THE BEAST

In a heartfelt interview with Tom Power, host of Q on Canada's CBC Radio One, Mike Portnoy, the legendary drummer and co-founder of Dream Theater, shared a candid reflection on his decision to leave the progressive metal band 15 years ago, a move that marked a significant turning point in both his life and the band's trajectory.

Portnoy, who had been with Dream Theater since its inception in 1985, explained that his departure in 2010 was fueled by a deep sense of exhaustion. After a relentless 25-year cycle of writing, recording, and touring, Portnoy reached a breaking point. He admitted, "I was fried... it was just an endless cycle." Despite his passion for the band and his extensive involvement in every aspect of their work—music, lyrics, production, merchandising, and more—Portnoy realized he needed to step away.

Yet, the irony wasn't lost on him. As he took a break from Dream Theater, Portnoy launched an incredibly prolific period in his career, forming a multitude of new musical projects. "In the 13 years I was out of DREAM THEATER, I made — I don't know — 50 or 60 albums with dozens of different bands and artists," he revealed. From classic rock collaborations with The Winery Dogs to thrash metal with Metal Allegiance, Portnoy embraced his wide-ranging musical interests. He also found himself performing with bands like Avenged Sevenfold and joining Twisted Sister for their farewell tour. "I am the most unlikely person that you would ever think would be the guy to land the gig with TWISTED SISTER," he laughed, citing his eclectic musical taste as a driving force behind his diverse career.

However, despite the fruitful years away from Dream Theater, Portnoy recognized the emotional toll his departure had taken on his relationships with his former bandmates. He confessed, "I know I hurt them when I left them... I made a selfish decision that I needed to scratch an itch." This realization weighed heavily on him, especially considering the band's success at the time, including a performance at Madison Square Garden with Iron Maiden just before his exit.

Rebuilding these relationships was essential for Portnoy to consider returning to Dream Theater. He began reconnecting with the band, starting with guitarist John Petrucci, with whom he had a close personal relationship. Over time, the other members—keyboardist Jordan Rudess, bassist John Myung, and finally vocalist James LaBrie—were brought back into the fold. The most significant moment came when Portnoy and LaBrie met in person after over a decade of silence. "Within a minute everything melted away," Portnoy recalled, describing the emotional reunion as a moment of pure reconciliation.

Portnoy's return to Dream Theater, though, was not immediate. Even after mending personal ties, he remained uncertain about rejoining. It was only after a series of musical collaborations, including work on Petrucci's solo album and a third Liquid Tension Experiment record, that it began to feel like a reunion was inevitable. "It started to feel, 'Okay, maybe this is inevitable,'" Portnoy said, acknowledging the passing of time and the importance of reuniting before it was too late.

This reunion culminated in the release of Dream Theater's sixteenth studio album, Parasomnia, due for release on February 7, 2025. This marks the first Dream Theater album to feature Portnoy since Black Clouds & Silver Linings in 2009, and the first time in over a decade that the band's classic lineup is back together. Portnoy's return was the result of years of emotional growth and musical evolution, both for him and for the band. "I'm glad it did," he said, reflecting on the journey. "I always dreaded that I wouldn't reunite with Dream Theater... but here we are."

The road ahead for Dream Theater is paved with both history and fresh energy, as Parasomnia prepares to be released to the world. The band's long-awaited reunion is a testament to the enduring bond between its members, one that was healed through time, music, and personal growth.

Dream Theater's "Parasomnia" is set to release on February 7, 2025, via InsideOut Music.