In my last post (view it here if you previously missed it: http://lessonsthatrock.com/articles/?p=210), I talked about how bands can sometimes get to the point where everything becomes a matter of business and careers, and people tend to put the music second. Oddly (and sadly) enough, it seems this scenario has just happened to one of my favorite bands: Dream Theater. Mike Portnoy, drummer extraordinaire, and founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater has left the band citing a recent lack of enjoyment with his band mates of over two decades. Mike Portnoy has been filling in as a drummer for Avenged Sevenfold following the recent death of their drummer, and although his decision might be somewhat financially motivated, it’s probably more emotionally motivated. You see, a good band is like a good marriage with people developing relationships, and even becoming jealous of other peoples’ side projects. You cultivate a bond, work together as a team, and spend sometimes nearly every waking hour together for months. I think it might be better to say a good band IS a marriage, instead of like a marriage. Believe it or not, many bands enter group therapy sessions to help them work out their problems with each other in a mature way.

Although I feel sad Mike is leaving an amazing prog metal band, I’m also glad to see he’s found a new passion and doing exactly what he wants to instead of begrudgingly showing up for work everyday just to “not rock the boat”. It goes to show that at every level of success, and financial gain, you can still find people who are “not rocking the boat”, as well as bold people who would rather have happiness than financial gain. I think his example can be a lesson for us all. Randy Rhoads quit Ozzy Osbourne to pursue a career in classical guitar. Marty Friedman quit Megadeth to teach guitar. I can only hope to be as bold. It hurts to say so, but, way to go Mike!

Keep Rockin,

Micah J. Mata

http://www.lessonsthatrock.com