Drum Teacher Reacts: MIKE PORTNOY | 'As I Am' - Dream Theater | (2020 Reaction)

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

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[@joshmeads]

One of Dream Theatre's more straight forward songs, both in structure and technicality.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sounds fantastic Josh

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>≥>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@swrsak]

A dream Theater mosh pit is a bunch of nerds doing math

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

BAHAHAHAHA!

[@FernandoVM93]

hahahahaha

[@hipyshit]

Ooch I can't do math

[@mvunit3]

Spiral Architect & Watchtower/Blotted Science fans: "Hold our protractor". "I can't do simple Math but I do love Math Metal" - Me (note: Been a fan of DT since "WDADU" debuted ;)

[@KR11111]

Even just head banging to Dream Theater requires math

[@Zbtjose]

Honor thy father drum cam is unbelievable

[@faustomadebr]

Much better option actually.

[@MROB923]

This guy knows it.

[@Rojk]

That one is sick!

[@kurofye7001]

Thank you! I often see "as i am" reactions, but rarely "honor thy father" which IMO is as good (nor better!). But tastes depend of people :)

[@rasputinf]

reaction video for just the drum intro of that song will take 10 mins

[@m2p2b]

He actually flips the sticks to hit the ride with the tip, and then flips it back to hit the snare with bottom end, as usual

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Well spotted Felipe!

[@Killjoy3189]

Sometimes he doesn’t flip it back at all. He has two drumstick bags. One on is left, the other on his right. The bag on his left, he always has the sticks pointing face down for, like you said, power. And the other bag are always facing up. And his sticks always have, clear tips. For that clear crisp sound on the rides and Max Stacks ( 3 different size splashes stacked on top of each other)

[@derekgesuelle1627]

He does it live too

[@grunions9648]

Not sure if you've heard it, but 'Dance of Eternity' is a technical monstrosity. Worth watching him play it just for the meter and tempo changes. Cheers Andrew!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

On the way!

[@johnfarrell451]

100 %. One of the best, 108 time signature changes! It's a roller coaster.

[@nthnhbsn1909]

Dance of Eternity is my favourite DT song. It's a technical masterclass.

[@MichaelAE]

It's almost rude to mention, but Marco Minnemann has a video up where he plays this song too and it's also worth the watch.

[@Taustavoima]

It is a monster. However I prefer the "Instrumedley live at Budokan"

[@drumttocs8]

32 year old here, Portnoy is absolutely a "super drummer" to me! One of my biggest influences growing up for sure

[@brandonkdrummer]

Agreed. When I think "supper drummers" Portnoy is in that list.

[@automachinehead]

32 now and Portnoy was and still is my drum hero. Along with Carter Beauford and Stewart Copeland

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

Fans have been rejoicing at the recent reunion of Portnoy and John Petrucci. After many years apart, Portnoy has recorded drums for Petrucci's latest solo album. There is something reassuring and comfortable in hearing those two together for people who grew up with them in Dream Theater. Great pocket player in the context of prog metal.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Pocket is right Julien!

[@a.hoe.line69]

WHAT?! Must listen NOW.

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

@@a.hoe.line69 Happy listening!

[@eddyeffendy_]

didn't know that. thanks for the info!

[@drumboarder1]

And now liquid tension 3 8D

[@Zzzlol94]

9:30 If you listen, you can hear how much the snare sound changes when he flips the stick front to back. It’s such a massive change in the sound, and him playing with the stick back to front is a major reason why his snare sound has always been INSANELY good.

[@shawnspider1282]

You MUST check out more of dream theater. I only started listening to them last year and I’m pissed I went this long without their music. Definitely one of my favourite bands of all time

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

More on the way Shawn!

[@GeorgeeeW]

Im so excited for you! Im 30 and images and words was my first album. Shit ive had some fun with DT

[@shawnspider1282]

@@GeorgeeeW Damn, you had fine taste from the very first album haha As it stands, Train Of Thought is my favourite album by them. One of the last I listened to as well 😂 Apparently, that album only took them a couple weeks to make or some madness like that.

[@iaishahbeit]

Welcome Shawn to DTs world....

[@paulemma8125]

I’m so envious when people discover DT for the first time. It’s a great journey. Enjoy

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

As I Am remains to be one of my favourite DT songs, it just hits SOO hard! Great reaction to an absolute legend

[@AnnWahlquist]

Its actually two drumsets put together with 3 bassdrums.... So the middle One is the left kick of the right set... And the right kick of the left set.... The left Side is for technical songs and the right is for the heavy songs. ...

