Mike Portnoy interview (excerpt)

“Sure, in the beginning the guys were sad,,angry and confused, but on this moment they want to prove they can do this without me. They WILL find a great drummer, there are hundreds of drummers out there better than me, I’ve heard the names of some of the auditioners but I don’t know who they will pick in the end. I spoke the guys a couple of weeks ago and checked if there was a possibility that I could help ‘em out in the studio in January. I even begged them to come to a solution before announcing the new drummer or take other decisions. They want to prove they can do it without me and keep the door closed. So I can’t return, even if I want to. I reached out my hand, tore my soul inside out, but it didn’t help. I look forward to the day I’ll join DT...Dream Theater is mine, that stool belongs to me... It’s in their hands now, I even proposed to go into the studio in January, although I still don’t want to, mentally, but I am willing to give anything to keep peace within the band and for the fans....”