Mike Portnoy interview (excerpt)

Can I have something about your former band as well, if you don’t mind?

Mike Portnoy: I may not answer it.

Have you heard their latest album?

Mike Portnoy: I won’t talk about, because there is no winning. Any time I say anything about Dream Theater... Honestly, I’d rather not talk about it. Because no matter what I say, it will be twisted and... So I kind of have made myself promise, that I won’t talk about Dream Theater anymore. If you want to ask me about my 25 years in the band, I could talk about that. But talking about them now, it’s a no win situation.

I totally understand so can you then briefly sum up your 25 years with the Dream Theater?

Mike Portnoy: Yeah. I’m proud of everything I did for those 25 years. That was my life for a quarter of a century, my half of life-time. Dream Theater was my baby. I formed it from the beginning, out of college and I lived a life-time with them. So I’m proud of every one of those albums and every one of the shows. I left behind a legacy and there is a lot of people that still talk about seeing me with them. I don’t count on that happening, I wouldn’t count on it. I wouldn’t bet money on it. If it happens, then sure I’m up for it. Because I’m a very sentimental person and I still love the guys and I love the fans. But I surely don’t count on it and I don’t plan on it, and I’m happier than ever with everything I’m doing now.

I can see that you’re really happy man now.

Mike Portnoy: Yeah, I’m free. I don’t think I was ever meant to be tied down to one band for the rest of my life, playing one style of music. I’m a music fan of so many styles, that I need to have the freedom to do that kind of stuff.

That was a great answer!

Mike Portnoy: Thank you.