DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie has issued a statement following comments made during an interview with Used Bin Radio on September 29th that implied he wasn't upset about the departure of drummer Mike Portnoy. It is available below courtesy of the band's official website:

"Hi Everyone,

It seems there is an misunderstanding. When I said I was not sad with Mike's departure, it unfortunately leaves plenty of room to misconstrue such words. No one can tell you or me how to think and feel. Initially with Mike's departure I was extremely upset, down and shocked. But one needs to deal and work through these emotions in order to arrive at a more positive and optimistic place. That is where I am now and was when the interview took place. Let me put it more plain and simple. Life does not afford us the luxury to wallow in our sorrow. You have to deal with the situation at hand and make it a productive and positive endeavor. In other words, onward and upward. Mike made it perfectly clear why he chose the current path. I would much rather his words be the definitive answer. In the end does it really matter what our views are, other than human curiosity it doesn't change a thing. I have said my piece and believe there is no room for misinterpretation. I will give no further weight to this subject, all has been said."

Sincerely,

James

Following is a transcription of the exchange that has set people off:

Q: Are you sad, James? I mean, this is a huge shift in the world of Dream Theater and progressive rock. It's a fucking earthquake.

LaBrie: "You know what? I'm not sad at all. I've got to be honest with you. I think that everyone out there needs to know that there's four guys in the band that are... We're excited, we're really looking forward to the next chapter. And I think one of the other things that everyone really has to remember is that there's four morethan capable guys there. I know everyone is out there going, 'Holy shit! Is this guy full of himself or what?' but I want to say it like it is. There's four very capable people in the band, and we're all talented and we all know what we're doing, and we're all capable of doing everything and keeping Dream Theater exactly what it's been and bringing it to another level and bringing it to uncharted waters, but I think very exciting and fulfilling waters. So, no, we're not down. I can guarantee you none of us are down. We're actially pretty excited and very positive."

Used Bin Radio has issued the following statement regarding the situation:

"As several comments and responses have been posted with regard to the September 28, 2010 appearance of James LaBrie on our show, Used Bin Radio, we’d like to set the record straight.

First off, as the hosts of Used Bin Radio (Joe Carona and Brad Hirsch) we have long championed Dream Theater and their bounty of side-projects and solo endeavors. As such, we were delighted when James LaBrie accepted our invitation to join us on our live broadcast to discuss his amazing new release, Static Impulse, as well as provide a timely opportunity for him to discuss Dream Theater developments in the wake of Mike Portnoy’s recently announced departure. Our interview with James was an informative and light hearted discussion brimming with insights into the band’s future plans, Portnoy’s work with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, LaBrie’s upcoming solo tour and spirited banter about favorite bands and influences. At no point in the discussion, did we find James to be anything less than a gentleman and diplomatic with regard to the state of the band and Portnoy’s decision.

It is unfortunate that several passages from the interview seem to have been posted out of context, which has prompted responses from both Portnoy and LaBrie. Specifically, James’ comments, when asked if he was 'sad' in light of Portnoy’s departure, have been misconstrued as 'insensitive', which was not at all the spirit of his actual response. While many topics discussed with James were handled with the serious nature they deserved, the nature of our show is to present entertaining discussion amongst fellow music lovers. That said, the question of whether James was 'sad' was within moments of other less-than-serious queries about 'Why don’t chicks dig prog?' the likelihood of Rikki Rocket auditioning for Dream Theater and his desert island pick for his favorite RUSH album. By taking certain comments out of context, the light-hearted spirit of the discussion was lost and may have lent to a developing rift.

Our complete interview with James LaBrie can be heard right here at UsedBinRadio.com (the September 28 podcast) so that listeners can hear his complete responses, in the context they were intended. We invite everyone to listen to the show (no charge) and make up your own minds.

We would also like to publicly invite Mike Portnoy to join us on our show to share his views on recent events, future plans (and his desert island pick for his favorite Rush album)."