Mike Portnoy has expressed excitement about rehearsing with DREAM THEATER for the first time in 14 years, stating that it feels “like no time has passed.” The drummer, who co-founded the band in 1985 alongside guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung, played on 10 albums over a 20-year span before leaving in 2010. After Mike Mangini filled the role for over a decade, Portnoy rejoined the band last October.
In a recent social media post, Portnoy shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming tour, saying, “Rehearsals have been sounding and feeling GREAT! It’s incredible how quickly we’ve jumped back into these songs after all these years—some of them I haven’t played in decades!” He added, “It’s already sounding comfortable and natural… a little over three weeks until kickoff! I can’t wait!”
DREAM THEATER’s 40th-anniversary tour, titled “An Evening With Dream Theater,” kicks off in Europe on October 20 in London and wraps up on November 24 in Amsterdam. The band has also been in the studio recording their sixteenth album, marking the first project since Portnoy’s return.
Reflecting on his time away, Portnoy acknowledged missing the music, the band, and the fans. “Not all DREAM THEATER fans went on the ride with me during my time with other bands,” he noted, emphasizing the deep connection he feels with the group’s legacy.
As he takes charge of the setlist for the upcoming tour, Portnoy shared that it’s a role he’s passionate about. “I always wrote the setlists for DREAM THEATER, and it’s exciting to have that responsibility again, especially with 40 years of music to choose from,” he said.
Portnoy also discussed the differences in the band dynamic now compared to 14 years ago. “We’re older and wiser now, and I’m more easygoing than I used to be,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of respecting the changes that occurred during his absence, allowing for a smoother integration back into the band’s chemistry.
Regarding the new album, Portnoy noted the comfort of working together again. “It felt like only a week had passed since our last record. We quickly started bouncing ideas off each other, and it snowballed from there,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Portnoy reflected on the significance of their reunion, acknowledging that time is precious. “At our ages, we realize we don’t have forever. We want to spend whatever time we have left making music with the people we love,” he said
