[Buddy Rich of Metal]

Not that anyone cares what I think in the matter, I had compiled a mental list of drummers that could replace Mike. Not just in skill, but renown, style, creativity. I only saw about four drummers that could actually replace him and work. I had Mike Mangini, Neil Peart, Danny Carey, and Marco Minnemann, and if Mike is the guy I will be pleased with the choice. This is coming from a guy who is a GIANT Dream Theater fan. The problem I see right off, is how well he is going to keep the Dream Theater sound because of how original Portnoy was. But he is a more than capable guy and I hope it all works out. (Oh, and I didn't really expect Peart or Carey to leave their bands, I just thought they could actually be accepted.)