Courthouse News Service reports Portnoy, who left the band on his own after failing to convince fellow band members to take a break from the write/record/tour cycle, filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates in April claiming that they “wrongfully excluded” him from the group and continue to “wrongfully using the name of the band in connection with [their] recording of an album without the participation or consent of [Portnoy].”
The suit further alleges that Dream Theater “are wrongfully using the name of the band in connection with the promotion of live performances by the individual defendants, without the participation or consent of [Portnoy].”
The April 27 filing names the Defendants as John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), James LaBrie (vocals), along with associated companies Ytse Jam, Inc. and Infinity Tours, Inc.
Now that the news has leaked, Portnoy says he can’t say a word about it.
“Everyone needs to chill out. Stop feeding into this negative poison on the net... I am legally NOT ALLOWED to speak of business matters, but I'm sure you realize there are two sides to every coin...” wrote Portnoy in a message to fans on Monday. “ If I could openly talk about this stuff and explain the REALITY of everything, I would love nothing more!!! But I am legally unable to discuss it... In the meantime, life is bright and positive...I am happy and so are they....so shouldn't YOU be too??? Don't believe the hype...Carpe Diem!"
Meanwhile, new drummer Mike Mangini has fit like a glove and been extremely well-received by fans during his first summer of shows with DT.
DT's new album, "A Dramatic Turn Of Events," was released this week.
A dramatic turn of events, indeed.
Dream Theater Dream Theater – On The Backs Of Angels (2011)
See also:
VIDEO: Dream Theater – On The Backs Of Angels
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Dream Theater: New song preview
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Dream Theater: New song preview
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New Dream Theater painful for Portnoy
Hear sample of new Dream Theater song
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