[@MoisenLP]

I'm sure he flipped the stick because he has nylon tips on his sticks, so the part on the ride cymbal which followed 3 seconds later sounds more crisp :)

[@leddygee1896]

Neil Peart of Rush played with the butt end of the stick throughout his career. This is probably the reason Mike does it, because he's a super fan of Neil... And I'm a fan of both of them!!😎

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Nice! It's fatter! And the only way to play cross sticks!

[@MH-hs7ie]

Mike Portnoy is a next level drummer.. Neil is no near him, same goes for Magini, Donati, Minneman or the greatest technical drummer Thomas Lung

[@pitpride1220]

This is the DT album most people need to start with to be able to absorb their sound.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup I dug it!

[@pitpride1220]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums If you choose to listen to Train of Thought (the album this comes from). If I may suggest, Images and Words would be a good logical next step. Both albums have solid, approachable songs. With virtuosity weaved in. Then the albums that are more dense, should appeal to you more afterwards. Glad you liked it!

[@jamesmitchell6878]

Images and Words.

[@jerkerjansson386]

I use to play this record when I’m cycling to work. Great energy!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

That's awesome!

[@evanescence2022]

The reason he flips the stick around at 9:20 is so that when he's riding the ride cymbal, the hits are more evenly toned. From documentaries that I've seen, Mike plays most of the time with his left stick inverted because he likes the sound he gets from the snare with it that way... but if he was riding that ride with one stick inverted, the left stick would sound a bit louder than the right stick.

[@EdwardLammBass]

The video of him playing "The Great Debate" is so much more reaction-worthy. A truly great display of his dynamics, arrangement, and sense of melody behind the kit. Not to say this is a bad song or performance... Mike is dope and a super nice guy!

[@420catson]

there are a few guitarists that ive heard that truly make the guitar “sing”, and i can confidently say that mike is making those drums sing!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

YES

[@travo2112]

Coincidentally speaking-- Petrucci is indeed one of those guitar players who DOES make his guitar sing....

[@420catson]

@@travo2112 i couldnt agree more man its like im watching a movie in my head when i listen to jp

[@travo2112]

@@420catson Its nice talking to a man who knows what he's saying...

[@Matzoa07]

I really started listening to and fell in love with the dream theatre sound after Portnoy left the band! I’ve seen them with Mike Mangini live 2 times and I have to say he is amazing! One of my favorite drummers!

[@danlc95]

I always liked and respected Portnoy, but I fell in love with Mangini on James LaBrie's solo album Mullmuzzler. I had always wanted to hear Mangini with them, AND IT HAPPENED! I tend to gravitate to the Mangini era material, myself as well. He's absolutely incredible.

[@Matzoa07]

@@danlc95 Portnoy is def amazing!! Mangini (IMHO) takes it to another level! Again, my opinion!

[@m2p2b]

You should react to Portnoy's "Dance of Eternity". And from this album, "This dying soul" or "Honor thy father" This song is pretty simple compare to the others! Go for it, please

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

On the way brother!

[@KyuzouTV]

i second honor thy father

[@HarshitMathur1994]

I'd like to add The Glass Prison to this list.

[@dodgrblu]

Yes to all of the above! Honor Thy Father especially

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@DaveByrdUK]

Mr. Portnoy is an unbelievable drummer. second to none.

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@aelechko]

“You don’t just do that!” That’s the exact moment I became a huge fan. My friend said I should check out dream theater because I was into complicated bass arrangements. I went to a and b sound and bought train of thought on a whim and as I am is the first track. The solo followed by that drum fill section out of it.... I didn’t even realize music could be like that until then.

[@ericswearingenmusic9967]

What makes portnoy so incredible is his ability to play technically, but still pocket super hard. A lot of technical drummers are super dead on grid.. but he keeps it just loose enough to pocket

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@seanmccoy3101]

He does play with the left stick reversed. I have one of them I caught at a Winery Dogs show. The perks of being 6'4 in a crowd of people. The grip tape is on the tip side. One of my favorite drummers ever!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome info Sean!

[@soullessSiIence]

You just had to flex your height on us, 6'0 mortals...

[@jaredmulconry]

I hadn't heard this track or ever focused on Dream Theatre drums before this video. That fill after the solo was so filthy

[@zulaluzzaj2050]

Mike Portnoy always plays just what's needed. He pulls back to give others space to do their thing then steps in to do awesome things when there's space.

