Mike Portnoy - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?

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Legendary drummer Mike Portnoy sits down with Graham 'Gruhamed' Hartmann for a round of 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'.
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[@NarvieIsADrumma]

"Stephen with a PH" "All I could think of was "Phteven"

[@EthanRom]

+NarvieIsADrumma Do you work at Starbucks.

[@mkfanforever58]

lol

[@KobZen]

+blackknightkanos boss can i have a coffe plz

[@EthanRom]

Esteban Gil Ahem, it's "Coffee Master."

[@DogmanUndertheSea]

hahahaha

[@JeffreyBezeau]

Is it just me or Portnoy would make a fucking nice Pirate if they needed one in any movie

[@alejandro-glz]

+JeffreyBezeau He could make an great impersonation of Peter Jackson's Thorin

[@Jukkax26]

+Alejandro González that wasn´t him in the movie??????

[@Neuroguitarist]

He could be the guy on a pirate-boat who plays the drums for the rowing slaves. :-)

[@francismcalister7811]

JeffreyBezeau he could be the one that make the oarsmen keep pace

[@mr.potatohead6138]

Yeah, better than Johnny depp 4 sure!

[@DanielVerberne]

I'm touched by Mike Portnoy's openness and maturity shown in this video. He's diplomatic, tactful, yet open and obviously a very cool guy. I miss him from DT as a musician and I along with many other DT fans know just how much of himself he poured into the DT machine over many years. *Raises a glass*

[@sincerelynotme3522]

Don't have to miss him anymore!

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Great video & interview. Mike Portnoy was really relaxed and open and it was great to see!

[@edviges1]

MetalJesusRocks all this interviews of fact & fiction are relaxed and open

[@SRNF]

+MetalJesusRocks Wow nice seeing you here lol

[@OscarManners]

alright dude? :D

[@chase36chase]

oh Hi, metalJesus!^^

[@avengedsoul6661]

Gruhamed: “In 2010, you left Dream Theater…” MP: *No longer relaxed*

[@notrdy4thisjelly546]

“You held a minute of silence for the victims at every show?” “No I pushed old people out of the way”

[@MantisCrawl]

Mangini is cool and all but I really liked Portnoy in DT

[@ToveriJuri]

I like both.

[@WillWright-lx4hf]

This isn't exactly an unpopular opinion.

[@DlSASTERCHlLD]

Michael Phteven Portnoy.

[@ronnielopez4191]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Yeomannn]

Biblical

[@dariopadovan1976]

❤

[@avengedsoul6661]

You can literally see how uncomfortable Mike is with answering all the questions regarding leaving DT.

[@mrbungle3310]

avengedsoul6661 want him back so much

[@agmsmith4079]

Mike is a great guy. I’ve worked with him on albums in the past. He has talked about leaving DT and it got real ugly and I think that is why he gets uncomfortable and wants to pass. He is above trash talking Petrucci. DT was Portnoy’s band and baby. He basically started the band with Petrucci and he was very instrumental in the success the band had... so when Petrucci decided to kick him out for asking to take a break it got real ugly real quick. But you know, Mike has gone on to do so many great things and DT in my opinion sucks now without portnoy... so good for mike. He kicks ass. Amazing guy, amazing drummer, hardworking musician. When I was working with him he had 3 different songs in the active rock charts with 3 different bands. Mike is a workaholic and a force to be reckoned with. Much love to him and he deserves all the success in the world, and I’m glad to see he keeps having success after success.

[@jsmirnoff77]

Because he is a bitch

[@jagzin6147]

Jeremy Smirnov Shut the fuck up.

[@robertherrick6703]

Agreed but it seems like there was some legality issue that prevented him from explaining too much. It's interesting that I never saw any of the other false facts online but the lawyer communication thing seems to hold up.

[@jaymacdonnell4730]

What i love about Mike is it's obvious he holds no grudges. His influence on Dream Theater - and progressive metal as a whole - is indelible and I just hope he finds a band or musical outlet that truly lets him express his creativity.

