Mike Portnoy Learns Impossible Danny Carey Drum Part

[@DrumeoOfficial]

This is the most difficult challenge we've ever given anyone in Drumeo history! Thanks for taking part in this epic exercise, Mike! You can play along to this song and many other Tool and Dream Theater songs inside Drumeo (with note-for-note sheet music AND drum-less versions of each song). Click the link to get your 7-Day FREE Trial! www.drumeo.com/trial

[@JohnHenry1331]

Great video drumeo!

[@ABeans07]

Idk... I think the Primus one might have been the most difficult.

[@FantasySportsZen]

What a stud.

[@elias41790]

That was CLEAN AF. I can't believe he nailed that after 5 hours

[@exhainca]

It's just amazing the compliment Mike gives Danny and Tool throughout this whole video. You know, just the guy from that simple musical project Liquid Tension Experiment.

[@MikePortnoyDT1]

Glad to see you all enjoying this exercise in human torture! 😂😝 Also, relieved to see I’m not getting bashed (at least too badly) for not “nailing it”…yes, this was a massive challenge!! As I mentioned in the video, I think watching Danny’s performance video and taking a look at the transcriptions were surely helpful…those are two additional tools I would’ve utilized at home if I were auditioning for a band or preparing to learn songs for a tour… (I also am NOT a professional transcriber nor sight reader…which would’ve surely sped up the process for a lot of drummers who are good at that) Surely this playthrough is rough in spots, but I did the best I could with the pressure of cameras rolling and a clock ticking…what a challenge!!! Wow… 🤯

[@freestyletow1]

epic god

[@Juan-jw5tf]

Stunning work Mike! Is not just the humble way that you took the challenge but the interpretation itself give me a lot of goosebumps. Thank you! 🫶🏻

[@therealcyberius]

This was so much fun to watch. You are an absolute beast and did an amazing job!

[@abrams_60]

Love everything about this video and how much fun you all had making it. Thanks for participating and showing us your process and taking it so seriously while having a great time.

[@joris.elfrances]

Sir, this was brilliant and so much fun to watch...

[@ignaciomora5522]

Now guys you have to bring Danny and make him learn The Dance Of Eternity

[@BrandonToews]

The DREAM!

[@yannickb6332]

Dude make it happen. ​@BrandonToews

[@Harrysnacks]

We need this. Or some LTE.

[@FantasySportsZen]

It's only fair. Haha.

[@enlightenedrenegade472]

​@@BrandonToews Seriously, we need DC on Drumeo. The world would be complete having him jam to a song he's never heard before (although good luck finding one, he listens to a lot of different stuff)

[@dekatonkheir]

I am floored at the idea someone could go from zero to that competent at Pneuma in such a short time. It took me a day and a half just to figure out how to headbang to it

[@spiritcrusher1983]

Lol !!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@munchaking1896]

Imagine the people are the concert hearing it for the first time. The crowd jerking and twitching trying to follow the music. How does anyone dance to tool?

[@my-ai5]

Hahaha legit laughed out loud 🤣🤣

[@Bullet44]

​@@munchaking1896I've never understood this running joke about TooL. I mean, sure they have an oddly timed rhythm to headband and "musically dance" to, but I've never had issues with that part. I guess it's just feeling the music and flowing with it that makes it a lot easier to vibe to.

[@robertoandrade9269]

😂😂😂

[@BrendanCBreen]

I am an absolute Danny Carey fan boy, but to go from 0 to as close as Portnoy came to that song in that little time deserves so much respect. Not to mention walking into a studio, having no idea what he was going to play, and being willing to devote as much time as it takes to accomplish it with an amazing attitude along the way... Absolutely incredible.

[@Wetfoxes]

Absolutely true well Said

[@scotthustus8337]

To this man, a gauntlet has been thrown down and come hell or high water he was going to rise to the occasion. It was a puzzle he had to solve!

[@Anthony-kp7sf]

I mean it is mike Portnoy to be fair

[@phobit]

I think what Drumeo did here was probably one of the most important videos to their channel - you just showed thousands of aspiring drummers, that even after decades of playing and probably being one of the best drummers of all time, even people like Portnoy still struggle learning certain songs. True learning never stops! Thank you Drumeo!

[@jonny555ive]

Well said brother. Keep evolving 🤘🥁🤘

[@Detonated66]

Hail to that!!!

[@CoversWithCare]

Straight dropping knowledge on em! Such a fun watch

[@andrelucas8950]

Amen brother

[@WittyCaMoNinja]

I just wrote this exact sentiment to my best friend - it's so nice to see a legend appear human. Well, at least for a few hours 😂.

[@ooze4261]

“This makes dream theater sound like weezer” is one of the biggest compliments Danny Carey will ever get 😭

[@lollipop84858]

Prove it.

[@paulj.buckingham2297]

From none other than Mike F'n Portnoy

[@powerslop7941]

Ever idk but that is definitely high praise.

[@powerslop7941]

If you combined Portnoy and Carey youd have Super Peart.

[@cellyzs]

@@powerslop7941 ehhhh, while Peart has iconic drum tracks his stuff I think Mike and Danny would have a much easier time playing then the other way around.

[@matthewscott2987]

No egos. All compliments. Real struggles. Total talent. This video checked all the boxes. Mike is amazing. Drumeo kicks ass. Danny is a legend.

[@sonmadika4727]

13:13 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@flyingdart9819]

I added the last dw

[@MetalHeart8787]

man give me a break I Don't hear anything challenging in this song, would I be able to play it? NO BUT Portnoy is an Amazing Drummer of course he could do that song. heres a challenge Give him a Fates warning Song.

[@piffe]

@@MetalHeart8787 your inexperience is palpable lol

[@tob564]

Not sure if the comment about Weezer had no ego in it at all...

[@baconeggsandstuff]

Respect to Mike for being patient with this and actually giving it a real attempt. Man what a legend

[@nestortomaselli6372]

“This is not a song, this is a Mathematical Equation” pure FACTS

[@supervillain3213]

I always call Danny Carey the time machine.

