In a recent interview with Jeff Gaudiosi of MisplacedStraws, Jeff Scott Soto was asked about the status of his progressive metal supergroup Sons Of Apollo. The question posed whether the band is ‘put to rest for now’ arises due to Portnoy’s recent return to Dream Theater. As it appears, Sotto is leaving the fate of the band to the drummer’s hands. Not only that, but he thinks the two bands cannot coexist at the same time:
“I’m not the one to officially state that or to publicly state it. It’s Derek [Sherinian] and Mike’s band. We joined their band. It was their idea. They’re the ones that put it together. So even though we were a band, they were the founders. They were the ones that made all the calls when we’re gonna do things, how we’re gonna do it, all that stuff. So I’m not the one to be able to say it’s over, it would’ve to come from them. My personal opinion, my own personal thoughts are I don’t think Sons of Apollo and Dream Theater can coexist at the same time. I think musically it’s too similar. It’s too much of the same.”
The rocker went on the share his admiration for Portnoy and his inclusion in Dream Theater:
“I think Mike needs to focus on the mothership right now, which is great. I’m as happy as the rest of the Dream Theater family and the fans are that I think it’s a great thing. It was a natural thing that should have, and I knew eventually would, happen and I’m happy for them, but it’s time for all of us to keep doing what we’re doing and moving forward. If for some reason, someday they decide, ‘Hey, should we do this? Should we continue to do this?’ I’m the first one to say yes.”
Is SOA Coming To An End?
Subtle indications have been suggesting that Sons of Apollo is coming to an end, particularly with the announcement of Portnoy’s return to Dream Theater. In a couple of recent interviews, guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal hinted that the supergroup might be reaching its conclusion. Following Thal’s hints, Soto then seemed to confirm this with his congratulatory message to Portnoy and Dream Theater following the reunion announcement.
In addition to his message, Thal signaled the end of the band in other interviews and posts with Portnoy’s return to Dream Theater.
Portnoy’s Response To Thal’s Claims
Portnoy took to Facebook to respond to Thal’s subtle implications that his obligations, particularly his planned return to Dream Theater in October 2023, were a key factor in Sons of Apollo’s lack of activity. The drummer provided clarification on the matter, addressing the concerns raised by Thal. The drummer’s statement read:
“Obviously, Ron is (discreetly) pointing the finger at me (and possibly Billy as well?), but I must publicly squash this rhetoric that is implying Sons of Apollo’s demise had anything to do with me rejoining Dream Theater. That didn’t happen until Oct 2023… The reality is when the SOA tour got canceled because of Covid in 2020, by the time there was any talk of writing new stuff and a possible 3rd album, I already had commitments with Transatlantic, NMB [Neal Morse Band] and The Winery Dogs (with Billy as well).”
The band has not been active since their South American tour ended in August 2022.
