Mike Portnoy - Drum Solo / Testing New Drums

[@mikelealbadrummer]

Mike Portnoy remains one of the best progressive metal drummers of all time, don't forget that this man recorded masterpieces like" images and words", "awake" ecc.

[@harrylupo9489]

IS THE BEST

[@applejacks971]

It's fun to watch a 'professional' drummer sit down at a kit and just do some jammin. It's also nice to hear the natural sound of the drums without being mic'd and thru a sound board. Just a regular guy playing a regular kit, good times and a fun video to watch.

[@Mike-pd6np]

+applejacks971 I know i'm a bit late, but why did you put professional in quotes?

[@toshiroyamada2443]

applejacks971 messing around with a kit is important lol playing the technical stuff is fine and all hut letting loose and having some fun is the best part for me

[@danielguest7841]

I wouldn't call that a regular kit.

[@jont1305]

To people who commented saying this was predictable, I have to agree. I predicted it would be awesome.. And it was!

[@vicw4522]

false... it's a fucking mess

[@connerkerrison2579]

Shastynn Victoria okay

[@dcairol]

Check out Gavin Harrison. That’s impressive.

[@HydraSperati]

Pretty damn good performance. I think too many people are complaining instead of respecting the fact that Mike Portnoy is in his late 40's and still shredding better than a lot of drummers.

[@dcairol]

This is not a good performance.

[@dcairol]

@@Alfred_-vp9ys sure it is…(for someone who knows nothing about drums).

[@joelalexander4513]

@@dcairol dude shut your hole,..let's see you rip a better test jam...i'll wait.

[@Elizabeth_AJ]

@@dcairolI’d like to see you try to do better than this.

[@christraven]

This sounds like every music store's drum section that I've ever been in. Just a bunch of kids banging like spastics on the kits, only somehow, this guy is held up as a premier drummer. Sure, maybe he can write intricate drum parts in the context of a song, but there is _nothing_ that he does that any drummer with name recognition today cannot do.

[@MrFritzinger]

Yeah, all the haters? Please compare The Count Of Tuscany to any song from the last two DT albums.
Also, I personally could identify Portnoy out of 100 drummers. Lighten up guys, music is not only about technique. Portnoy is still my favorite drummer of all time, doesn't matter what all you ignorant "I-know-everything-best-professors" say.

[@LegionOf3]

The Count of Tuscany alone was way better than the two newest albums put together.

[@masterjosue24]

he lacks creativity in big proportions, nothing new next to every prog metal drummer, he's nothing without quadruplets

[@TheBombtrack26]

I love your final phrase my friend!! :P Anyway a professor respect other drummer, they never compare them. My professor have a big respect for other drummer.

[@Real_Boye]

The problem with the new albums is that petrucci is getting wayyy to much responsability and its repeating his songs... With portnoy there was more balance....

[@Ziri0615]

yeah man!!! a true dream theater fan...and a true mike portnoy fan!!

[@SoonerAce311]

yes, yes okay, okay stop with the Mike bashing. yes, this wasnt his best effort by FAR. if anyone thinks that Mike Portnoy sucks, just pull up "The Instrumental Medley" from dream theatre and witness a truly inspiring, dynamic compilation of about 20 of their best songs live. i did the same thing with Tony Royster Jr. about seeing one mediocre video from him and just thought, "he sucks." then saw some other videos from him that just shredded my mind. so everybody just chill the f&^% out and check out "The Instrumental Medley" from Dream Theatre.

[@stevedrums1675]

He doesn't suck. But he's not nearly what he'll tell you he is. He's a hard worker. But he's never played an original note in his body.

[@dumpslivers]

stevedrums how can you play an “original note”

[@rachinsrisakulchawla2704]

Still needs more cowbell.

[@octavioroso5821]

Amazing drummer i meet Mike Portnoy at the airport in Brazil few years ago he's a great guy so is John Petrucci .

[@spikescorcher3345]

consider this, he never had a formal lesson, so he's more talented without lessons than most drummers are with lessons. I do prefer his band oriented drumming, but I enjoy his solos too

[@octaviogonzalez8322]

He went to Berklee for a whole 1 year, he never had formal lessons? I don't think so

[@harrylupo9489]

??? Graduate of Berkley school of music !!!

[@TheEric1203]

It's alright but not as good as the Hello Kitty kit

[@D3HuC]

There's nothing in this world that could be better or even close to Hello Kitty labeled anything, so your comment is pretty obvious.

[@godofshu]

+TheEric1203 Seem him play with The Winery Dogs in Nashville back in October. I lost my shit when he pulled it out of nowhere. XD Lol

[@TheEric1203]

Man I hope I can see them someday :)

[@TheEric1203]

***** but have you even heard the badassery of the Hello Kitty one? :)

[@Diggerdog2nd]

You should hear him on a coffee table. I was backstage in Orlando in 2009 standing next to him before a show & Mike was playing on a coffee table warming up . He even made that sound great. But he was surprisingly short person.

