Former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has issued the following message via his official Forum:

"Just for the record, this is indeed true.

Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives... (plus I know how much it meant to alot of the fans...).

I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer... but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did...t hey didn't even tell me themselves....).

Sorry gang, I honestly gave it my all.

So now the fans on my Twitter and Facebook can please stop asking me to go back to DT... I tried, and the door is now shut... the ball is now in their court, not mine.

PS - I'm not crying or looking for mercy by posting this... I am merely trying to set the record straight as that is always the most important thing about my relationship with you guys... no BS, no spins, nothing to hide... and for better or for worse, I tell it like it is.

I've also recently seen some people accuse my online activity of "looking for attention or media coverage" or "looking for sympathy", but it's honestly none of the above... I merely value having an open and active communication with my fans... always have, always will... it is the cornerstone of everything I've done since day #1 with DT.

This was posted here FOR YOU GUYS to know about... here on MY message board on MY website.... if it ends up on (on music news sites), that is THEIR choice to spread, I did not request it or send out a "press release".

Anyways, onward and upward... I've got alot of great music and ideas waiting to come out of me and alot of exciting collaborations in the works... so goodbye 2010... bring on 2011!"