Today

We learn that a certain record is being mastered ;)

Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater

Just thought I'd post this, as Mike's statement reads a little like someone else's and shares most exactly the same sentiments...

...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater, and I would simply be “going through the motions,” and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation...While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy... I do not want to stand in their way...I wish the guys the best...

Incidentally, there's already a couple of 'wish lists' on a forum or two, that are mentioning Chamberlin as a suitable replacement...

Machina 2 - 10 Years Young

Genius:

MACHINA II / The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music

Cure JM Win Pepsi Refresh Bid

Sorry for being a little late on this one, but I wasn't able to link this tweet;

Jimmy Chamberlin needs YOU: help him get funding to end Juvenile Myositis, a blood disease affecting his son. http://4wrd.it/JimmyChamberlin

from Yamaha Drums last night.  

Anyway, the good news it the charity, Cure JM Foundation, have won their bid for $250,000 from the Pepsi Refresh Project. So good work everybody who voted on behalf of the Chamberlin family and everyone else affected by the condition.

In case, you hadn't heard of this rare and debilitating auto-immune disease before, go to the Cure JM Website, take a look and perhaps show your support.

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Update: 20:09

From Official Yamaha Drums Facebook;

"A sincere "THANK YOU" to the fantastic brotherhood of drummers and musicians for helping us fund JDM research! It is an honour to be part of such a strong community and I am touched to the bottom of my heart with the response that we received from all of you! God Bless all of you!!!!!!!! Jimmy Chamberlin"