Mike Portnoy and the rumors of his involvement in Rush

Mike Portnoy recently had the opportunity to respond to rumors that he would be among the candidates to join Rush following the death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020. Responding to a series of questions posed by “Metal Hammer” readers, the Dream Theater drummer decided to clarify that he never proposed to Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Despite this, as a big fan of the “2112” group, Portnoy confessed that he would consider playing with Lee and Lifeson if they asked him and if the circumstances were right.

To clarify the rumors that emerged about his possible involvement in Rush, the drummer, who returned to Dream Theater in 2023 after 13 years of absence, explained: “I read Geddy’s book, ‘My Effin’ Life’ from 2023, and he mentions all those drummers who, in some way, proposed themselves, explaining how much it bothered him and Alex.” He added:

“After Neil’s passing I sent my condolences to Geddy and Alex, but I never tried to put myself forward for Neil’s job. I realize that this is a sacred role, which should only be filled if Geddy and Alex decide that it should be. And so here we are, with them finally choosing to do it, and it’s been truly incredible.”

When asked if he would ever accept a role in the band if it were offered to him, Portnoy replied: “If hypothetically they had contacted me, obviously I would have done so with the utmost respect and honor. But, frankly, I’m also a little relieved that it didn’t happen. First of all, replacing Neil is an impossibility. If anyone thought that it was difficult for Mike Mangini to take my place in Dream Theater, try to imagine what it means to take Neil Peart’s place! And then I came home to Dream Theater, which is my natural place. So, hypothetically, if they had contacted me about this reunion they’re doing, it would have put me in an incredibly uncomfortable position, also because of the timing.”

Mike Portnoy’s statements come later the announcement last October of Rush’s return with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson joined by German drummer Anika Nilles called to play in Peart’s place. Along with the news, the first dates of a tour that so far includes dates in North America scheduled for next summer were also revealed.

For their part, Dream Theater released the album “Parasomnia” (here is our review), first work with Mike Portnoy since “Black clouds & silver linings” in 2009. The album was followed by a tour and a live album which, released last November 28th and entitled “Quarantième: live à Paris”, immortalizes the band at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France, during their 40th anniversary tour.