While nothing has been confirmed or denied yet regarding the rumor from last night Mike Portnoy has had this to say:
There’s alot of things going on in my life I wish I could openly & honestly talk about at the moment, but cannot…but when I can, I will…
UPDATE (12/13 @ 3:47 PM) – Mike Portnoy has posted the following update to his Facebook:
is sad…… : ( It’s been a long, exhausting year (both physically and mentally) with many unexpected ups and downs and I think the most valuable lesson for me has been that the only people you can TRULY count on is FAMILY…thank you Marlene, Melody and Max for ALWAYS being there for me….
NOTE: Again guys – please remember that right now that this is all merely a rumor until Mike Portnoy or Avenged Sevenfold either confirm or deny it.
292 Comments so far
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uh-oh!! =)
Comment by Noel December 13, 2010 @ 3:43 amWe will find out by January 20th. Considering that’s when the 2011 tour starts.
Comment by Anonymous December 14, 2010 @ 9:04 pmAs much as I hate seeing anyone but Jimmy with the boys, I don’t know how I’m going to handle seeing anybody but Mike with them.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 3:46 amCompletely and 100% agree. I just can’t help but wonder this means for the guys… Even so, we should be grateful that MP helped them out for as long as he did.
Comment by AshleySevenfold December 13, 2010 @ 4:05 amI agree. It will be heartwrenching again. Hes gained so much love and respect in the course of a year… i mean we have to respect whats going on but its sad.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:16 amI understand…. he was more like everyone’s band- aid… literally! I can only hope they continue… and if not.. I’m glad I can say I met them… :D
Comment by Jessica December 13, 2010 @ 5:12 amthats the dumbest thing ive ever heard. he was hired to play drums on the album and toured with them for 4 months. i think jimmy and the others deserve more credit that tha
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 6:53 amHe wasn’t hired, he was asked. Big difference.
Comment by Alikz December 13, 2010 @ 10:06 amSorry, but your comment is the dumbest thing that I have ever heard.
Comment by Alyssa December 13, 2010 @ 10:44 amI know how you feel. It was hard at first and still is a bit weird seeing someone other than Jimmy but…..idk we’ll just have to wait and see.
Comment by ashleigh December 13, 2010 @ 6:58 amAgreed!
Comment by ravenriotdesigns December 14, 2010 @ 10:19 pmseem like he’s tired :(
Comment by HellaKz December 13, 2010 @ 3:51 amNeither avenged sevenfold nor the fans deserve this.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 3:57 amMike never said he was going to be with the band permanently. And I doubt the band was expecting him to stay with them permanently, either, so I don’t see how this is anything the fans or the band did, or didn’t deserve. It’s got nothing to do with what the fans deserve anyway. The band could’ve just not gone on at all.
Comment by Marly December 13, 2010 @ 4:25 amno need for comments like this. how do u know avenged arent the ones who made this decision? wait until official statements are released.
Comment by jae December 13, 2010 @ 4:27 amIm only saying its hard enough as it is. I understand avenged sevenfold and mike are regular people but I think the commitment to their fans is bigger than them.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 6:18 amThat is such bullshit. No one is worth anything compared to their health and their lives. The Fans, and music can wait. Without them being happy and healthy, theres no point in going on. They need to enjoy themselves and what they do for their energy to be so electric and amazing, so I say give them all the time they need.
Comment by KaitA7X December 13, 2010 @ 3:16 pmI think that if A7X don’t announce this soon, then they will announce whats really going on December 28th. One year after the Revs death. Im scared to hear whats happened, but who knows maybe it will be good news.
Comment by Izacky December 13, 2010 @ 7:59 pmMike doesn’t deserve this either. He’s gone through a lot too lately. Plus, he never said he was touring past 2010. Avenged fans aren’t the only ones going through hard times. His father died last year and he just left the band he founded and his father named. He did so much for the a7x family and this is how you thank him?
Wow. Show some respect. He never HAD to help the band. He chose to out of good heart.
Shut up.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 1:59 pmThis is exactly what I was thinking…I’m sorry but some of you guys are just being so ungrateful that he stayed all this time and just because he left DT it didnt mean that he was gunna stay with A7X even though we all want him to stay but in the end it’s his decision..not ours
Comment by Genesis December 13, 2010 @ 7:29 pmThis might not be a bad thing…it could be positive. Just a thought.
Comment by Marly December 13, 2010 @ 4:15 amI agree and disagree!!!
Sort of. Its never a Positive thing to Mike Portnoy leave the band (As we saw with the DT situation & the fact he is a living legend) =p But I agree we should look forward, has this band ever really let us down? Never. I highly doubt they ever could with the passion most of us have for em. I do feel for MP, without discussing his persona life he has had one hell of a year and I think he deserves time off with his family.
All together now,
THANK YOU MR PORTNOY!!
P.S – If you read gangster: Peace and love and respect and all that.. =p
Comment by Ryan 'O December 13, 2010 @ 2:59 pmWould be a real shame to see him leave A7X and although this is the news I am expecting, I’ll still be shocked :(.
Comment by Keri December 13, 2010 @ 4:17 ami think hes done a great job, and if he decides to leave avenged sevenfold, it could be a new chapter and it could be what the band needs to continue.. as sad as this news maybe it could have a positive side,
Comment by phill taylor December 13, 2010 @ 4:29 amA7X foREVer
We should of known this day would come Tho we can’t expect him too keep puttin dream theatres new album further and further back
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:33 amhe took a break from dream theater….
Comment by Zach December 13, 2010 @ 4:43 ami thought he said he left dream theatre…??
Comment by steph December 13, 2010 @ 7:47 amHe did. He is no longer apart of DT
Comment by Tyler December 13, 2010 @ 10:13 amI really hope this doesn’t have anything to do with him leaving.. I was really looking forward to what the future with Mike brings. And hopefully a great show in MA.
Comment by Chandler Fyfe December 13, 2010 @ 4:45 amIm pretty sure that guys have found permanent drummer, just saying…
Comment by JZZ December 13, 2010 @ 4:47 amI’m pretty sure they have also…
I think it’d be really cool if Jason Berry got the job. Since he was Jimmy’s drum tech and all, it’d be most fitting..imo.
Comment by Timmons December 13, 2010 @ 6:05 amhey dude, i´ve been thinking since like 1 month ago that Jason Berry is a good option for fitting the rev …..
Comment by Marco December 13, 2010 @ 9:22 amthe question is, can he play like the rev?
Comment by styker December 13, 2010 @ 10:09 amExactly. Not because he was Jimmy’s drum tech it means he could play their songs.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 10:34 amthat is the question…
In my head I’ve been thinking that maybe he’s really been tightening up his skillz since Mike joined as a temp fill…but I have absolutely no idea on how much Jason Berry actually plays or how good he is. Guess I always just assumed he was a decent drummer.
Comment by Timmons December 13, 2010 @ 10:36 ami dont think it actually matters since its Jason and hes already a member of the family. an outsider coming in, they need to have to same style and technique to fill Jimmy’s shoes, but i dont think its disrespectful for someone like jason to do his own thing since hes someone their all close to
Comment by Mark December 13, 2010 @ 12:08 pmThat’s exactly what I think. It just doesn’t feel right to me seeing a drummer we’ve never heard of replacing Jimmy. I’d like Mike to stay with the guys, but that’s not gonna happen.
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 12:28 pmThat’s a really good point and it’d be awesome if they were putting him behind the drums. But he has to be good enough to play the stuff that Jimmy recorded and played. If he can, then I welcome him with open arms.
Comment by E December 13, 2010 @ 4:52 pmAlright this is way far out there and no one including me could picture this but I remember seeing something were Jimmy taught Syn how to play drums and I heard he’s pretty good, Syn on drums, zacky take lead guitar, Johnny on the bass and Matt vochols! I mean that’s just way the fuck out there and that would take so much getting used to but her it’s a thaught! I love you deathbat brothers and sisters “until the end through the thick and the thin” foREVer
Comment by Anonymous December 14, 2010 @ 8:51 pmI don’t really think that’s going to happen. I do really think Zacky is a great guitar player, but I don’t think he can play all the guitar solos like Syn.
Comment by Rachel December 15, 2010 @ 12:43 pmAnd then, if Syn started drumming (something that I can’t even imagine O_o) there wouldn’t be the duelling guitars.
