Looks like former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is down one less project. Despite announcing the project on VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show last Summer (which actually aired in October), it has been revealed that Portnoy is no longer working on a project with guitarist John Sykes (of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Blue Murder fame).
The person who actually broke the news was radio host/ That Metal Show co-host/ long-time Portnoy friend Eddie Trunk via the following message posted on his website:
“Recent reports have made the rounds on my social media and online about the status of the John Sykes/Mike Portnoy band that was first announced when the guys appeared together on That Metal Show last season. There has been much speculation on the status of the band and this project since we first revealed it, and as a friend and fan of both musicians I was very much at the center of it helping where I could and serving as a sounding board with all involved. Sadly I can confirm that as of now this project is no longer moving forward. When I first talked about Portnoy and Sykes working together I joked with them that I had never met two guys with such different work ethics. Mike wants to do everything yesterday and John really takes his time and is much more conservative. That truly is the only reason why what could have been a killer band has dissolved.
Obviously bands are like any relationship, some click, some do not. This was simply a case of two different people not only getting to know each other musically but also personally, and the schedule and timing for making this work just fell apart. Mike and the bands bass player were ready to go, and John simply was not on the same timetable. There is truly no bigger story or any drama to report. It just didn’t work and everyone is moving on. Mike has several amazing projects in the works including the killer Adrenaline Mob album coming in March, and John may very well do a solo album or something else. He has some great material written and was singing and playing in top form when this dissolved. They both remain friends and I wish them both nothing but the best going forward and who knows what the future holds?”
In case you can’t take Trunk’s word on it, Portnoy himself confirmed the news via Twitter saying “Sad but true…I tried my best to make it work…me & the bass player couldn’t wait around any longer…” In a separate tweet, Portnoy also confirmed that the mystery bassist was Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan and the two are already working with another singer and guitarist. However, fans need not to fear that there will be a lack of new material from Portnoy seeing that both Adrenaline Mob and Flying Colors are releasing their debut albums this Spring.
UPDATE: Rumor has it that former Poison and Mr. Big guitarist Richie Kotzen has replaced Sykes in Portnoy and Sheehan’s project.
