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Mike Portnoy

Drums 1985–2010, 2023–present

Mike Portnoy is a founding member and former drummer of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, renowned for his technical mastery, complex time signatures, and innovative drumming style. Over his 25-year tenure with the band, Portnoy played on some of Dream Theater’s most iconic albums, including Images and Words, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, and Black Clouds & Silver Linings. He is a multi-award-winning drummer and has contributed to a wide range of projects, including Transatlantic, The Winery Dogs, and Liquid Tension Experiment. After leaving Dream Theater in 2010, Portnoy rejoined the band in 2023, reuniting with them for their 40th-anniversary tour in 2024.

Mike Portnoy Biography

Mike Portnoy is an acclaimed drummer, composer, and founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Known for his technical prowess and innovative approach to drumming, Portnoy was a driving creative force in the band from its inception in 1985 until his departure in 2010. His work with Dream Theater helped shape the progressive metal genre, with albums like Images and Words (1992), Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999), and Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009) standing as milestones in progressive music. His drumming style, which combines intricate rhythms, odd time signatures, and a deep understanding of melody, has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple awards from Modern Drummer magazine.

After leaving Dream Theater in 2010, Portnoy remained one of the most in-demand drummers in rock and metal. He co-founded several notable projects, including the supergroups The Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo, and Flying Colors, while continuing his long-standing role in the progressive rock collective Transatlantic. Portnoy also revived the instrumental powerhouse Liquid Tension Experiment with Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess, and bassist Tony Levin, releasing new material after a 20-year hiatus. His versatility as a drummer has allowed him to seamlessly move between genres, from progressive metal and rock to jazz-fusion and pop.

Portnoy’s impact on the drumming community extends beyond his work as a performer. He has released numerous instructional videos and conducted clinics around the world, sharing his technical expertise and passion for the instrument. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential drummers of his generation, with his dynamic playing style inspiring countless musicians.

In 2023, after over a decade apart, Portnoy reunited with Dream Theater to rejoin the band for their 40th-anniversary tour in 2024. His return marked a highly anticipated moment for fans and the band alike, as it was the first time Portnoy had performed with Dream Theater since the Black Clouds & Silver Linings tour in 2009. His reunion with the band has reinvigorated their creative collaboration, and together they are embarking on a celebratory tour that spans their four-decade legacy, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to experience Dream Theater’s music with their original drummer back in the fold.

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