[@Footy_Fan]

OK! I have always admired Mr. Portnoy, but he is officially in mytop 5 favorite drummers now. WOW! EPIC!

[@SuperXpress2]

Jesus fucking christ can we just enjoy the music? If you don't like Mike Portnoy's playing, then you don't have to listen to it. It's as simple as that. For those criticizing his technique or his "lack of complexity" go listen to Dance of Eternity or Learning to Live or Stream of Consciousness or many others (or just go fucking listen to Dream Theater when he was with them). I personally love his playing and I think it fitted Dream Theater very well and I also think it fits well with the recent artists he played (such as Neal Morse, Flying colors or when he played with Adrenaline Mob). Can't we just love music for what it is? I don't see many people criticizing Ringo Starr for playing pretty basic things or John Bonham, obviously if you get past the historic contributions these drummers gave, but I mean just in terms of technicality... But then again, if you fail to see Portnoy's contribution to music, progressive rock or heavy metal, then just go listen to Dream Theater my friend :) And if you don't see anything there, then rock, metal or prog rock might not be your thing (or you're an idiot).

[@jordanwicks2424]

+SuperXpress2 Completely agree. Can't count the amount of times people on jam vids like this one, no matter the drummer, point out the tiniest mistakes. They can't seem to comprehend that that's part of jamming, trying out new stuff to see what sticks. Sometimes it doesn't fit, but if drummers never experimented we'd never find the stuff that does fit.

[@Shamukh]

How are u gonna know if u don't it if u don't listen to it. "don't like? don't listen" doesn't make sense. Lotta people come see check the hype and are genuinely unimpressed. It's not other ppl's problem whether or not you idolize a poor drummer, so you shouldn't take is so personally when they have different taste.

[@GamingDrummer89]

I see MP as more of a song drummer than a soloist. I could watch him play songs all day, but his solos haven't really impressed me in years. Great prog rock drummer, though!

[@GamingDrummer89]

*****
I do remember he used his famous beat from "6:00" during his solo on "5 Years in a Lifetime", but other than that I've never really seen him do that in a solo.

[@hyutyub]

Agree!

[@Hoehnfels]

Agree !

[@panzerken]

Good point. Exactly what I have been saying. He can't open solo like Virgil,Lang, Marco etc., but I give him a pass because I think he plays great to his prog rock tunes, and really thats where it really matters.Right??

[@GamingDrummer89]

*****
Well, I wouldn't just leave it at "giving him a pass". I think that's selling Portnoy quite a ways short. However, you are correct that communicative ability with other musicians and the ability to bring songs to life are the most important things. Solos are indeed very entertaining, but even the best soloists (like the ones you mentioned) can, in my opinion, only go so far with solos alone. When I see a drummer like Portnoy or any of those guys you mentioned play a song and really drive it well, it's on a whole other scale of awesome.

[@jamestom2510]

Portnoy is such an amazing drummer, oozing with creative flair. He could make my mums cooking set sound amazing.

[@Northernwoodw]

To anyone who knocks Mike, he has forgot more than you will know. His body of work, not a 7 minute jam speaks for itself. He is a top 10 drummer of all time, if he is so bad why have so many drummers emulated him. Their are 2 drummers that I have had trouble learning some of their grooves Mike is one. Everyone else no problem that's how I know he is at the top! He is famous because of his drumming you idiots!

[@mateusxavier8805]

this is a test, not a solo.

[@nicolasfrossard4315]

Mateus Xavier Well, it does say Solo in the title...

[@bankruptbritain6103]

Mateus Xavier no difference

[@gringochucha]

It's pretty pathetic how people throw shit at some musicians and passionately defend others as if the world were some kind of musical war. There's plenty of room for all the different drummers, people. Get a life.

[@Ziri0615]

come on guys!! this is a total improvisation!!! fucking good

[@pecoslalremsanga]

Mike you are the Real Dream Theater.. ... Every theater's Dream is you

[@vladimirmijatovic4171]

Before this i watched Mancini's solo and it was quite impressive. Man's a beast and he's got his place in DT well deserved. But, i prefer Portnoy's solo because it sounds more appealing to me. If you are saying that any of these drummers have no skill, you should go back to your cave and leave the performers and listeners to enjoy the music.
They are both great drummers and have different styles which can't be appealing to everyone. GO MIKE!!!

[@Ziri0615]

i love you man! no mike portnoy no dream theater! mike mangini is a robot!

[@stobyjoemobley8288]

Ra Sa I tend to agree. Mangini has technique out the wazoo, but Portnoy plays with way more heart.

[@bradchristy8429]

+Stoby Joe Mobley Without Portnoy, DreamTheater sounds like all the other bands trying to sound like DreamTheater. I've been a fan since Images and Words (bought Day and Dream shortly after), and I can't get past the loss of Portnoy. DreamTheater has joined the same ranks as Queensryche: I loved them, but they are no more.

[@vladimirmijatovic4171]

Nightwish and Drowning Pool aswell are bands that were something else before... :(

[@dmcintyre5210]

With a little bit of practice this kid can go far.

[@kimmcswain]

Mike,I've watched and seen many drummers!! You kick A*s!! AWESOME!! I've not watched nor seen anyone play like you do!! I'm loving watching you play. 🎼🙌🏼☠🤘🏻

[@poppinlochnesshopster3249]

+Kim McSwain Now read the name of the channel that uploaded this video. Now tell me why your comment was silly.

[@hardsysselefterskole2939]

Ahh... you people with your comments, flaming, pretending to know stuff, making yourselves sound smart, talking shit... it makes me smile in bitter-sweet disgust. I love this guy. Not only for his drumming but also for his songwriting which inspired me enourmously as a musician and personally. He should be praised as the creative artist he is, and receive a lot of love and thanks for producing truly wonderful and amazing music. A lot of well known, established bands want to work with him, and invite him to play on their projects. I know it's almost only progressive music he plays, but that doesn't matter. He deserves respect for what he does - well... that's just my opinion anyway.:-)

[@sebax6933]

Come on guys, what is so bad about this? Mike is an awesome drummer and this solo is pretty cool, may be a little repetitive, but instead of looking it that way, look it musically. It is not a bad solo.

[@rebarbadora]

ahahahahah

[@guill4882]

​​@@dcairol "compared to other dummer that not impressive blah blah... Go listen to this drummer" this kind of comment... Just listen to a drummer jamming in its own way i am so tired of people triyng to compare drummer to other drummer ...

[@TheDanielBarcellos]

o melhor de todos os tempos sem dúvida alguma

[@dcairol]

Nah

[@j_d_n3708]

Mano a musicalidade dele é espetacular, o jeito que ele distribui as notas combinam muito bem.

[@mikelocke3285]

Mike Portnoy is absolutely incredible. The fastest,most presise drummer I've ever seen. I've been playing drums and percussion for my whole life and I just can't believe anyone could be this fast. Totally amazing and Incredibly creative. One of the most Talented and fabulous musicians ever. Should be in the Guinness Book Of World Records For sure. Totally amazing and Incredibly skilled. I wish I could take lessons from the King of Progressive Rock, Mike Portnoy

[@mikelocke3285]

Neil Peart, Mike Zonder, Mike Mangini

[@bradchristy8429]

+Ethan McGuire Speed is not the grade by which we truly measure drummers. Not by a long shot. some of the worst drummers are those trying to play fast. Portnoy is so far ahead of most other drummers out there. I've watched him playing with DT when he was doing things most drummers can't even dream about, all the while interacting with the crowd, working with a drum tech, trying to fix a problem, or discussing breakfast (or whatever) with Petrucci and Myung. He doesn't NEED to be any faster than he already is to be miles ahead of most mortal men. Guitarists do the same thing: They get so wrapped up in "how fast can I play", that they end up just making noise that nobody wants to listen to. For the record, Portnoy was never a permanent fixture in A7F. He was asked to temporarily replace The Rev solely because The Rev IDOLIZED Portnoy, and Portnoy agreed in order to honor such a dedicated fan. The Rev was truly amazing, for his age, and there weren't many who could have filled his shoes, but he had a lot of growing up to do to reach Portnoy's caliber.

[@SegahHQ]

+Brad Christy I really like Mike Portnoy too, certainly because I enjoyed Dream Theater so much. But I discovered some bands, particularly Animals As Leaders, and you really should listen to them, C.A.F.O or The Woven Web are the 2 best songs for me, the actual drummer is called Mike Garstka and he's for me the best drummer. It's only my point of view, but If you're searching for speed, metal will be your friend, Alex Rudinger have a youtube channel, he did a cover of " Xenochrist " from The Faceless ( he was in this band ), and more recently " All Her Own Teeth " from his new band called Good Tiger, it's pretty awesome. It's less technical than Animals As Leader than what he used to do in The Faceless but it's really enjoyable :) I hope you'll like it, and I would like to listen what do you like, maybe with a link. It's always a great thing to speak with other drummers. Have a nice day :)

[@cometcourse381]

+Mike Locke You have to be kidding. I hope you have heard Jon Theodore, John Stanier, and especially Zach Hill. I'm never really sure why people think Portnoy is good because most of the time he sounds like an amateur, especially in this video. Also he uses double kick which is just fucking embarrassing. I think you need to listen to more music. Seriously, Mike Portnoy is the epitome of bland, soulless drumming. He is basically a robot, and that isn't a compliment.

[@putasydrogas]

Fuck all the haters. Ok, is obvious that Portnoy isn't the best drummer in the world, but he kicks ass the 90% of drummers. And the most important thing, WITHOUT HIM, ONE OF THE BEST BANDS OF ALL TIME, DREAM THEATER, DOESN'T EXIST. This is rock, if you want more technic, listen jazz.

[@klistarf]

It's sometimes easy to lose track of how amazing this guy is (as it is with anyone if you don't watch /listen to them for a little while), but how nice it is to 're-discover' the immense talent that is possessed herein... \m/ (:o)

[@kokigami5492]

Mike needs a GPS to navigate that kit

[@aboutthemetal8783]

Damn good
And I’m glad he didn’t edit the mistake Out where he clipped his stick on a rim
Cool

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Mike Always Amazing and never gets lost !!!!!!

[@romanchaikovskyi2537]

The first 2 minutes of solo reminded me of Chad SMith :D

[@AlexMcClaranDrums]

why does everybody seem to hate this guy? i thought it was alright.

[@DankoHidalgo]

No one hates this guy. He's Mike Portnoy, not Lars Ulrich.

[@dcairol]

He’s brilliant but slightly overrated IMO. Check out Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati or Gavin Harrison for insane solos. MP is a bit repetitive and predictable.

[@chrisheather3391]

With everyone criticising good ol' Mike, it's not really a solo it's set out more as a jam and pissing around than a rehearsed solo so that's nice

[@warfaredrumming]

All I see are haters posting, the difference between u guys and him, is that he had an endorsement deal...this dude is famous. Who are y'all to make rude comments about his style of playing.

[@warfaredrumming]

Me either, I dont have time for it!

[@eennymo]

You Portnoy Hate Club members need to get a life. He must be doing something right... awards 30 years in a row, and now voted Drummer of the Year by Prog Magazine. Either you have some personal vendetta against him or you don't recognize talent. I'm not sure which it is, maybe both. If it is something personal, get over it. I'm tired of all your insults. I understand technical arguments, but the name-calling and personal attacks are getting old. Grow up.

[@matinx64]

The thing is that he is not as talented as some other drummers, ok, he is not that talented as a drummer to be in the spotlight for the time he has been and that is what makes the drummer world hate him. That's what people see, but they don't see the work behind as a full time musician, as a writer, as a creative metal drummer. Is all that together that makes him so good as a drummer.

[@jasonscott3512]

Not as talented as other drummers are you fucking kidding me

[@mrlucretia]

@@jasonscott3512 I agree must be the best trollcomment or most stupid shit I have read last few years. Guess we know who aint a talentscout for a livin' huh? -_0

[@erict7185]

a lot of haters here that probably can't put up jack shit for chops! Portnoy is a god ppl.

[@johngrobson4899]

Hey great playing smooth style top drummer Mike you rocked that kit

[@simonsherlock]

I love the sound of that kit. Does anybody else find it weird when you see a bit and think "wow, I can actually play that bit!". Not that there's many bits where that is the case for me :)

[@dcairol]

This drum solo is not impressive at all. It doesn’t make justice to his recordings from the 90s/2000s. He’s not good soloing.

[@RatAndTheHarlot]

that kit must be a nightmare to setup

[@straightbrutality9264]

A nightmare that he'll remember

[@erikarnald419]

fuck I dropped my jaw on the floor

[@deppurple700]

Erik Arnald me too still havnt found it

[@ronaldrahmannasution2574]

Robert Miller

[@Glitch-nr9ct]

Just fabulous! Beautiful work Mike.

[@6672rock]

A nice assortment of drums and cymbals in that kit. I like the look of the clear and chrome drum shells mixed together.

[@markpietrafitta8899]

I don't understand why musicians are so catty to each other. Especially drummers. They're worse than sorority girls.

[@spacejazz6272]

guitarists are worse

[@Stonewall380]

+Stephen Barlow As a guitarist and drummer, I'd say drummers are worst, IMO. But singers are THE WORST!

[@spacejazz6272]

+Stonewall380 Entertainment haha I'm a drummer and guitarist and I feel like there's more competition and hate among other guitarists but maybe I just hang around with the wrong ones xD

[@Stonewall380]

Stephen Barlow I guess it just depends on the person. lol

[@wildanS]

+Mark Pietrafitta Those are not musicians, just drummers.

[@TheAnorisma]

GENIOS COMO PORTNOY SON POCOS ..... EL MARCO UNA DIFERENCIA ENTRE LOS BATRERISTAS!!!!!!!......DISCULPENMEN SI ME EQUIVOCO ...PERO PARA MI EL ES LA VERSION EVOLUCIONADA DE ...¡NEIL PEART!!!!!( OJO!.NO ESTOY DICIENDO QUE MIKE ES MEJOR)!!!