So I guess that’s not going to happen at all…
Yeah me too. The fact that Mike says he isn’t free to talk openly about what’s going on means it concerns more than just him, so it’s probably not as simple as just deciding to stop playing with the band. Hopefully you’re right!
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 11:41 amHe’s only the rebound drummer, people. It was great that he filled in for The Rev but really, Avenged Sevenfold is not the band he’s supposed to be in. Portnoy’s like a part of the A7X family but you have to admit this is not his style.
Comment by glenn December 13, 2010 @ 5:44 amMaybe they are renaming the band as per a new chapter in life with Portnoy?
Comment by Cory December 13, 2010 @ 5:45 amoh yeah, i’m sure they would give up a7x in favor of a new drummer. ya know, millions of kids aren’t tatted with the name at all.
Comment by wench December 13, 2010 @ 9:20 amWell there are plenty of bands that aren’t together anymore whose names people have tattooed… but I don’t think it’s a name change either. It just doesn’t seem to fit.
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 11:42 am1. the rev was a HUGE part in the WRITING of a7x’s music
Comment by eh7x December 13, 2010 @ 4:51 pm2. i can think of many examples of bands that change or stop when a band member dies
3. why would it matter if the a7x name was put to bed for people with the tattoo. i would be more stoked on the tattoo after that.
4. renaming the band with portnoy would not be that bad of an option.
5. you suck
They’ve said before that they might continue under another name.
However, that doesn’t make a lot of sense, ’cause they still have the Nightmare After Christmas tour to do under their current name, and why would Mike be sad about that?
Comment by E December 13, 2010 @ 4:55 pmThis is confusing, I’d like to know what’s going on…
This doesn’t have to be bad news….right? I think that it is going to be good news.
Comment by cjbstrunk December 13, 2010 @ 5:45 amAs long as its not the end, it’ll be okay.
Comment by kevin December 13, 2010 @ 5:59 amAs long as I still get to see them in January… If not i’m kicking your ass mike.
Comment by Alex December 13, 2010 @ 6:10 amHopefully they’ve found somebody worthy of Jimmy’s drum throne for good
I cant lie it sucks but A7X knows wat there doin.. there not dumb. If MP leaves then obviously there gonna find sombody gud enough to play all there songs and more. And all of us are used to change cus thats Avenged. And we will grow to love who ever dey pick as long as there not a bad influence on da music and or band i will except that person too as should all of u
Comment by Neal December 13, 2010 @ 6:13 amPortnoy isnt Avenged. So who cares what he would do. There not gonna just replace jimmy after a year
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 6:44 amThis could be either good or bad.
Comment by Drivillian December 13, 2010 @ 6:47 amHope Its Good News. Really Be Cool If He Stays With Avenged. Even Though My Dream Is To Become The New Drummer. Just A Dream I Need To Wake Up From.
Comment by foREVerTJ December 13, 2010 @ 6:48 amLet’s wait until they make official statements.
Comment by Levitation December 13, 2010 @ 6:58 amI think it was just nice that Mike is going to do the whole tour cycle with them. If they do get a “permanant” drummer might as well be Mike or some else with that much talent.
Comment by Kris December 13, 2010 @ 7:08 amlast show of the tour? that’s my guess..i dont think its the end of the road but then again you never know.. and with the situation you need to watch how you word things, especially being mike portnoy. i’m sure we would get a conformation tho if it were true.. and the nightmare before christmas tour would be canceled right away.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 7:30 amgood point he would get shit if he quit right before a tour
Comment by jAKE December 13, 2010 @ 11:37 amJust watched a vid for welcome to the family in Vegas and shadows said “not only is this the last show here for avenged sevenfold but it’s zacky v’s birthday” maybe they will get a new drummer and change their name? Guess we will just have to wait and see..
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 7:32 amI think Matt meant the last show for the band in 2010. I mean, if they change their name, why do they still use “Avenged Sevenfold” in Nightmare After Christmas tour and other upcoming festivals?
Comment by Carol December 13, 2010 @ 7:38 amthey arent going to change the name they had since the beggining with jimmy…. wowwww
Comment by jAKE December 13, 2010 @ 11:41 amI honestly agree with this. I’ve been thinking the same but no one should get themselves worked up over this. Like everyone else said, wait until official statements are released.
Comment by iloveskullz13 December 13, 2010 @ 4:08 pmHe said it was the last show of the year, not the last show here. (I was there)
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 11:44 ammaybe mike is just having personal or family problems
Comment by Jordan December 13, 2010 @ 7:58 amI think it’s that cuz he’s been on the road for like what 4 years with like six bands
Comment by Chris December 13, 2010 @ 12:14 pmi think people should stop focusing on the negatives, look at how much he has helped the band and the fans! he is the reason nightmare could happen!! it will be very sad to see him go but this was never going to be a perminent thing
Comment by A. Vengeance December 13, 2010 @ 8:10 amMy view on what might be happening is that mike is not playing with avenged anymore :( (he was the perfect fit i know) meaning that avenged have found a permanent drummer due to them booking dates for next year
I don’t mean to sound negative but this is just how it looks at this point in time, it could be something else i hope it is but we don’t know until mike or the band posts something about it.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 9:14 amthis cloak and dagger shit is starting to piss me off. secret keeping is for 12 year olds, not grown ass men.
Comment by wench December 13, 2010 @ 9:22 am^^^ This
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 2:14 pmUmm maybe he’s facing personal problems right now? Negative whining is for 3-year-olds, not grown ass men.
Comment by Gabby7X December 13, 2010 @ 2:24 pmI think they’ve found a permanent drummer to be honest. One thing that really bugs me though is seeing Avenged without Jimmy, it’s been a year yet it still feels like yesterday. I love Mike and I thank him for all that he’s done but I think the band should just lay the name to rest, leave us all with Jimmy last and greatest work. Avenged is Jimmy, Johnny, Zacky, Syn and Shads, it’s not JC, ZV, Syn, Matt minus Jimmy and plus Mike, as bad as it sounds its jus not right without him. I wanna see them play and I want them to still write music, but just not Avenged Sevenfold music….
Comment by Tanzima December 13, 2010 @ 9:28 amHmm, what?
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 10:31 amLike you said, A7X was/is Matt, Zacky, Johnny and Brian and they are still in the band, why should they change their name?
There are lots of bands whose lineups have changed far more drastically than A7X’s, and they still use the same name. Look at the Smashing Pumpkins or Evanescence, for example. Personally, I think it’d be weirder and harder to get used to if they did change their name.
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 11:46 amYeah, they’re known for being A7X… And even if they found another drummer, they’d still be the same guys, minus one and plus another… They’d still be A7X in everyone’s eyes…
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 12:48 pmyeah but billy corgan and amy lee are assholes LOL
Comment by wench December 13, 2010 @ 1:32 pmOr even Guns N’ Roses.. they literally have one original member with them. I highly doubt they’d change their name. As someone stated earlier, a good portion of their fans have A7X tattoos. It’d be a marketing disaster if they did that.
Thank you for bringing a level-head to this. I couldn’t help but notice that you’re one of the only people that hasn’t insisted that A7X is screwing them, or that they’d fail without Portnoy or something like it.
Comment by Z.Burns December 13, 2010 @ 2:03 pmTalking about Rachel, that is.
Comment by Z.Burns December 13, 2010 @ 2:04 pmAgreed :)
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 3:00 pm”It’d be a marketing disaster if they did that”
Exactly.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 2:50 pmI do believe that Mike will no longer tour with Avenged, but I am pretty sure they have found a new drummer. Even though it may sadden some hearts. But it’s probably someone that is close to them and Jimmy.
Comment by albert December 13, 2010 @ 10:09 amThats what i was thinking, one of their close friends who knew jimmy and can play like him. Or someone awesome like Joey Jordinson 8D i can dream. No but seriously this day was going to come and i can wait to see what A7X does next.
Comment by Rya7Xn December 13, 2010 @ 11:34 amIsn’t there supposed to be some kind of news or announcement on the 19th
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 10:25 amno. just the welcome to the family ep for the uk, for the us on the 21st.
Comment by jon December 13, 2010 @ 10:28 amAre you talking about the Revolver news/interviews?
