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A few days ago Mike Portnoy formally announced he has fulfilled his agreement with Avenged Sevenfold and will no longer be with the band. Mike mentioned that he offered to extend his stay, but the band respectfully declined, saying it's time for them to move forward and find a permanent member.
You may remember Noa's editorial about how Avenged was like the young-girl rebound for Portnoy after breaking up with his old love. So, what does one do when getting dumped by your rebound? Go back to your old girlfriend, of course! In a post on his forum, Portnoy confirmed he reached out to his former bandmates:
"Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives… (plus I know how much it meant to a lot of the fans…)
"I figured it was still possible to try and save us, because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer… but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did… they didn't even tell me themselves….)
"Sorry, gang, I honestly gave it my all…
"So now the fans on my Twitter and Facebook can please stop asking me to go back to DREAM THEATER… I tried, and the door is now shut… The ball is now in their court, not mine…
"I'm not crying or looking for mercy by posting this… I am merely trying to set the record straight as that is always the most important thing about my relationship with you guys… No BS, no spins, nothing to hide… and for better or for worse, I tell it like it is… I've also recently seen some people accuse my online activity of 'looking for attention or media coverage,' or 'looking for sympathy,' but it's honestly none of the above… I merely value having an open and active communication with my fans… Always have, always will… It is the cornerstone of everything I've done since day #1 with Dream Theater…
"This was posted here FOR YOU GUYS to know about… here on MY message board on MY website… If it ends up on Blabbermouth or wherever else, that is THEIR choice to spread, I did not request it or send out a 'press release'…
"Anyways, onward and upward…
"I've got a lot of great music and ideas waiting to come out of me and alot of exciting collaborations in the works….so goodbye 2010…bring on 2011!"
Ouch! Sick burn. The band didn't even tell him themselves, they got their lawyer to do it. At least Mike made an attempt to rejoin the band. Although, I couldn't see Dream Theater do anything BUT turn Mike down at this point, if only because it would make them look really bad otherwise.
For those interested in what Avenged Sevenfold has to say on the matter, here is a statement they released:
“For the past few months, we’ve been blessed with Mike Portnoy’s talent and humanity. When Mike agreed to tour with us, it was only through the end of 2010. We always knew we’d need to find another solution for 2011 and beyond. And it’s time for us to take that next step. We know we are not ready to add another permanent member of Avenged Sevenfold. We don’t know if we will ever be. But if we do, it will only be with someone who is not only a brilliant drummer, but also someone we’ve gotten to know well on the road and off, and who you the fans have had a chance to get to know, and hopefully accept. In other words, in this family, we take these steps together, band and our extended fan family.
We are lucky to be surrounded by so many friends, many of whom knew [late Avenged Sevenfold drummer] Jimmy ['The Rev' Sullivan] very well personally, as well as our band and Jimmy’s drumming talent and style. These friends have introduced us to several amazing drummers. We have decided to take one of them out starting in January. He will not be a member of Avenged Sevenfold. He will be someone you and we are getting to know. Perhaps this drummer will be a fit. Perhaps not. One thing is for sure. Over time we will find someone who helps us continue our quest to make the music we love for the fans we love.
Mike and the band agree that can’t be him. Why? Long before there was an Avenged Sevenfold, there were members of this band who looked up to Mike and, in Jimmy’s case, learned a lot from watching Mike play. He is a brilliant writer, producer and, of course, drummer. Because of that, the world and we would always see it as Avenged Sevenfold with Mike Portnoy.
We take a lot of pride in Avenged Sevenfold being about something greater than any individuals. It’s about the music, the fans and the friends and family we have as well as continuing our best friends legacy. Please give whoever we try your love and support….and the benefit of the doubt. They won’t be Jimmy. Who could be? But he will be himself, with his own special talents and creativity. And that’s all we could ever look for. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for everything you’v
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