Mike Portnoy Says He “Would Have Done It” If Asked to Join Rush Reunion Tour
Photo by Birgit Fostervold, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mike Portnoy says he would have agreed to play drums for Rush if the band had invited him to join their upcoming reunion tour. The Dream Theater drummer spoke about the idea while answering reader questions for Metal Hammer, where he addressed long-running talk among fans.
Portnoy made clear that he was never contacted about taking the spot behind the drum kit. He also said he did not try to put himself forward to replace the late Neil Peart, whose role in Rush remains deeply respected by both musicians and listeners.
Respect for Neil Peart’s Role
“I read Geddy’s book [My Effin’ Life, published in 2023], and he mentioned about all the drummers kind of offering themselves to them and how much it turned him and Alex off,” Portnoy said. “I did send my condolences to Geddy and Alex after Neil passed, but I never once tried to throw my hat in the ring for Neil’s gig. I realize that’s a sacred role that should only ever be filled if Geddy and Alex choose for it to be so. And sure enough, here we are with them choosing to finally do so, which has been really incredible.”
When asked directly if he would have accepted the job, Portnoy answered honestly. “If they hypothetically ever approached me with it, of course, I would have done it with the utmost respect and honor.”
Mixed Feelings About the Possibility
He then admitted he also felt some relief. “But frankly, I’m kind of relieved they didn’t,” Portnoy continued. “First of all, filling Neil’s shoes is going to be impossible. If anybody ever thought Mike Mangini [Dream Theater drummer from 2010-2023] filling my shoes was tough, try filling Neil Peart’s shoes! And I came back home to Dream Theater, which is where I belong. So if, hypothetically, if they had approached me with this reunion that they’re doing, it would have put me in an incredibly awkward position because of the timing of it all.”
Portnoy rejoined Dream Theater in 2023 after being away for 13 years. Since returning, he has toured and recorded again with the band, making the timing of a Rush offer more complex for him personally and professionally.
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Thoughts on Anika Nilles
Rush instead chose drummer Anika Nilles for the reunion shows. Portnoy spoke about her in another interview. He said he did not know her work well before the news broke but quickly looked into her background.
“like everybody else in the world, as soon as the announcement was made, I started pulling up videos on YouTube and saw her playing with Jeff Beck and doing the jazz fusion kind of stuff she does. She’s obviously a tremendous drummer, so I’m really curious to see how it sounds.”
A Fan’s Viewpoint
He added, “I’m kind of glad that they didn’t even ask me, because that would be way too much pressure, way too much pressure. So, it’s much better this way. I get to enjoy it like a fan.”
Nilles is set to begin the reunion tour with Rush when the 58-show run starts in June.