[@aaronrus]

The kit sounds great , y'all are nuts

[@pablosoria2168]

one of the best drummers of today, who can play all styles, at least that's my opinion

[@JavierNuñezoficial]

When Mike is soloing... intro: RLRLLRLRLLRLRLLRLRLLRLRLL END: RLRLKK RLRLKK RLRLKK RLRLKK... Now i know why he was desmissed from dream theater

[@cbendernagel]

he wasn't kicked out. They wanted him to stay. He left because he wanted to take a break and they didn't.

[@JavierNuñezoficial]

I know man, im just kiddin... but it's not good when he always use the same techniques .. thats boring

[@drumboarder1]

As he's said himself, he's a not a solo drummer

[@manojbairwa2853]

he left the band not dismissed

[@BRxNER]

Manoj Bairwa He,s just say it humorous

[@OutlawStarkiller]

Wow this kit sounds absolutely atrocious. Nice playing though

[@FMarinDM]

+Leo Melnikov shit! I actually thought the same as that guy... But yeah i didnt realize it didnt have any mics!

[@jamesoconnor2226]

OutlawStarkiller totally agree wThomas Lang sonors light years ahead in melody. Hey i love mikes work this drmset sounds dead.

[@andrewherman4486]

Also chill with the hateful comments... He's not the best soloist in the world but as far as I know he never claimed to be. And none of us are either.

[@DiogoSiqueira]

I really enjoy Jojo Mayer style and think that he, as a Jazz player, can really do more than the biggest part of drummers in the world. Of course, any Jazz or Classical player in any instrument can do. But that guy is really amazing in his shape and style. In despite of all this, Portnoy (I'm not a DT or Portnoy fan, at all) is blowing my mind with his style. He plays with no empty spaces, no disconected turns, no nothing that be a noise, he makes music in each milimeter of his drums.
So, I ask all you: IS THERE A BETTER PLAYER THAN PORTNOY?
Explaining: I'm a drummer, but sooooo far of most part of drummers (I study by myself and didn't learn all technics 'till now, not even playing Prog Music with my band. I'm searching for big names in drums to study style and shape to adapt myself to my drums. So, HELP ME! Thanks for all! :D

[@36tenaz]

good playing to me :)

[@theultimategamer213]

Leaving dream theater was probably his most regretted decision ever

[@bl00ber99]

People don't understans that this video was a demo for LP, and that no one says that he's the best drummor nor does he claim to be. Some of these ignorant people really need to do some research before you yell out comments like the ones below me.
I don't think he's the best, but I think he's done some incredible music over the years and that's what you should remember about him, not how fast or how technical he is.

[@ieetemos4breakfast]

Mike even said that the acrylic drums are really more about looking cool. IMO the starclassic bubinga shells were the best sounding drums he used in or out of DT. I can't believe it's been nearly 6 years since he left DT...

[@koolBOY8323]

where are the videos from all the haters. i'd love to see them do better. oh wait...

[@Macy1ify]

Exactly

[@danielmathia5875]

kool - aha, so if you buy new TV and get problem with it, please, dont bring it back to seller and try to complain, before you build your own better device! thank you.

[@newspaperlightbulb]

4 on the hands followed by 2 on the feet--literally seven minutes of this shit.

[@semmes5342]

WHAT A KIT...LOVE THE MARCHING BAND SNARE

[@zash008]

his style fit the best in Dream Theature. These acrylic shells look nice as they did back in the day when Ludwig had some on the market but I dislike the live sound acrylic shells produce. Sure, "some" of Portnoys solo videos are a little off and boring but some are really awesome. Cudos for Portnoy making mucho grande more cash drumming than us critics sitting around watching videos and making comments.

[@jayramos8621]

The way he wrote his drum tracks with Dream Theater is legendary! But i must say, coming from watching Jojo Mayer play drum solo to this, MP sounded too amateur.

[@hayabus111a]

Or coming from watching Benny Greb!!! Daaamn!
Those drummers are amazing !
What I love about Benny is that he's only 30 yo!

[@dcairol]

Or Gavin Harrison, or Virgil Donati. Or Guitar Center Drum Off contest.

[@icanhasfreecat]

Tito Puentnoy

[@-Vitalis-]

Mike Taconoy

[@jordanshain3698]

What the hell are you guys talking about!? He has done so much! He's how old and he still jams. He has how many drummer awards, and he's been a part of how many awesome groups. What have you done?

[@kyloken]

Hey, watch the "old" statements!- LOL
It's because the art of the musician did not hit any teenagers after the 80's. Us old guys are the only ones who can actually play instruments these days!

