FUNBAZZ !!! YOUR FINAL DESTINATION: 9/1/10

"The end of the line... Dear Friends: we are so psyched to add a second show in Christchurch, New Zealand at CBS Canterbury Arena on September 21. Thanks again for demanding that we visit you there! Now to the real reason we're here taking up space on this site, we also want to announce that all of our play dates have now filled up with the addition of this show. That's right boys and girls, this will be the last date added to the World Magnetic Tour! So if you're waiting for us to come to the Polar Ice Caps, your undiscovered planet or even your basement, sorry, this is as good at it gets.

"It has been a very long, and most amazing run. The number of shows played depends on when you start counting. We are gonna go with what the boys in the band say, 'cuz they have been out on the road more or less continuously since May of 2008 and that brings us up to a total of 212 shows in 153 cities. Each and every one of them has been memorable and special and we thank you for that. This is where we could spew a bunch of crazy numbers at you...you know the 2.3 million tickets sold, 300 million miles traveled, 3,000 pounds of bacon consumed 'shtick,' but you don't care about that stuff and frankly neither do we. What we DO care about is letting you know the immense gratitude we feel for all of your love and support over these past two and half years. When we embarked on this "magnetic" journey, none of us ever, in our wildest dreams, imagined how truly incredible it would be and it's all because of hanging out with YOU!

"It's obviously not over just yet, so let's not get too sappy here...we're off to Australia, New Zealand and Japan in the Fall for what promises to be some of the loudest, craziest, most rocking shows!"

The upcoming Metallica tour dates are as follows:

09/15/2010 Melbourne, Australia Rod Laver Arena
09/16/2010 Melbourne, Australia Rod Laver Arena
09/18/2010 Sydney, Australia Acer Arena

Dream Theater Comments On Departure Of 25 Year Drummer Mike Portnoy

As was previously announced, Mike Portnoy has decided to leave Dream Theater after 25 years with the band. Dream Theater has now issued the following statement regarding Portnoy's departure:
"To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.
"While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you
that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us. Fans and friends: File this episode under 'Black Clouds and Silver Linings.' As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2010, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. 'The Spirit Carries On.'
"All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed."

Drummer Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater

Drummer Mike Portnoy, who has been working with Avenged Sevenfold since the death of drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan, has now issued the following announcement about parting ways with Dream Theater:

"I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write: After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

"After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater... Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...

"Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...

"But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

"We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves.'

"Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

"While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....

"Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

"I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

"I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within....

"You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)

"Sadly... Your fearless ex-leader and drummer, MP"