Dream Theater announce the return of drummer Mike Portnoy after a decade-long hiatus

In a remarkably dramatic twist of fate, Mike Portnoy has officially rejoined Dream Theater. 

The iconic drummer, a co-founder of the band alongside guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung in 1985, is back in the fold after a decade-long hiatus. This marks a significant reunion for Dream Theater, as they embark on a journey into the studio to commence work on a new album—their first collaboration with Portnoy since 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings." Portnoy's departure in 2010 led to the entrance of Mike Mangini, who took over the drumming duties following a meticulous and extensively documented audition process.

Mangini shared the following and understands why the band would want to have Portnoy back in the fold after filling in for over a decade:

I understand Dream Theater's decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time. As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience.

Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor. I also really enjoyed spending lots of time with the crew. And then there's the GRAMMY win, which was amazingly satisfying. To the fans: thank you so much for being amazing to me. I cherish the pictures I have of you all losing your minds and having fun. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best.

While the rest of the band is very happy to have had Mangini fill in for the last 13 years, they are also very excited to have an original foudning member back in the group too.

Petrucci shared:

Mike Mangini's drumming is otherworldly and I'm extremely grateful for the time he spent with us in Dream Theater. I'm very proud of all the amazing music we made together that culminated in our first GRAMMY win last year and the countless magical moments that we've shared on stage over the past 13 years. I wish him all the best of success in his future musical endeavors.

"I'm incredibly excited to welcome Mike Portnoy back into Dream Theater! As an original founding member, longtime friend and incredibly talented and creative drummer, I know that his return will bring a renewed spirit, passion and energy into DT that all of us, including our fans, will joyfully welcome. I can't wait to roll up our sleeves and get back into the studio together!

The following was a X (Twitter) post revealing the news earlier today.