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).
Tag: mike portnoy
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.
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.”
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Mike Portnoy Quits Dream Theater
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…