Melodicrock.com recently confirmed that singer/guitarist John Sykes (THIN LIZZY, BLUE MURDER) has pulled out of the much hyped John Sykes/Mike Portnoy project.

In a follow-up tweet, webmaster Andrew McNeice commented: "One more exclusive for you. Replacing John Sykes in the Portnoy project will be Richie Kotzen (MR. BIG, POISON)."

Kotzen has since checked in with the following: "I wanted to address the recent rumor about the project with Billy, Mike, and I. Although we did throw some ideas around, neither of us decided to make any public announcements, so today's internet buzz was a surprise. I will say I am a fan of both Mike and Billy. I'm sure a collaboration would produce some interesting results."

Although Portnoy and Sykes demoed a dozen or so songs at a Los Angeles studio last year, their vastly different work ethics and conflicting schedules were solely to blame for the dissolution of their collaboration. Portnoy explained on Twitter, "Sad but true... I tried my best to make it work... Me and (Billy Sheehan) couldn't wait around any longer. Billy and I are moving on and have already begun work with another guitarist/vocalist, keeping the original 'power trio' concept."

As previously reported, Artisan News Service recently conducted an interview with Portnoy at the Rock And Roll Roast of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY frontman Zakk Wylde. In the interview Portnoy talks about life after Dream Theater and if he still keeps in touch with the guys. Watch the interview below: