Drum Teacher Reacts: Mike Portnoy Learns Impossible Danny Carey Drum Part | PNEUMA - TOOL

[@christoffsimply3179]

That made Mike Portnoy look like the coolest guy on earth. That made Danny Carey look awesome. That made Drumeo look important and relevant on every level. This was win-win-win for everyone especially us fans. How can you not love seeing something like this if you are an amateur musician?????

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

💯👌

[@SPQRTempus]

I've met Mike, and he is just like he is on the video. Larger than life but really easy going and funny.

[@blackest3314]

Beautiful comment!

[@Qlicky]

You don't have to be any kind of musician to love this. Everyone loves music and everyone loves nice people. Right?

[@tobiasjacobsen_dk]

The best part about Mike portnoy is that he doesn’t know that he is Mike portnoy !!! Absolutely legend and one of the true greats…. Danny too

[@Stampede_G]

True. Despite his massive catalog of extremely impressive songs/playing/technique he's really got no ego to speak of.

[@mvunit3]

Hahaha! "The best part about Mike portnoy is that he doesn’t know that he is Mike portnoy !!!". Super nice dude.

[@CC_Babblecock]

You copied my comment from his kit lol, that was an original 💁‍♀️ Dw, I’m flattered.

[@mrbouncelol]

He's being incredibly kind to pretend he can't handle Tool's drum work

[@biffmalibu9488]

It's not so much that Portnoy attempts this very challenging song by Danny Carey, but he does it with such respect & humility. Very humbling and yet awesome to watch how he nails it

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

100% Very humble and funny

[@colinburroughs9871]

He couldn't do it. hah. I love Mike, but he has some limitations that don't get brought up much. That whole video was a lesson on why drummers should learn some jazz and it's foundational techniques. That's what was really going on.

[@squiddysquidster802]

@@colinburroughs9871It’s not the limitations of skill that held him back, it’s the fact he had 6 hours to learn a song that had been written with years of idea work

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@squiddysquidster802 He didn't even attempt the ascending/descending tabla groove with the left hand. This is one of the Danny Carey tricks, playing SWING patterns on toms/pads over heavy grooves.

[@squiddysquidster802]

@@colinburroughs9871 He had 5 hours, I assume he was more worried about being in time with the song than getting the groove 100% correct, especially when playing in time is more important.

[@jakec2531]

This is the musician in Portnoy, he spent 6 hours, of his free time, to do this. And he's incredibly humble about the whole thing.

[@432htz3]

And respectful to the intricacys of the tune that Danny put together. All of those top guys are very true to the respect they give each other.

[@lucasdemarchigomes2935]

he got paid obviously

[@themountain3461]

If he got paid by the hour, it's still mouthwatering content for Drumeo and thus a good investment If he didn't get paid and just did this on his free time, insisting on getting it right, it's still an investment for him. Engagement with fans, putting yourself out there, potentially increases popularity. Not to mention he's a diehard Tool fan and music lover, so his professional pride won't allow him to give up on a fun challenge

[@lucasdemarchigomes2935]

@@themountain3461 I truly believe that he did liked the challenge and had a lot of fun doing it. He got paid, of course, cause drumeo is a lucrative business and as such, it pays for all drummers that go there. Each drummer probably earns a percentage of the courses that they sell and teach.

[@tnightwolf]

33:20 respect and called-out! I can't wait for Danny to reply in the same fashion! All about love, skill and respect! 🤘❤🤟

[@DanSpengler]

Massive, massive respect to Mike. The fact that a living legend is willing to PUBLICLY grind out almost 6 hours to play a difficult song that isn't his for a gig that isn't his main gig says a ton about him.

[@LinkinVerbz44]

He didn't want to let Jordan down.

[@IamWolf99]

Not to piss on anyones parade, but this comes at a time when he has rejoined DT, are about to put out a new DT album and an upcoming 40th anniversary tour, so not without taking anyway away from his achivement here, but you can also see this as a massive publicity stunt. He's not doing it for nothing is what I'm trying to say here.

