Mike Portnoy - Avenged Sevenfold, Departure From Dream Theater and Future

Avenged Sevenfold, Departure From Dream Theater and Future

In spring 2010, Portnoy filled in for Avenged Sevenfold's former drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who died during production of the band's latest album Nightmare.

On May 5, 2010, Portnoy released a statement on his status with Avenged Sevenfold on their official website: "Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011.....However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010.....You can look at me like the band's 'rebound drummer' to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future!"

On Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Mike Portnoy announced he would be leaving Dream Theater. In his official statement, he said he had "come to the conclusion that the machine was starting to burn me out", and that he had urged the band to take a break from its relentless recording, publishing and touring cycle. However, when the band decided it would rather continue without him, he departed, and Dream Theater later chose Mike Mangini to take his place after auditioning seven world-class drummers. When Avenged Sevenfold later decided to also sever ties with Portnoy, he announced that he had asked to return to Dream Theater, but had been turned down by their lawyer since the band (as later revealed) had already brought Mangini on board.

Portnoy later announced that he had started two new musical projects: Adrenaline Mob, with Russell Allen, Mike Orlando, Rich Ward and Paul DiLeo; and Flying Colors, with Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Dave LaRue and Casey McPherson. Adrenaline Mob released its debut EP in August 2011. Responding to questions on Twitter, Portnoy stated that the "Flying Colors" debut album is scheduled to be released in 2012, and that a full release album for Adrenaline Mob is also slated for release in 2012.

On June 10, 2011, Portnoy announced on his website that he would be playing a show in New York City on June 24, 2011 with Adrenaline Mob.

On August 5, 2011, one of Adrenaline Mob's new songs, "Hit the Wall," debuted on the Q104.3 radio station following a live interview with Portnoy about the band, as well as his hopes for the future and his feelings towards Dream Theater.

On September 14, 2011, it was announced that Portnoy would fill in on drums for Stone Sour's show at Rock In Rio for drummer Roy Mayorga, who had been expecting the birth of his first child on the same day as the show.

Portnoy and guitarist John Sykes had begun working on a new band in July 2011, together with bassist Billy Sheehan. However, in January 2012, the project quietly dissolved, and Portnoy announced that he and Sheehan had selected guitarist Richie Kotzen to replace Sykes.