MIKE PORTNOY On His Future With AVENGED SEVENFOLD: 'We're Just Taking Baby Steps Together'

November 2, 2010

Rich Chamberlain of U.K.'s Rhythm magazine recently conducted an interview with former DREAM THEATER and current AVENGED SEVENFOLD touring drummer Mike Portnoy. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Rhythm: How have things with Avenged been going?

Portnoy: They're great guys and a great band. There's a real great chemistry that we've got. They're a band that was in need of a spiritual lift and somebody to help them get past the hurdles they've been through. I'm a drummer that was in need of a musical and personal lift from what I was looking for in my life and career. I think we both found each other at the right time and we're helping each other through tough times. They're going through an incredibly tough transition with losing [late AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer] The Rev and carrying on and now I'm going through a tough transition in my life and career post-DREAM THEATER. I think there's a reason we've come together to help each other and move onto new chapters in each of our lives.

Rhythm: And how about the future for you and the band?

Portnoy: Right now it's going to depend on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's future plans. It hasn't been completely determined where they go from here. If they continue touring through next year I'll be with them and I'll carry on for the duration of the tour. Where our relationship goes beyond the tour is yet to be seen. I don't think either of us wants to rush into that commitment right now. Luckily, neither of us has to. We have the luxury of time where we can just do the tour and enjoy the moment then worry about the next step when we get there. We're just taking baby steps together.

Rhythm: How about if they take some time off next year?

Portnoy: As far as if they don't continue touring next year, I'll find myself with some available time which is something I haven't had in a long time. I'm sure I'll have no shortage of ideas for project and collaborations to work on.

Read more from Rhythm magazine.

Fan-filmed video footage of AVENGED SEVENFOLD's October 21, 2010 performance in Milan, Italy can be viewed below.

Photos of the concert can be found on the news blog Musica Metal.

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