Mike Portnoy: Dream Theater’s “Train” Not Slowing Down

Apparently Mike Portnoy’s fast lane is comparable to riding the bullet train. As the highly acclaimed drummer reaches midlife, there seems to be no crisis in sight. Dream Theater’s latest prog-metal release, Train Of Thought finds Portnoy and friends playing with a focused urgency, maturity, and forcefulness, with no signs of aging,

“This was the record we felt we needed to make at this point in our career,” Portnoy says. “When the members of all my favorite prog acts reached their forties, their music seemed to soften up. I vowed that would never happen to Dream Theater. This seemed like the right time to make that musical statement, since we’re approaching our forties.”

Portnoy’s endless stream of projects has strengthened his groove and given him the confidence to play with commanding chops on the new DT release. “I haven’t been practicing,” Mike admits, “but 2003 was an extremely busy year for me. I played on several other projects during DT downtime. Touring with Neal Morse and recording his Testimony CD was very enjoyable, because I could just focus on the drums and not worry about anything else. Plus performing with Neal was one the most emotional experiences I’ve ever had on stage. I was brought to tears at one point during the tour, which has never happened to me before. The other ‘03 projects involved simpler drumming, so when it came time to record the new DT record, I was ready to bring all the chops and aggression back to the forefront.”

Portnoy used several different drumkits in 2003. “The Siamese Monster was used solely for Dream Theater,” he says. The Neal Morse kit was the same one I used with Transatlantic – a single kick with a double pedal, three rack toms, two floors, and a lot of cymbals. On the OSI recording and G3 tour, I used the right side of my Siamese Monster – a 20” kick, 12” snare, toms, and a gong drum. On the Yellow Matter Custard [Beatles tribute band] and Hammer Of The Gods [Led Zeppelin tribute band] gigs, I had Ringo Starr and John Bonham replica kits made for me by Tama.

“Playing the replica kits was challenging,” Portnoy continues. “It was the first time in almost twenty years that I used one bass drum and a single pedal, which really forced me out of my playing style. And the Bonham 26” drum felt especially weird, because I’ve been downsizing bass drums over the years. That large drum slowed me down a bit, which was perfect, because Bonham used to lay back anyway. That said, I really enjoyed both projects. I think most every drummer has wanted to be Ringo or Bonham for a day.”

Discussing the longevity of Dream Theater’s successful eighteen-year career, Portnoy proudly proclaims, “We were around way before Guns N’ Roses and Nirvana, and we’re still going strong way after them.”

—Mike Haid