Mike Mangini talked about replacing Mike Portnoy in Dream Theater back in 2010, explaining to Rhythm Magazine when asked about the “extra pressure” of replacing one of the band’s founders:
“The whole stigma of replacing someone is nonsense.
“Someone left their job and I took the job. End of discussion.
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“Of course, it can’t be that simple. The other thing is that I hurt my wrist and couldn’t move it for eight days so I showed up [to the audition] not really being able to play the material.
“I was afraid that I couldn’t do it. I had to go with the flow with what my sound was going to be.
“My experience with Vai helped me in showing up and playing what was needed to be played. It’s not easy to do that.”
Mike also addressed the rumors claiming his previous musical involvement with James LaBrie helped him land the gig, saying:
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“There was speculation that my knowing James had anything to do with me getting the gig – people thinking that are sorely wrong. It had nothing to do with that.
“In fact, he couldn’t play favorites because he was working with Peter Wildoer who is an incredible drummer. But, that previous relationship that I had with James was important because we got along.”