Mike Portnoy Plays Van Halen's "I'm The One"

During Modern Drummer's Tribute to Alex Van Halen, Live from Ironshore Studios, Mike Portnoy discussed the origins of Alex's famous shuffle groove that appears in several VH songs. Enjoy this clip of Mike playing "I'm The One" from Van Halen's debut album.
Watch the full tribute video here - • Live From IronShore - ...
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[@poindextertunes]

The older I get the more I realize how underrated Alex Van Halen was

[@poindextertunes]

@gr5382 I’d the tone of his kick drums made up for it. He was the first one to use those kick triggers if I remember correctly. Birth of the heavy metal sounding kick drum

[@danender5555]

"Underrated", such a meaningless pathetic junk word.

[@peternorthe1912]

Buddeh… he was always very highly rated. And still is!

[@casanovafrankenstein8538]

Especially when you try to play this song, it's a doozee

[@dreadbull5039]

@@danender5555That’s a weird overreaction lol

[@silverjaw138]

Alex is the most underrated drummer of that era

[@ArjanSnijder]

alex and eddie where both top notch musicians. Alex indeed is underrated.

[@humanactivated1017]

Steve smith is most underrated drummer of thst era , listen to Journey escape album

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo is by Far The most underrated drummer ever. No doubt

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo is by Far The most underrated drummer ever because Rullo is much more technical and skilled than PeArt, Portnoy and Alex

[@RUHDD4HVN]

@@ArjanSnijder I think Eddie Van Halen is the most underrated guitar player, just saying.

[@pcs56]

When you see intensity in Portnoy's face and playing when covering another drummer, you know the original drummer was bad ass.

[@benburnett8109]

I thought portnoy just did the "barstool podcast" stuff. I had no idea he was an amazing drummer as well.

[@ben1ben]

​@@benburnett8109 Wait are you saying you did not know Mike Portnoy is a drummer let alone having been the drummer for Dream Theater, with some of the hardest Drum parts ever?

[@Jimmy-yq5kg]

@@ben1ben It went right over your head!

[@Jimmy-yq5kg]

@@benburnett8109 How else do you think he stays in shape from eating all that pizza?

[@ben1ben]

@@Jimmy-yq5kg is that like an Insider on the Podcast or sum? What did i miss

[@59thfsaviation79]

Alex is the reason I started playing drums. Mike is the reason I still do.

[@tm71100]

Nice

[@matthewdriggers2928]

YES SIR!

[@GillBoldberg]

This is one of the first times Mike Portnoy hasn’t sounded like Mike Portnoy. He nailed the parts and was completely in the pocket.

[@bishopoftroy]

Exactly, maybe because of all those years in so many different bands and away from Dream Theater. Even John Petrucci said that his playing is so much refined now.

[@leddygee1896]

I'm expecting great things from Mr. Portnoy & Dream Theater in the coming months. Could this new album be their "Dark Side Of The Moon" moment? We shall see...

[@FinnGamble]

He does a pretty good Ringo impersonation as well. There are some live recordings on KZbin, definitely worth checking out!

[@arsonne]

He’s doing the opposite of Lars Ulrich and just getting better.

[@unluckykeys]

never heard anyone claim that there's pocket in a Van Halen song before, that's interesting

[@michaelpalermo354]

Not too many drummers can say they had an identifiable sound. Alex is an incredible drummer.

[@RUHDD4HVN]

It's the snare for sure......

[@michaelpalermo354]

@@RUHDD4HVN I’m not a drummer, so I don’t really know but to me a part of his recognizable sound, and just a part of his sound to me because there’s more… but he makes his kit sound very shimmery. Which always sounds like a cymbal is constantly being attacked/used?

[@RUHDD4HVN]

@@michaelpalermo354 I agree with you, but his snare is his very distinctive voice and a sonic signature like no other. We can add his kick drums too. 💪

[@PaulyV56]

pateneted his drum "sound" eg.

[@charlesdjones1]

To me, "I'm the One" is Van Halen's most "Van Halen" song. It's got everything that made the band over-the-top next level badass. 🤟👍🔥

[@richevans609]

Mean Street and I'm The One

[@thomhagan8297]

@@richevans609 Man, the remastered Mean Street is TIGHT.

[@blak1lyte]

hell YES!!! its a bullet train on high that never slows down but for a brief nanosecond giving you a chance to take just one more breath before they go into overdrive.... unbelievable playing... just unbelievable...gosh

[@bobmartino8073]

100%. Imagine writing that song. Hard enough to play with the same swagger but writing it? Genius.

[@benjoiner777]

I see all these comments saying Alex was... Al IS one of the best drummers of our time. He's still alive and still a drummer. Even though people don't see him in public much anymore. He has taught me a lot. I am grateful for his contributions to music.

