Dream Theater officially welcome Mangini to the fold
After months of speculation and a television series documenting the audition process, iconic prog metallers Dream Theater have officially settled on 48 year old Mike Mangini as their new, permanent drummer.
After months of speculation and a television series documenting the audition process, iconic prog metallers Dream Theater have officially settled on 48 year-old Mike Mangini as their new, permanent drummer.
Killyourstereo reported last month that Mangini was hotly tipped to fill the vacated spot behind the kit, and recent news reports have now confirmed the speculation to be true. Mangini beat out six other world-renowned drumming candidates, which comprised of Thomas Lang, Virgil Donati, Marco Minnemann, Derek Roddy, Peter Wildoer and Aquiles Priester.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
The search for a new drummer was documented via an online television series entitled, 'The Spirit Carries On'. Mangini, having previously performed with acts such as Extreme, Annihilator and Steve Vai replaces long-time drummer Mike Portnoy, who exited Dream Theater last year.
"The day that I got the phone call to be in DREAM THEATER, it took my brain a minute to assemble what was going on, and when it sank in, the feeling was just of tremendous relief.
"It means so much to me, I almost felt like crying a couple of times. [Laughs] I didn't know what to do.
"What it means to me to be part of not only such a legendary band, but this band, is a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I feel like a puzzle piece, and with Mike [Portnoy] in particular, I feel really honored (sic) to carry on the torch for him; I'm carrying on his spirit," Mangini said regarding the decision, Blabbermouth quotes.
Fans can read Blabbermouth's news report here and Noisecreep's article at this location.
More From Our Network
