In a recent interview with Mariskal Rock, Mike Portnoy discussed his return to Dream Theater and reflected on his departure from the band in 2010. He expressed that he has no regrets about leaving, emphasizing his belief in taking chances rather than looking back on missed opportunities. Portnoy mentioned that staying in a situation where he was unhappy might have led to lifelong regrets, a sentiment he captured in the lyrics of Dream Theater’s song “Repentance.”
Portnoy acknowledged that while he missed the band, the fans, and the music, his journey with other projects allowed him to connect with different audiences. He expressed that Dream Theater has always felt like a family, which made returning to the band a fulfilling experience.
The band recently completed recording their sixteenth album, marking Portnoy’s first album with them since his return. Dream Theater also announced their ’40th Anniversary Tour 2024 – 2025,’ which will kick off in Europe this October. This tour will be their first since Portnoy rejoined, and it includes 23 cities, showcasing a full-circle moment for both the band and its fans.