MIKE PORTNOY On DREAM THEATER's 'Annoying Vocals'

November 11, 2019

**The original version of this article — based on information from DreamTheaterForums.org — incorrectly stated Portnoy and the radio show host were discussing LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT when Mike made his comment about DREAM THEATER.**

Mike Portnoy has described the vocals in DREAM THEATER as being "annoying."

The ex-DREAM THEATER drummer made the comment during an appearance on the Brazilian radio show "Bem Que Se Kiss" (via Rádio Kiss FM 92,5) which was livestreamed via the program's Facebook page.

Portnoy and the show's host were discussing fans rushing the stage during concerts when the host apparently said that the fans' "intention was good," before adding, "But the problem is the language." Possibly misunderstanding the host's comment as a reference to Portnoy's instrumental project LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, the drummer responded: "But that's what made it good. [It was] like DREAM THEATER without annoying vocals. It was perfect."

After everyone in the room started laughing, Portnoy added: "But we're not on the air, right?" To which the host responded: "Yes, we are, actually." Mike then went on to say: "Are we?" and cracked up laughing.

You can watch the entire interview at Daily Motion.

Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER nearly 35 years ago, abruptly quit the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).

DREAM THEATER singer James LaBrie has previously ruled out the possibility of a reunion with Portnoy, saying that Mangini "will be our drummer until the day that we finish doing this."

Mike is in the middle of a Brazilian tour with the local metal band NOTURNALL, which also features in its ranks Mike's former ADRENALINE MOB bandmate, guitarist Mike Orlando.

In addition to Portnoy, LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT featured DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess alongside bass legend Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, KING CRIMSON). The group has not performed live since 2008, when it embarked on a brief tour commemorating the tenth anniversary of its self-titled debut.

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