Mike Portnoy interview on Parasomnia, Nicko McBrain, James LaBrie, compromises & more

[@MetalPilgrim]

What did you think of the first two Parasomnia singles?

[@eleventhfinger3212]

A Better Man felt like the guitar was possessed by the spirit of Chuck Berry and I loved it

[@ErenionAncalima1]

Night terror was awesome Better Man was meh.

[@patohordas]

Nice ❤

[@endlessorbaggins8223]

Night terror was fun and each time I listened to it it did not feel like 10 min. Broken Man left me neutral. Overall my expectations are that DT as a prog band push boundaries and evolve from an album to another. A bit like we see with Leprous. I find they have settled with a recipe now and the last two singles were pretty much familiar ground in term of production, sound, song structures, etc that we got from the past DT albums since Chaos in Motion. Interesting to hear Mike on this interview telling that its what they aimed for. In the end as long as they do compose music for them and not the audience and that they enjoy what they do, its all that matters.

[@EddieStrangerattler]

I liked both. Better Man was an interesting song, it grew on me the 2nd listen.

[@them2002]

I'm not ashamed to say that hearing Mike Portnoy was back in DT was ONE of the best days of my life.

[@bsanp]

Dude, get a life. hahahaha

[@DonTitoification]

I shouted out loud when I saw the new, I swear

[@them2002]

@@bsanp lol

[@them2002]

@bsanp I mean, it wasn't as cool as touching a boobie for the first time but it was pretty damn awesome when they announced his return

[@マシュードーラン]

@@bsanpDude, get a favorite band

[@ThZuao]

My man already interviewing metal legends.

[@tonyrauls1941]

I remember the first time I heard DT on the radio back in the mid 90's. Hearing "pull me under" while I was being bombarded with a bunch of bad grunge was so memorable to me. My friends were NOT into it, but similar to my entire life, that didn't deter me from buying Images and Words. Thank you DT, besides Rush, you were my first exposure to progressive music. 🙏

[@wildcountry72]

I found the video while watching "Headbangers Ball" in 92-93. I bought the cassette(yes I said cassette) I went to Germany where I digested that album for almost a year before hearing awake.

[@caroljmcbr]

That's exactly how I found them in '92 and have been in love with them all these years!!! Finally saw them live in Mesa AZ on 02/02/22....magic numbers?

[@capitatus1984]

8:07 what a crazy moment!! Hope you are ok!

[@MistyTires_YT]

"We should only have war in games"

[@simondodd918]

I thought Mike was right when he left, and listening to him talking about the setlists, I still think he was right. They needed a break. He took one and it has clearly benefited him.

[@OlexandrIgnatov]

Дякую за інтервʼю, супер цікаве! Момент з тривогою… 🫤 знайомо. Тримаємось 🙏

[@jerseymetalmike5111]

Great interview! The first time I've seen an interview interrupted by an air raid alert! I'm glad you didn't edit it out. Stay safe and keep rockin 🤘

[@Metalfan81-q6t]

I always enjoy listening to Mike talk. Great that hes back.

[@mariapiankova7177]

woooow, Mike Portnoy, thank you for that interview, man. I am a huge fan of DT. We were in Lodz last November on their 40 anniversary concert, that was fu**ing amazing. I am so glad that Mike back to DT

[@tecnar4632]

Great interview, stay safe

[@bloodbrothers_im]

Such a wonderful interview with Mike! 🤩

[@bloodbrothers_im]

@MetalPilgrim Thank you Vlad

[@MetalPilgrim]

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danieleb6863]

Great interview

[@dreamtheaterstryper]

What an awesome interview. What an incredible situation with the alarm going off. Man.. I hope so much this war ends asap! Our hearts are with you Ukrainians! On the musical side: Thank you for asking the questions I wished to be answered and thank you for speaking so well that you really nailed the tone and you were respectful but not superficial. This created a real intimate feeling. It felt like sitting around a campfire and telling stories between us metal and progmetal fans. Awesome! Thank you! 🙌🏻🤘🏻

