Founding drummer Mike Portnoy returns to Dream Theater

Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic

The founding lineup of Dream Theater is back together again.

Drummer Mike Portnoy, who formed the prog metal outfit alongside guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung in 1985, is returning to the group after a 13-year absence.

“I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers!” Portnoy says. “There is so much shared history between us all…so many memories, so much music…to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began!”

“The idea of creating new music together is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to hit the road and get to play live for a whole new generation of fans that weren’t ever able to see this lineup before,” the drummer continues. “There’s no place like home!!”

Portnoy parted ways with Dream Theater in 2010. Mike Mangini, who’d been Dream Theater’s drummer since, is now departing from the group.

“Mike Mangini’s drumming is otherworldly and I’m extremely grateful for the time he spent with us in Dream Theater,” Petrucci says. “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.”

With Portnoy back in the fold, Dream Theater is returning to the studio to record their 16th studio album.