During a recent interaction with DJ Ramo on The Metal Mixtape, Jeff Scott Soto, a bandmate of Mike Portnoy from SONS OF APOLLO, shared his thoughts on the news of Portnoy‘s return to DREAM THEATER, following a hiatus of 13 years from the band.
“Well, first of all, I’m pissed off at Mike, because I consider us really good friends and he did not tell me… I honestly did not know,” Soto responded. “I felt it would, or could, happen eventually. I mean, how could it not? That’s such an important band in rock history and his life that it would make sense for them at least to do one more go-round. That’s what I thought they might do.
“I didn’t expect him to join the band full-time again, which is great for DREAM THEATER fans. They’re all elated and everybody is excited. And it makes perfect sense for us because I don’t have to dodge the ever-going question about, ‘What’s next for SONS OF APOLLO?’
Discussing the future of SONS OF APOLLO, Soto further elaborated: “There’s nothing ‘next’ for SONS OF APOLLO, unfortunately. Everybody’s moving forward; we’re all moving on. I’m glad I decided to [be part of the] revamped ART OF ANARCHY, because now I can start putting all my focus into this. I’ve got a few other coals in the fire, but for the most part, SONS OF APOLLO has probably seen its last moments. Maybe somewhere in the future we can reunite just to do some shows, just have fun, like a NAMM show or one of these music trade shows.”
“These guys [in SONS OF APOLLO] are my friends. These are my brothers. I wish everybody well into the future, but obviously we’ve all gotta do what we’ve all gotta do,” he continued. “And I’m really excited mostly for the DREAM THEATER fans. I’m bummed for my buddy Mike Mangini [now-former DREAM THEATER drummer]. I love his playing, I love his personality. He talks a little funny, but I don’t think I’ll hold that against him. He’s an amazing drummer, but I know he’s always bounced back. He’s played with so many greats through his career and life and DREAM THEATER was a great vehicle for him. And I know he’ll bounce back and he’ll continue doing what he does best. So in the end, I think a win-win for everybody.”
On Wednesday, October 25, it was revealed that after a 13-year hiatus, Portnoy is making a triumphant return to DREAM THEATER. His homecoming marks the end of an extended break from the band.
Portnoy said about his returned: “I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers! There is so much shared history between us all…so many memories, so much music…to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began! The idea of creating new music together is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to hit the road and get to play live for a whole new generation of fans that weren’t ever able to see this lineup before…There’s no place like home!!”
