Drummer-extraordinaire Mike Portnoy has quit Dream Theater in a move that’s bound to make some prog metal fans go “What the fuck?”

According to his own words, the drummer hasn’t been having as much fun with the band he’s been helming for some 25 years:

“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.”

While there shouldn’t be any personal drama involved in Portnoy’s departure, he came to the conclusion after having discussed with his former band mates. He wanted a break from the grinder but Dream Theater was to have none of that. Portnoy continues:

“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…”

Actually, you might want to scratch what we wrote about personal drama earlier as in his resignation/love letter to the public, Mike Portnoy does paint himself as the one standing on a moral high-ground.

“I’m sorry to all the disappointed Dream Theater 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.”

While Mike Portnoy might now be playing for Avenged Sevenfold… Yes. The Avenged Sevenfold, his now former band, Dream Theater, stand defiant ― ready to conquer any obstacle.

“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 […] As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we’ll follow that with a full-on world tour.“

Whether the band will hire a new drummer or simply program Drumkit from Hell, remains to be seen. Perhaps ex-Manowar drummer Scott Columbus would be an ideal fit? No? At least an entertaining one…

Not to be outclassed, Dream Theater gets to throw in the final word and show that everything’s fine and dandy under Black Clouds & Silver Linings:

“All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike [Portnoy, the band’s now ex-drummer who quit only a few paragraphs ago] 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.”

Aaaw… GROUP HUG!