During the Metal Masters clinic at Best Buy Theater in New York City last night, Pantera/Down's Phil Anselmo joined Kerry King (Slayer), Scott Ian (Anthrax), David Ellefson (Megadeth), and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) onstage to perform Pantera's "Fucking Hostile" and "A New Level." Video footage can be viewed here (skip to 01:22:37).
mike portnoy
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Avenged Sevenfold has released a statement regarding the parting of ways with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. The statement follows: "For the past few months, we've been blessed with Mike Portnoy's talent and humanity. When Mike agreed to tour with us, it was only through the end of 2010. We always knew we'd need to find another solution for 2011 and beyond. And it's time for us to take that next step. We know we are not ready to add another permanent member of Avenged Sevenfold. We don't know if we will ever be. But if we do, it will only be with someone who is not only a brilliant drummer, but also someone we've gotten to know well on the road and off, and who you the fans have had a chance to get to know, and hopefully accept. In other words, in this family, we take these steps together, band and our extended fan family. We are lucky to be surrounded by so many friends, many of whom knew Jimmy very well personally, as well as our band and Jimmy's drumming talent and style. These friends have introduced us to several amazing drummers. We have decided to take one of them out starting in January. He will not be a member of a7x. He will be someone you and we are getting to know. Perhaps this drummer will be a fit. Perhaps not. One thing is for sure. Over time we will find someone who helps us continue our quest to make the music we love for the fans we love.Mike and the band agree that can't be him. Why? Long before there was an Avenged Sevenfold, there were members of this band who looked up to Mike and, in Jimmy's case, learned a lot from watching Mike play. He is a brilliant writer, producer and of course drummer. Because of that, the world and we would always see it as Avenged Sevenfold with Mike Portnoy. We take a lot of pride in A7X being about something greater then any individuals. Its about the music, the fans and the friends and family we have as well as continuing our best friends legacy. Please give whoever we try your love and support....and the benefit of the doubt. They won't be Jimmy. Who could be? But he will be himself, with his own special talents and creativity. And that's all we could ever look for. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for everything you've done to love and support us." Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy announced today that his yearlong stint handling drum duties for Avenged Sevenfold has come to an end. Portnoy released the following statement: "Yes, the rumours are true...sadly my time with Avenged Sevenfold has come to an end... The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me...I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan.... I had an awesome time on stage with the guys every night and have so many cool memories from the experience with them...I am proud to always be part of the A7X family and history. I also adore the A7X fans and totally appreciate the way they welcomed me aboard and were so loving and supportive during my time with the band...thank you! As far as my future, I am excited by the endless musical possibilities that lie ahead of me...my love for music runs very deep and my taste is very broad and ecclectic which will give me the chance to explore many different things and collaborate with many great friends and artists I admire and respect..." Dream Theater has issued a statement on the departure of drummer Mike Portnoy. The band comments: "It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band. "While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us. Fans and friends: File this episode under 'Black Clouds and Silver Linings'. As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2010, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. 'The Spirit Carries On.' All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed." Drummer Mike Portnoy has quit Dream Theater. Portnoy released the following statement:
"After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so.... After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater... Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break... Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band... But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired. We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a "hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"... Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be... While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes.... Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about "always following your heart and being true to yourself"...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be "going through the motions", and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed. I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played.... I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within.... You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)" Avenged Sevenfold's Zacky Vengeance commented on the band's recent recording session with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy: "Finished tracking drums with MP. They sound fucking amazing. Jimmy will be proud. Jimmy's also smiling knowing that Mike Portnoy has a deathbat forever tattooed on him. To show Mike that A7X is deeper then just a band I got one to match his. Jimmy would have done the same. Mike realized that our fans and friends are considered family. Being an A7X fan isn’t always easy because it means you’re not only gonna laugh with us, but cry with us and defend us on occasion. If you’re part of the family it's for life. Shads dedicated his right hand to our brother, without hesitation. I believe what we all share together is magical and wouldn't have it any other way...Ill try my best to keep you updated from the studio." Drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) has checked in with an update on his drum tracking sessions with Avenged Sevenfold. Portnoy was tapped by the band to play drums on their new record following the recent death of Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Portnoy comments: "Just finished my drum tracks for the Avenged Sevenfold album...what an amazing and emotional experience! Me & Zacky celebrated by getting matching Death Bat tats here in the studio." "(I also went with Matt on Sat night when he got a new Death Bat tat with Jimmy's face...)" "I must thank the amazing A7X fans for being so open and welcoming to me...I was fearing them being very defensive over The Rev's drum throne but they've all been so supportive, open-minded, understanding and excited by the news...it is a huge relief to me and the guys!" "What an awesome family spirit these guys have...lotsa love! Shadows, Gates, Zacky & Johnny are now my brothers for life...hopefully this wont be the last time I play with them." "PS - And oh yeah...the album is gonna be incredible!" "The Rev is absolutely looking down with a big-ass smile on his face! : )" Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) has released a statement after being tapped to play drums on Avenged Sevenfold's fothcoming album following the passing of Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Portnoy comments: "Even under normal circumstances, I would've been happy to help the guys out in any way I could as I think Avenged Sevenfold are a great band...but under these incredibly sad and tragic circumstances, I must say I am truly honored to have been asked to play with them...and I didn't even have to think twice about saying yes." "These guys are a true family and it is an incredibly emotional experience to be here with them for the first time without their lost brother. But they have welcomed me into the family with open arms and there's a real excitement to make the record they had set out to make..." "I am treating my participation on this album with the utmost respect for Jimmy's memory and am remaining as true as possible to the drum parts that he wrote for the songs and the record he wanted to make." "I want their fans to realize that I'm not trying to step into or fill The Rev's shoes...I'm just merely lacing em up for him!" |
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