Comment by Alyssa December 13, 2010 @ 10:47 amnot sure.. i know about welcome to the family ep and how the revolver news said it was false that m.shadows would be making a statement or something like that but i thought i heard something else about an announcement.. could be wrong..
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 12:10 pmyeah i saw that too in the revolver issue theres sapposed to be an announcement
Comment by jo December 13, 2010 @ 12:31 pmthats already been denied here.
Comment by jon December 13, 2010 @ 12:36 pmI have a feeling this is the end of Avenged Sevenfold :( Mike apparently said at the signing that the band had other plans. Either they found another drummer, which I feel is unlikely, or A7X is planning a hiatus. Either way, this sounds like bad news. I was really hoping Mike would fill in the Rev’s shoes, and that seemed likely after he quit Dream Theater, but if it’s true that Vegas was his last show, then there’s definitely something going on. The fact that he commented on the rumour kinda confirms its validity. I guess time will tell. I hope this isn’t the end for MP, or even worse, A7X.
Comment by [NE]Fobby[GEN] December 13, 2010 @ 10:51 amI don’t think they’re going on hiatus, at least not yet, because they have a bunch of dates scheduled for the Nightmare After Christmas tour. I don’t think they would have scheduled them if they weren’t absolutely sure they would want to play those shows. Plus idk if you’ve seen the band’s website recently, but they’ve put up a splash page advertising the upcoming tour, and it’s only been up for a week or less. They wouldn’t be promoting it further if they were even considering canceling it and going on hiatus.
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 11:48 amAgreed, but that thing with MP sounds like a “surprise”, like noone knew it was coming, all we can do is sit and wait for some official stuff.. but damn im afraid of bad news.. december is for sure a shit month for this band.
Comment by gabriel December 13, 2010 @ 8:02 pmLet’s not get ahead of ourselves to fast. My only thoughts can be that we should be expecting an announcement on or around Dec 21st in accordance with the release of the new single “Welcome to the Family”. The Las Vegas show was his last before the 21st and he was not officially part of the family yet, even though to us fans he was.
Comment by Cory December 13, 2010 @ 11:05 amPerhaps the welcome to the family EP will sync with an announcement of a new family member…
Comment by UK_JC December 13, 2010 @ 11:14 amThat would be awesome.
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 11:50 amWhat i don’t get, is that MP says he can’t talk publicly about the rumor, yet people are claiming he told them this shit at his signing in vegas? i believe what the people from The Wild Ride said, but if it’s true, and MP can’t talk about it yet, why tell people at a signing???
Comment by Jovan December 13, 2010 @ 11:15 amMaking an official announcement is a lot different then telling fans that he’s no long playing with the band. A lot goes into an announcement release. You also have to take into consideration that, if true, Avenged would want to make theirs first before Mike makes his own. If Avenged aren’t positive of what they’re doing right now then obviously he wouldn’t make an announcement about it anything regarding the situation at this time. Hence the “but when I can I will” part.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 11:36 amQuestion to you Mrs. DBN.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 11:45 amHow are you feeling about this whole situation?
Are you scared of what this might be?
I’m just as in the dark about everything as you guys are. I look at it this way – regardless of what the band ends up doing I have their backs. Because in the grand picture of things they’ve got to do what makes them happy, what they’re comfortable with. There are many things that could happen. We’ve just all got to supportive about it no matter what it is and I know we all will be.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 12:29 pmThat’s true DBN, idk, i guess i just think that it’s like, why start speculation? ya know? if MP in fact did play his last show with A7X than let them announce it! i know it’s only rumored, but i just think if somthing is happening thats big news, than he should”nt tell people. But than again my personel opinion is that MP is just playing on words, and he’s joining the band..but we’ll find out soon!! BTW DBN lady, you’re awesome for having this site and actually talking to other fans on it!!
Comment by jovan December 13, 2010 @ 1:06 pmTo be honest with you – I don’t have a good feeling about this. We’ll see when they’re ready to make an announcement though.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 1:21 pmWhat’s your not-good feeling?
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 1:28 pmMP leaving or the band breaking up?
God, this is killing me…
DBN, I agree with you. As much as I want to be optimistic, the odds are starting to stack up…,
Comment by Alyssa December 13, 2010 @ 1:56 pmWhy do we all have to be so goddamn negative? As a matter of fact, can everyone just cut the negative shit? No one knows anything, and we are in the dark at this point, so instead of assuming things and being all down, why don’t we all just try to be positive and wait to see what happens? It could go either way, who knows.
Comment by Alyssa December 13, 2010 @ 11:51 amIt’s like you all are making mountains out of anthills….
Agreed, people need to chill out.
Comment by stevie December 13, 2010 @ 2:37 pmlisten im a mike portnoy fan, but this is mike hyping up the media. hes always been like this. if im wrong, then they should just retire the band, and go under another name. i mean, its not gonna be any different than avenged sevenfold. and ide expect them to cover avenged songs. they should try out travis smith, the ex-trivium drummer.
Comment by austins December 13, 2010 @ 12:00 pmTravis Smith was my first thought of a new drummer if they ever decided to get a new one. But then Mike came in and it was all perfect and now I don’t dven know what to think, hah.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 12:28 pmI don’t think Travis would be a good fit at all. Been a huge Trivium fan for years, and have seen them 3-4 times, but Travis was known to always have tempo issues. Whether its the studio work on Ember to Inferno, or the live videos filmed/posted of the years. Not a bad drummer by any means, but I just can’t imagine him with a7x.
Comment by Cody December 13, 2010 @ 1:04 pmi was thinking brandon saller from atreyu, or maybe joey from slipknot
Comment by Jordan December 13, 2010 @ 2:03 pmalthough they’re friends, i can’t see brandon leaving atreyu or his new side project, the black cloud collective. and joey jordison would have no reason to leave a band as big as slipknot and he’s one of its founding members.
Comment by drew December 13, 2010 @ 2:57 pmwow i would HATE it if they got the guy from atreyu!!! thats bullshit! Imagine him singing the parts! he has a wimpy voice.. thats the dumbest thing ive ever heard, nobody from another band is going to be able to play jimmys parts drumming or singing.. atreyus drums are nothing like avenged’
Comment by jruss December 13, 2010 @ 3:54 pmI was really hoping for a Live DVD with Portnoy.
Comment by Tommy December 13, 2010 @ 12:27 pmi dont know why were all worried.. have a little faith.. they have yet to let us down so why would they start now?..
Comment by jo December 13, 2010 @ 12:36 pmnot to mention why would they quit now with all this sucess
Everythings going to be fine. Whatever happens, happens. I trust them.
Comment by Trechul December 13, 2010 @ 12:46 pmAll I have to say is thankyou Mike for everything you have done.
Comment by Dean December 13, 2010 @ 12:52 pmwhat in the world will Portnoy do after this? DT already got someone else…..if he does side projects that would be so lame…
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 12:56 pmI can’t take it! I have tickets to see them February 4th and being a fan of DT as well I really was hoping to see MP banging on the skins. However, I wasn’t sold on MP being a permanant drummer as a necessary aspect to A7X’s music is their background vocals. No disrespect intended, but MP doesn’t have the voice to support that, at least not to the level A7X demands. With that being said, I will be sad to see MP and his god-like drumming skills not being a part of this band on a permant basis.
I just want the REV back…the whole thing just sucks ass. I am greatful for MP helping out the boys and the entire A7X family. I hope MP has a great 2011 as he really deserves it.
Comment by snuffy December 13, 2010 @ 1:00 pmwhy do i have a sudden urge to cry?
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 1:16 pmHa, I just figured it out!! It was “Mike Portnoy”‘s last show with Avenged Sevenfold. He will now be called “Captain Bluebeard”!!!
Actually, that was based off of an interview a few months ago when he was asked if he got a kick-ass nickname yet…
Comment by Alikz December 13, 2010 @ 1:26 pmhaha good one. in a perfect world, this is what would happen :)
Comment by Anonymous December 14, 2010 @ 4:42 pmAvenged are defintly not gonna quit cause shadows said in an interview if they quit theyd be bad role models for just giving up.
