Mike Portnoy discussed his journey back to Dream Theater in an interview with Q with Tom Power.
“The first step was I needed to mend the personal relationships with all four of the other guys in the band, because I know I hurt them when I left them, and I always felt really bad about that,” Portnoy said. “I made a decision that essentially was very selfish, leaving the band at… We had just played Madison Square Garden with Iron Maiden. A month later, I left the band. It’s, like, everything was full steam ahead at that point, but I made a selfish decision that I needed to scratch an itch, or else I would’ve regretted not leaving.”
“And it came slowly. I mean, first myself and [Dream Theater guitarist] John Petrucci started hanging out socially. Our families are our friends,” he continued. “Our wives used to play in a band together. Our kids are friends. So we started getting together for the holidays and just doing stuff with our families.”
“And then it followed suit with [Dream Theater keyboardist] Jordan Rudess. Jordan and I would get together. And then [Dream Theater bassist] John Myung lives literally down the block from me where I live in Pennsylvania. So the personal relationships needed to be mended,” Portnoy added.
“And the final piece of that puzzle was [Dream Theater singer] James LaBrie, ’cause I hadn’t spoken to James in over a decade,” Portnoy explained. “He held a grudge with me. I had tried to make amends many times with him, but he just wasn’t ready. At one point towards the end of ’22, I went and saw Dream Theater in New York. I was able to see James in person for the first time. Within a minute, everything melted away. Within a minute, it was big hugs, kisses: ‘I love you. I miss you.’ And all of that bullsh*t that transpired for years, all the drama immediately melted away. And that was it.”
The reconciliation between Portnoy and Dream Theater members evolved through a gradual process before the final reunion.
Modern Drummer revealed that the initial steps toward reunion began with Portnoy’s collaboration on John Petrucci’s 2020 solo album. This project helped rebuild their musical connection.
Metal Injection documented how Portnoy strengthened these bonds by joining Petrucci and Jordan Rudess in Liquid Tension Experiment. This collaboration enhanced both their personal and professional relationships.
Bassist John Myung offered insights through Blabbermouth. He emphasized that Portnoy’s return was a natural decision. The band’s strongest moments had occurred with him in the lineup.
The reunion culminated in the recording of Dream Theater’s 16th album, ‘Parasomnia.’ This marks their first record together since 2009. The band’s signature chemistry immediately returned during the recording sessions.