[@daydreamerb01]

I really appreciate that Mike allowed this to go out online. As you say Andrew, it's easy to think that super drummers like him are immune/ exempt from toiling and agonising over drum parts and music that aren't easy and familiar to them. When I was learning music recently, I looked more tortured than him and they were easier pieces to learn compared to Pneuma. Thanks Mike for being a good sport!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

It’s very transparent! Well done to Drumeo and Mike

[@joebartlett3255]

That really was amazing. Mike being humble & showing vulnerability while trying to do it justice. Mike takes it serious, that’s why it took what we may consider a long time. Mike to me is a feel drummer that can play technical, while some are robots just technical. Mike seemed to be fighting himself between feel & technicality, had the timing, & put his own touch on it, which is brilliant.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Really brave tbh

[@rizkhan3368]

Salute to Mike for Nailing it bro! Amazing Job

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

🫡

[@chupakabra615]

Watching Mike Portnoy count out loud while playing to keep the time made me realize that no matter how good or bad(me) you are, time is everything. That part made me smile. It's good to see that super drummers still have to count. Thanks for the great reaction!

[@thiagoparaiso21]

If Portnoy, a legend, has a tough time learning that song, imagine one of us, mere mortals?

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Exactly 💯👌

[@MrLieka]

He did it in few hours, it's clearly not a tough time, it's one day and the song is closed, it's insane even if the video focuses a lot on his reactions to the song's structural difficulties ^^

[@Newtperc]

@@MrLiekaupload your pneuma cover big guy

[@MrLieka]

@@Newtperc Hi big guy 2, You didn't understand what I wrote, I said it's insane and that it's not a tough time for him as he did in few hours what took the band a lot of time to write probably, in one day he's got it perfectly ;)

[@denisbowie6075]

It was perfected over 3-10 years, the song. Calling it easy to cover in 4 hours is silly. Insane actually... Literally insane. Massive Port and Danny win! Port did so well after less than 10 hours. Unreal.

[@schwartzcl]

That was SO impressive in SO many ways! 5 hours to learn enough and perform that song!…. I don’t know what more to say!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yeah that is madness

[@chriseccles8098]

My son is a fairly good drummer and he had tried to learn this by just listening to it and watching the famous drum cam footage. He said that he really liked this because it made him feel much better about his own skills in trying to crack this....as Mike P had trouble ....there was hope for him

[@LuisRdzG10]

This was the video I had must fun watching from drumeo, by far

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

GREAT!

[@JayMS916]

I'd like to see a Danny Carey reaction to this. That would be funny and interesting.

[@susannebass5503]

I'd love that too 🤩

[@Hisdudeness9500]

Was thinking the same thing. That, and/or actually drag Danny in to do Dance of Eternity.

[@yomammary]

I'm not even a drummer and I love watching your reaction videos. You have great energy and I love your commentary. That's why I always come back to your channel. Thank you!!

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

Humanizing. Definitely. You get to see the work and effort a great drummer must put into learning a difficult song - even with chops and facility. Mike did great! Another great Drumeo challenge.

[@gregjones861]

The undefeatable spirit of Mr. Mike Portnoy.

[@scrubsscrubs694]

Just got defeated

[@Qlicky]

@@scrubsscrubs694 Defeated? What are you on about?

[@chrisklecker]

Doug Helvering who is a composer got the time signature on first listen. That shows how crazy good Doug can understand music.

[@НикЕфремов-ц3г]

He's really good) That's why its interesting to watch him listening) Cheers!

[@adamjj85]

I was so nervous for Mike as well and rooted for him the whole way. And he delivered!

[@susannebass5503]

Thanks Andrew so glad you honored my request 😊 Great video and MIKE'S THE MAN 😎

[@HellBatDC]

What we need now is Danny Carey reacts to Mike Portnoy Learns... Right?