[@EricPatton-NC]

Mike's room is an epic library of musical art! 🎼

[@claytondenton2385]

Stay strong Ukraine. Stay safe and thank you for taking the time to interview Mike Portnoy. ❤️‍🔥🇺🇦

[@usagi2988]

Great interview with an absolute legend... Mike, if for some crazy reason you read this: you (through Dream Theater) got me through high school & college (and y'all have been with me in some way since then). Double horns on this one, folks ('cause one set ain't enough): 🤘🤘

[@arsenalfansnorway]

Fantastic job mate. Mike is so cool to talk to.

[@basione]

In 2003, I was a normal high-school boy, listening to The Offspring, Blink-182, Linkin Park, etc. "Wtf is Train of Thought?" A warp gate to another universe 😆

[@outtanowhere5321]

What a great interview , DT is one of my favorite bands, along with Maiden, Priest and Rush so them being mentioned was extra cool. The new album is fantastic. Stay safe brother!

[@Nickshreds890]

You are a fantastic interviewer ! I can tell you’re really passionate and your questions are genuinely thought provoking . So nicely done ! :) Mike seems like such a kind guy and I appreciate his amazing drumming. Also I sincerely hope that you and your family are safe and healthy . Sending my prayers your way . :)

[@slappywag7210]

Mike is a wicked nice guy. I met him once in a small club in Massachusetts during the images and words tour. It was awesome seeing them at such a small venue.

[@swampscott2670]

Saw them in Hadley in January of 93. Those were the days.

[@MatthewGRedhead]

Great interview! Really hope they play Parasomnia in full when I see them in July. Stay safe!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks for doing this interview!

[@benfdl]

He's such a good and humble person.💗

[@talaniel]

Great interview, some nice questions :-) Oh and that raid alarm was insane! Hope you're safe!

[@wilsoncapucci]

Counting the seconds till the release of the album!!

[@redsed1565]

Or the drones 😅😅😮

[@jrbbassmusic6749]

That was a crazy reality check at 8:07 - we all take being at home safe for granted and it can change in a heart beat! Great interview though....looking forward to enjoying the new album!

[@metaldog70x7]

Great interview Vlad...praying safety for you and your family.

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

thank you for this great interview. Mike is one of my favourite musicians of all time!

[@jpwieczorek]

What a way to celebrate my birthday! And on my 60th.!!! I can't wait to get my hands on it!!!

[@rockerbob949]

Hell yeah. Hello From Orange County California. Much love. Rock on 🤘

[@ThiagoCamposOfficial]

Always cool to get updates from the DT guys! Thanks for doing this!

[@HugoPoliquin]

Amazing interview, I'm excited for the new dream theater album !!

[@Chudley716]

We love you Mike! ❤

[@BobMcMac]

Great interview! Also, wishing you all the best in Ukraine!

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

I'm definitely looking forward to this album!

[@jedmontgomery9696]

Your dedication to your craft is inspiring! Thank for bringing the metal gods to the people!

[@dmytromats3690]

Mike is DA MAN. Great interview!

[@TwoandaHater]

I like your question at 5:20 mark, that was a good one.

[@dariap5763]

Great interview, really enjoyed it, thank you Also very pleased to hear this level of English ❤😊

[@dieguitus_aranda]

Fantastic interview!

[@AceRazor]

Thank you for this interview. As an American, you have my support always. I'm sorry you have to live under constant threat, and I hope our current government doesn't abandon you lot.

[@Day_Jyer]

An actual good interviewer!

[@RafikGRizkallah]

Loved this interview so simple and enjoyable. Thank you

[@PabloOrellana33]

Thanks!

[@drdiva70]

Amazing work!

[@tjflash60]

Thank you for the video. Best wishes and safety to your family. It is great to see you continue the content during a difficult time.

[@curtarmmar]

Great interview. Stay safe, brother \m/

[@ChrisLT]

Excellent interview, I liked Mangini but Portnoy really is irreplaceable when it comes to the band's history. And man, the air raid alert was scary even all the way here. Hope you all remain safe.