Comment by vince December 13, 2010 @ 1:39 pmGuys, we can speculate as much as we want. But until we hear an official announcement from Mike or the band, it won’t do any good. Everyone is assuming that Mike is leaving, but for all we know maybe it will turn out to be good news. At least thats what I’m hoping for! Anyways, all we can do at the moment is sit and wait until an official statement is released
Comment by Brandon December 13, 2010 @ 1:51 pmDream Theater just found a new drummer. It might be about that.
Comment by Lilly December 13, 2010 @ 2:10 pmEveryone is being so negative on this, so I’ll offer something positive: I managed to see an A7X concert with Mike Portnoy. I never got to see live with the Rev. If Mike Portnoy does quit, I’ll still be happy because I got to see my favorite band. That doesn’t mean I don’t care. If he DOES decide to quit, we have to stick together, take a deep breath, and see what happens next without losing patience.
Comment by Gabby7X December 13, 2010 @ 2:33 pmRight on, I’m just grateful A7X didn’t quit when Rev died. And, I’m even MORE grateful I got to see MP perform with them. Knowing A7X, they won’t let us down, but you never know.
Comment by Tabatha December 13, 2010 @ 4:08 pmI find it weird that if it is his last performance, why didn’t they celebrate it and make a big deal about it.
Comment by Damien December 13, 2010 @ 3:39 pmMaybe it will be more positive than everyone thinks? They have shows in Australia lined up pretty early in the new year…not sure this is the best time to be changing drummers!
Because maybe the split wasn’t very amicable? The decision could have come after the show? There are a lot of factors if it happened. We just need to wait and see.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 3:52 pmWhat split? The band’s split?
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 3:58 pmDBN Lady, you scare the hell out of me :( lol
IF it happened, MP/A7X.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 3:59 pmThrough that update…there isn’t a lot of love thrown A7X’s way…I don’t know what would have happened. I’m leaning to this more about DT than A7X
Comment by Damien December 13, 2010 @ 4:04 pmthis is MY THEORY: mike portnoy wanted to continue through the whole album cycle, but after the show he was told that a7x decided to cancel next year’s shows and not tour for awhile OR that they have found a new drummer for next year’s shows, which would lead MP to say the only people you can TRULY trust is FAMILY.. just a theory, but it does make sense
Comment by diego December 13, 2010 @ 4:13 pmI definitely agree with you Ms. DBN. When he said “the only people you can TRULY count on is FAMILY,” and your comment about maybe the split wasn’t very amicable makes me think that A7X decided to part ways with Portnoy,which would be very interesting to see why they decided that. The one positive reason, at least for the bands sake, is that they found a permanent replacement drummer. I know this is all complete speculation, but those are just my thoughts at the moment. It will be interesting to hear an official announcement from either of the two parties.
Comment by Brandon December 13, 2010 @ 4:01 pmugh oh… he said hes sad :( on the update… i doubt they have found a new drummer, i am there number one fan in the world and it hurts me to say this but i think they are not going to continue :( I just think its ridiculous to say that they have found a replacement drummer haha that sounds crazy. how could they have found a new drummer? maybe they did
Comment by jruss December 13, 2010 @ 3:51 pmDude I swear to god if this means he is done with them and they decide to stop ima ganna cry liek superley hard liek alot. Mike grew on me after JImmy Went away but I think he suited them just as much as Jimmy did.
Comment by Ashlee Napier December 13, 2010 @ 3:52 pmyea
Comment by randy December 13, 2010 @ 3:55 pmI think the most valuable lesson for me has been that the only people you can TRULY count on is FAMILY…thank you Marlene, Melody and Max for ALWAYS being there for me…
This line fucking scares the shit out of me. I obviously know A7X are 192384239% great guys but this almost sounds like … I dont know. I dont want to read too much into anything. So nevermind. I’ll just wait until an official statement.
Comment by Sarah December 13, 2010 @ 4:00 pmO.o
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 4:11 pmGOD, WHAT HAPPENED!
Now I’m not only talking as an A7X fan but also as a Gossip lover, dammit! :(
This is EXACTLY what I thought when I read that line.
Maybe they let Mike down or they got in a fight?
I don’t know but when it says TRULY, in like.. capital letters & all.. I think that means he cant truly trust the guys.
All I know is that there is going to be some importan news very soon about all of this.
Comment by Avenged Adona December 13, 2010 @ 4:15 pmI know, that bothers me too…it’s almost as if they are having some indifferences with eachother, possibly.
Comment by Alyssa December 13, 2010 @ 5:02 pmhonestly it sounds like he’s sayin DT and A7X let him down….maybe mike wanted to join but A7X turned him down for whatever reason. maybe they found someone else
Comment by Zzz December 13, 2010 @ 4:04 pmIt could just be that he’s not busy right now and had time to think about the DT stuff. I, too, have a feeling tht this is more DT related than A7X. From watching the videos posted, it seems things were still cool on stage, at least.
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 4:07 pmanybody that thinks they are taking a hiatus just isnt thinking straight..they JUST ANNOUNCED MORE DATES. does anyone honestly think that they would just pack it in 2 days after announcing more presales? i mean, i love mike and all, but the age difference was going to be an issue at some point within 5-10 years if he became permanent..hes 20 years older than johnny and 16 older than the rest. however, he did an amazing job and im forever grateful, and my prediction is joey jordison as a replacement since slipknots going down with the ship anyways.
Comment by otis December 13, 2010 @ 4:07 pmThat’s the point quite a few people have made. If they’re going out in 2011 through the spring (summer?) then they’ll need a drummer. I agree that speculation is all this is, but I can’t see them dropping MP at this point. Age differences aside, they seem to get on well, so again, I can’t see them parting ways this close to a new tour.
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 4:12 pmi agree that it wouldnt be a particularly wise move, but maybe its been a long time coming and its just been hidden from the public eye. however, with multiple, unrelated sources saying that he said it was his last show, including a well respected source in TWR girls, followed by these 2 tweets, it doesnt bode well.
Comment by otis December 13, 2010 @ 4:22 pmAge doesn’t matter. EVeryone says age doesn’t matter in a relationship so why would it matter here? It’s music, beautiful fucking music, that’s all that matters.
Comment by Drivillian December 13, 2010 @ 6:54 pmit doesnt matter musically but mikes going to physically break down long before the rest of them do.
Comment by otis December 13, 2010 @ 7:52 pmNo matter what happens, has happened, or I know we all need to be there for Avenged just as we always have been thus far. No matter what has happened, is happening or will happen with MP, no matter what, we’re all incredibly grateful for what he’s done for a7x and the time, support and strength he’s given the boys and families. All speculation is merely that. Speculation. People need our support right now, not us wondering and doubting without actual facts on the table for us to look at.
Comment by Rachel December 13, 2010 @ 4:08 pmAs much as I hate to be such a Pollyanna I still have to say it – chin up, guys, hope for the best for everyone.
Maybe Avenged didn’t want MP anymore, just saying, so i don’t want mean comments.
Comment by albert December 13, 2010 @ 4:08 pmThey really need to tell us something officially. Mike’s latest post really got me sad. And worried.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:10 pmWe are all sad. We have all come to love Mike Portnoy! He is a great fit and the fans now love him. He stepped up when no one else could have! I appreciate all he has done and I have to admit I am feeling a bit sick about the whole thing:( Mike, Thank you… and those words seem like so little…… for all you have done.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:35 pmI don’t ever like to speculate when confirmations have not been made, but if he is going around talking like this to fans & on FB/Twitter, something clearly has happened. To me the fact that A7X hasn’t commented on this as soon as possible to set things straight tells me this is just as much a shock to them and they don’t know what they are going to do yet at this point, which makes things even worse. This whole thing terrifies me to be honest. I adore Mike Portnoy and will eternally be grateful to him for everything he’s done, he will always have my support, but at the end of the day blood is thicker than water. I stand by whatever decision the guys have made.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:11 pmI do not mean to speculate.. but if the guys ditched MP without any notice then shame on them. I have been a fan of a7x longer than MP.. but he deserves more respect than that.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:16 pmAgreed.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:23 pmI completely agree. I don’t want to automatically think this though… This is Avenged Sevenfold we’re talking about here. They are GREAT guys. I don’t believe they would do that.
Comment by Sarah December 13, 2010 @ 5:19 pmAgreed!!