[@robmartin9782]

Yes! That and Danny learning "The Dance Of Eternity" for Drumeo!

[@MetaFootballTV]

Probably knows it already...

[@IAmInfinitus208]

​@robmartin9782 And doing Dennis Chambers too!

[@HeyyItsDaleVODS]

We NEED Danny playing Dance of Eternity.

[@zuzusuperfly8363]

I would pay money to watch any members of Tool react to people playing their songs.

[@Zhgarr]

I love that video so much, I've watched it like 4+ times already. It's so good, you can see how a top notch musician like Mike still struggles, the process he goes through. You can see him mouthing counts and everything. Makes him so human, it's a great video to show your students - even the biggest talents need to practice and put a lot of time in it, it's not happening by magic. I loved watching it again with you.

[@jgig1329]

I think my favorite thing about this vid from Drumeo is that it justifies the struggle of learning a part. If even Mike Portnoy isn’t above this then nobody is, it takes hard work and that’s how you become great! It’s not about being gifted or it being easy, it’s about it being hard and doing it anyway because we love it. Really motiviating to watch this!

[@Scrub_Jake]

So good 🔥 during that middle break Danny plays a crazy polyrhythm thing on the toms with four on the hat pedal I believe. Mikes version was way different but still a great addition 👌

[@kl8455]

Well, well, well. Looks like we got ourselves a reader. Mike P knows the pieces fit.

[@novastyleNL]

it's amazing what u can achieve with thumbs, and waffles.

[@richpeltier9519]

For the part where Danny goes octopus on the toms, Mike just subbed in a little of the "Nick Mason's ever changing fills" mode. Just stay in time, don't repeat anything and make every fill serve the song at that moment.

[@Kholdaimon]

From that point on he really nailed the feel of the song... He really let lose trying to copy Danny and accepts that he should do his own thing at some points...

[@hays9008]

Who cares

[@farrex0]

@@hays9008 51 people apparently... now answer me this. What was even the point of your comment? If you didn't care, you wouldn't comment. If you cared, well your rhetoric adds nothing and is factually wrong.

[@Merble]

@@hays9008 Simp. (My comment still means more than yours, how sad is that?)

[@karlsnell2166]

Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy, Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland all these drummers are next level drummers. They are in an elite group.

[@greendaleforever]

Buddy Rich!

[@scrubsscrubs694]

Martin Axenrot and Steve Judd

[@valsimotdesign]

nice column of drummers you writed down:),... I would add Thomas Lang, Gavin Harrison, Simon Phillips,....

[@AdamEwart]

Gavin Harrison.

[@karlsnell2166]

I realize that I only put a few names in my comment, the names above are all part of that group. I’ve seen more truly gifted drummers than I knew were out there as of late. Buddy Rich I would say is probably the father of them all. I see him mentioned in many of these drummers I mentioned as sources of their inspiration.

[@dmwalker24]

Mike is a beast for even going into this as willingly as he did. Of course he can learn it, but in a session on camera, is wildly impressive. The crazy thing about this song, is that after enough times through, it doesn't even sound like odd compound meters anymore. That 12, 11, 10 section is a 33 in my head, but I don't count it, I just feel it like remembering a spoken paragraph.

[@robertmerlino2312]

Watched a number if these now from drumeo....seems that the drummers are oh so humble and diwn to earth....and the more talent the more humble and down to earth

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

100% correct

[@emmanueldanteangelohunter3472]

It's like carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, kudos sir much respect

[@michaelallen2501]

They do both on Drumeo's channel. I've seen multiple cases where they see how fast a drummer can learn a different song, and then a separate challenge is to see them make up their own parts to a song they haven't heard the drums for. Both are highly entertaining concepts.

[@dtpfeiffer]

This was a ridiculous challenge and Mike did such a good job with it. I like how he pointed out the difference between writing and learning a song. Don't know if you are aware but his son Max is a drummer also. That's why they put that part in at the end. He has his own band called Tallah and also has been drumming for Code Orange for a couple years now too.