[@Coldfire75]

Every Tool's song are like this.....mathematics in music

[@DST7058]

Every music is a mathematical equation. Some are just extremely hard math (like this one)!

[@radbradmusicartist]

Says the drummer of dream theater 😂😂😂

[@FBobby]

The most Danny Carey compliment anyone could ever give. lol

[@farrelfoster-lynam6683]

2:53 "I already can't find the one. Fuckin' Danny" Mike is hilarious, humble, and super skilled. Total joy of a video

[@al-919]

He wasn't being humble, any drummer would say that if they were asked to play for TOOL.

[@zabforty]

@@al-919 really? Dennis Chambers didn't say that.

[@RigRacers]

@@al-919 exactly, being asked to play for TOOL is a humbling experience. Pure contradiction in your words.

[@francescofinucci]

we definitely need a beer game where you drink every time Portnoy says "fuck" in this video

[@cobbhc]

"It's all sixes and fives and threes, but that's all of music," spoken like a true prog drummer.

[@segueoyuri]

Like "mfers condensed the whole of music in this hellish song to play" hahah

[@Owl90]

That's so funny and accurate. Screw twos and fours!

[@christophertheiss8877]

"Six six five... The NEIGHBOR of the beast."LOL 🤣

[@davidsteinhour5562]

I KNOW, I audibly laughed when he said that.

[@Olikiscrazy]

Nah it's all ones, twos, threes, fives, sevens. Shall I keep counting prime numbers?

[@Liferoxwow]

This comment will be buried but i gotta say, as a young man when i was learning how to play the drums, Neil Pert, John Bonham, and The Rev (a7x) were my favorite drummers to listen to. When the rev passed during the Nightmare tour, i heard that a drummer named Mike Portnoy would be playing for the rest of the tour for the band. went and listened to dream theatre, and heard live recordings of a7x playing with portnoy. Immediately, mike portnoy became my favorite drummer of all time. This dudes a fkn legend, this episode is legendary. Thanks to drumeo and mike p for the episode! This ruled!

[@Nobody7720]

Haven't listened to a7x since I was a younger man. Thanks for the comment.

[@metalmamasue3680]

Love some Avenged and miss the Rev too. His screams were legendary as well as being an great drummer.

[@arlandblack1139]

The Rev was a legend, yea. Not a shadow of a doubt. Technical monster, and all around cool human.

[@richardashworth400]

"Danny Carey, Lose my number, I don't want this gig" had me HOWLING

[@austincooper4508]

If Mike had time to learn all the songs I think he would nail the songs.

[@patrikmachac-z7e]

Danny and also Gavin Harrison are not from this World

[@derrick8206]

Then he says, "This isn't a song! This is a mathematical equation!"

[@tastefulsubstance]

​@@austincooper4508 No doubt, but 1, he has his own style. And 2, there's probably someone else out there who can play Danny's style better

[@BrandonToews]

You can all thank me later 😂 Mike put up with us for an entire evening filming this 👀

[@KyleDavisMusic]

Release the Collins interview!

[@iAnimeDude]

Looking forward to this! Is the Blake Richardson stream going to be reuploaded soon aswell? Also highly stoked for that!

[@CloseUpLover]

Brandon you crazy devil 😈😎

[@slobash33]

I am at most a desk drummer but these vids make me wish I had the coordination to do better :D This one's going to be a ride, thanks mate

[@nickp440]

I will thank you now, later, and every time you guys make cool stuff like this.

[@SMBarno]

We need Danny Carey on Drumeo. This was the perfect way to show that Pneuma is a masterpiece and Danny is a genius

[@u.v.s.5583]

Danny Carey learning Dance of Eternity?

[@Terminxman]

I’d love to see Danny, but these are the most entertaining when they’re doing something really out of their element. So I’d want something like death metal or even some pop(but I know Danny is into some pop too)

[@PureJadeKid]

@@Terminxman Danny Carey plays Bleed by Meshuggah

[@Terminxman]

@@PureJadeKid I really don't think that would be difficult, plus Meshuggah has toured with Tool before if I remember right. He would definitely know it. Plus these are more interesting when the drummer has to improvise a song they don't' know without hearing the drum track.

[@vin_9028]

@@TerminxmanI think Carey, like ANYONE, would struggle with Bleed’s kick drum intro. Haake is a beast in his own way

[@Lumpy777]

Danny is like your favorite drummers favorite drummer. The respect he gets from other musicians is amazing. A true genius. Early 90s hearing Tool opened up a whole new appreciation for music in my life.

[@Jeff-vw7fw]

Props to Mike. Not every drummer would be willing to put their ego aside and let people see the real world struggle, non magical moments like this. It’s awesome content grounded in reality. Right on!

[@Muzikrazy213]

Need more of this from all aspects of a band!

[@CrisOrion-p3w]

This shows portnoy Is not incredible. Chambers killed it playing a tool song

[@mrbungle3310]

​@@CrisOrion-p3wnot this one though,this is complex

[@90nazarul]

This song are way to technical tho.. not many have try to play it . ​@@CrisOrion-p3w

[@bibmo84]

@@CrisOrion-p3w I would disagree, this shows Portnoy really IS incredible. To learn Pneuma this fast and execute it like he did, one has to be the highest musical genius.

[@KellFendry]

Watching _Mike Portnoy_ blue screen like a normal person listening to this is honestly inspirational.

[@enjoybrad81]

Right?! Instead of making me want to quit music, I kinda want to buy that drum set now :)

[@sphaleritecarcharias1404]

Mike accomplished in 3-4 hrs what i have not been able to in 2 years. Even though I am not being filmed and pressured and had the playthrough video since square one... Granted, even though there is no one to see me, im still afraid of trying it on my drumkit

[@Goshoonkeys]

so, when all incredibly talented octopus-like drummers on earth are actually normal and humble persons, what does it say about the normal person? Yes, every normal person has the theoretical capabilities to be the next Mike Portnoy or Danny Carey. It's a material quesion at the end, frankly

[@MrAlexjames94]

I have been playing drums (not very consistently) for about 10 years now. Im average at best, if you gave me a solid year to work on this song i think i could really nail that beginning part of the song. You know? That silent part waiting for the guitar to come in? that part.