[@schneidercorn2813]

+Kenny Rhodes it's funny how people think teenagers are the problem when clearly the adults that play instruments complain about the "musicianship" of today; I'm referring to jazz and rock, not pop, just in case you're wondering. comments like these are total bs.

[@kyloken]

+schneidercorn my statement has a "rich" background, after the 80's music programs in schools were dropped which changed the music of today. As you may notice, the art of song writing and musicianship is gone today. To quote Prince, "I grew up when musicians played their own instruments and wrote their own songs." This was the context of my post.

[@aschule5684]

Wow some of the comments, he's "testing new drums" not soloing or trying to impress anyone, "testing new drums" jeez.............if he played trash cans he would still be one of the finest drummers on the planet period!

[@audacla]

Everyone is a genius drummer behind a pc screen with a few words eh? You people, of all of the words are telling, why don't pick up a drum and a camera and demostrate something? Talking is very easy! This is pratically a joke, and who tells "is bad, is only famous", isn't this just frustration?

[@Moon-to9se]

Мне вот звук не нравится(

[@GlitchMan]

Потому что кухня не подзвучина ...
Запись идет комнатного звука

[@user-dv5sb6zd2s]

聞いてて非常に楽しい。。。

[@carlypajaron9308]

Who love Mike's drumming (me included) doesn't love it for his solos. So please stop bitching, he has created some of the greatest drum parts in prog metal's history, and THAT'S WHY he is an icon in this world nowadays. RUclips is the only place where I find such disrespecful comments without trying to find a context,
If you don't like what you see, just judge it in a positive way. Me as a drummer, musician and overall, a human being haven't got the need to talk shit about one person that is obviously good at what he does, because he has done A LOT for modern drumming, and many of the current drummers have been inspired by Mike's drumming, along with ohter artists like Minnemann, Harrison, etc.
But I have NEVER talked face to face with anyone who tells me that Mike is CRAP, because everybody appreciates his passion, musicality and composition. (Well, not everybody, but many people)
The conversation starts suchlike this: ''Yeah I love Mangini's drumming, and he is obviously more technical. but...he is not Portnoy''
He has obviously done something for us and the drummer community, it seems.
PS: I also love Mangini but...Portnoy is Portnoy
Sources: Every real face 2 face DT fan (Drummers and no drummers)
CD's: When dream and day unite 1989, Images and Words 1992, Awake 1994, A change of Seasons 1995, Falling into infinity 1997, Scenes from a memory 1999, Six degrees of inner turbulence 2002, Train of thought 2004, Octavarium 2005, Systematic Chaos 2007, Black Clouds and Silver linnings 2009.
Bands DT, Transatlantic, LTE, OSI and many others.
Now you're able to judge with more ''objectivity'' and less hatredy. Take care youselves :D.
PS2: Being inside your house doing the best solos in the planet and having the greatest technique worldwide, wouldn't impress/care me, and I think wouldn't impress anybody who cares a little about music

[@jcmatias]

5:00 - 5:28 -> one of his WORST moments EVER

[@SuperHelldrummer]

HAHAHAH AGREE

[@ghostssmokesdjgames2261]

what is so bad in that part?

[@panzerken]

it's one of those Saturday afternoon in the Guitar Center drum department solos. Shut up kid, and get off the drums!

[@johnathanzachary9297]

***** if there is a kid that can play dat , i mean he reached a Mike's level. Its not that easy ya know

[@dcairol]

@@ghostssmokesdjgames2261 you’re probably asking that if you are not a drummer.

[@CapeKornkid]

Problem is that after hearing his previous solos, this one seems boring. Give the guy a break. He's established himself as one of the planet's greatest. He doesn't have to prove anything more to anyone. Just saying!

[@dcairol]

Gavin Harrison or Virgil Donati would never solo like this.

[@darrelly2k2010]

Mmmm, creo que mucha gente aqui se ha dado el tiempo de ver este video y criticar a portnoy porque no evoluciona... no evoluciona? perdón? él impuso su estilo y es lo que sigue, tocando como el sabe y como puede demostrar en cualquier tipo de ritmo... muchos hablan de Minnermann u otros pero un músico de esta categoría no se ve en un solo si no en su trayectoria y en es su trayectia musical, Mike Portnoy evolucionó a millones de bateristas y sería un mal agradeciemiento criticarlo por que sigue siendo un maestro dentro de todo lo que ha hecho... estoy seguro siendo músico que ninguno podría llegar a pertenecer ni siquiera a una banda que lograra estar a la altura de las que ha pertenecido Portnoy... Todos tienen su estilo y Mike Portnoy sigue su camino y siempre sera siendo un grande... No critiquen si no pueden hacer algo mejor. Portnoy seguirá siendo el corazón de DT y sus creaciones junto a Petrucci serán inolvidables e insuperables por años... solo eso

[@johnevans2248]

So good and fun to watch.