[@ThiagoAraripe]

Mike Portnoy deserves all the respect, He is a legit legend. Back in 2012, I was blessed to see him playing with Fates Warning in Brazil. Their (amazing) drummer couldn't make the Brazilian concert, and Mike jumped to attend the very short notice task. And man... it's Fates Warning, their drumming is absolutely nuts, difficult, and brilliant. The man went there and nailed it, as the legend that he is. Love this guy, saw him multiple times alive with multiple awesome bands.

[@daveenglish1270]

This is incredible to watch seeing a drum genius trying to recreate a fellow genius

[@RibombeeTeacher]

There's a lot to admire about this, and it shows how much respect the Drumeo guys have with these drummers and Mike is a fantastic guy let alone drummer. I loved seeing this when it dropped.

[@BroudbrunMusicMerge]

Portnoy breaking out the Portnoy fills the moment he finds a relatively simple pocket is really funny

[@caryd67]

I really hope that Danny takes Mike’s challenge! This isn’t really the style of drumming that attracts me anymore, but it’s still amazing to witness the process.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

100% That'd be awesome!!!

[@AarhgYouTube]

This gave so much insight into Mike's learning process; insanely cool to see. I never dared touching a Dream Theater song, but maybe I should give it a go!

[@Titanium_Cranium]

Great vid Andrew. Good to hear you speak on how these kind of challenges humanize the giga-musicians that us mere mortals stand in awe of. The humility of Mike Portnoy is second only to his mastery of his chosen medium & he seems like a thoroughly good dude too.

[@AlmostProfessional1995]

Absolutely incredible. I was so invested in seeing this through to the end. Like a short film if he would get it 😂👏🏼 absolute legend

[@JRRDSP]

I play the guitar! How in heck do i keep ending up here??? Love the content Andrew. Kudos to who recommended the video!

[@DawidUliczny-ro7eo]

After the octopus part, when there is the moment with just guitar riff and bass and drums come in together, when Portnoy pulled this bit off perfectly I think I jumped on the couch and yelled a little.

[@J7C3B]

It’s incredible that such a talent as Mike Portnoy only got so far (not really that close) to playing this song in over 5 hours time. It’s a testament to how truly difficult this composition is. Great effort by Mike!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup you nailed it

[@hitmanvr6]

This is one of my favorite drum videos. Mike is such a fucking cool dude. He's like the "Cool Uncle" and what I love about him is that he knows when to give the Respect to other drummers that deserve it. Mike and Danny are 2 of the best drummers. Ever. The time they allow Mike to do this song for real, is so incredible. I have been playing guitar since 1997, But I just got my first (entry/beginner) level digital set to learn to play the drums. ( I can't have acoustic due to living situation... yet..) But I just want to learn the basics and I can't wait to see where it takes me!

[@DestroySteve]

I love the Drumeo challenges and how every drummer adds a lot of their own flair to each peace. Dave made a real awesome take of it. A lot to learn from their conversation and how Dave picked it apart.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

100% agree

[@miscellaneous5215]

Your closing thoughts are on point. So true! 100%.

[@Kipex]

To echo what Mike said about composing for DT, you're always going to find the stuff that comes out of your own head more natural to play. Prog has such a variety of different drummers with different styles, that there are plenty of songs that would give pause to other drummers. Even within Dream Theater, I am curious to see which of the Mangini-era songs Portnoy will perform live in the future, and how closely he will follow the original parts.

[@topherthered]

I watched this when it went live. I was immediately like "Andrew has to do a review video on this "

[@mattfleming2287]

The best part is this made one of the greatest drummers even better. Talk about an unforgettable lesson. Is there a guitar version of Drumeo?

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup! Guitareo. And you can try it for free on my link :)

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Talking about practicing a song, Thomas Haake from Meshugga , said it took him 6 months to get the drums for Bleed before he even felt comfortable recording it. Much respect to Mike for jumping on this one. It’s hard AF to air drum to🤣😂. Much love to you from Raeford, North Carolina ,USA🤙🤙

[@lostyeti1233]

Not too long video, this challenge was impressive and I did see it before your video. But thank you very much for sitting through it with me again, somehow. :) I appreeciate the company so you know. Thanks for your channel mate.

