Former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Mangini discusses Mike Portnoy returning to the group
In a fresh interview on The Mistress Carrie Podcast, Mike Mangini discussed his exit from DREAM THEATER and the comeback of the band’s original drummer, Mike Portnoy.
Mangini said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “A decision was made that I understood. That’s all it is. ‘Cause when I heard the decision, I understood it. I tried to explain that I understood the parameters of that being a music thing. Anyway, it’s as simple as that. And I’m telling you, I was, like, ‘Okay, ‘I get that.’ The situation made sense to me when I heard it in that — I don’t know, I guess I just skipped out and thought, ‘Oh, that’s an original bandmember going back to a band. Oh, I get that. Okay, I get it.’ And that’s it. I mean, that is literally it.”
Mangini added: “I was with the band for 13 years. It was an unbelievable experience.”
After Portnoy‘s return to DREAM THEATER was first announced back on October 25, Mangini released a statement which read: “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.”
Mangini is set to release his inaugural solo album, titled “Invisible Signs,” on November 11. Joining Mangini on this record are a lineup of talented musicians, including Tony Dickinson on bass, Ivan Keller on guitar, Gus G. (known for his work with FIREWIND and OZZY OSBOURNE) on lead guitar, and former EVANESCENCE guitarist Jen Majura contributing vocals.
Mangini has already unveiled two singles from “Invisible Signs” – “Freak Of Nature” and “Not Drowning.”
Mangini‘s journey with DREAM THEATER began in late 2010 when he won a highly publicized audition, succeeding the departure of the band’s co-founder, Mike Portnoy, who had been with DREAM THEATER for 38 years. Mangini emerged victorious in a competition against six other world-renowned drummers, including Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Thomas Lang, Peter Wildoer, and Derek Roddy. This intense three-day selection process was documented in a reality show-style format titled “The Spirit Carries On.”
Mike Mangini initially gained recognition in the hard rock scene during the mid-1990s when he played with EXTREME. Following this, he secured a significant role as the drummer for guitar virtuoso Steve Vai in 1996. After almost a decade, Mangini transitioned into a full-time teaching position at the prestigious Berklee College Of Music.