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 6:10 pmi know that in a recent interview, the guitarst from DT was asked what’s the biggest lesson you have learned this year. He replied “letting your drummer fill in for another band”…..maybe mike found out about this, and it is upsetting him
Comment by daniel Darcy December 13, 2010 @ 4:21 pmIf this had nothing to do with A7X, someone would say that. They wouldn’t let all this speculation just go on. It clearly isn’t about DT.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:29 pmUnless it’s got absolutely nothing to do with them and they don’t want/ he doesn’t want them to get involved and make anything that could have happened worse… I’m not necessarily saying that’s what’s happened but it’s a possibility… They didn’t really say anything official when Mike left DT, did they?…
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 5:36 pmThat would make sense…I did not know about that interview, but again, it would make sense. If a supposed friend of mine said something like that, I’d be upset.
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 4:31 pmJohn Petrucci said that? That’s very unlike him. This is all very weird. But, I do agree with him somewhat.
Also, I think the whole DT ordeal has passed. This is probably about Avenged Sevenfold.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 4:57 pmWell, DT just got a new drummer, he may be upset about that.
Comment by Tabatha December 13, 2010 @ 5:04 pmWho is it? They haven’t released anything saying they have as far as I know.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:19 pmThey haven’t said who, but DT said they found someone.
Comment by Tabatha December 14, 2010 @ 12:42 pmThis worries me. :/ The way he said it made it sound like he was mad at a7x to me. idk. :(
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:26 pmyeah it did i got that vibe aswell
Comment by Ryan December 13, 2010 @ 5:09 pmi think this is all i thing for the release of the welcome to the family single, he highlights family and what not, but anyways maybe mike will finally become a member everyone stop spreading negativity
Comment by bobby December 13, 2010 @ 4:33 pmI do not think this will be the case.. but if you are right, that would be the most epic buzz marketing scheme ever.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:44 pmwell there’s clearly something going with A7X and MP…he’s upset with them for reasons unknown. I can tell everyone right now that its not like A7X is breaking up or changing the name, tats just not gonna happen. they’ve said numerous times that they wanna keep the name to spread Jimmy’s legacy and they’re obviously not going on hiatus – SO STOP BEING NEGATIVE. And for people bagging on DBN for posting a rumor – fuck off. She runs this site and its definitely a rumor that you would want to post.
Comment by a7xfreakdrummer December 13, 2010 @ 4:34 pmI truly do not believe people are purposely trying to be negative on this one. In the past there have been circumstances where I’d agree with you 100%. I think the fate of our favorite band, a lifeline if you will, to many, terrifies us all. To panic, worry or come across negative is completely understandable.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:48 pmWhatever has come to pass has come to pass and we’ll know soon enough. With that being said, I hate “vaguebooking”. Say what you have to say or don’t say anything at all, the rumors and speculation can be destructive.
Comment by D December 13, 2010 @ 4:36 pmI hope this doesn’t mean something bad has happened between him and A7X. Maybe his lack of a mention of the band in this message is a sign that he doesn’t yet feel close enough to them to trust them like he does his family? I don’t wanna speculate but I really hope they’ve not treated him badly… Here’s to hoping this is all cleared up soon.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:39 pmI feel like puking my guts up right now b/c i’m so worried about this O_O I’m speechless. I can go through a thousand possibilities of what this indicates and still have unanswered questions looming over my head. Oh God…
Comment by ZombieGirl December 13, 2010 @ 4:52 pmIf this means what I think it means, I will lose a lot of respect for Avenged. I also feel very bad for mike. Maybe, he’ll go back to DT. Or maybe I’m way too optimistic. Either way, I’ll always be a Portnoy fan, where ever he may go.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 4:53 pmWhat is exactly what you think it means?
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 4:56 pmThey either kicked him out of the band or found a different drummer. I dunno.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:07 pmKeep in mind – he was never officially in the band.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 5:14 pmYes. But they asked him to play with them. And then they (possibly) kick him out?
I love Avenged and I still feel bad for them as I have lost many friends. But, if they did this, then it would be a massive hit to what I think of them as people.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:18 pmMike went into this helping Avenged out. He was never officially a member of the band. It was always up in the air what the future would hold for them. If this is what happened you cannot hold it against them for choosing to move forward without Mike. Initially he was never even supposed to tour with the band through 2011, just until the end of this year. Announcing his staying with them on through 2011 could have been premature on his part, especially if the band were rethinking things. We don’t know what happened. We don’t know both sides of the story and honestly we may never know what went on, just that whatever happened happened and both parties moved on. That is of course, if Mike leaving is the case.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 5:25 pmRight. But mike essentially left his band for them. Also, it doesn’t sound like the breakup went too well the way things are playing out. You are right that I shouldn’t hold it against them, but the way Mike sounds and the convenient silence on the part of A7X all plays into my theory of them having an awfully bad breakup.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:33 pmIm not sure if I could agree on that part since Mike has said that Avenged had nothing to do with him leaving DT. Yes, touring with them opened his eyes to some things but he’s stated that he had been thinking of it for a while before. At least offering up the idea of a hiatus anyway. Like I said before, none of us know what’s going on between Mike and Avenged and it’s best that we just sit back and wait for a statement from the both of them. We may never know what happened, and honestly it’s no ones business but theirs especially if it’s something on a more negative side, but Im sure we will have an answer when Avenged are comfortable with making a statement and they release one. Again, this is all mere speculation.
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 5:39 pmWe shall wait and see…
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:45 pmA7X getting a new drummer would make you lose respect for them?…
Why does it have to be a ”Mike side”?
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 5:19 pmWe do not even know what happened there. We don’t know how things went out and ended up in Mike saying these things.
It doesn’t sound like they ONLY got a new drummer.
What I meant is that I’m far outnumbered on this site as a DT and Portnoy fan. So I would logically be outnumbered because I will defend Mike (Mike’s side) and you guys will defend Avenged.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:27 pmOk, I get your point.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 5:32 pmBut what else does it sound like to you?
Nothing good. All we know is that Mike is disappointed for some reason. Until we figure out why, there is nothing we can do but speculate.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:40 pmi cant say how they did or didnt approach it, but to me it sounds like hes upset that they found a new drummer and moved on from him. if he didnt want something like that to happen he should have made a more definitive long-term commitment, otherwise nobody can blame them for trying to find one. theres no way that both DT and A7X could have mistreated him so horribly, maybe he needs to realize that this is a business like everything else.
Comment by Mark December 13, 2010 @ 4:57 pmIs getting kicked out of a band you founded and ran for 25 years business as usual? Hell, most bands don’t last 25 years. Is getting kicked out or replaced (possibly) by a band that ASKED you to play with them business as usual? All on top of this, is your father, who took care of you your whole life after your mother died in a plane crash when you were a kid, dying business as usual?
Please don’t tell me I’m the only one on Mikes side here.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:12 pmi dont think anyone should be on anyone’s side until we know ANYTHING factual, because right now we don’t. all im saying is i dont think the odds are that high that 2 bands would mistreat you so badly within a stretch of less than a year. dont get me wrong, i have boatloads of respect for mike portnoy, but i think there is a possibility that he is overreacting to something here. again though, we have zero solid facts right now, so it is wrong to assume anything.
Comment by Mark December 13, 2010 @ 5:26 pmEven though it is human nature to speculate and spread rumors. Yes they are slim odds, but there is a small percent chance it may have happened. But, you are right, until we know facts, there is nothing we can do.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:37 pmLast time I checked, he wasn’t “kicked out” of DT. He LEFT.
Comment by Alyssa December 13, 2010 @ 5:36 pmThe rest of DT chose to move on without him. Mike, being the great guy he is, said he left so people will not blame John, John, James, and Jordan.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:43 pmHmmmm, well, I hope Johnny’s not been peeing in his bunk…
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 4:56 pmA+
Comment by deathbatnews December 13, 2010 @ 4:59 pmLol.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 5:01 pmLol. That would make me lose trust pretty quickly.
Comment by D December 13, 2010 @ 5:36 pmYou know how much I’d love this to be a way of hyping up the things and finally come out saying ”It was a joke… because Mike is officially or new and permanent drummer :D”.
Comment by Loghen December 13, 2010 @ 5:03 pmthat would be great!