[@rtripp25]

I watched this video last week. Mind blown!!! What a good time.

[@MrLieka]

I love how he surprises himself with his own talent, the whole part before 24:22 where he realizes how well he's taking the challenge :)

[@xtop23]

I give Mikey massive props for tackling that track. In one session that’s just nasty.

[@trenchgunM1897]

watching a master take on the work of another master is eye-opening. thanks for the reaction

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

No problem! 🤘

[@Jenza82]

I now have two favorite videos on youtube of which you have reacted to both, the original of this on Drumeo and O'keefe music foundation covering 46 and 2 by Tool. I keep coming back to the latter and I will keep coming back to the Drumeo video.

[@pedroteran5885]

The O'Keefe 46&2 video is amazing.

[@OliverBusse]

Watched that on Drumeo and had a good laugh about Mike's reaction, this was actually hard work. Kudos to Danny C. of course. And know I join you experiencing the same I had last week 😀

[@Jbissful]

I love Mike Portnoy before the drummer. This would be one of my 5 bucket list people to sit down and have a beer with. Kudos to him for playing along with an impossible task.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

He’d be great to sink a beer with! 🍺

[@andyscott9184]

Amazing...Just bloody amazing!!!

[@lukebrown6737]

This is one of the most outstandingly educational videos I have ever watched, next level respect for Mike here who had to literally unpick the enigma code machine here!.Love how humble he remained and was constantly full of praise for Danny and his obvious unbelievable playing and skill at even being able to create a song like this. Thanks for reviewing this Andrew loved your take on this! 😎

[@arminhess1512]

that is the difference between hobby and pro and super pro. amazing!

[@phil2756]

Idk if he was referencing this but the game Max Payne from 2001 has a quote "665, neighbor of the beast"

[@MrStickypow]

First game I ever bought a beefed up graphics card for. Classic.

[@styx85]

It's been referenced before that as well. "Neighbor of the Beast" even has its own disambiguation page on Wikipedia :)

[@psychopathicporo]

He was likely referencing the Iron Maiden song "Number of the Beast", I would assume almost every "665 the neighbor of the beast" would be in reference to that chorus

[@anthony_lupo_mlo]

My two favorite drummers!!!

[@theborgster8497]

I'm not in the slightest bit surprised Mike nailed it, he and Danny both legends of their trade

[@MrLieka]

Imagine the joy of Danny Carrey watching this video, he's such a powerhouse for Tool and deserves so much love for it

[@ingy421]

a legend. his videos drumming on the pokemon and hello kitty drum sets respectively are so hilarious

[@TheDarkerWalrus]

They did another one of these with Zackgrooves where he had to learn an Animals As Leaders track. Great video as well

[@metalogical5131]

I just watched this on Drumeo and this video came up next. Andrew, I watch you regularly and I appreciate your content! I hope you had fun with this!

[@MikkoRantalainen]

The videos with Jordan are equally mindblowing and definitely worth watching.

[@donnelson6694]

What a challenge! Absolutely amazing that Mike was able to knock this out in less than 6 hours. Very fun and educational.

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

Great stuff, Mike. Remember, it took Maestro Tomas Haake six months to be able to even play Bleed. And that's with all the music. These guys are not just great musicians. they're far beyond driven.

[@fretlessfender]

Unbelievable... Nice to see that you made a full recovery....

[@MycontentisgoldJerryGold]

In response, Danny has to learn Dance of Eternity AND Acid Rain. 😅

[@aiwass84]

but he could fight back with Rosetta stoned or 7empest and so on ...