[@dernorsebassist4252]

I play bass and it's making me think about giving Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) another shot from him blue screening on Tool

[@kykk3365]

I think handing him Pneuma shows how much they respect and admire Mr. Portnoy.

[@Chris.Minarich.LongIsland]

Yes!

[@adampowell5986]

For sure. It takes a world class drummer to even have the balls to try it.

[@Menace1-5Tactical]

They knew he could fucking do it

[@onelove101unity]

If anyone could do it it's Mike!

[@arlandblack1139]

Seriously. You have to know some theory to even begin to understand how taxing this is on a human brain.

[@wulftk]

My biggest takeaway from this video: I really need to be listening to more Tool. Like, WAY more.

[@TGRoko]

Mike Portnoy is sheer talent in human form. Danny Carey is an octopus in a celtic's jersey with his special drum from the 90s that they don't make anymore.

[@ljklj719]

What do you mean they not make his drum anymore? :o

[@shillian4770]

@@ljklj719 its a magic drum set

[@TGRoko]

@@ljklj719 He mentioned it in an interview. He has an electric drum that makes a sound he really likes and he hasn't been about to find another that recreates that sound.

[@echoloch500]

@@TGRoko The original Korg WaveDrum WD-1 from 1994. Only 700 to 800 were made.

[@TGRoko]

@@echoloch500 Yeah! Thanks!

[@drphilsranch6782]

There’s something about seeing legendary drummers gush over other legendary drummers that makes me happy inside.

[@pauls3946]

🎯

[@g32.recitales]

Great time to be alive, right?

[@OcKY11239]

I glow happYness cuz of this fuck 😂🤘🏼

[@manchu9636]

I just love how there's never a bad word to be said about each other! They all truly appreciate the art that they each create

[@bevrosity]

can't not love danny

[@RavenTheBlackheart]

Watching my heroes praise my other heroes professionally will never get old.

[@hpd_hero]

Same. These two drummers are my big heros, and for them to even mention each other is more than I can ever ask for. In heaven.

[@ipissed]

My dads band mates used to tell him that he can "hit a lick" , but he doesn't know one single song exactly. He said the crowd doesn't know any better or care. Taking up the drums again after many years ago when I did practice for perfection I realize I play the same way and don't even bother trying anymore. Must be in our DNA. RIP dad.

[@sarahdell4042]

The fact you got a massive name in drumming to sit here for 5.5 hours of actual torture is a feat in itself. Love this series so much

[@lucassaueressig1411]

$

[@Ty91681]

​@@lucassaueressig1411and in other news heat is hot and water is wet

[@mariofischer5437]

The dedication and the fun in challenging himself is inspiring.

[@sarahdell4042]

@@Ty91681 I highly doubt he was paid for this.

[@Rondigity92]

​@@mariofischer5437exactly, the point here is to make him think and learn something. Knowing how technically proficient he is mike could pick up a foo fighters song by ear pretty quick. He didn't have formal training he's self taught and goes by feel a lot, Also a pretty big flex too koz everybody who knows drumming (which is a probably most of the subs) know how insanely difficult this is

[@dusty_bones]

The fact that he did this in 5 hours blows my f****** mind. Absolute legend

[@Marta1Buck]

it's gonna be 5 hours for 3 months for me

[@ThePaintedHope]

@@Marta1Buck thats optimistic ....xD

[@lfbaez]

​@@Marta1Buckit's gonna be 5 hours for 3 months just to get the 1st section 😆

[@Erickhetfield]

He watched a playthrough and had the notations. Let's be honest, he cheated and only managed to kinda get the main groove. He completely ignored the interlude solo part and came up with a part of his own. It would take him days to actually get the song properly. It's an incredibly complex and long song.

[@tdoom1354]

Larnell lewis would have nailled this in 1 hour

[@TheBonzobonzo]

The fact that someone could learn this song so well in 5 hours is still absolutely astonishing!!

[@HairFIip]

Yeah honestly, you can give me 5 years and I won't get anywhere close.

[@SmittyD33]

Mike is one of the goats

[@Toni_560]

Let Danny try dance of eternity and watch him crumble

[@akhmassimohamed7054]

​@@HairFIipYou can give me 3 months i can't even play the intro

[@jacket2848]

@@Toni_560 I highly doubt that. Seems like you just wanna shit on an insane drummer for no reason other than not liking tool

[@bt70a9]

I don't even know anything about playing instruments, but I feel like I was privileged to watch something real special here!

[@Benzy670]

Mike may have jokingly "complained," but I think he secretly loved this challenge. Dude's a consummate professional. What a great video

[@bryllecortes9780]

This is why I love this guy. He does "complain" but in a entertaining way. I agree, he is a very professional.

[@postjm9]

My favorite part of this show is just how much great drummers love other great drummers.

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

That’s true

[@a.b.8035]

It's so unlike other genres where there is this rat race of being better than someone else. True musicians really appreciate each other's work, and let themselves be inspired by it

[@6BURG9]

So true. You’d never see guitarists doing this :P

[@postjm9]

@@6BURG9 I don't know. That documentary/interview "It May Get Loud" was kind of that.

[@markokecman1177]

Yeah.. like, rappers always keep dissing each other... Yet here, guys that look like they sacrifice goats every now and then all love and respect each other... That is the true metal community ❤

[@saldeleon4927]

For Portnoy to say Danny is one of the most creative drummers speaks volumes of the respect between the two.

[@OlSoolGrow]

Tool is art because you literally have to feel it in your soul to time it right. True art.

[@321gates]

Nothing against Tool, but many drummer greats fit that bill. Mike still struggles with La Villa Strangiato, and he grew up listening to, and covering Rush.

[@planetcaravan2925]

Its just music, chill

[@augustoalvarez82]

This will go in history as being one of the most important drumming and music learning videos ever made. Everything is absolutely epic: The fact that one of the best in history stayed for 5.5hs to learn a masterpiece; Portnoy’s absolute humbleness; watching him struggle and deeply enjoying the process; listening to a bit of DT into a Tool song. Masterful. You guys are amazing!