[@xBaphometHx]

I love Portnoy's work in DT, but this solo was hella boring!

[@STIXAHOY]

How can this drummer who shared his rhythmic ingenuity on Dance of Eternity - play such a poor solo.

[@OscarFleming]

Julia Francis but he's a great composer.

[@patricel6341]

Julia Francis this is testing not soloing

[@Raphaelzis]

+Bobby Whiles Just because someone can't do something it means he/she can't express an opinion on it?

[@Tac-0]

+Julia Francis alright? well.. upload a video where you do better then ? i bet you dont even know how to work your hands and feet at the same time..

[@yogengrg7690]

Because dance of eternity was recorded with many takes. Plus he compose and wrote down each sections time signature before. This take is just on the spot improvisation.

[@JohnBarrow1961]

This guy kicks ass.

[@aiarthena5744]

Cmon.. You can find more skillful drummers, but the point isn't only bout skills, it's how your music inspires others! Yes he does!

[@luthfikautsar4268]

monoton crap

[@rizalkartowisastro5829]

Luthfi Kautsar but his creation of rhythm section and the concept is great than what Mangini have ever did.

[@protossid]

Luthfi Kautsar Please upload your own video then and let us comment.

[@corneboeren4610]

Luthfi Kautsar LMAO, drums are not supposed to be melodic ;) , ofcourse you can create some melodic sound in it. but its not like a keyboard so its probably monotone xD

[@chetsjug]

Luthfi Kautsar Wait... What's a Monoton?

[@PeakResetProductions]

Luthfi Kautsar your so fucking right. all i hear is a lot of brrrrr brrrr dummdumdumm brrrr brrrr... fucking monotone as hell!!

[@tommylight1312]

This guy is the most overated drummer ever. And my music teacher said he was the "best".

[@dcairol]

This is definitely a bad example of his skills. Check out his work with Dream Theater.

[@tommylight1312]

@@dcairol I was 17 years old when I made that comment dude. My opinions on life and everything have changed since then. Portnoy is no doubt an awesome drummer. Great footwork. And this video is clearly not a serious drum solo, and is him just fooling around testing out the kit. And the drums aren't even mic'ed up so they don't sound very good. So I don't understand people bitching about the sound.
However I still don't like Dream Theater very much. Especially now with the lineup changes. Sons of Apollo is where it's at. Check them out. Awesome band.
Cheers.

[@simonlamphee7639]

Simon philips,gavin harrison are a couple of my fave drummers

[@garyhope2]

+Simon Lamphee Simon Phillips,.....amazing. Really good.

[@TheXuup]

Para mi, lejos de todo. Sigue siendo el mejor del mundo. Si no innova no podemos reclamar, si somos mejores que él saquen alguno su portada en drum magazine. Para mí, él es el más técnico y virtuoso del mundo,la rapidez no siempre conlleva el talento

[@ZabdielZabala]

no dudo de su alto nivel, pero notoriamente los timbales le suenan como un perol (envase de plástico), nada nuevo y honestamente fíjate y verás que la técnica tampoco es muy buena,

[@gastonzumbo9860]

El mejor? No. De los mejores? No. Muy bueno? Sip.
Estas juzgando por su trabajo con DT, sus solos son siempre lo mismo, ademas el mismo lo dijo; que no es un baterista de solos, obviamente vas a pensar que es el mejor con la mentalidad de "si no innova no podemos reclamar" y "no podemos opinar en contra porque no tocamos como el", abrite un poco.

[@TheXuup]

Zabdiel intuyo que los timbales suenan así por la nula enmicración que ha recibido, si no es nuevo el trabajo, concuerdo contigo, espero le llegue una ola de inspiración próxima, pero igual me parece un buen solo, no podemos juzgar a alguien solo por un solo, me gusta más el trabajo que realizo (redundantemente) progresivo y en escala de sus dotes como baterista.
Gastón admiro tu trabajo con detallar paradojas sobre el reclamo y estilo, pero es mi opinión, si tu tienes a un mejor gran baterista de solos y mejor en composición que Portnoy aplaudo por ti, pero para mi sigue siendo él. Él el mejor si por su trabajo en Dream Theater? Si, pero es un trabajo limpio, entretenido, no usual, muy trabajado, muy complejo, dudo mucho que alguien llegue a ese nivel de composición y estilo en la batería, es la opinión de alguien que toca desde los 11 años. Salute con todos!

