Mike Portnoy Leaving Adrenaline Mob

Mike Portnoy recently announced that after four scheduled shows in Latin America later this month, he’ll be leaving Adrenaline Mob. In a message posted to his fanbase on his Facebook page, the drummer cites scheduling conflicts as his primary reason for his departure and not wanting to hold the band back.

Since departing Dream Theater in 2010 and a short stint behind the kit for Avenged Sevenfold, Portnoy has been very busy. He formed Adrenaline Mob with Symphony X singer Russell Allen and guitarist Mike Orlando at the beginning of 2011. Their first full-length release ‘Omerta’ made its debut on March 13, 2012, and their lineup was rounded out by Disturbed's John Moyer on bass.

Portnoy's full message on his departure from Adrenaline Mob reads as follows:

A Message From Mike Portnoy:

It saddens me to announce that the 4 upcoming shows in Latin America this month supporting Halestorm will be my last with Adrenaline Mob.

Unfortunately, I have scheduling conflicts that prevent me from being able to fully commit to the band's future activities at the moment.

As I cannot be in two places at the same time, I don't want to hold them back and have to wait for my schedule to re-open up to resume activity.

I'm very proud of what we started together and the music we made over the past two years and I wish the guys all the best in the future.

MP

Meanwhile, Portnoy recently joined forces with bassist Billy Sheehan and guitarist Richie Kotzen to form the all-star group the Winery Dogs. The Winery Dogs are planning to release their debut self-titled disc on July 23, and have just announced a number of overseas tour dates.