[@NIUHOY]

THIS!

[@wurm90125]

x1000.

[@McLoven-vm1ck]

It blows even my mind that they asked a drummer to come in and try to wing it on a Tool song, their timings are known to be tricky with one of the worlds most amazing drummers making an exercise out of nearly every part he writes. Hats off to Portnoy for being such a good sport about it, as well as putting in so much effort on his attempt to fill in for Carey on this song. (queue the mission impossible theme song)

[@crk140]

Agree 100%, one of the coolest drumming videos I’ve ever seen

[@YaYousef5]

Yeah but he cheated. He was allowed to see the notation, watch a live performance of the song, and the "final performance" is a comp of different takes. He didn't play it one go. None of the other drummers in this series did any of that.

[@maynardyorke]

everyone knows he's a great drummer, what we should highlight is the patience and professionalism and good humour he has while he's working it out- he's a big time musician and doesnt need to prove anything, he doesnt have to be there, working and sweating but he is and he makes light and shows vulnerability in figuring it out good dude

[@bethannprather1462]

So true. And I think it's all about the challenge of it. The respect he has for the other drummers skill... then trying to copy and learn it. Super impressive

[@jormundgandr88]

And if you were to have the opinion to think Mike was a better drummer than Danny Mike would probably laugh in your face with humility and dissagree

[@a5adahmad]

@@bethannprather1462 Goes to show the artist's love for the art. Their egos probably takes a back seat, and lets them genuinely appreciate others who excel at it.

[@Gamer2k4]

You can't become a true professional unless you're willing and able to put in a lot of hard work. Too many people think it's just "natural talent," but what separates the best from the rest is passion and dedication. It's certainly fascinating to watch him work through this, but it shouldn't be surprising at all that he does it.

[@knsd1402]

Learning that song in 5 hours is wild. Mike portnoy is a G

[@eps3154]

Fucking legend... whoa

[@gpiece601]

A Dream Theater and Tool concert would be epic

[@wrlsfanatic1532]

I would literally pay money to watch Danny Carey watching this video.

[@bucket_o_noodles8914]

Same dude, then watch Danny Carey cover a Dream Theater song

[@sensory_deprivation4126]

I’m just a dude, watching a dude, who’s watching another dude

[@evanoneill619]

Why? Danny came up with this, and although Mike is super talented, he's way off, even from the beginning.

[@bethannprather1462]

Saaaame

[@stainedsteel1]

Yo dawg, I heard you like watching drummers watching drummers...

[@zach.hanford]

It's fun to see Mike experiencing what Dream Theater has done to so many other drummers now.

[@Skrobodja_Vloban]

Revenge, revenge:)))

[@M2Mil7er]

Probably took him back to his teens in a garage learning Rush.

[@Agostoic]

LOL

[@william_mazza]

Underrated comment

[@hernansnow7505]

@@M2Mil7erbeautiful

[@paolo-ex5zf]

This is the first time I leave a comment on KZbin in 15 years. Mike Portnoy just gave us a precious diamond! Humility, humanity, learning effort.... a true example for everyone out there trying to make it out with his/her passion! Thank you Mike! You are the Master!

[@TrTveT]

Too much humblness. You can be humble without putting your self down thw whole time.

[@Brojack69]

Keys to success.

[@felixjones9198]

IMHO, this is Drumeo's best yet.

[@stephennagy6675]

I couldn't have said it any better. To see someone like Mike saying, "Holy hell," what is this is real humbling and shows no matter who or how great you there is always something that will make you go wow.

[@shadowaccount]

Doubt that it's your first comment

[@derekblackthorne]

*This was an absolute pleasure to watch. Thank you all for this!*

[@gurk_the_magnificent9008]

"This makes Dream Theater sound like Weezer" is probably the highest musical praise I've ever heard

[@danacoleman4007]

unless you're weezer

[@billyalarie929]

i laughed so hard hahaha

[@MrHawkfick]

Agreed

[@Surelockohms]

​@@danacoleman4007pretty sure Weezer would agree. 😂

[@ThisCommentisAight]

NOT REALLY , HE WAS BEING SO NICE , if had taken this home and brought back in two days MP would eat this .... if he can play octavarium , the dance of eternity , dark and eternal night he can easily play tool music

[@TimWing23]

I didn't realize how good my father was at the drums until he started learning all the Dream Theatre songs back in the day, and how complicated they were. He had all their Albums. And recently my dad has been playing Tool too. He's 62! Great video!

[@tavaresdudu]

That's awesome! Do you have any footage of your old man playing? Would be fantastic to hear.

[@TimWing23]

@@tavaresdudu good question. He records himself sometimes. I'll have to check and see if he's posted it anywhere and get back to ya. He has an electronic set he plays in his basement for hours everyday. Plays in a band on the weekends but they play stuff like Van Halen, etc.

[@WesleyThibodeau]

Imagine him in a dad tool cover band with other 60 year olds...they could call themselves TOO-OLD (pronounced as one word)

[@FantasySportsZen]

That's awesome.

[@llamabot9889]

​@@TimWing23please put it on KZbin, I'd love to see your dad play drums

[@paultapping9510]

"This isn't a song, it's a mathematical equation" is such a good way of describing TOOL

[@paultapping9510]

@radbarij something about people being really good at and enjoying pattern recognition?

[@krokovay.marcell]

@@radbarij he also say in the beginning "Danny plays so damn tasty..." that's why:)

[@FredericoLaydner]

Tool is so complicated... It pisses me off sometimes 😂 it's like that college everyone had in school, that always had complex but accurate answers to the teachers. Involuntary they made all the other students sound like a bunch of "tools" 😂

[@invisiblecurious856]

Fibonaci sequence shit 😂

[@ytmndan]

Its also a great way of describing Dream Theater, which is why it's so ironic.

[@johndaviscosmo1594]

Thankyou for filling 30 minutes of my life with awesomeness

[@Diego-Rabello]

The fact that we have Mike in his natural environment showing the reality of the process without the ego interfering in any way is for me the greatest asset of this video! Yes, more than five hours, yes, final version in several takes, yes, imperfect...but guess what, this is the reality! The human aspect presented in this video is gold! Learning to appreciate Mike even more! Thanks Drumeo!