[@missselfdestruct9651]

with avenged sevenfold being my favorite band of all time, i'll be forever grateful for mike for helping them out with the nightmare-record. on a further note, he seems like such a nice and down-to-earth guy. he's probably super chill to hang with. what a legend.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

All time? You gotta be kidding dude...are you young?

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Never mind, just saw you were a chick...explains it...

[@beaconx_sxe3193]

Mr.SmithGNR Smith well that’s pretty fucking rude she might just like avenged

[@hazardgaminghg122]

@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 Panties in a bunch.

[@hazardgaminghg122]

@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 Sexist and your panties are in a bunch.

[@ThaTruth223]

dude looks about 35/40,yet he's about to be 50

[@PinkpiscesASMR]

ThaTruth223 a few months ago I thought he was like 35, I was super shocked when I found out he's 50. he looks great.

[@tylerdees4850]

Yeah hes 50.

[@DianitaYoutube]

And has a beautiful hair as well, very well kept and healthy.

[@squidwardstesticles5914]

Drumming is great exercise

[@Vynterchilld]

Was just thinking the same, I guess cutting out alcohol did him good...

[@MultiEneka]

Fargo Cap?! Mike's the boss😱💪

[@LoudwireMusic]

MultiEneka Right?

[@MultiEneka]

Loudwire Right 😍

[@supermechdragonslayer]

+MultiEneka Left ?

[@brunocastro9510]

+MultiEneka middle?

[@GNARGNARHEAD]

+MultiEneka a little to the left!

[@jakepark9962]

You should get john myung or john petrucci on wikipedia fact of fiction

[@aidanriess4946]

John myung never speaks lol

[@Neuroguitarist]

I think at least he will be able to say "fact" or "fiction". ;-)

[@Progbassist]

First question of John Myung fact or fiction: Is it true that you almost never speak? Myung: .......... (Interview ends)

[@riffheart]

Progbassist This is fucking hilarious. 😹😹😹

[@blitzwing23]

@@Progbassist he might nod.

[@jamdwhi]

I really like Gruhamed. He's so sincere and seems to be a bit starstruck and respectful enough that he doesn't feel the need to do the typical ego-driven attempts at annoying humor like most interviewers. Not to mention, he does his research and asks really good questions. Thumbs up

[@goopah]

All true. Yeah, I've always really liked the guy.

[@ALadCalledPruitt]

And then the Gene Simmons episode happened

[@BamaMatters11]

He's awkward as hell and cringe worthy to me.

[@NavidKhan84]

He is cringe af

[@SLOPPEWALL]

Navid Khan Free candy van comes to mind.

[@rooftopsignals7313]

as a drummer(beginner) one of my biggest dreams is mike being my teacher. nice inerview

[@danieldellamarine1363]

One month and you would probably be HAVING a panic attack

[@ganteng_ini_menyiksa]

Great musician. Mike looks relax, open and I can see he still loves DT

[@saedt]

Such a cool guy, so down to earth ^ ^

[@lucasmegadeth]

saedt Is that a Rainbow reference?

[@GlenGlingo9]

In an alternate universe Steve Stone chanted "Scream for me Bayshore"! while the band was in Long Beach.

[@aidancarpio5151]

Glen Ryder nice😂😂

[@fraser_cummings]

There needs to be a wiki fact or fiction with John Myung

[@ThomasJ502]

Fraser Cummings Gruhamed: you play a six string bass. John myung: -_-

[@nyx9208]

Short Tom Grahamed: it says your name is John Ro Myung John Myung: -_-

[@eduardoyamaha7279]

"It says on wikipedia you can speak" "...."

[@BCapelas]

April 20th 2000 Aula Magna Lisbon Portugal. Last show from the tour. i was there!

[@vodzdrums]

+Capelli0ne you watched history happening, i envy you

[@BCapelas]

+Vodvvio it was my first time seeing them live. Spocks Beard (With Neal Morse) opened that show. Great Times! Cheers

[@vodzdrums]

wow, man! it gets even more awesome! haha

[@TheBandFake]

How was the weed m8?

