article on history of prog (excerpt)

As the next generation of prog drummers emerged in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Peart’s influence became increasingly apparent. Inspired by the Rush drummer as well as rock heroes like Keith Moon and John Bonham, Mike Portnoy was prog’s next superstar drummer. “He is on the cutting edge as one of the new progressive guys and he’s a good role model for some of the new up and coming guys,” says Alan White. First with Dream Theater and then more recently with a variety of bands including Flying Colors and Transatlantic, Portnoy has, epitomised the modern progressive drummer. He has a rare combination of technical ability, showmanship and inventiveness in addition to bringing metal influences to the mix. Progressive metal emerged in the late ‘80s spearheaded by groups like Dream Theater, Queensrÿche and Fates Warning. They embraced the complicated arrangements and concept albums of the ‘70s bands, but played with a heavier, more aggressive and guitar-driven sound than most of their predecessors.