[@MycontentisgoldJerryGold]

@@aiwass84 And we'll watch all of it. 😂

[@thadima1996]

I kinda felt bad for him, must have been exhausting but he was happy so that's all that matters

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yeah that was intense

[@radicalstanza3614]

The drumless vids and the ones with the drums on them are two separate Drumeo series. They've got a playlist with both on their channel.

[@Struud]

Mike is actually the coolest musician out there hands down

[@sveinandersskolt4498]

Did you notice Dannys shirt as a hint to the time signature?

[@JohnMueller-ke1nj]

Great video Andrew! I’m a guitar player that recently started learning to play drums, and I am thoroughly enjoying your channel and insights!

[@wordswordseverywhere9113]

Great video! Never get enough of Portnoy, it's clear that he loves his job so much.

[@sean_b_drummer]

Pneuma is completely untouchable for me. A lot of guys I know aspire to, Tom Sawyer. But my aspiration song is a Mike Portnoy tune from his time with The Winery Dogs called, Hot Streak. 🔥💪🏽😳

[@keefriff99]

I'm a completely unqualified hack drummer, but I can SOMEWHAT understand what Neil is doing on certain songs, even if I can't play them. Danny...forget it. Not only can I not play his parts, I can't even comprehend what he's doing most of the time. I don't have the musical gear to figure out the time signatures and polyrhythms.

[@nope44589]

when you love playing drums and you love a challenge…you keep playing until you learn it or until your neighbors call the cops! let’s go mike!

[@syx3s]

i love the bits that he improvises because he doesn't have danny's pads.

[@simonmcglary]

For me this showed that you can play and play well, but then you develop your own style and sound on top of that and, coupled with practice in playing and listening, you get recognised as you! Those that aren’t drummers, it is not as easy as it looks, and this is different level drumming!

[@don7294]

When one genius learns a song from another genius. That event sends a shock through the universe. I know how that shock feels. I was electrocardioverted without enough anathesia some years ago and I still have flashbacks from feeling that unbelievable amount of energy. Mike, thanks for releasing some of that energy.

[@ThePerkins100]

Speechless ❤... Andrew what a channel you have..

[@carlosportillo2781]

I played the drums for the first time last Friday and had a blast. I was able to keep a very simple beat but thought about the Years it would take to learn this song!

[@jeffgross866]

Portony is amazing! Just speaks to the absolute brilliance of Danny Carey.

[@deanreevesii]

Watched a number of your videos, watch plenty of reaction videos, never have I seen a cooler T-shirt!!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Appreciate that Dean!

[@ronstewart6362]

I feel the same way you feel about Copeland but about Mike. I grew up a Peart fanatic and didn't think anybody was on his level, even Copeland until i Seen Mike live.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

NICE

[@progpuss]

What a top guys these drummers are humble and brilliant

[@Harry1s]

Once you get the time sig down it's all about phrasing after that. Danny is the man!!! Thank you for sharing this, it was very entertaining!

[@davidward9737]

There was a reason for Mike to play this. He is my all time fav. As number 4.

[@provisiontech1]

That was awesome... Portnoy is the man!

[@Mediogre-00]

24:15 couldn’t help it. Haha mad lad

[@mrb702]

Mike did a fantastic job !! Much respect !

[@emjem99]

This has nudged my anticipation for the forthcoming DT album up to 11.

[@Celari]

They’ve made several videos where they have to learn a song as fast as possible. It’s a different series they have. They have a drum less series, a learn fast series, and a legend of series and so on. All of them are great ofc.I can recommend checking out Thomas Lang learning Metallicas Lux Aeterna as fast as possible. Great video on drumeo.

[@HybridCult]

They've been doing learning songs like this for a while. Obviously it's just not as Viral as the first time hearing drumless track videos but there's a playlist of like 10 or so. Also "665 - The neighbour of the beast" is a joke from The Simpsons but.. maybe he thought of it in the moment.. great minds think alike..

[@Sacred_Silence]

That drum kit is so beautiful. I love two tone sets. The only thing that would make it better is if it was lacquer instead of wraps lol