Comment by emilyA7X December 13, 2010 @ 5:40 pmThis does suck. I have so much respect for Mike for what he has done for us when we were in a bad place this time last year. My guess is that we have found a new drummer. This has been the first time since the tour started the band has had some time off between shows, so now would be the best time to bring in the new member.
Slipknots back on tour, i cant see it being Joey. But it would make sence that we might be getting a member from an existing group. The reason behind the silence would be that, whoever it is, needs to annouce his departure from the band he is with now. With Stonesours members going back to Slipknot in the middle of next year(Corey, Jim and proly the bassist) maybe it would be their drummer?? They certainly have spent the last 12 months getting to know eachother while on tour.. Just a guess like everyone else.
Thank you for everything Mike!
Comment by KC December 13, 2010 @ 5:05 pmLooking at the comments on his facebook, a lot of DT fans are taking it to mean that he feels let down… etc by DT. There’s not a whole lot of comments coming up which relate to A7X. This is probably clutching at straws but, being fans of DT, could they be picking up on things over in that camp that we’ve not seen?
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 5:12 pmInteresting point. Could be true. After all, let’s face it. A7X haven’t really done anything, except welcome the guy with open arms.
Comment by Marlz December 13, 2010 @ 5:33 pmYeah, though we don’t know what could have happened in the last few days… But, from what we know of them, they’ve always come across as really nice, considerate guys who have had the utmost respect for mike (not just over the last year, but before that as well). I can’t help but think of how unlikely it seems that they’d be as… cold towards him as we’re wondering. And Mike always knew that his position wasn’t permanent and that he was there to help them get back on their feet. He’s got lots of experience in the music industry and in life in general- if the guys have decided not to continue with him for whatever reason, would he not be quite mature about it? Even if he was gutted about it, I can’t see him reacting like this about something like A7X not needing him anymore…
I might be barking up completely the wrong tree, I don’t know, but right now, it seems a little inconceivable to me… I can’t help but think there’s more to this, in some way or other, than we’re all allowing ourselves to see.
Sorry this is so long! Much respect to Mike(and A7X), regardless of what’s gone down. Hopefully this will all be explained soon.
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 5:53 pm“Dream Theater Admits To Having Found A New Drummer In Replacement Of Mike Portnoy” http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=62983
Comment by Markus December 13, 2010 @ 5:46 pmthere ya go! thats a tangible reason right there! however, that was posted three days ago…Mike (being in the industry and obviously close with DT’s camp) i would’ve imagined he would’ve known about that already and not been all happy on the day of the show in Vegas and the Sam-Ash signing. BUT keep in mind the comment that he has made to numerous fans about that being his “last show”
Comment by a7xfreakdrummer December 13, 2010 @ 6:08 pmAs an avid DT fan, there is nothing major I have seen or read that would make him this upset. But we’ll see as this all plays out.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:49 pmYeah, fair point…
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 6:00 pmLike I said, clutching at straws :)
It is interesting to me that the only words that are in all caps are the words truly…family…and almost. Is this weird to anyone else? Maybe I am just running too much stuff in my head right now, but maybe it means something positive for Avenged and Mike-a big promo for the Welcome to the Family single. Just saying.
Comment by strunk22 December 13, 2010 @ 5:45 pmThat may have been true if he capitalized Family, a.m., or Seize. But, it always helps to be optimistic.
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 5:52 pmIf we’re going to analyse language use, could the bit where he says ‘i think the most valuable lesson for me has been…’ be like a parody of what the guy from DT said about not letting the drummer cover for another band?
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 5:59 pmHaha, sorry- I’m a language student, mention language analysis and I get excited XD
Lol…that is cool…I tend to over analyze things…I am a psychology major.
Comment by strunk22 December 13, 2010 @ 6:03 pmAh, I think they can be quite similar subjects in that respect :)
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 6:20 pmI could probably write a whole page or two on the intricacies of the language in these two tweets alone… Hmm, I actually might give that a go when I get time ;)
He probably capitalized FAMILY because he’s talking about, well, his actual family.
Comment by Tommy December 13, 2010 @ 6:16 pmI really hope that we get some new info soon. From the sounds of it, avenged may be moving on without mike. I hope not cause I feel Mike would be an awesome fit if they do decide to move forward and get a new drummer.
Comment by Justin from deathbatcountry.com December 13, 2010 @ 6:01 pmmaybe it was his last show and he wants back in dream theater and they won’t let him in. I recently read they have a new drummer but won’t say who. But maybe he and A7X are on good terms and the whole trust thing is about DT.
Comment by Braden December 13, 2010 @ 6:05 pmIf memory serves, isn’t this his first Christmas without his dad? I know how my friend was around the holidays last year right after her mom died: holidays suck the first year or two without a parent. Could be that now he’s got time to sit and think, you know?
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 6:06 pmI’m almost positive this has nothing to do with Avenged. Mike was with DT for 25 years and they’ve found a new drummer within months. That has to be a little shocking considering he’s a founding member and his dad named the band.
With everything that’s happened to Mike this year, what else could be the “ups” other than joining A7X? They’ve been playing together live and have shown no signs of animosity between each other. In fact, A7X continues to treat Mike with the utmost respect.
This is about DT, no doubt about it.
And IF Mike decides to leave A7X due to the stress, then it’s certainly not because the band has been mistreating him. Let’s be realistic here, folks. But like I said, if he does decide to walk away, then it pretty much plays out like it was supposed to before Mike said he’d be extending his tour with Avenged.
No reason to believe Avenged is breaking up. If anything, their silence confirms this IMO..
Comment by Ron December 13, 2010 @ 6:14 pmgood point
Comment by Braden December 13, 2010 @ 6:23 pmI’m going to agree here. With all the downs of DT, being replace so quickly has to sting. The more I think about his posts and read replies here and on FB, I agree that this has more to do with DT than A7X. After all, why would A7X treat him badly? He’s been their savior and they’ve treated with nothing but respect.
I think we should, perhaps, take a step back and wait for more news.
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 6:25 pmWell, DT did tour with Iron Maiden, one of Mikes all time favorite bands. That could be an “up.”
Comment by Tanner December 13, 2010 @ 6:53 pmThat is very true. Its just the capitalizations that have my stomach turning… Plus the comments he made to fans after the show.
Comment by Sarah December 14, 2010 @ 1:50 pmI think A7X found their new drummer, and Portnoy is sad because that means he’s done with them. Like he said, he’s a drummer without a band and they’re a band without a drummer, so I think he was comfortable with being with them for the whole album cycle. Now that they’ve found the new drummer, he’s probably upset because now he’s again a drummer without a band.
Comment by Tommy December 13, 2010 @ 6:14 pmJust what I think.
But why would Avenged randomly find a new drummer in the same month that the Rev died? It doesn’t make sense. Especially on the heels of announcing more tour dates. There’s no way the band is all of the sudden ready to move on… the timing for this, just like Portnoy quitting, would not make sense. IMO
Comment by Ron December 13, 2010 @ 6:23 pmI doubt they’re even ready to think about a new drummer yet. Perhaps in a few months or at the conclusion of 2011 touring dates, but I doubt they’d have a new drummer now; it denos’t make sense, as Ron said.
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 7:01 pmI doubt they’re ready for a new drummer anyway. Perhaps at the conclusion of 2011 tour dates, but not right now.
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 7:39 pmThey’ve probably had somebody in mind for a while, just kept it private. And it makes perfect sense for them to get a new drummer now. This tour is over, and they have a month to prepare him for the next tour. In fact, there isn’t a better time for them to find their permanent drummer. They’ve been playing without Jimmy for a year now, as harsh as it sounds, they have to find the replacement at some point… Portnoy is probably hurt because A7X is moving on without him, and DT has found their new drummer, so he has nowhere to go now. Just my speculation. Not the ideal situation by any means, because I LOVE Portnoy with A7X. But who knows, no one knows for sure what’s going on.
Comment by Tommy December 13, 2010 @ 8:56 pmAlso, it’s easy to over-analyze a FB message. There doesn’t have to be an underlying message in everything he says. He’s human, like us.
Comment by Ron December 13, 2010 @ 6:16 pmWell said, Ron. In this digital age, it’s far too easy to read into things. I know I’ve joined in the speculation as well, but Ron is right: there doesn’t have to be an underlying message. After all, he’s had a lot of downs this year and I’m sure A7X has kept him sane and given him a distraction; now he’s home and has time to think about it. We should just wait and see what happens from here on out.