[@Daniel_Alves1993]

Bruno Capelas and now Portnoy is playing with Neal Morse

[@stangs4life1987]

He is playing double bass throughout this interview. Lol

[@DeadeyesX311]

holy shit mike looks like his just in his late 30s

[@Question_Authority]

Musically he has so much to give, and he's been doing it, sharing with many people and bands. He's very brave.

[@andrewt248]

Kudos on getting sober, man.

[@DavidJones-kz6ik]

He's back, baby!

[@sombergirl2886]

Mike seems like a very down to earth guy & is a great drummer

[@ulysses_grant]

Mike Portnoy is such a nice guy! No wonder he was the one drinking with the opening band or with the staff crew after the shows! Legend!

[@SALTYDATTO]

Mike, you are hands down my biggest influences in drumming and I wish you the best. Keep on stage and making them sick beats! love ya, man.

[@MooseheadStudios]

Mike honest as always.

[@bmardon2112]

mike is excellent, one of my favorite drummers for sure

[@marcogiugno]

I'm following Mike since 1994. He' s one of my favourite drummers and artists as a man as a influence. I lost interest about Dream Theater since Mike left them and a little time before when the music left space to exasperated notes at 2000 bpm. For me, Mike is an Emblem of DT, without him everything change. I would like DT makes a good music with maturity and research, up until now i heard only an upgrade of Tecnique increased by Mike Mangini, very monster of tecnique and mechanical impact. Obviously it's only my personal opinion. I'm so happy when i'm listening OSI, Transatlantic and so on because move me emotionally.Sorry for my little English. ;-) Ciao Mike, sometimes i dream i'm playing solo drums on your drumkit with you, Fantastico !!!

[@MakGedubrak]

+1

[@anirudhviswanathan3986]

And u forget Kevin Moore, THE man who is credited with DT's only radio hit, "pull me under" and co wrote a lot of the stuff on Images & words and Awake?!

[@thelema3278]

Anirudh Viswanathan They lost a musical ear in 1994

[@javila6341]

Your English is good ...Love your passion for Mike Portnoy..i can relate.

[@deluge71]

Mike comes across as a really down-to-earth guy here, which makes me happy. I've heard some stories about him over the years that aren't exactly flattering, but it's really cool to see him do an interview in which he's relaxed and very much "in the moment."

[@someonesomewhere8805]

They've never been the same. I'll always love DT, but not as much as when you were there Mike. Can't say I'm a fan of the other bands and projects you've done since, but you have my everlasting respect and admiration.

[@Koutentogiwrghs]

How do you spot a drummer? Simple! They can't be idle! They will start to hit their feet on the ground or their hands on their laps just like if they were drumming :)

[@theone1949]

Funny thing is I do the same thing, except I'm a narcissist (:

[@omukssbm]

Koutentogiwrghs Perfectly describes me.

[@witchyasgod]

a lot if people do that, not just drummers but yeah

[@linegenrou]

he has ADHD

[@chrisrodriguez2636]

B.S. I do it all the time and I'm a Guitarist

[@marcelorodriguez3499]

What if you swap the T and the N?

[@Twuntt]

hahaha 😂

[@phoenix7289]

hahah wow so funny you're so clever. Not.

[@Twuntt]

+phoenix7289 my nigga just sounds peanut butter and jealous lol

[@spanzotab]

+Jake Quartetti comment of the year

[@jeoyt4909]

porntoy

[@user-pd2us3oo4i]

Great interview. Love Mike!

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Mike Portnoy a true drumming legend. In the pantheon of the Drum Gods without doubt.

[@Krimson5pride]

40 seconds in and i am already hyped up

[@kanyewest132]

i love how he talks about all these films and he also has a fargo beanie on

[@DanteSpinotti1]

Mike Portnoy is such a creative and mythic drummer. I prefer his work since leaving Dream Theater and that's no disrespect to any party.

[@stevesloan5935]

Great interview!!