[@petedog9581]

I think Mike is a better drummer now after the time away. He played with so many talented musicians... mostly metal collabs. I think he brings an edge back to the band.

[@ConnorHammond]

Great interview. Wishing your family and country safety.

[@nonamejustbecause-b9k]

I wonder if Mike P ever played at the Peru Field Days in Peru NY>>>>I met a kid there when I was young that talked alot like Mike

[@mr198221]

Portnoy is the GOAT

[@stephenbrady916]

I saw the last dt portnoy north American show in Virginia in 2010 and I will see the first NA portnoy dt show in Philly in February

Wait! So, you're telling me Dream Theater is back together? 😝😝Just kidding. I love Shane LeBron, Spike Porntoy, Sean Pentoncci, Gordan Rundess and Ron Minyon. 😜😜

[@LungMing23]

Stay safe out there!

[@austin5732]

I can't wait to see dream theater in TX

[@nmatheis]

I'm another "old guy" who has surely heard pop songs but have no clue what they are and who they're by, and I'm totally fine with that!

[@DonTitoification]

loved his T-Swift era

[@artamonov7891]

Great interviewer )😅

[@andyfox8377]

Yes!!! Just only one of the best drummer of all time.

[@gestalt7756]

15:00 part that makes me sad

[@DavidJones-kz6ik]

The moment when that air raid alert happened hit hard.

[@drumjosh1987]

Ah, bend the clock is such a great song!

[@MikaelMikaelMikael]

It's interesting that they chose to change some of the vocal melodies in old songs instead of lowering the whole key of the song. I personally think it sounds wrong when you change the vocal melody. But then again, it would also sound wrong to lower the whole key, because the instrumental sections are so ingrained in our brains in their original keys. But I think in any other band they would lower the key. Dream Theater is a different band.

[@mattmckeon1688]

Yeah, it's not really an option to relearn all the guitar and keyboard parts transposed down a tone or minor third other than detuning, which would sound muddy and a bit strange. They're kinda stuck with having to alter the vocal melodies, which isn't my favourite approach either.

[@iamgreen2964]

"as we all get older, the physical limitations of our bodies become more and more a reality" - Mike Portnoy Buddy Rich with 85: Hold my beer and my rolator....

[@robsonalves7203]

Air raid alarm???? How's that so?? Geez I hope you people are fine. Cheers from Brazil! Love you Mike.

[@_thenyounoticeyourethinking]

Parasomnia seems very promising!

[@Xformat01]

0:27 - What did he say??? - "Hello you little Mboogedysedem"?

[@andymccallum8090]

I always wonder what mike would say if someone brought up delicately and diplomatically James LaBrie "singing" live. They must be self aware enough to know how James sounds.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Obviously, we've all seen the Dream Theater drummer auditions but I can't help but wonder if Mike had a personal favorite or drummer he thought should have gotten the gig? Basically, who would he have hired if he was auditioning drummers to join DT.

[@hichaelhyers]

My educated guess would be Marco Minnemann

[@darrenelliott-x8e]

when dream and day unit, best album ever.

[@AndimatterUniverse]

Pretty sure this was Mike Portnoys first interview where the interviewer had to check if a ballistic missile was about to hit their house. Love Dream Theater, Fuck Russia and Glory to Ukraine.

[@danlc95]

Happy for Portnoy and his fans, but man do I miss Mangini.

[@-01-in2zu]

А будуть субтитри ?

[@MetalPilgrim]

Українською вже доступно повністю інтервʼю на україномовному каналі ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbLiHuXjMx2arssi=YcUSmKd3gwRLdmia

[@perrymason6691]

Льорн інгліш бро😅

[@-01-in2zu]

@ я сістер

[@SteinBergsson]

New songs are very average... I'm underwhelmed

[@KevinSnydermoonlighttide]

Imagine what it's like in Gaza

[@olavin43]

Midnight messiah is very much the best so far.. 👍but I hope that this crazy war ends soon. It is so sad

[@markhouser9536]

I am curious about James Labrie.. What is his future with Dream Theater? There are some pretty cruel things out there about him and some unfortunately bad live performances from him. I find it sad. Does anyone have any new info on him? I thought they would cover that on this interview..