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 6:22 pmOh yeah, without a doubt…
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 6:30 pmAnd you’ve got a lot of good points in the comment you posted above, by the way :)
Thanks, SS! And the last comment here regarding Mike’s wife, to me, is further proof that this isn’t something as earth-shattering as A7X breaking up.
Comment by Ron December 13, 2010 @ 6:49 pmAnd the timing to announce he’s leaving A7X would be terribly awkward, to say the least.
Avenged are on verge of releasing an EP with an unreleased song, and DT has found a new drummer. On top of that, A7X have announced tour dates throughout 2011 and Mike has confirmed he’d be drumming.
To suddenly walk away makes absolutely no sense. Yes, it’s possible I suppose, but to me it seems like fans are over-analyzing his post. Perfectly reasonable that the man is run down with everything that has happened. Plus, would he really tease his departure like that? Seems a little ridiculous!
Comment by Ron December 13, 2010 @ 6:21 pmFrom what I’ve seen these last few months, Mike seems like a very straightforward kind of guy; I think if he was departing A7X, he’d just come right out and say it. I think Ron is right: we’re over-analyzing. Honestly, if we were in Mike’s shoes, how would we feel once the vacation started?
Comment by Kel December 13, 2010 @ 6:53 pmI found this on Mike’s site. A bunch of other people on there was worried that Mike might have health issues or something more serious. This is what his wife said:
Hi everyone, I never post things but I really have to just let everyone know that there are no problems at the home front. Mike and I are great he may not have been home but as a family we traveled almost the entire summer with him, traveled to Europe and I am with him in Vegas. We have been having an amazing time with mike and all this touring. The kids and I have had great times while we were touring with Avenged Sevenfold, they are really fun people to be around and we even took our dogs on tour this summer and the kids brought along some friends, we had a great summer.
Comment by strunk22 December 13, 2010 @ 6:27 pmI stand behind every decision Mike has made and we always discuss everything together before he does something. He’s a great husband, great Dad and also my best friend. Mike doesn’t make any decisions that will hurt us as a family or do anything that i disagree with so PLEASE don’t think differently. The family is great and so is the relationship between us.
Also, thanks to all the supportive fan that have stood behind Mike through all these crazy months. You guys are awesome!
Marlene
Good find!
Comment by Ron December 13, 2010 @ 6:49 pmThat was a whole lot of nothing content wise, other than Mike is a damn good guy. Shit, I want to know what’s going on. :(
Comment by Mike December 13, 2010 @ 6:51 pmSorry, that didn’t mean to sound like an insult to Marlene or Mike Portnoy, nor to strunk22.
Comment by Mike December 13, 2010 @ 6:55 pmOut of interest, was this comment by Marlene posted before or after Mike’s FB comment about trusting only family?
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 7:01 pmJust looked myself- Marlene’s comment was posted well before Mike’s from what I can see… So maybe Mike’s comment about trusting family was in response to that. And about feeling sad? If one of my friends leaves me a nice comment whilst a whole load of others are being idiots, I tend to find the nice comment accentuates how down I feel about the negative stuff, so…
Comment by SS December 13, 2010 @ 7:30 pmMaybe it’s that simple…
Yes, it looks like she posted it before his FB post. I do see what you are saying in regards to negative feelings snowball sometimes and that is probably where he is at right now.
Comment by strunk22 December 14, 2010 @ 5:51 amMike Portnoy’s a superhero. Period.
I don’t think he meant he doesn’t trust our boys. I think he’s just so tired. He needs a break.
I just hope nothing bad happened between him and the guys…I can’t see that happening…
Comment by Ava December 13, 2010 @ 6:49 pmYeah, I’m hoping there isn’t bad blood involved. I have so much respect for both parties and would hate to see any falling out between them. Hopefully we’re all reading too much into this and it’s simply MP needing some time and rest, or there’s good news between the lines.
Comment by Brad December 13, 2010 @ 9:04 pmWe need to respect whatever it is Mike decides to do. We can’t be selfish and say things like, “He shouldn’t leave A7X.” Mike did a great thing by helping the guys finish their album and for sticking with them on tour. I don’t think there’s any other drummer out there who could’ve accomplished what Mike did. He is a great guy and I hope that whatever he decides to do, he remembers how much the A7X fans really appreciate everything he’s done for the guys! <3
Comment by Jess December 13, 2010 @ 7:26 pmAgree 100%.
Comment by Elise December 14, 2010 @ 3:37 amI idk if they should keep MP. If they don’t I hope they find some young god like Jimmy. Then they will release there new album and everyone will be like “holy shit that drummer is good!” much like people said when they first learned of a7x (through CoE) or they will say “The Rev would be proud. On that CD Shadows will also go back to screaming like WtF. Man the dream world is good.
Comment by Kane December 13, 2010 @ 7:34 pmNo. Or they make innovative influencial music like they do now. Dont go back to their shit music.
Comment by Ty December 13, 2010 @ 9:22 pm…….”shit music?” ……
Comment by Alyssa December 14, 2010 @ 8:09 amWTF was shit music? WTF?!
Comment by Loghen December 14, 2010 @ 2:22 pmTy clearly is new here.
And WTF was a break through album for most screamo bands today.
It is an album that was before its time. A classic for any Avenged Sevenfold fan. =]
Comment by Ryan'O December 14, 2010 @ 9:34 pmWTF is one of my all time favourite CDs, as well as it is for most of the A7X fans.
Comment by Rachel December 15, 2010 @ 12:59 pmI can’t really believe you said it was “shit music”.
I didn’t say WTF was shit music. Ty did.
Comment by Loghen December 15, 2010 @ 2:45 pmI know, I was replying to Ty and agreeing with your comment. I didn’t put that clear.
Comment by Rachel December 16, 2010 @ 3:32 amSHIT MUSIC? Do you have no ears? City of Evil is one of my favorite albums (as well as any fan’s you ask), and you dare call it SHIT MUSIC?
Comment by Gabby7X December 14, 2010 @ 7:52 pmWill he just spill the beans
Comment by paul from ct December 13, 2010 @ 7:48 pmMy personal thoughts:
Comment by Anonymous December 13, 2010 @ 9:59 pmI think MP is gonna stay with avenged, I think hes just having trouble with DT now, sorta like after two people break up and they still talk to each other because its been going on for 25 years. And also DT found a new drummer (no its not mike portnoy. mike portnoy is not joining DT to replace mike portnoy to whoever said that above.) so thats a lot of added stress to his life. I think maybe at most he will take a break from everything but I doubt it will happen. I’ve got a feeling hes staying with avenged.
DT just announced that they have found a new drummer…could possibly be why he is sad. I haven’t read through the comments so I don’t know if anyone has noticed this…
Comment by Steven December 13, 2010 @ 10:01 pmHas anyone thought that maybe he is retiring from touring with bands and that he is tired and wants a rest from the strain touring has put on him?
Whoever the drummer is, I am sure a7x fans will continue to support this amazing band!
On a side note, I hope they don’t cancel any tours because I am counting the days till I see them at Sydney Soundwave next year
Comment by Laura December 13, 2010 @ 10:56 pmI’m now literally checking DBN in every chance I get just to have a clear view of what’s going on…all this suspense is killing me, it’s like waiting to know the ending of a horror movie… X_X
Comment by Ririn December 14, 2010 @ 1:35 amA friend of mine was at the Vegas show and met Mike at the signing. He did say it was his last show with the guys.
Comment by Debi December 14, 2010 @ 3:41 amWell this doesn’t sound good. But really we need to look at it like this, if it’s time for Mike to move on then ok. Thanks to him helping out alot of us got to see A7X this year. But I don’t believe that this means the end for the guys, really this year has been hard for them and us. Eventhough it’s weird seeing anyone besides Jimmy they are going to pick someone that not only makes them stronger but in the end we are all going to like.
Even if this means the end of MP with them they will have a plan because A7X will never let us down.
As far as a name change goes??? We will see I dout it.
A7x foREVer
Comment by Stephy December 14, 2010 @ 5:12 amMike’s gettin old maybe he needs rest. Not in like a bad way but he’s not that young guy anymore, he might not be able to take all that constant touring. His heart and head are saying keep going but the rest of his body is saying otherwise.
