Scheduled to play with the Neal Morse Band over this weekend, progressive metal drummer extraordinaire was visiting good Ol Blighty. In support of their brand new album The Grand Experiment, the band were travelling through London. When Portnoy needed to go to A and E…

Now the Brits know exactly what you’re in for with an A and E wait. I myself sometimes have been seen in minutes, other times it was hours. Not knowing that this is simply the way that the NHS operates over the pond the drummer began to irate. This caused the drummer to leave A and E without being seen by a doctor. Now, some are speculating that is is because Portnoy did not get preferential treatment and was simply treated like all of us normal people, or much more likely, due to a time sensitive issue that Portnoy simply did to have the time wait around in A and E due to his band performing that night!

As most English people know the Nation Health Service has very much been under fire and much scrutiny recently. Many tax payers feel that although there is money out into the NHS it goes to coletely the wrong places, sometimes even into people’s pockets. Doctors have commented to Portnoy some being fans, saying that had they known they would have treated him no problem! The sheer demand that the National Health Service is under requires that they have more staff along with better equipment. It’s a hot debate at current, to see what exactly can be done with the tax payers money to truly benefit our hospitals.

You can read the slightlly childish, although I would understand t hat the drummer is from  a completely different culture. Nevertheless the statement has caused a small uproar in the metal scene here in the UK.

There has been an update regarding Portnoy‘s words from Saturday from his official Facebook page. Although it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, I would imagine that the drummer was simply in a crap mood and felt in pain! At least the show was performed and Portnoy powered through, you can read the new statement below :