Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy Criticized for Chile Earthquake Comments

Posted on Mar 12th 2010 12:00PM by Chris Harris Comments
Dream TheaterDream Theater will be performing in Santiago, Chile this evening at the Movistar Arena, not even two weeks after the area was ravaged by an earthquake -- the fifth strongest since 1900 -- that killed 497 identified victims and potentially hundreds of others. The quake also destroyed and heavily damaged at least 500,000 homes and broke apart highways and hospitals, causing a projected $30 billion in damage. And Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is not enjoying his time in Chile.

"Just had our fourth aftershock of the day here in Santiago," Portnoy tweeted yesterday. "Totally scary stuff ... can't wait to play the show and get the hell outta here!"

Several of the band's Chilean fans took offense at Portnoy's comments. Some even went so far as to call Portnoy a coward. "I can't believe there are Chileans that are bad-mouthing me and calling me a coward because we are not exactly comfortable in their earthquake," Portnoy later tweeted. "We came to Santiago to play for our great fans here ... I'm sorry if the constant aftershocks have us slightly weirded out and uncomfortable."

Portnoy's additional comments led to even more criticism from the band's Chilean fans, leading the drummer to take to Twitter again, to issue yet another apology.

"Sorry if my wording came off wrong," Portnoy writes. "Obviously we love our fans down here or we wouldn't be here right now ... we're just not used to this. Let's all calm down ... pray for the earthquakes and aftershocks to stop ... and have a great show tomorrow night with our great fans in Chile!"

Filed under: News

All the AOL Music info you want to know

50 Cent, Street King: Rapper Visits…

The Boombox

AP Photo/World Food Programme, Rose Ogola NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Rapper 50 Cent…

Grammy Acceptance Speeches: Watch 30…

AOL Music Blog

FilmMagic, Getty, WireImage It's been a busy week for God. Besides helping…

Earl Sweatshirt Returns, Releases New…

The Boombox

YouTube.com Ironically, Earl Sweatshirt was one of the most visible members…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

13 Comments

Filter by:
S

I realize some people in Chile may be upset because they can't leave the area but do they really expect someone to WANT to be there that doesn't have to be. For heaven's sake, of course he is scared, but he and the band ARE there and ARE staying to do their concert. Give him a break, he's human and said what anyone would have been thinking.

March 15 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
-*AnDrEa*-

I'm sure aftershocks are uncomfortable and lucky you, you can leave and completely forget about that place. Unfortunately, many of your fans are not so lucky. Your complaining about something that you can eventually move on from but these people cant. Deal with it for a few days and thank God that you can move on, but stop complaining about something that is an everyday nightmare for others.

March 15 2010 at 8:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
arg2015153

I don't even like Dream Theatre, but I feel bad for this guy. They could've cancelled their concert, but they didn't, they're manning up and going down there and living up to their obligation and then GTFO. What's wrong with that? They're supposed to hang around and wait for aftershocks?

March 15 2010 at 8:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
shindo

seriously....what have the people of chile done to help US when disaster stikes US. boo friggin hoo. we get ravaged by earthquakes and hurrincanes and they havent done anything to help us, but when something happens to them, out comes thier hands demanding assistance.

March 15 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
psylusvii

I think it's clear that he meant no harm. Most people would feel the same way and probably respond similarly. Mike Portnoy is a human being just like anyone else and is well within reason to be afraid. I would expect most other bands would have canceled their show and bolted out of there first chance, but of course the fans fail to see that.

Over-sensitivity breeds weakness, and weakness impedes progression.

March 15 2010 at 3:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rose

WELL SAID JOEBUDGIE, MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 15 2010 at 1:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joseph Papierz Jr

Doesn't the band think the residents of Chile wish the aftershocks would stop and there would be an end to the damage and injuries? The band can pack up and go home, the people of Chile can't go anywhere and don't need to be reminded of it. My advice to the band would be to just shut up, do you gig, and go home without any further comment.

March 15 2010 at 12:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tam

I wouldn't want to be in Chile, either. But I guess since he can leave and a lot of people there can't that's the rub.

March 15 2010 at 12:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Terry

I see nothing wrong with his comments, however he would have been better served to just say nothing about the earthquake and aftershocks.

March 14 2010 at 11:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
marktateusa

Nothing wrong with his comments.

March 14 2010 at 11:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply