order that he may just get the chance to spread his wings.

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Why did Mike Portnoy leave Dream Theater?

In 2010, in the speedy aftermath of Mike's decision to leave Dream Theater, he gave an interview with Classic Rock Magazine in which he defined his decision-making.

"One of the reasons I needed to leave Dream Theater was because I didn’t want to end my career as just the drummer in one band," he defined. "I didn’t want to play with the same four musicians for the rest of my life. I needed to spread my wings, and I knew I had more to offer than just Dream Theater."

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Mike added that he sought after to be remembered for the entire different styles of drumming he had performed in additional than 50 different bands.

"All of the bands that I’ve been in make up the bigger picture of who I am, and I would hope that my musical legacy is about all of those things," he defined "I’d just like to be remembered as a huge music lover."

Reports also instructed that Mike used to be clashing with John Petrucci, the band's guitarist.

Following the announcement that he can be back, Mike mentioned he used to be happy to be returning.

“I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning house and reuniting with my brothers! There is such a lot shared history between us all… so many recollections, so much tune… to think we’re bobbing up on 40 years since this journey began!" he said. "The thought of making new music in combination is so exciting and I absolutely can not wait to hit the road."

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We are thrilled to announce the return of drummer @MikePortnoy to Dream Theater! We will be going into the studio to begin working on our 16th studio album and the first with MP since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings! pic.twitter.com/oS7tevCQVQ

— Dream Theater (@dreamtheaternet) October 25, 2023

Why did Mike Mangini leave Dream Theater?

After Mike Portnoy left the band, they replaced him with Mike Mangini, who graciously decided to step aside when Mike returned.

"I perceive Dream Theater’s resolution to get Mike Portnoy again at the moment," he said. "As was mentioned from Day 1, my position was once to not fill all of the roles that Mike held within the band. I used to be to play the drums in order to help the band elevate on."

"My main role of maintaining our live show operating tightly on a nightly basis was once an intense and rewarding experience," he continued. "Thankfully, I got to experience enjoying music with these iconic musicians, in addition to some a laugh instances laced with humor."

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