[@Uphold-your-Rights]

Well said. It's a reminder that all of us go thru this to learn songs, even the best like Mike. No embarrassment, no ego...just learn the music.

[@fewfwefwfwff]

his ego was there all along. he dont want to be showed as bad drummer. and etc and etc

[@leerobbo92]

@@fewfwefwfwff Yeah, but every great has an ego. The trick is aiming it back at yourself as motivation, rather than at other people.

[@Diego-Rabello]

@@fewfwefwfwff I believe there is a misconception on your part, I said ''...without the ego interfering...'' the fact that your ego is always part of you does not mean that you will let it act in an erratic way, which is actually the case here...lack of basic text interpretation ...

[@Diego-Rabello]

@@leerobbo92 Excellent observation, very well said.

[@luipars]

This was, without a doubt, the best half-hour I’ve seen on KZbin. There’s so many things so impressive about this: the song itself which already sounded crazy to me as a listener but I as a drummer never even dared tryin to look it up how to learn it. Mike’s feat of getting it done in just 5 hours while the vast majority of us will play drums for a lifetime and never be able to nail it. Also, Mike’s balls and humility to agree to lay bare all of that, recording him so uncomfortable and out of his zone. And most of all, Drumeo’s conceptualization, execution and production to put this together. I can’t stress this enough, but this channel is absolutely fucking awesome. Thank you for this content.

[@bryden72]

It also shows what beast Danny is. And to do it in a day lol

[@sinnedam]

Yes. This is the kind of content I would have killed for back when I was trying to catch 10 second snippets of the drummer on mtv in the 90s.

[@luipars]

@@sinnedam right?? And we're getting it for free now!! Drumeo deserves mad respect from all of us.

[@Branables]

I wanted to like this comment but I think it should stay at 665 likes, the neighbor of the beast

[@ArmandoGarcia-dz4ry]

I’m a guitarist and this is my favorite music channel ever.

[@simon1987thomas]

I’m 100% in the same boat. And this video solidifies that!!

[@MrWepx-hy6sn]

Same bro

[@sammorris3858]

Same. Bassist here.

[@abefernandez6546]

Same. I do play a little of every instrument but guitars and vocals is what I've like and shine at.

[@poshinoposhi]

I wonder if Drumeo would ever try for a bass/guitar/vocal version of this channel. I’d love to see Victor Wooten’s take on a John Myung song.

[@mvc_93]

"665... the neighbour of the beast" That floored me almost as much as this whole playthrough. Among the most impressive things I've ever seen hahah.

[@jobyoanvillarreal9400]

As a musician, you know that you are in big trouble when Jordan Rudess send you a video to cheer you up.

[@WADEDESTROYS]

Lmao Fr mike knew it was over

[@yolandabrignardello3096]

Hahahahaha

[@markvandenberg4606]

Great comment. 😂

[@rizaabdiali]

😂😂😂hahahahaha

[@robertosantosayala8971]

XD

[@shaung75]

As a non-drummer, that was an awesome process to watch

[@eps3154]

Frfr. I've written a couple of little pop folk songs on the guitar and will flrget my own lyrics and the chord progressions half the time. The fact that he not only learned this in an evening, but well enough to record it..... unhinged how talented some musicians are. This is absurd 😂

[@thomasleonard9685]

Truth. I’d kill to be able to play 1/2 like a real drummer. Trying to coordinate 2 feet & 2 hands to make cool noises hurts to even think about. Drummers are badass but I’d take the bass - they get paid but don’t have the spotlight much

[@shellbournian]

Dear Editor, thank you for your service.

[@frederikhermann]

I’m not a drummer nor musician but I can see a master of his craft 🙀

[@muncherzz1879]

The fact he learned this in only five hours is seriously seriously impressive

[@iCrapBubbles]

And don't forget, this includes little breaks and joking around with the guys the whole time. Watching the whole creative process is incredibly satisfying.

[@rcoopr66]

The fact that he learned it at all is impressive.

[@re8orn_phoenix]

for most of drummers, learning this song and play it well will take an eternity :)

[@riyanizalafsanzani2835]

Im not drummer, but why ppl keep saying danny and this song is insane. Can someonw explaine me thanks

[@danteunknown2108]

​@@riyanizalafsanzani2835length of the song and the very complex time signatures and changes. I'm not a musician at all, but those are to me the big keys. Considering the track is over 10 minutes, in five hours not counting breaks he took, he could only hear/see/whatever the performance 30 times. I've been listening to some fav rock tracks for twenty years and can't get all the words right. This dude listened to the equivalent of Eminem rapping on the drums and replayed it in five hours. That's why, IMHO

[@amierkassam2744]

This tells us that there is no single best drummer in the world. Each drummer is unique, with their own style and performance. We love and enjoy every masterpiece they create. Thanks, Drumeo, for this episode. ❤❤❤❤

[@radicalstanza3614]

Pretty sure this does nothing to show that Danny isn't the best in the world

[@zackzettler4425]

@@radicalstanza3614 I bet Danny would be the first person to say he isn't the best in the world.

[@Tool420-e8v]

@@radicalstanza3614 like you could write anything close to it 🤣🤣🤣

[@PhilEssing]

One lesson here for the learning: even the best of the best must work VERY hard. Talent by itself is not enough. There was a time when even Danny couldn't play Pneuma.

[@wotzcheez]

​@user-zo5hz4fy6t you may want to reread what you're replying to. He would be agreeing.

[@peterdefrankrijker]

“665. The neighbor of the beast.” Man, that cracked me up.

[@timludwig841]

That was Hilarious!!

[@GRBandog]

667 is the landlord

[@curtschmidt3436]

went right over my head until u pointed it out

[@exclasher9975]

12:52

[@ch444z]

atm you have 566 likes man

[@leegavino1534]

the more I watch this version by mike the more I am impressed as he was able to replicate the sounds of the electronic drum parts using what what he currently has. spot on! 💯🥁

[@VicCross]

The best part of this session is that he became determined to crack it. At least in what we get to see, he never get's overly frustrated, always seems to be having fun. Makes it so enjoyable to watch.