[@bunnihilator]

The real question is. Are there any masterpieces in that album?

[@eleventhfinger3212]

what he thinks of poopdoody gumdrop?

[@ironwolg]

Ah, another man of culture!

[@eleventhfinger3212]

@@ironwolg every dream theater fan (and anti-fan) can enjoy this genius work! I wonder if the band heard it yet

[@rodfriesen4370]

I turn 53 on Feb 7th!! Send me the album!

[@robertleckenby3819]

the man with the biggest ego in metal. yes he's a great drummer but he makes it all about him. much prefer Mangini in DT.

[@fabiocasemiro9076]

Mangini Back please

[@MattFoote]

I love the Middle Earth map over Vlad's shoulder. Be safe.

[@Kubi1407]

It makes him very friendly, that he doesnt know Taylor Swift.

[@gibsonlespaul796]

I love Portnoy, but I'll be honest, I prefer Mangini in DT. I know DT is far more valuable with Portnoy and I'm glad the guys are back being friends, but I thought Mangini added finesse, fluidity, and dexterity that Portnoy cannot touch! Not saying MM is better than MP because that's dumb considering they're both world class, but I like the parts Mangini played better !!!

[@benfdl]

Mike talked more in here than Myung in his whole life

[@bmb3178]

Tatat drone alarm was shivergiving...and yeah...that is only one word describing tjat horror of a situation-KURWA

[@MultiEchelon]

Ох, эта военная тревога посредине интервью.. Это шокирует. Поскорее бы это все закончилось и наступил мир

[@thomasbrainville8233]

next blabbermouth headline : mike portnoy said that james labrie isnt in his 20's anymore

[@mht525]

Awesome Portnoy 🥁..The Taylor Swift drum track is a killer. 😂 Great content. Slava Ukraini Heroyam Slava ✌️ 🤘 🇦🇺 🇺🇦

[@sebasfajardo1042]

I miss Mike Mangini, man!

[@jontteheikkinen1049]

Most of the fans from far back don’t. Portnoy still is DT and has always brought a great feel into the songs. In my own humble opinion, Mangini’s freaking click took away a lot of the natural and human elements from the drumming. Dream Theater could as much have had a drum machine live when he filled the void Portnot left. People would barely have heard the difference between Mangini and a drum machine, sadly enough.

[@erakattack]

​@@jontteheikkinen1049It's not the click so much. SO many bands play to a click nowadays. It's almost vital. Mangini is great, but he's so damn mechanical and overly obsessed with useless technical minutiae. The tones and samples he chose for his drums just sucked the soul out of his drums and sealed the deal.

[@shaunsteele6926]

"Myyyke Peeertnuuoy"

[@karolkochanowski3809]

That “kurwa” was the least expected thing for me :D

[@MuhammadAli-vp7qt]

Thanks to the Biden administration

[@M4NA5]

@@MuhammadAli-vp7qt remember to wear a helmet whenever you step out of shelter

[@oleksiyalkhazov9201]

DT is the ONLY band I haven't managed to see live before 2022 😢 Anyways, thanks for the interview to both MPs ❤

[@luispenedasilva]

Peace for Ukraine

[@danidelgado3015]

The new album sounds like old DT?, wtf???

[@randyhenderson6166]

👍

[@redsed1565]

I was over DT after Kevin Moore left😮❤😊

[@JVR10893]

Then you missed out on the greatest prog metal album ever written: Metropolis Pt. 2, Scenes From a Memory

[@redsed1565]

@ pink floyd wannabe album.

[@JVR10893]

@@redsed1565 lol ok

[@ericaudia8283]

And yet here you are!