In a recent Blabbermouth interview, Jeff Scott Soto shared his thoughts on Mike Portnoy’s return to Dream Theater.
“No bad taste. Everything happens for a reason. I’m one trillion percent for Mike [Portnoy] going back home where he belongs [in Dream Theater],” he replied when asked whether he feels bitter about Sons of Apollo ending. “He’s back at his alma mater. I felt worse for [Mike] Mangini because he put in his time, and he’s moving on with his life now.”
“I was hoping he’d announce something just as big or prosperous musically by now,” he continued. “That aside, I knew it needed to happen. There are no sour grapes.”
“The only bummer about it is exactly what you said, it seemed like the kind of band that was growing our audience. We were building our own platform. Everything about it was about to happen. Then the pandemic occurred,” Soto explained. “All you could do is go with it. As I already have experience with disappointment, I know what it’s like to have to start over again. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, what am I going to do?’ You just forge ahead.”
Sons of Apollo dissolved following Portnoy’s return to Dream Theater, where he had served as drummer for 25 years.
The reunion between Portnoy and Dream Theater marks a pivotal moment in the band’s history. It signals the end of their separation and launches a new creative chapter.
Modern Drummer revealed that a gradual reconciliation process with his former bandmates enabled Portnoy’s return. His reconnection with vocalist James LaBrie played a crucial role in this process.
Portnoy’s collaboration with guitarist John Petrucci on solo projects helped rebuild their musical bond and mutual trust.
Louder Sound reported that Dream Theater is celebrating their 40th anniversary. The band released a new album titled ‘Parasomnia,’ marking Portnoy’s first recording with them since 2009.
Blabbermouth noted that bringing Portnoy back aligned perfectly with the band’s current direction and creative vision.