[@keithstone7323]

They say was because he hasn't played or been seen in public since the last VH show. It doesn't mean he's dead.

[@XXXCRSPL]

He isn't playing anymore he sold all of his equipment

[@patricklilly2520]

Alex is a Legend. But, make no mistake, Portnoy is a LEGEND in his own Right!!!

[@mr198221]

Facts. I'm a major DT fan since I&W.

[@alancolazzi4975]

Massive MP fan!!!!

[@odd_job_007]

I'm the One has to be the undisputed example of how rhythm and lead guitar is just so seamlessly together its criminal!

[@dwightvoeks9970]

Atomic Punk is another one

[@Thatbobguy8]

Alex is one of the best rock drummers ever

[@han1075]

Damn, Mike that was fantastic! Any guitar player worth their salt will tell you that the groove on I'm the One is one of Eddie's hardest to duplicate rhythms. The swing and feel is off the charts good! Glad to see Alex getting some love showing how locked into the groove he was with Eddie. Also give credit to Michael Anthony. He's so in the pocket with Alex. Just drives this whole song forward at breakneck speed feeling like you're going to fly off the rails at any second, but always in complete control. Just shows why Van Halen I was one of the greatest first albums of any band and why we're still talking about it 46 years later!

[@Iceni007]

I bought VH1 pretty much in its 1st week of release after hearing running with the devil and eruption on the BBC radio 1 friday night rock show. No way that was 46 yrs ago - what are you talking about! Oh yeh, just checked, you're right. Oh god I feel old all of a sudden 😵😦.

[@mojodojo5533]

47 years! Wow. Let's see the Drake or Swift do that.

[@weeklyfascination]

Been tinkering on the guitar for 40 years, and I can confirm that "I'm the One" is one of the most difficult grooves to get right.

[@youropionmattersnot]

​@@weeklyfascinationI seek out VH tribute bands on KZbin. None of them are even close to the original. Saw them on the women and children first tour at the Toledo Sports Arena. I was 15 and went with my older brother. We spent 2 hours clung to the handrail on a concrete wall just above the floor because the general admission show was over sold. One butt cheek on the wall, arm wrapped over the bottom rail. It was July and it had to be 120 degrees F in that place. People by the dozens being hauled out on stretchers from too many drugs and too much heat. My brother Keith said, I'm going to get us something to drink. He came back with 4 draft beers in plastic cups. To this day, the most delicious beer I've ever tasted.

[@tanktuba]

​@@mojodojo5533dumb comment. Taylor has been recording professionally since she was in high school and Drake has been a major player in his genre for 15 years. I'm not a fan of either but it's obvious they have talent. VH doesn't need to put anyone down to make their legacy look better. Their work stands on its own.

[@khabibissell]

I love watching Portnoy play, he's always entertaining on top of the fact he's a virtuoso on his instrument. When it comes to VH, everyone is always talking about Edward, but Alex was just as incredible. Early VH is legendary.

[@jsleeio]

yeah EVH/AVH/MA were sensational. Roth ... meh, I'd be just as happy with instrumental versions of the albums

[@paulolsen6870]

AVH is a brilliant drummer 🤘🏼

[@hpawebster65]

Mike Portnoys love of drumming is apparent in the adoration he has for other drummers. This is how you become great.

[@GeneralTHC]

Portnoy is AWESOME.

[@dbc105]

My little brother plays drums, I asked him about Portnoy and he said Mike is easily one of the top 5 drummers of the modern era.

[@jmbs9833]

My little Brother plays Basketball, i asked him about Jordan and he said Mike is easily one of the Top 5 Basketballplayers in modern History...

[@deeayeveeeyees]

my little brother plays drums, i asked him about your little brother and he said your brother's wrong.

[@dbc105]

LOL funny how since Trump you never have to look far to find a arse hole.

[@thehawk05]

As a guy who’s not a drummer but is a massive fan of the instrument and many of the incredible musicians all of us appreciate that play it, I love this video as it really gives you an appreciation of just how good Alex’s playing is. Don’t get me wrong, I always appreciated his skill set listening to those records, but when you have a visual of what he was actually doing it takes that appreciation level to a higher level. Bravo Mr. Portnoy 👏🏻

[@johnlopez4089]

Agree 💯%👍👍🔥🔥🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@dEadon23]

I can watch Portnoy play all day.

[@the_best_lord]

the groove in this is unparalleled and seeing this makes me realise how overshadowed his talent was - MP looks like he’s having to work for this one 🤯😍👊🏼

[@christopheroliver148]

I suspect anyone who plays this song including Alex has to work hard for it.

[@mikeolson4645]

I'm 66 yrs old . Been a guitarist for 50+ yrs.. Multiple album appearances and I just decided I need to learn the drums.. This fascinates me. I'm breaking things like this down to simplistic levels and then slowly adding/looking at the augmentations. I wish I'd taken the drums up yrs ago.. Having a blast tho I still suck compared to this but, I will fix that ;) This is inspiring..

