DREAM THEATER ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF DRUMMER MIKE PORTNOY

A Message from DREAM THEATER:

“To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness–and regret–we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.
 
While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity–and in the same musical tradition–that you have all helped make so  successful, and which is truly gratifying to us.  Fans and friends: File this episode under ‘Black Clouds and Silver Linings.’ As planned, we begin recording our new album in January 2011, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. ‘The Spirit  Carries On.’

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long  and meaningful career together. It is our true hopethat he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed.”

About DREAM THEATER:
In 2009, the legendary progressive metal masters–who’ve sold in excess of 10,000,000 records and DVD's worldwide–broke records in Europe, playing to festival crowds of over 80,000 fans and made their debut appearance in Israel in front of 10,000 fans. Next came their headlining North American “Progressive Nation” headlining tour, followed by their overseas September/October 2009 “Progressive Nation” headlining trek reaching 15 countries.  They finished the year with a December down under swing with seven shows in Australia and New Zealand. 2009 was also a watermark year for DREAM THEATER as a recording act. Beyond the aforementioned worldwide chart debuts, BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS (Roadrunner Records)–a highlight of their 25-year career–was praised by Mojo magazine’s Paul Elliott in a July 2009 review: “…their lofty ideals remain intact.   By modern criteria, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is as highbrow as The Mars Volta, as grandiose as Muse and as heavy as Metallica.” DREAM THEATER were also honored with the "Spirit Of Prog" achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards in London (November 2). In 2010, the band continued their global assault with a March 5-24 tour of South America and Mexico. The trek will encompass 11 shows in six countries, with first-time visits to Lima, Peru and Porto Alegre, Brazil.
 

For more information, contact MSO 818-380-0400:
Mitch Schneider: mschneider@msopr.com
Claire Julian: cjulian@msopr.com