[@Proranis]

didnt know this song either and ever since i heard him playing it on drumeo its on my playlist.....what a beast of a song

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

So good 💪

[@wjadragon6782]

Under a Glass Moon, that hooked me back in the day.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I'll check it out!

[@counterfit5]

That’s my favorite DT song, and I hardly know any of the lyrics. I focus on MP’s drum work too much to bother with words.

[@troywest]

This blows me away as a bassist, I can't imagine for a drummer, who knows and appreciates all the techniques

[@sky173]

Welcome to Dream Theater. I've been following them since the early 90's. Great stuff.

[@megatryn]

Haha! You should check out Mike Portnoy playing the Hello Kitty drumsets! It's hilarious!

[@loganhand6981]

You should check out "Hear me" by Devin Townsend with Samus Paulicelli on drums. Portnoy said it was the drum performance of the year. Make sure to watch the drum cam version though.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sounds great Logan!

[@dan_zehner]

Dream Theater is one of my all time favorite bands. I was introduced to them in the summer before my freshman year in college, and haven't been able to stop listening to them ever since (15 years later).

[@bozkurtbozok4597]

Nothing like starting my morning listening Portnoy drums, feel great!

[@drummingintheattic6097]

The look on your face during that middle fill was priceless haha! Great vid!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@jaimisbb]

Great pick! My fave drummer...i love his solo set in live in budakahn...brilliant band live...i was fortunate to see them twice...

[@ogarcia334]

New follower & subscriber here.Love your page & content of great Drummers from all genres.I discovered MP back in 2009.I came across his Drum Track video of Panic Attack & I instantly fell in love with his Drumming style & soon after Dream Theater as well.Mike's A monster of a Drummer with tremendous skills on the 🥁 kit.🔥🔥🔥

[@gregjones861]

There's a great clip from the 80s of Winger on MTV playing their first big ballad Headed For A Heartbreak live, only over the end, Rod Morgenstein does his crazy prog rock time bending fills while the rest of the band bobs and nods in 4 and the audience goes into shock. A classic subversive drumming moment on MTV!

[@226butters226]

This was the song that got me into dream theater almost 20 years ago. Don't really listen to them on a regular basis anymore but they were huge part of discovering my love for heavy technical music. So much nostalgia with this song

[@salvatorearena8512]

Mike Portnoy is just a phenomenal rock drummer. Great rock drumming instincts.

[@paulgourdie]

Awesome band one fantastic drummer love his style

[@mattkulesza7766]

11:00-11:25 LOVE THE REACTION! It’s so good, you gotta go back for seconds!

[@ussenterncc1701e]

Check out their album Images and Words. I've never paid any particular attention to the drumming, but the overall musical composition through the whole album is gorgeous.

[@Schmorgasblab]

11:00-11:35 is how we as mega fans of DT react still after years of listening to their tunes endlessly. They're a musical Freakshow. I love watching people's reactions to DT haha.

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@Blackened4everPS3]

Oh man, Portnoy has so much good shit. Theres a Trial of Tears video of him drumming it, and its unreal to see.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

He's out of control good David!

[@TexasKoz]

Want to be floored? Grab 2 cups of coffee and hear "Honor Thy Father." Love what ya do, Mr. Rooney.

[@oysteivi]

I got distracted watching John Myung fade in and out of reality in the background.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA!!!

[@Ianuarius]

yea he does that

[@jacobhamm8641]

John Myung just vibing on the bass in the background. Love it

[@Elevenbravo_ABN]

I’ve got 12 Dream Theater concerts under my belt; hopefully 13 soon… I love Portnoy’s sense of time and rhythm. It’s almost like he plays ahead of the beat, pulling the rest of the band along. Definitely my single biggest drumming inspiration.

[@steveb9151]

He just exudes confidence in what he's playing, and the clarity seems to flow from that.

[@vulcandj]

Love this. Been a DT since Images and Words came out. Portnoy is one talented guy. The video of him doing The Great Debate is pretty stellar.

[@jockojockoson9995]

This is one of my favourite drum tracks ever. Seeing him play it just solidifies this further. That solo at 11.03 has bamboozled me for 20 years.

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@casperharlet]

Awesome, my favorite band of all time

[@KevinLuWX]

Great Debate, Honor Thy father, and Stream of Consciousness drum cam

[@TheMetalChef38]

You should check out his son, Max. Plays in bands called Tallah and Code Orange. He's something else

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Nice!!

[@krisrivera8058]

The double drum set. Used the ride from the drums on the left so beautifully

[@davidristic3800]

One oy my closest friends had never heard Dream Theatre before, and one day while giving him a lift home, I played this song for him on my very high quality after-market stereo....my friend has been playing drums now for 13 years from that day.