Comment by Tanzima December 14, 2010 @ 8:03 amI am truly grateful for EVERYTHING Mike has done, and if he wants to leave, then that it shall. Avenged will still remain on foREVer
We lost one drummer, I don’t like it that we might lose another.
Comment by trevor December 14, 2010 @ 8:26 amI wonder if Mike got into some sort of falling out with Avenged, since he said “The only people you can TRUELY count on is FAMILY.”
Comment by Taryn December 14, 2010 @ 12:04 pmI have a feeling that something is going on in MP’s personal life. Again, this is just me theorizing after reading some posts in the MP forum. I think he has hit a rough patch in his life and needs some time to regroup. Avenged is probably scrambling right now trying to figure out what, if anything, to do next. That is probably why MP is waiting to talk about it…waiting for Avenged to decide who, or if, to replace him. I just can’t see Shadows and company pushing aside MP after the things MP has done to help this band…it just doesn’t make sense and contridicts how Avenged handles things in the classiest manner possible.
Comment by snuffy December 14, 2010 @ 3:32 pmI think your on the right track…He would be the best fit for them to continue on.
I’m sure he would be the first name The Rev would pick out, if you could ask him!
Comment by Damien December 14, 2010 @ 4:48 pm[...] Mike Portnoy, “I Wish I Could Talk Openly & Honestly At The Moment..” While nothing has been confirmed or denied yet regarding the rumor from last night Mike Portnoy has had this to [...] [...]
Pingback by Top Posts — WordPress.com December 14, 2010 @ 4:07 pmwhen are they going to say something
Comment by tdwp December 14, 2010 @ 6:53 pmWhen they’re ready to.
Comment by deathbatnews December 14, 2010 @ 6:57 pmim telling you its a marketing buzz for welcome to the family, or else they would of said something about it already
Comment by bobby December 14, 2010 @ 7:44 pmZacky would have said something. Some tongue in cheek twitter post or something. He would be involved in that sort of thing.. Maybe MP just had a down day. We all get em, even Rockstars.
Im just chillin waiting for whatever it is to come out. No point in stressing, but I am hoping MP comes to Soundwave here in Sydney with the lads… I already have my “PORTNOY FOR PRESIDENT” t-shirt made… =D
Comment by Ryan'O December 14, 2010 @ 9:46 pmDream Theater have announced they have a new drummer now…. could be Portnoy back there again, they just haven’t announced who it is…
Comment by Anonymous December 15, 2010 @ 3:50 amif mike has performed his last show then i just hope that a7x keep going on , mike has been amazing and maybe he feels he needs to move on . what is travis smith upto from trivium ? he would be great at the back for a7x … need to wait and see
Comment by jamba December 15, 2010 @ 5:03 amIn this weeks Kerrang!, Matt is asked what the plans are for 2011 and part of his response is: ‘We’re going to have to figure out our drummer situation…’
Comment by SS December 15, 2010 @ 7:14 amI may be reading this all wrong but the way he talks about a ‘drummer situation’ and not a band situation kinda gave me a bit of hope for their future… But we’ll see.
“Mike Portnoy is a founding member& drummer of Dream Theater as well as his side-projects Liquid Tension Experiment and Transatlantic…he has also recorded &/or toured with Avenged Sevenfold” under info on his facebook it says this. It use to says something like, he is the current touring drummer for Avenged Sevenfold.
Comment by edward December 15, 2010 @ 7:36 amanyone else notice that the a7x twitter and vu twitter are no longer following mp?
Comment by henry December 15, 2010 @ 7:38 amVU hasn’t been following MP for ages on twitter- i figured it could perhaps have been because ZV didn’t want to aggravate things when loads of DT fans were having a go at at MP…?
Comment by SS December 15, 2010 @ 7:48 amYeah, I saw that. Scares the shit outta me.
Comment by Joelle December 16, 2010 @ 2:44 amI’m fairly certain that they are all aware of the rumors floating around by now. I’d hate to say it, but I have a hard time believing that they wouldn’t come right out and squash them if they weren’t true :(
The Nightmare After Christmas tour starts in just over a month, so I doubt it will be long before we find out what the story is.
Comment by Chris December 15, 2010 @ 8:58 amI hope that we all find out soon because it is killing me. I really hope that something bad didn’t happen between Mike and Avenged, but as positive as I try to be, all things point to something very big happened–and not good at all. I believe that there will be no more Mike with Avenged. I also hope that the Nightmare After Christmas tour is not cancelled…I didn’t start to worry about it until today.
Comment by strunk22 December 15, 2010 @ 9:32 amWhat ever the guys including MP decide I will respect the decision that is made and thankful Mike has done for the band and us fans what he has with the completion of the album and the tour.
Comment by Ghostflame83 December 15, 2010 @ 10:30 amfound this on mikes facebook page.
Fan Question : Hey Mike… i’m possibly one of a7x’s biggest fan and i would really love it if you stayed on with a7x. Even though nobody can replace The Rev you are doing a damn good job at fitting in :) laters x
Mike’s Answer: Thanks…I wish I could too…I thought it was a great fit as well…unfortunately for me, this is up to them, not me…
i guess he left a7x =[
Comment by charlie December 15, 2010 @ 12:34 pmThey didn’t say anything yet, so there is no way to be sure of anything.
Comment by Rachel December 15, 2010 @ 1:05 pmI just think that DT found a new drummer, and that’s the reason for MP’s message.
I don’t think A7X is already ready to have a new drummer, maybe they’ll still be playing with MP in the next tour, but not with him being the permanent drummer…
But, as I said before, no one has said anything yet, so we can only speculate…
Wow, I just saw that. This sucks, I wonder why. You would think that they would choose him and it must’ve crossed their mind that Portnoy would want to join. It’s kind of harsh on their part, I feel bad for Mike.
Comment by Skeet~chief December 15, 2010 @ 1:11 pmHow could you blame them for not thinking that Mike might want to be with them as their permanent drummer and say that it is harsh on their part?
Comment by Loghen December 15, 2010 @ 2:48 pmYou don’t even know what happened…
No I don’t, but it is my right to assume and be pig-headed.
Comment by Skeet~Chief December 15, 2010 @ 6:17 pmjust looked and saw that. doesnt sound good
Comment by Zzz December 15, 2010 @ 1:31 pm=[
Comment by Anonymous December 15, 2010 @ 4:16 pmnot only that but on his website there’s a bunch of pictures of him at the top and there used to be a picture of him live with A7X and now thats taken down as well as all the other A7X ones except for one are taken down… :(
i wonder what happened between him and A7X…
Comment by a7xfreakdrummer December 15, 2010 @ 10:16 pmDamn, you’re right…
Gotta say, I don’t like how this is being handled. Don’t get me wrong, I love Mike and what he’s done for A7X has been wonderful and of course he’s entitled to say what he wants to but if he’s really not able to confirm anything at the minute, why keep posting some of these messages and getting rid of pictures? We don’t know what’s going on but some of this stuff is pretty damning… And it’s almost taunting the fans because he’s not confirming anything in either direction…
Comment by Anonymous December 16, 2010 @ 6:47 amhe deleted his tweet about being sad.
Comment by Zzz December 15, 2010 @ 2:51 pmThat was on his Facebook, it’s still there.
Comment by Dan December 15, 2010 @ 4:30 pmit was on his twitter too
Comment by Zzz December 15, 2010 @ 9:32 pmMaybe the welcome to the family single will be release for the welcoming of the new drummer for a7x.
Comment by tdwp December 15, 2010 @ 3:22 pmZING!
Comment by Anonymous December 15, 2010 @ 9:29 pmPortnoy said in the first place he’s touring throughout 2011 with them, he’s not leaving.
Comment by Anonymous December 16, 2010 @ 4:30 amThings Change.
Comment by Anonymous December 16, 2010 @ 6:19 amThere really isn’t another band out there that keeps their fans in the dark like Avenged Sevenfold. I feel like any other band would have said something regarding this there is no way they dont know about this speculation. Then again why should they care with the amount of people that have already dropped $100 on tickets. Most frustrating fanbase to be apart of ever.
Comment by Zach December 16, 2010 @ 9:06 am