[@TheAqualegend]

Progress update?

[@jsleeio]

@@TheAqualegend dude only commented 8 days ago, give him some time! 🤣

[@TheAqualegend]

@@jsleeio Young people's brains are like a sponge. I'm sure he's made progress!

[@yarpyarp85]

This man Is the reason I play the drums. I will love him forever!

[@texxhexxmm]

NICE! What Bass dream head is that on Alex Kit Here? Ambassador Coated?

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

Thanks for shining the spotlight on Alex Van Halen. He was my first favourite drummer. My brother and I modelled ourselves on Eddie and Alex.

[@gerardricchio1364]

So glad to see you back with DT!!

[@Zakariah1971]

Alex VanHalen is a genius. Snare tone is iconic and matched.

[@SinCityVillain]

When I was a kid all my friends loved Eddie because, let's face it, he was the man, the master, but I always loved Alex's style pounding those drums. Can't recall how many VH cassettes I wore out in my Walkman and later my truck. It always felt to me as Alex was overlooked in his own band by Eddie and Dave. He and Michael Anthony are 2 of the most underrated musicians I can think of. Excellent explanation and drumming on this video! Thank you!

[@Greg_In_SoCal]

I just love Mike Portnoy. He is beyond technically proficient. Looks like he still absolutely loves playing. And, he seems like one heck of a likable person.

[@bigmetalglenn]

He is not beyond technical.

[@reactions4u438]

@@bigmetalglennhis technical playing is by no means up there with some players, but his choice of parts is that makes him so great

[@jbw9999]

@@bigmetalglenn Nor is he a likable person.

[@ultimatebasses]

Alex always seems to fall under the radar when best drummer conversations happen. Mike and Alex were a killer rhythm section. That's a beautiful kit you have there!

[@rvk5150]

Alex is one of the best and most underrated and I love Mike Portnoy; what a fitting tribute!

[@johnsurreal]

Alex was never underrated, where did you get that idea from

[@redryder8622]

How many your tube queens have you seen drum cover this song or any Alex VH song? This is how it is done. MP is the real deal. In my opinion, Portnoy is one of the greatest drummers of all time. He truly understands how it’s done. Thank you Mike for your years of awe.

[@truthseekerKJV]

Dave Lombardo would play this tune with a sandwich in one hand.

[@redryder8622]

@@truthseekerKJVYou are right about that. Some of these videos on KZbin though of these kids who learn how to play a song but Don’t have the understanding of what they are doing and it shows. I’m a guitar player who really loves and appreciates good drummers. I wish I could play drums but know my place. I have a few Slayer cd’s in my collection. And he could tell you all the ingredients of the sandwich while he’s doing it😂

[@chrisslooter2825]

@@truthseekerKJV It's hard to properly play Alex Van Halen, and Lombardo does a great job.

[@chrisberg2083]

​@@truthseekerKJV Watch Dennis Chambers play Danny Carey's stuff. This is average at Best for a Pro.

[@blak1lyte]

he shouldve been the drummer for the hagar fronted best of tour... like him over chad and bonham... no comparison... dont want to hear someone elses TAKE on a particular song.. i want to see/hear the song AS RECORDED. .

[@hammer5475]

Everyone was amazing on this track, the bass really sticks out on this recording and of course the guitar is impossible to duplicate too.

[@Chainsaw_HM2]

Prime era =VH= is still my favorite live band. Reign in peace, Eddie! We’re still practicing.

[@benhogan6675]

Alex is a beast on the drums 🥁

[@user-rp1lq5je2s]

Love that song and Drum set

[@MRCATL3]

The fact that they were that tight, creative and insanely talented in the 70s as teenager's

[@falconeddymastering5347]

You know, you could have NEVER found a more experienced master percussionist than my friend from the past, Mike Portnoy, to demonstrate Alex's shuffle groove technique. Mike is absolutely beyond description, and a brilliant mathematician. He has to be in order to lay down the progressive rock tracks required he's performed for so many groups, especially his decades with Dream Theater. Not to mention one of the most brilliant people I've met on the road in my lifetime. Way to lay 'em down, Mike! Yeah baby, Yeah!

[@joewolfe5370]

That is a f@#$in workout !! Nice job Mr. PORTNOY !!!!

[@christopheroliver148]

Good shit, Maynard! I'm smiling uncontrollably.

[@matthueneman3286]

incredible battle of endurance on this one! Wow...

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

it all began with "Quadrant 4" October 1 1973 release from "Spectrum" Billy Cobhams first solo album. Three years before Alex played his version.......VERY WELL played, Mr. Portnoy and the Ludwig kit sounds BEAUTIFUL !!