[@jamesadamgleason9471]

Yeah paying someone handsomely will do that

[@alexbrown4426]

​@jamesadamgleason9471 no guarantee he's getting paid for this, however, directly... that is, this is definitely good press for their upcoming album.

[@jazzcatjohn]

@@jamesadamgleason9471 You really think this was all about money?

[@Ricki_Snow]

@@jamesadamgleason9471Do you work for free?

[@ItsJustRyan89]

As a guitar player and Tool fanatic, all I can say is: drummers are absolutely insane.

[@ThePhilTorretto]

Just want to say the “total time spent” is incorrect. It should have said: “5 hours and 30 minutes today + a lifetime of dedication learning to play the drums”. It literally took Mike the decades he’s been playing to be able to pull off something of the magnitude. Absolutely astounding. 🤯

[@mr3n10]

Facts

[@kpag3030]

Absolutely true. You know though, there is a 9 year old Asian kid who smokes this song somewhere in the world. Lol.

[@b_nes6093]

Well said

[@ethanpunto9222]

Yea and he's a disappointment to the family cos his cousin did it at 4 years old ​@@kpag3030

[@kapinnn]

@@kpag3030😂😂

[@MalcomHeavy]

I don't know how barely anyone is talking about how genuinely mental it is that he got so close to nailing this on his first full playthrough. It's so close to the original, and he had so much of that Tool sauce in his phrases and riffing that its mind blowing. It's like listening to a live set from Tool. And that's the biggest compliment I can give.

[@theegodkingmammz1595]

“Tool sauce”. 😂😂😂 if i had even a modicum of that, i wouldnt be framing houses id be dropping panties and filling stadiums. Lol

[@philliplewis1586]

The balls to even ATTEMPT to play this live without practicing for a few months first is crazy admirable. Also shows just how insane Danny is. Gotta love it.

[@fubar1217]

I love how he was happy to not have to play an Animals As Leaders song but then gets hit with Pneuma. LOL "You sure you don't wanna do a Foo Fighters song?" You did great Mike.

[@BoolFalse]

i heard a lot about Foo Fighters and Dream Theater, but after this i really wanna try DT with all the discography, but nothing from FF :)

[@asabovesobelow2299]

He is not capable to play Animals as leaders

[@xeyon]

Speaking of AAL i hope they get a video with Matt. Hes insane

[@rmcunningham3874]

This is a wonderful thing for a drummer at Mike's level to do for aspiring drummers. Showing himself struggling, making mistakes, and being human. This is the process. This is the reality. He wasn't born a magical drum god. He works his ass off.

[@csbarbourv]

Amen!

[@davetay44]

Here here

[@michaelhejja]

It's about the work. Learning the sing lead was 4 hours straight twice a week plus shows, and about a year and a half to 2 years of that. Nobody realizes the hours and time it takes to be great at something.

[@syedatharhasan]

For years, I have been a massive fan of Dream Theater, especially Portnoy & Petrucci. While watching this video, I realized that even after listening to almost every Dream Theater song, I didn't have any idea how talented this guy really is. Massive respect

[@dustinsmith1134]

This is masterclass in how to be a fantastic learner, but also on how to be insanely humble. To be one of the greatest of all time, and still be constantly amazed and floored by another person’s works. 10/10 guys, this video was amazing.

[@TheGhostRhythms]

exactly, love the man

[@Sam-cv6un]

That is actually amazing, I really hope the non-drummer viewers realize the absolutely insane gap between trying to learn a song like this in a few hours vs. a standard 4/4 song with maybe a few shifts

[@alexfakluy3410]

mindf*ckin' experience!

[@Don_Josefo]

I'm not a drummer but I can recognize how mindblowing this video is

[@free187s]

Non drummer but guitarist here. Tool songs in general are tough to learn, but the guitar parts are miles easier to learn than the drums. For drums, not only do you have to play the odd time signatures, but you also have to learn the polyrhythms and execute them with multiple limbs. I’m always impressed with drummers who cover Tool, and for Mike to tackle it in this short amount of time is amazing.

[@PowerslideSWE]

@@Don_Josefo Same here, I reckon it would take me the rest of my life to learn this, if that.

[@FantasySportsZen]

Very apparent. Haha.

[@mikelatimer]

This made me simultaneously appreciate Portnoy, Danny Carey and Pneuma even more! 😲

[@Gminor7]

Guitarist, not even a drummer, but I love this channel. I’ve been seriously into music for over 65 years, mostly as a jazz guy. 3 weeks ago I’d never heard of Mike Portnoy, Chad Smith, Danny Carrey or Tool. Now I watch their videos 2 or 3 times a day. Intelligent, charming, entertaining professionals who are a joy to watch and listen to. Also shout out to Dirk Verbeuren from Megadeath, and Philo, the Mars Volta drummer. All the drummers on the channel have been impressive and super entertaining.

[@00jknight]

To hear Portnoy sound so human is honestly refreshing. I think this video shows that hard work is the key, not God given talent. Portnoy got where he is through pure dedication and grit.

[@sjs9698]

right!? liek he heard a thing & went 'on HELL no' then just dug in & did his damndest (i know f-a about music so, to me both original & the version here are incredible)

[@macko-dad]

Mike has a God given talent to be fair. But the the amount work he put into this and the humble approach is impressive.

[@kickithard]

To be at the top of your game, without a doubt, God given talent, along with sharpness of mind and an uncompromising drive and dedication to your craft is a must, along with having a creative generous spirit and being willing to collaborate without ego. Without all of these attributes, you can never reach this level of success, no matter how talented you are.

[@ML807]

The greatest talent you can hope for is the willpower keep working hard until you have amazing skills that were hard earned

[@BTBRVReviews]

The issue here isnt Mikes inability to play a song this technical, its the fact that most Tool (and DT for that matter) have so many changes it requires a roadmap to understand what comes next. If you dont know there's a fork in the road you wont know which way to go. Thats why drummers who are this talented often are part of the song writing. They help write the map.

[@zabforty]

EXACTLY!