[@MacAudio74]

Mr Portnoy is, most certainly a power drummer, unbelievably animated, love the guy.

[@the3xtr3mist]

11:50 this is what MP has always been about for me. he's ,if not the most, one of the most *melodic* drummers out there.

[@kingliege5884]

Co-worker put me on to DT about six years ago. I’m glad that he did because it expanded my musical pallet that much more.

[@GergC0521]

I first saw Mike (a fellow Long Islander) as the drummer for the Neal Morse Band and that forced me to look at his whole body of work. An amazing drummer with quite the sense of humor (his video playing the Hello Kitty Drum kit is a classic). And not surprisingly can play MORE then just the drums. On the Neal Morse 35 minute long live version of Alive Again (a ridiculous progressive rock anthem). All the band members including Mike switch instruments several times.

[@lukecowley4949]

Finally this song getting the recognition it deserves 👌👌😂

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

This is the jam Luke!

[@jakeloranger1419]

Gerry Mercer of April Wine (a Canadian band) played with the butt end in his left hand. One time at a jam night I got to play drums with his sticks. He had a pair of sticks which were rather special. There was a brand of sticks (I can't remember the company name) which had kind of like a bulb lathed into them at just behind where you would hold on to them. They were designed so that one could play with a super relaxed grip and not worry about the sticks flying out one's hands. Anyway, I don't know if he was an endorser but his pair had one stick with a butt on both ends so that he could take advantage of the bulb design and still play with the butt in his left hand for the back beats. Just a little factoid which might interest you. Keep up with the fun videos.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Great info Jake!! Thanks so much :)

[@nathanmcintyre694]

Mike Portnoy is a GOD!! He is so versatile and energetic, one of the GOAT. Did you get my patreon message to react to one Mike Portnoys other songs? You need to it'll blow your mind more! 🤙

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I'll def do it Nathan!!!

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@itzme_j3429]

The GOAT in Progressive Metal!!!!

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

Neil Peart loved spinning the stick around and playing "backward" as do I. Really sharp snap to the snare.

[@johanneswarn5488]

There are drummers in The world that out-chop Portnoy but he is such a showman behind The drums in The way he feels and sounds. For that reason he is one of my very favorite drummers in existence.

[@jamieplatt1243]

Haha love this one loads, “this is good” then Mike pulls his chops out 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes I dig this!

[@elisabethwillener3547]

Portnoy plays with so many bands and excellent musicians: Transatlantic, Yellow Matter Custard, Flying Colors, The Winery Dogs, Liquid Tension Experiment, Metal Allegiance, Sons of Apollo, the Neal Morse Band and so on. He's one of the best drummer and an idol for everyone! I have one of his drumsticks in my collection! 🤩

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@bfunderb5899]

11:02-11:15 Man, that's beautiful. Wow. Haven't listened to a lot of Portnoy and/or DT but, man. that was just phenomenal, truly gorgeous.

[@tinytazman1]

Now , if you like Dream Theater , you should check out Liquid tension Experiment .

[@Cuzjudd]

LTE 3 is coming out soon

[@Cuzjudd]

@Johnny Dong I Iove DT but they're all like 80 now

[@Cody_Wan_Kenobi]

Great observation with the left stick. He switched it around because he likes using the tips for cymbal work and the part just after the switch had a lot of that.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks Cody!

[@jaohantan]

You should watch Larnell Lewis' Zildjian Live performance, it's breathtaking

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

YES!!!

[@cyanhobbit]

this. do this.

[@JakobStrand]

"You´re breathtakin´!"

[@matthewayres1641]

When I did drum in a band I used Rock Knockers which gave me the sound I liked for our style of music.

[@martinklaus2203]

Mike Portnoy is a Super Drummer....no doubt about it.

[@apharys8921]

This is an excellent song for getting into Dream Theater. While also not incredibly complex I found Portnoy's work on These Walls a very satisfying listen.

[@coferniecus]

They played this live in Manila, 2017. Played a bit of enter sand man before the end of the song.

[@sheldoncooper8199]

Can we just talk about John Myung headbanging in the Background while playing the Song

[@tr_vmi4844]

One of my fav songs from my 2nd fav DT album. Love it....definitely more "straight up" rock album, but totally underrated!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I reeeally enjoyed this!

[@TheSantosLHalper]

Just look at how casually he drums such incredibly technical parts. His left hand going up to a cymbal is a thing of beauty.