[@chadgipson7567]

Saw DT in Boise years ago. I was on the first level up from the floor. After the show, he pointed at me with a stick and threw it like a hatchet to me and I somehow caught it between my fingers. Wish I knew who walked out of my house with that stick. Best catch I've ever made outside a ballgame. I'll never forget it.

[@Dead_ham]

And then everyone clapped?

[@TheBonzobonzo]

Amazing amazing amazing guy!!! Drumming inspiration!

[@ZoranSandorov]

Great,this expands into interview

[@marzareth932]

good interview!!

[@xddbzfan8697]

6 years later and I still watch this video.

[@richardmountz3865]

Forever Rock Royalty. Thanks for bringing it Man...

[@JCGCompositions]

We still love 'ya Mike! Best of luck to you.

[@youngjesta]

R.i.p. James Sullivan. I got to see Mike play with A7X. Miss the rev man things would be so different for avenge today. Love that band and Mikes a good dude.

[@TheBumi12]

Awesome George Harrison shirt!

[@mauriciohernandezdiaz9825]

+Marwan Bayoumi When he moves it looks like Mikkey Dee

[@tammysigmon853]

+Mauricio Hernández Díaz I thought it looked a little like Richie Sambora with short hair when he moves too. But since you mentioned it, I see Mikkey when he moves. Lol

[@christopherdicicco9252]

+Mauricio Hernández Díaz when I saw it first looked like Roger Waters then George Harrison.

[@DavidRFIT]

It's Chuck Norris.

[@digitaldeathsquid3448]

I thought it was Jim Morrison

[@MrMvstic]

Mike Stopped drinking the day before i was born

[@Opethfannumberone]

Mvstic__ he did it for you

[@rezakamyar]

Mvstic__ LMAO

[@RainbowRoadCrashTest]

Coincidentally, he stopped drinking the day when my sister was born. That came out of nowhere.

[@J_i_z_z_y]

Omg your a baby still I turned 18

[@bizuchettri9027]

me too

[@AGATZShore]

RIP mike's father, I did not know him but from what he said, it seems that he was a very good person

[@insunblemel6757]

Love the Opus shirt. Ghost is life.

[@garyconner6151]

Still my favorite drummer.stay strong Mike your the best.have you heard from geddy and Alex yet.

[@dirhamnasruddin922]

musicians have the best personalities and make great interviewees

[@relentless.7638]

portnoy handled the DT questions quite professionally.

[@patdonovan8368]

Class act all the way. Not a bad word about anybody. That’s an admirable quality lacking in today’s world.😎👍

[@riksulovesbc4278]

Just a humble guy and looks damn good. 👌👌❤

[@7russelster]

He's a very cool guy.very down to earth😇

[@birdsmail]

Love his look and tattoos.

[@EMMETproxy]

Mike Portnoy is a real pro drummer. A real life hero kids, now I see him... his on my list of people I admire.

[@tylerdees4850]

Mike is a amazing Drummer.

[@anidemolimacnauj]

what a nice guy

[@ArepawithCheese]

Great interview! I didn't know Mango was a reporter.

[@mindstormd]

Nice! See you in a few weeks MP!

[@andresdis]

Good to know that such programs are trying to clarify those "facts" that are in the web, especially in Wikipedia, related with my favorite drummer Mike Portnoy and favorite band, Dream theater :D

[@CesarGonzalesF]

What a nice guy Mike is!!!!

[@001davem]

Cool dude, amazing drummer

[@freeds6601]

Mike portnoy is one of the best drummers I know

[@bengriffin6232]

Blimey, some difficult questions dodged there!!

[@LautaroGalanCid]

first interview i see of this guy. i was under the impression he was kind of an arroganr asshole, but from what i saw gotta say he sounded down to earth, and an all around nice guy

[@Alex-kn5tr]

Lautaro Emanuel Galán Cid do you just assume talented people are all arrogant pieces of shit?

[@LautaroGalanCid]

Not at all. Just this guy gave me that vibe.