[@reshpeck]

Nailed it. It's funny how some people think that makes for superior skill and musicianshio. It certainly takes skill but memorization is not musicality.

[@doctorjames4245]

Exactly. Being part of the process is a lot different to trying to learn the process.

[@timg2727]

Not only talented drummers but also Lars Ulrich

[@bryanlejeune8132]

This.

[@willemvdk4886]

As a drummer AND a professional video editor for 15+ years I appreciate the effort in both drumming and the video editing. It's a monumental effort on both parts. Awesome! I have a lot of respect.

[@phillagettie]

Amen!!!! Have so much appreciation for the production crew on this!! Imagine the absolute mammoth amount of footage to cut through, especially with a multicam set up. My brain would frizzle trying to piece together this puzzle on the timeline haha!! Good job noticing the detail!

[@Jump-2-the-moon]

A lot of viewers take for granted the video production when watching videos like this (myself included). Thank you for reminding me about the enormous talent in this video across the board!

[@jordangarrido3069]

I couldn't agree more!

[@davebenedum9253]

What a sport Mike was through out this. Not only are there few that could take on this feat, but be willing to put themselves out there to try it. Great job to Mike and Drumeo!

[@muhammadahsan3022]

I had no idea Mike is so humble. I think it takes balls to go through something like this specially when the cameras are rolling. Loved the difference in playing between the two legends. This is the best drumeo video ever.

[@fantabulousdave]

Well said!! I loved his improv

[@MasterTodd24]

Yeah, this was a display of character as a musician. Took his measures like a champ and kept us laughing along the way. Crazy respect.

[@adonymous8796]

Mike and Danny the Best drummers ever Budd!!!

[@claytondennis8034]

Mike is no slouch.... an understatement, I know. After 5.5 hours, he not only did a great job, and showed us how legit he is, but that he's a gracious artist full of complimemts for Danny. Mike solidifies my fandom for him.

[@Whiskey_Pleaz]

Mike used to be a regular at a restaurant I worked at. He always polite, very genuine and a great tipper. Real cool dude.

[@SeanMacRSA]

Yeah, that's exactly what I said when a mate of mine sent me this link. Mike absolutely knows his shit! Just goes to show, as intricate as Dream Theatre is, and as convoluted their music can get, Tool and Danny have their own tricks and sorcery too. I absolutely loved watching this. But who wouldn't? Tool on loop is always welcome!😂😂😂😂

[@JasonRyanWilson410]

Danny Carey tracked Aenima in 8 hours.

[@ehff_]

shout out to the editor of this video, this was probably crazy to put together

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

It's pretty mind blowing how he could figure out such a difficult song in such a short period of time. And some of his fills were so on point. It's amazing to see masters of the instrument in such setting.

[@jd0879]

Wow, this is easily the most impressive video Drumeo has done. This is probably one of the most daunting tasks and realistically Mike is very humble to show this process. 95% of drummers will never be able to learn this song and Mike attempted to within one evening having the whole process documented

[@king-manu2758]

Portnoy was already a drumming legend but I think after this video he ascended to the Olympus of drummers in most people's eyes

[@thefigure13]

@@king-manu2758this just demonstrates that Portnoy is the undisputed GOAT. Anyone doubting his ability to learn parts Mangini wrote for DT just got shut down

[@king-manu2758]

@@thefigure13 he'll learn anything mangini did and then proceed to play it with actual human feel

[@ev25zv]

@@thefigure13 Quite the opposite if you were paying close attention.

[@jd0879]

@@ev25zvDepends on your view point. I think it’s an unrealistic expectation that a real GOAT can play this flawlessly without significant time to understand, rehearse and memorize. Put any other elite drummer in Mike’s position and I believe they reach his final attempt in more or less the same amount of time. 5 hours is a really short period to learn a 12 minute song filled with tons of complexities. If Dany Carey goes on Drumeo I assure you he won’t be able to execute DoD flawlessly after 5 hours

[@menthol8850]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how fucking good the cinematography and audio recording/mixing is, an absolute joy. Thanks guys!

[@javierrenteria3195]

Nothing new man. They have a lot of money so.

[@soundslicefx4505]

Yeah man! Angles and everything are top notch. The audio is perfectly mixed.

[@MaxwellGravelle]

Agree with you here

[@pandino8888]

I looove the way how Mike was not even trying to 'copy' Danny's style in the interlude. He bring here his own style, which suits this so good. I would just love to see Danny's reaction to this!

[@RKelley187]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@thefitdrummer]

We absolutely need Danny's reaction video

[@philox2112]

Yes this part is awesome

[@anfie2495]

His twist on it was great!

[@SCBiscuit13]

That was a masterclass. You know now, why the guy takes the big bucks

[@atquinn1975]

When Mike says "I'm a feel guy", he nails what makes him awesome IMO. He's got a ton of technique, but the groove is always present and always feels great.

[@elizapark6461]

Exactly

[@ulysses_grant]

That phrase totally describe his genius.

[@RyanLaFevre]

It's what separates great progressive rock from everything else. All the complicated time signatures and polyrhythms in the world don't do you any good if you can't also nod your head to it.

[@hazardeur]

@@ulysses_grant what y'all blabbering about? every drummer that ever struggled with learning anything said something along those lines

[@ulysses_grant]

​@@hazardeur Next

[@MrLieka]

" 6-5 ... 6 6 5 ...The Neighbor of the beast " made me laugh so much

[@u.v.s.5583]

The Neighbor of Order 66 followed by the Neighbor of the Beast.

[@Zeezu70]

I seriously want to design a shirt now with Eddie from Maiden on the front lawn of a fifties-style home, waving like a neighbor, with that phrase "665 The Neighbor of the Beast!" 😝

[@bingobango4840]

Gold!

[@Jayzon666]

The "Neighbor of the beast" joke for 665 was done in Max Payne.

[@theanticitizen]

@@Jayzon666and in Alan Wake 2 recently

[@taylorwyatt333]

The humility and lack of ego for Portnoy to do this was awesome. To see his style imprinted on some of the parts was great as well, very enjoyable to watch the final play thru as well

[@Oden371]

This shows how amazing both these drummers are. A legend trying to learn another’s legend’s body of work. But you see how human he really is an all the work it goes into really being that good! Mad respects Mike!

