Dream Theater have announced the return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy after a 13 year absence from the band. The legendary stickman is back in the veteran prog-metal act’s lineup, as his replacement Mike Mangini exits the group.
Portnoy, who formed the band under the name Majesty with guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung in 1985, officially exited Dream Theater in September 2010. The drummer had begun working with Avenged Sevenfold around that time, filling the shoes of that band’s late drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. He ultimately didn’t get the full-time gig in Avenged Sevenfold, and ended up out of both bands. He soon lobbied for his job back in Dream Theater, but had been replaced by Mangini.
Recent events have suggested a reconnection between Portnoy and Dream Theater, including the drummer playing on Petrucci’s latest solo album, Terminal Velocity, as well as the pair hitting the road together for a 2022 tour.
Now, the entire band is welcoming Portnoy back with open arms, as they also bid farewell to Mangini. Each member of Dream Theater, including Mangini, issued statements on Portnoy’s return.
“I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers,” stated Portnoy. “There is so much shared history between us all…so many memories, so much music…to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began! 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!!”
Petrucci commented, “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. 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!”