[@javila6341]

Exactly...the most down to earth drummer I have to agree...and he is Super hyper...Creative As none other ..he is a great songwriter, excellent drummer. Neal Morses albums are just perfect with Portnoy ...and Flying Color is Great Super Group ...created by him and excellent musicians on top of the game...Sons of Apollo...I don't follow them much

[@psyberiusblack]

He kind of got that rep because he literally ran DT for 25 years and he was passionate about it. I think that passion was misunderstood and taken as arrogance. And DT fans wanted someone to vilify for the band breaking up. Portnoy was an easy scape goat since he was the one who wanted to take a break. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, all the DT guys are pretty cool guys.

[@The_blindpizzaguy1300]

Lautaro Emanuel Galán Cid you know I saw a couple of interviews right after he left the band and it kind of seem like he was the voice of reason while everybody else was being a jerk to him. I found these interviews when I was trying to get an answer to why he left the band. Kind of seem like John Petrucci was trying to take over frontal duties and maybe it was just his tone of voice, but it really seem like he was deliberately trying to be a jerk to the reporter who is just asking questions. Now I don’t know about your philosophy about music or anything, but to me that is a clue to why he could’ve left in the first place. After watching this video it kind of allowed me to put two into together and figure out exactly what was going on there.

[@shanedorsey2247]

There's alot of Mike portnoy Fan's out there me included he inspired me so much as a drummer

[@derekcurtis51]

Remember seeing him live when he was with dream theater.

[@TheDarkestSixx]

Mike is awesome. Period.

[@BrianGivensYtube]

I have loved MP & DT since I played Panic Attack on Roackband on PS2. Now I find out we share the same birthday. Crazy.

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

Props to Mike for his patience with these rather intrusive questions.

[@snerddarplol]

Hearing his view on the A7X thing is good. The Rev would have been so fuckin pumped about Portnoy filling in. Glad that happened, Mike, you are the shit. And Jimmy, we

[@darksorcerermusic]

Good Interview Love the ghost shirt. When can we expect a ghost interview?

[@MilsurpMikeChannel]

Play Misty for Me was an awesome movie.

[@Kudabear1]

Haha born on 420

[@BlakeMullens]

Two types of people

[@binchsoda]

Was looking for this

[@johnboybarr1332]

Hitlers birthday

[@spamsingles5948]

Also the Columbine anniversary

[@KevinLuWX]

It's always nice to know that your favorite drummer Mike Portnoy has the same birthday as you.

[@suttybuddy7273]

I have this Tama drums video tape “Out of the box and onto the stage” and Mike is on there.

[@sudharsanpaskaran]

legendary drummer

[@sunnyra9476]

love his Ghost shirt!!

[@son.of.celluloid]

I love mike portnoy 💛

[@faceless2056]

His drumming is great on A7X "Nightmare."

[@marcoferrao]

The 5 year hiatus would have been much better. Still admire them for the work they´ve done.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

LOL the look on his face for that last question.

[@NickCADA]

One hell of a drummer.

[@XX-bo5pb]

What a cool guy!!

[@adriandelarosa2537]

I love his Mr. Harrison shirt!

[@Nazereth666]

Is anyone else amused at how Mike's Harrison shirt makes funny faces as he moves?

[@mavil64]

He consumed his final alcoholic drink the day I was born and we share a bday. nice

[@kvothethekingkiller4652]

Best drummer in metal, ever

[@GhostGuitars]

Cool guy

[@TheHiton16]

Sick 'n tired of being sick 'n tired =D best ever.

[@bestgodzillaman]

I used to go to the Dream Theater when I was stationed at DLI in Monterey CA! Cool! Peace out.

[@LuchoCastle_11]

7:59 check out George Harrison's face.

[@snuijt8815]

🤣

[@garyconner6151]

I saw that too.

[@Julius2965]

hahaha

[@kwizmon]

Cracking 😂

[@hafizdean1758]

Please, play with DT once in a life time. So i can rest in peace 😭

[@oscartorres9287]

Mike portnoy wearing a T shirt with Mike Manginis face on it. That's love!

[@lucaannaratone]

That is not mike mangini