In a new interview with Meltdown of Detroit’s WRIF radio station, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy opened up about his return to the progressive metal band after more than a decade apart. While much of the discussion centered around his reunion with DREAM THEATER, Portnoy also shared an important message directed at other feuding bands — particularly Skid Row and Sebastian Bach.

Reflecting on his own comeback, Portnoy admitted that waiting so long to rejoin DREAM THEATER was his biggest regret.

“A lot of people ask me if I have any regrets about leaving DREAM THEATER. I would say my only regret is that it took so long to come back together. I wish it had come back sooner,” he said.

“You see SKID ROW bickering with Sebastian Bach. And all I could say is, guys, you’re older and wiser. Do it for the fans, if anything else.”

The drummer explained that his own reunion showed him how much healing and joy these moments can bring — not only to the musicians involved but also to the fans who have been waiting years for a classic lineup comeback.

“Time does heal all wounds. I would recommend this to anybody. It’s better to be riding off into the sunset together and rekindling a friendship and a love that certainly had to have been there at one point.”

Portnoy also pointed out how unresolved issues have left some bands’ legacies feeling incomplete. He mentioned PINK FLOYD as an example and urged others not to follow that path.

“It’s better to ride off into the sunset together than to be apart and having those deep-seated resentments. Life is just too short for that kind of stuff.”

For many rock fans, these words directly apply to Skid Row. Despite continuing with other vocalists, demand for a reunion with Sebastian Bach has remained strong for decades. Portnoy’s comments echo what many fans have been saying for years: it’s time to put differences aside and make the reunion happen.