tweet

MusicRadar interview: Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy

The drummer's drummer opens up

The MusicRadar Team, Mon 9 Jun 2008, 4:30 pm UTC

Mike Portnoy

Too much drummer for just one band

View in gallery

For a drummer, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy can't seem to sit still.

This much is obvious to anyone who's ever watched one of his riveting drum solos - performances so charged, you'd swear they were cases of demonic possession. But, as Portnoy readily admits, the only voices he answers to are his own - and the OCD-afflicted musician has plenty of them at all times.

Which is good if you like to stay busy, and Portnoy certainly does in Dream Theater. He co-produces their albums, writes lyrics, designs artwork, oversees the website - he'd even watch the show with the audience if he could.

In addition, Portnoy has formed progressive-rock supergroups such as Liquid Tension and Transatlantic and has performed with contemporary Christian artist Neal Morse. If that weren't enough, he's the heart and soul of several insanely happening tribute bands such as Yellow Matter Custard (The Beatles), Hammer Of The Gods (Led Zeppelin), Cygnus And His Sea Monsters (Rush) and Amazing Journey (The Who). "Those bands shaped who I am as a person and musician," says Portnoy. "Performing their songs strengthens that influence."

During a North American Dream Theater tour, Portnoy checked in with MusicRadar to discuss his love of playing the music of his heroes, and to answer your questions.

Part one - on musical memory, multi-tasking and tribute bands
Download (right-click and Save As...)

Part two - Portnoy answers your questions
Download (right-click and Save As...)

By Joe Bosso

Share:
StumbleUpon
Digg
Reddit
Del.icio.us

User comments (3)

  • tomporter

    Avatar for tomporter

    Fri 11 Jul 2008, 11:38 am UTC

    Apologies for any buzz, some of our podcasts are conducted over the phone and some face to face. We're working to overcome this problem with phone interviews.
    Glad to hear you're enjoying the interviews!

    Mark as inappropriate

  • downfader

    Avatar for downfader

    Thu 3 Jul 2008, 5:48 pm UTC

    I thought the inteview was done over the phone, hence the noise???

    Mark as inappropriate

  • vajra108

    Avatar for vajra108

    Thu 12 Jun 2008, 3:43 pm UTC

    These audio interviews are with some truly great musicians, I just wish they'd earth the mic so it didn't have so much buzz.....
    c'mon guys, get it right!
    JD

    Mark as inappropriate

You need to be logged in to post a comment. Login or Register to post a comment.

Poll

Ask MusicRadar: You chose the top 15, now pick the winner. What's the greatest guitar riff off all time?

ReviewFinder

Search by product, brand or manufacturer

Buy here

  • Buy music products with Professional Music Technology
  • Buy music products with Thomann
  • Buy music products with drumwright
  • Buy music products with Andertons Music Company
  • Buy music products with Red Dog Music

MusicRadar Marketplace

If you're looking for great deals on gear, tuition, mastering, education or kit hire, click here for our new and improved marketplace.

Follow us on twitter Sign up for our free newsletter Have your say on the MusicRadar forums