Drummer Mike Portnoy Has Rejoined Dream Theater

Over a decade since parting ways with the band, renowned drummer Mike Portnoy has returned to his role in the legendary progressive metal outfit, Dream Theater. The drummer and band took to social media today to announce their reunion, as well as give their regards and thanks to drummer Mike Mangini, who’s been with the band since Portnoy left in 2010.

“I understand Dream Theater’s decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time,” says Mike Mangini. “As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor. I also really enjoyed spending lots of time with the crew. And then there’s the GRAMMY® win, which was amazingly satisfying. To the fans: thank you so much for being amazing to me. I cherish the pictures I have of you all losing your minds and having fun. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best.”

Mangini’s played a significant role in the band’s career over the last decade, and that certainly can’t be overlooked. While many of the fans are beyond excited to see Portnoy’s return, there are number of fans who see this reunion as a carthatic moment in the band’s career. One fan garnered a lot of attention on Dream Theater’s instagram commenting “But Mangini, seriously did you fire arguably the best drummer in the world? I am happy for Portnoy but I am really sad for Mangini.” While majority of the comments show an enthusiastic welcoming to Portnoy, it can’t be undermined how beloved Mangini was during his tenure in the band.

Additionally, many prominent metal and rock influencers also took to Dream Theater’s comments expressing their shock excitement for Portnoy’s return. Guitarist and YouTuber Ola Englund commented an enthusiastic “WHAAAAAAAT?!?!,” while other musicians like guitarist Angel Vivaldi stated “What a dramatic turn of events… LITERALLY! Congrats, fellas!”

There’s an overwhelming sense of joy coming from the Dream Theater camp today, but much of said joy is from Portnoy’s himself. “I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers! Portnoy states. 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!!”