[@7sins979]

This was like watching one genius try to crawl into another geniuses mind and sort out the madness inside. So much fun to see come together.

[@Bkesal14]

Beautiful description 😊

[@lazyi6356]

perfect take

[@electricred85]

I’m not a Dream Theater fan, but I am now a Mike Portnoy fan.

[@diemcarl5546]

We're on the same 📄 mate ❤

[@hhaste]

Same, I've tried to get into DT but can't, really.. aside from the Train of Thought album, I love that one. I've always loved Portnoy's playing, though.

[@kaoko111]

Is weird For me cause i dislike Dream Theater, however i love other projects with Mike, specially Winery Dogs.

[@serroche]

Listen to Images And Words from 92 and thank me later, it was the album that got me into them, easiest to dig into. The last song 'Learning To Live' is probably their best song to me

[@diemcarl5546]

@@serroche actually gonna thank you right away god knows when we meet next time 😁🙌 Spotified right now 👍 gonna dig it some time soon ✌️ peace

[@hiraethgamer2819]

"..Justin and I bring the riffs in when we jam and Danny will just start playing the most opposite poly-rhythm kinda thing to it, to the point where I'll forget how to play the riff *I* wrote and I'm like 'Danny, pleeeaaase play simpler'." --Adam Jones. Considering Danny is such a menace to his own band members even, I can't imagine what it must be like for non-band members. Highest praise to Mike for tackling this behemoth (and to surprisingly great result!)

[@Multicontemplator]

If anyone is curious this quote is from a Q&A Adam did on one of the tours for VIP ticket holders. You can find the entire audio here on KZbin. It's a nice listen if you are fan of the band.

[@jonathanhansen7734]

When he says it’s easier to write complicated music than learn it, he is speaking the truth 💯

[@DanSpengler]

I'd never expect anyone to precisely reproduce what's on that track in this setting. My biggest takeaway here is mad respect to Mike for giving so much time to the challenge when he has nothing to prove and already has a reputation as one of the GOAT in the genre. So many great drummers on Drumeo, but I question how many of them would be willing to spend close to 6 hours working this hard for someone else's song on someone else's channel.

[@keyvanmesbahi497]

Well said!

[@YaYousef5]

The beauty of this series is watching how a drummer analyzes a part, puts their own twist in it and us hearing the drummer play through the song, but sadly, we didn't get to see that last part because it's a comp. He cheated. No other person on this series has gotten notation and looked at a live performance of the song, and they played through it begging to end in one go. Mike didn't do that.

[@Safety_J395]

We need a Danny Carey reacts to Mike Portnoy playing Danny Carey.

[@mickeymassage]

I was thinking the exact same thing . Danny in the bottom right corner with his big toothy grin the whole time. I can’t listen to Danny Carey interviews in my lounge room thru my 5.1 because his deep voice maxes out my subwoofer 😂

[@arifafifuddin6802]

I need this too! Pls make this happen!

[@OKGK3]

This must happen!!!

[@kodedart2311]

YES PLEASE! ♥♥♥

[@blakejohnson6923]

And then a Mike portnoy watching Danny careys reaction to Mike portnoy playing Danny Carey

[@punkrock75]

Possibly the best drum video on the Internet.

[@tototakto4611]

I have been listening to Tool since 15 (im 34 now) and im still having trouble to headbang to their drums, massive respect to them, and to Mike as well, incredible artists.

[@EyalAmirMusic]

This to me was absolutely beautiful and authentic. Having watched many of these Drumeo videos over the years, this is the one that felt as close as possible to a real "artistic" session with a drummer. No predetermined licks, no jamming over 4/4 or 6/8. This was a real process of Mike dedicating himself to learn a complex piece of music with all the nuances. Loved it. Thank you for making it.

[@mcb3865]

❤🎉❤

[@jess_n_atx]

Why do you say 6/8 instead of 3/4 ? jw

[@EyalAmirMusic]

​@@jess_n_atx 6/8 and 3/4 are usually used to represent two different time 'feels'. 6/8 feels like 2/4 or 4/4 in triplets. Think of Queen's "Somebody To Love". 3/4 is slower, maybe something like Yes' "You And I". While 6/8 is extremely common, you rarely hear 3/4 in music.

[@M0DERN_B0REFARE]

Could imagine you calling Danny for help - "Hey Danny, what time signature are you playing this in?" Danny - "Yes".

[@pumpalBo]

underrated comment, LoL :)

[@johnnyfire3860]

This comment is way past retirement

[@sandansaiyan5675]

Mike has this fetish, too😊😂

[@НикЕфремов-ц3г]

All of'em...

[@MC-zi9rf]

actual answer would be "no"

[@juanpi1691]

This is the best and funniest video from Drumeo so far Mike has been torturing us for years when we try to learn his songs and now justice has been done. Thanks Drumeo Thanks Mike

[@Nebuloid1]

Did not expect to laugh my ass off watching a Drumeo video.

[@valdivia3]

As a human being that can barely play a guitar, gotta say that only people with a 15yo mentality would bash on a friggin amazing drummer trying to learn another's amazing drummer work, takes huge balls to even attempt it, getting it recorded is a whole other level, this channel always brings great stuff to watch :D

[@Aleyxzc4]

I love how patiently he actually conquered that insane challenge. What a chill dude.

[@adriantrusca1245]

Tool is nothing compared to the complexity of Dream Theater. And DT are actually metal. Tool are not.

[@kenvirag4025]

At 19:43 seeing Mikes face as he , unintentionally , flips and catches his stick after an intense fill is a testament to exactly how good he is....

[@vince6721]

I love how he calls Danny's playing "tasty" while most drummers heads explode while trying to learn this song. There's a reason why you are both in the GOAT category and mandatory listening for drummers everywhere.

[@Anjohl]

It's wild how "much like himself" he sounds right away, despite trying to replicate Danny's parts. He *nailed* that verse!

[@Soljarag5]

I think he actually called Danny tasty