Mike Portnoy Becomes More Accommodative After Returning To Dream Theater

Dream Theater Drummer Mike Portnoy (Instagram @mikeportnoy)

JAKARTA - It's been two years since Mike Portnoy returned with the band he formed, Dream Theater. So far, they have released a studio album and are performing in front of fans.

In a recent interview with Japanese music critic Masa Ito of Rock City, Portnoy was asked what he had given since rejoining Dream Theater.

"It's not my right to say it. I can't sit here and pat my own back and tell everything I bring into the band. I think it's better for fans or listeners to express that opinion," replied the 57-year-old drummer.

"However, I think it is enough to know what I brought into the band. It has been like this since the beginning of the formation of this band 40 years ago," he continued.

Portnoy said he always tries to contribute in many ways not only drums but also music, lyrics, melodies, production, knick-knacks, fan clubs, and everything needed in a band.

"I'm a very active person. So, during the first 25 years with the band, I watched all those things. And then when I left the band, the personnel had to figure out how things would be distributed between themselves. And whatever their decision was, that's how they would proceed without me," he said.

"And now, back in the band, I have to really respect what they've been doing for years without me. This is a very different organization than when I left in 2010."

Furthermore, Portnoy admits his first period with Dream Theater was a time when he tried to keep an eye on everything and was very protective of everything. As for now, he prefers to be accommodative.

"But now, after returning, I have to appreciate that they have been touring for years without me and making recordings without me, so they may have a different way of doing things. So, I have to come very respectfully and rather carefully in every area to see how much they want from me. There are some areas where they return full control to my lap. There are other areas they might want to maintain control of and may ask me to step back, "he said.

So, it's been a learning process over the past year or so, about how new chemistry will work. And it's very easy, in my opinion. We are all older and wiser at this stage of our lives. When I left the band in 2010, I was in my early 40s. Now I'm in my late 50s. And I think as we get older and have more life experiences, you learn more, you learn how to behave in a more beneficial way and try to respect other people's opinions and ideas.