[@TheSantosLHalper]

He kinda whips his sticks around, just beauty in motion.

[@TheSantosLHalper]

There's such a natural circular (oval may be more accurate) to his hand work.

[@drummerKev]

Id never heard of DT or Mike Portnoy until 2007. They were motivated by RUSH in their early days as I was as well. When I first saw Portnoy play live on DVD (Score tour) I thought, what a cocky guy! Soon after I realized he has every right to be. I still hate that he left DT in 2010, but I get it. Studio, tour, studio, tour, studio, tour. After 25 years of this, it can get a little old to some musicians. It took me a while before I could play along to DT songs, but has improved my drumming immensely. Now I’m 55 and I really have to be prepared to play along with Portnoy’s DT days......

[@KBH27]

This is from one of his Drum cam dvds called Drums of Thought. It's for the album Train of Thought. The whole thing is on youtube plus a Drums Only version so you can focus just on that. Awesome stuff!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

NICE! Thank you

[@Dennisdorsey-z2n]

Mike just showed us all how it's done!

[@jarnolehtinen2269]

This album is some of the strongest Dream Theater ever. Played in my car like 9 years over and over and over. Never got tired of it.

[@cccwilliamccc]

He flipped the stick @ 9:20 because he would needed the tip later to do the 16th notes on the ride cymbal, so that it would sound consistent (compared w/right hand) Also, his signature sticks are with nylon tips, which they sound bright and crispy on the ride cymbal. He flipped back later because there was no need anymore and, as you said, he might want the flat and heavy sound on the snare.

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>>> Portnoy

[@MikeCaskey-mc]

I recommend watching him play The Great Debate. Loads to listen and see. Amazing.

[@Elevenbravo_ABN]

Yea, definitely. That’s one of his best and most difficult songs. The fast tempo is relentless and exhausting to play.

[@u.v.s.5583]

You should watch James LaBrie playing the tambourine. He's great. His second instrument is vocals btw. Does them even for Dream Theater.

[@FabioAneto]

Hands down, one of my favorite DT tracks. Mikey was Dream Theater’s soul. Here’s why he fits so well in the track, doing a lot, but never too much. You should listen to John Petrucci’s last solo album, they’re a perfect duo. It’s a shame that they split, because the entire vision DT had was Mike’s brainchild. Think about the “Twelve Step Suite”. Five songs, five albums, one concept. And the five songs stuck perfectly in every album concept. That’s crazy.

[@johnfarrell451]

Regarding the Metallica references, this entire album (train of thought) is quite metallica-esk and is a bit of a outlier among the rest of Dream Theaters albums. They loved the reactions they got from the crowd during the heavier sections of their songs so they decided to write a full album like that. You gotta do 'the Dance of Eternity.'!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Dance Of Eternity on the way John!!!

[@CSTBFO_jad]

My all-time favourite guitar solo.

[@qmiller9]

Yes, he wanted more texture with the cymbals and more weight on the snare so he goes back and forth to provide that sounds. I'm really enjoying your analysis on my favorite drummers. A few more drummer suggestions: Brandon Burkalter, Aric Improta and Richie Martinez. These guys are just incredible!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks so much Quinton!

[@philipgoggin7983]

Ive been flipping my snare hand stick backward for years. It's great for a fatter snare sound and I love the feel of the tapered end (better grip). This is something that Mike has been doing at least back in to the 80's... Only if doing HH work will I return to a normal orientation.

[@susannebass5503]

Oh my God oh my God I love this can you believe that? Although this is not my genre of music I thought it was excellent kudos to you Andrew and the gentleman who picked this 🥁🥁💥💯🎶🎶🎶

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome Susanne!!! And your patreon pick is on the way!!!

[@merlin5729]

If not mentioned already, the album this song is from is 2003's "Train of Thought".

[@blanekelly5102]

My favorite cymbal work of all time. DT's Home from Scenes from a Memory.

[@kelvinsmyth8365]

One of my favorite DT songs, I use it as a reference for mixing metal. Probably one of Mike P simplest songs, I love Metropolis as one of the opus Dt drum showcases. Great review.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

AWESOME Kelvin!

[@andrewschulz9586]

Hey if you like this song you should listen to dream theater's album systematic chaos you won't regret it

[@rudejrgus]

mike's posture is so cool. perfect.

[@McPilch]

Highly recommended for your own personal experience to watch the entire Live Scenes From New York production. If I recall correctly, Mike had to be placed on a drip after the monster (3hr?) show.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Holy.... That sounds crazy Paul