Mike Portnoy's Replacement

Nobody. Portnoy has been too important a part of DT. They should split or at least change their name rather than have someone else drum in DT. (In the latter case, maybe they can get rid of James LaBrie while they're at it.)


Edited by jeffh - September 13 2010 at 15:43

as good as gavin harrison is, i just can't see him joining DT
it's not really his scene

Ray Hearne from Haken on the other hand......................! 

1. Mike Mangini - Played on all of James LaBrie's solo records and kicks some serious ass as you all probably well know. Also he's equally organized methodical and able to carry out a lot of the details that Mike Portnoy would have done. To my mind he is the obvious front runner.

2. Rod Morgenstein - He plays with more DT members on outside of DT projects than any other drummer but I have I hard time thinking Rod would want it.

3. Terry Bozzio - Well, he definitely has a crazier kit than MP and he played some really cool tracks on the last Korn album. Too bad Korn sucks though.

4. Gavin Harrison - Everyone knows he can stretch well beyond the confines of Porcupine Tree.

5. Jason Bitner - WTF, why not? Shadows Falls seems to have lost their steam.See More

My money is on Mike Mangini here, seeing as he doesn't appear too busy with his current work. James LaBrie's new solo album sounds like it will be cool. Plus it will be interesting to see what they could come up with with him.

That Virgil Donati bloke from Planet X is probably my second choice of the suitable drummers that I know of. Pretty good.

I suggest:

he's ok, but he is quite basic I'm not much of a drummer, but i can play all his parts. They're very basic and very predictable.

These metal drummers from Mastodon, Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, Gojira, ex-Strapping Young Lad (among others), and especially ex-Opeth (Lopez quit due to anxiety issues), etc. are unrealistic to say the least and simply not what the band needs right now. Not to downplay their skill, but there won't be any problem finding drummers that are of a higher caliber and a better fit for the band. Not to mention anyone in a successful band won't jeopardize their own career to join a band like DT (this late in the game), especially considering Mike will probably be back sooner than later and accepted with open arms.    

Edited by TheClosing - September 14 2010 at 17:46

also..leave gavin alone. he's perfectly fine where he is.

On second thought, I agree wholeheartedly with you, progger7. Actually Mark Zonder, formerly of Fates Warning would be an excellent choice and very much in the progressive Portnoy mold. Thanks for setting me on the right path.

Seriously Virgil Donati would make an awesome replacement, but it'll will be funny to see Thomas Lang with his blast beats Also Dyan Elise would be awesome.