[@gastonzumbo9860]

No viste las audiciones de DT cuando Portnoy se fue de la banda? Los siete "participantes" tocaron Nightmare to Remember, Spirit Carries On y Dance of Eternity perfectamente.
Sin duda Marco Minneman es superior en todos los aspectos.
Pero bueno, supongo que a veces es mas una cosa personal si te gusta un músico, yo prefiero la tecnica dirigir mis opiniones (aunque me pueda gustar personalmente, no voy a decir que es -lo- mejor)
No se si me estoy expresando bien, Dream Theater es mi banda favorita desde 2008 y Portnoy es uno de los bateristas con mas caracter que hay, pero en lo que es la tecnica, le pega al palo.

[@shihchen168]

terrible sound....

[@dks3982]

sounds like there was only overheads which explains the sound. if this kit was in a studio fully mic'd up, it would kick so much ass

[@CousinsPicturesORG]

+Steven Chen the kit isn't properly miced

[@shihchen168]

agree

[@mattmarkus4868]

His drums always sound like shit. It's his technique, approach, and equipment choices.

[@sideoutside]

It's the mics, you people don't understand recording.

[@sikatmorten9532]

this is actually boring...

[@tiagodon]

This is not exaclty a drum solo. It's a rhythms medley. Portnoy is amazing.

[@Rockathonia]

For you guys saying Mike is shit. Have you ever tried playing the old dream theatre stuff? His parts musically were incredible. Drum soloing is clearly not his forte though. Still a huge fan of his work with Dream Theatre, A7X, Adrenaline Mob & The Winery Dogs. Great player.

[@GodlyDrmmrProductions]

Meh

[@lukehalstead413]

i argree like lars this guy is getting shitter with age

[@drummerdude100]

I agree. What happened to Mike? He used to be so incredibly creative. I still watch his 'drums of thought' dvd and get blown away by the stuff he came up with and the incredible beats and transitions but now? What ever happened? I suppose just like DT are kind of boring now, they all need each other. Then they really come alive.

[@FranciscoCaramello]

drummerdude Midlife crisis...

[@Dsorg28]

yea this one sucks, terrible transitions

[@Nicholasmower12]

All of you guys are shitting on his drumming skills but, you forget to realize one thing. Do you honestly think writing and performing "The Dance of Eternity" is easy, predictable, boring, stagnant, etc.? That song and many others he has wrote over his past career are quite complex and hard to pull off. I'd like to see any competent drummer in these comments pull off "The Dance of Eternity" with ease. If you can well then great! Good for you! If you can't, your nay saying ends here.

[@YodaMan-420]

more cowbell!!
dont usually like Mike Portnoy but this was kinda cool.
its not always about blast beats ppl.

[@puckrocker854]

Me:
*don't*
*don't say it*
*don't do it*
"I GOTTA HAVE MORE COWBELL, BABY!"

[@seaburyneucollins688]

Within the first minute I think I finally identified what I dislike about Mike; he sounds a lot like a better version of me. He comes up with the same sorts of ideas in this freeform jam that I would, except with the vastly superior execution you'd expect from a professional. You'd think I'd latch onto him as a kindred spirit, but more I'm just disappointed that he's not blowing me away.

[@n1c4m1]

I could listen to this allday long!!!! Awesome!!! :D

[@mindcrime2010]

Definitely a song drummer!!!

[@jtjdrums]

More of a fun jam than a full blown solo. I like.

[@WillBloodfarm]

He plays solos like me - which IMHO isnt really a good thing.

[@Victory-ub2fi]

+Will Bloodfarm dude his just testing not soloing

[@WillBloodfarm]

It was the title that has the words "Drum Solo" in it which was misleading.Malav34

[@Victory-ub2fi]

+Will Bloodfarm then I think you are as good as Mike which I mean it.

[@dylanhoward4045]

I don't understand all the hateful comments either. I think it's pretty obvious he's just playing around. Not trying to knock anyone's socks off. Every time i get a new kit i do the same thing. Shit, I'll do this at guitar center. At this point, who does he really need to impress?

[@nsalerno91]

Ego's tend to run high for musicians who are the most popular in the band. In dream Theaters case Mike was arguably the most recognized. As a drummer i think Mike is the 3rd best musician in dream theater.... He is just a charecter to go along with his brilliant playing.

[@bradchristy8429]

+N SAL Mike was one of the first members in the band. Portnoy and Petrucci brought the rest of the band together. In addition, Mike was an integral part of the sound that is DreamTheater, which is something they will never have without him. Mike was also the "face and voice" of the band as far as promotion. There is no "rating" one member against the other, as they were all at the top of their respective crafts. LaBrie was, as I see it, their only "weak link", and he is far from incompetent.

[@alyusdickey6383]

It's hard to tell what song it is but I think it might be dance of the eternity

[@themortable]

Very very awesome bravo congratulations

[@ironjaydentaylor8196]

idc if his drumming technique sucks the guy is a legend

[@keenman0403]

God Sabian cymbals sound beautiful