progressive metal band Dream Theater has announced one of the news most dreamed of by all his followers for years: Mike Portnoy He is once again the official drummer of the quintet.
After many years with separate careers and with Portnoy immersed in various projects, the band will once again have its drummer, which will complete the lineup with Jordan Rudess, John Petrucci, James LaBrie, Mike Portnoy and John Myung.
Dream Theater are, without a doubt, one of the most important groups in progressive music in recent years, with a career that already includes fifteen studio albums and will expand next year with the first work in which Portnoy will play again from “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” 2009. That means that Mike Mangini is out of the lineup, after replacing Portnoy for years.
“Mike Mangini’s drumming is out of this world and I am extremely grateful for the time he spent with us at Dream Theater. I am so proud of all the incredible music we made together which culminated in our first GRAMMY win last year and the countless magical moments we have shared on stage over the last thirteen years. I wish him the greatest success in his future musical projects,” explains John Petrucci. “I am incredibly excited to welcome Mike Portnoy back to Dream Theater! As an original founding member, long-time friend and incredibly talented and creative drummer, I know his return will bring a renewed spirit, passion and energy to DT that “All of us, including our fans, will welcome it. I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get back in the studio together!”
For his part, Mangini has declared that he is very grateful to the group and is aware that this was a step that they were going to take sooner or later, so he understands – and has always been aware – of his teammates’ decision. As for Portnoy, his words are: “I am overwhelmed with joy to return home and be reunited with my brothers! There is so much shared history between all of us… so many memories, so much music… and to think that the days are approaching.” Forty years since this journey began! The idea of creating new music together is very exciting and I can’t wait to hit the road and play live for a whole new generation of fans who have never been able to see this line-up before… There is no place like home!”.