[@jameszeiger8533]

Yes you are absolutely correct! I was going to cite that as well as that was a landmark album and I remember it well as I saw Billy a couple years after that live. But you beat me to it!

[@GeoffBosco]

Came here to say this too.

[@HenritheHorse]

Carmine Appice did it in 1970 with Cactus Parchman Farm.

[@5150mili]

Without forgetting Simon Phillips in 1980 with Space Boogie

[@davidperez5089]

U got it, but those floor tees are lost in the mix, especially during the harmonic breakdowns.

[@johnnytacokleinschmidt515]

That was just amazing. Sounds so good! Thanks!!!

[@gregpirovolidis4972]

The swing makes it better for me than typical metal that is straight, like a jazz drummer playing rock. He lights it up!

[@smokesreefer9417]

great teacher, great explanations. clear understanding.

[@guitarmaui45]

That was amazing. There is a lot more going on there that I realized. Love that whole album.

[@michaelwoodall9022]

Alex has always been one of my favorite drummers... and you picked a great song to feature his sound!

[@salthedrummer1]

Mike nails it! great drum sound too....

[@herberthallum2078]

Mike you are the man. This just showed me how good Alex Van Halen is and you nailed that song. Great job.

[@cory3518]

Early Van Halen was so great because they had that swing and boogie element to their sound. Even though still amazing during the Sammy years they lost that swing. Ever evolving.... Mike is in my top 5 drummers all time.pp Neal Peart, Alex VH, Scott Rockenfield, mike Portnoy, Stewart Copeland. Loved this video!

[@judasstarchild7056]

Wow...old school..absolutely killed it bro

[@pdinardo9472]

Alex would very proud Mike! Tremendous job on I'm the one bud!! Keep Rocking bro!!🤘

[@Maddog7505]

Alex had the coolest drum kits of all. The FW kit is my all time favorite.

[@ronreed6649]

Sickness! Right on Mike! Alex is the most under rated drummer ever.

[@leonardomattarmonteiro2824]

A DRUM GOD playing & talking 'bout a DRUM GOD 🤘🏼🤘🏼🍻🔥🇧🇷💚

[@jerryhogan1498]

I'm the one is one of my favorite Van Halen songs,,,AlexVan Halen is a great drummer for sure,,,Mike Portnoy is a great drummer too 🥁

[@Conkee1711]

Incredible song. And the guitar is ONE TAKE. He just starts playing and doesn't stop. And it's utterly perfect. I still can't wrap my head around it.

[@troubleo7376]

My favorite drummer who played in a band that had my other favorite drummer (RIP rev) covering one of my other favorite drummers. The trinity is complete.

[@DekeVon]

Mike really nails that sort of staggered, breathy style Alex played on this. The fills had an almost show tunes feel. Love this whole album so much.

[@Phlakaton88]

Sick... just f'in sick. My favorite VH tune for a long while. I was like 6 when this came out and my older brother got me hooked BIGTIME. LOVE DLR era VH. The whole nasty edgy package!

[@christopheroliver148]

Funny thing is I don't remember hearing this song ever, and a friend who's now a commercial airline pilot (Hi Brian!) and I listened to VH all the f'in time.

[@TheRealMightyHokie]

My God, I love Van Halen. Thanks Mike.

[@swordmonkey6635]

The EVH striped shoes were on point. And... Using Alex's actual drum kit... perfect.

[@ramongoroth]

Its an absolutley stunning looking kit

[@bradconklin2878]

Mike, thank you for featuring my favorite Van Halen song. Damn!

[@carlosclerigadrums]

Born to play drums. Viva Portnoy Viva AVH!!

[@linnstr8609]

Besides his drumming of course, I just really admire and appreciate Mike's detailed encyclopedic knowledge of so many different kinds of music, artists and bands.

[@markbreaux6613]

The Halen's Were Just Masters at an Early age. Portnoy, Always a pleasure to hear as well!

[@AlexM-uo9gk]

First record I bought was Fair Warning, 1982(still have it). The snare and overall sound of the kit got me and to this day is my "deserted island" album. Hear about it later was the first VH song I heard. I lived in Costa Rica at the time so the earlier records didn't make it down here and nobody knew about VH until 1984. And yes, been a drummer shortly there after.

[@Jim-zs8vy]

I always love hearing an awesome Van Halen song, because you really do get it all on a high musicianship level.

[@DSM9]

A great player himself - love how Mike enjoys honouring other great drummers.

[@DarthPreamp]

Mike Portnoy is such an excellent musician. ❤

[@dwightvoeks9970]

Can never get enough of VH

[@hackerf15e]

I never knew I needed a Mike Portnoy VH cover band in my life until now.

[@billyhughes9776]

Iconic drum part and guitar part in one song. Amazing job!

[@filsolano5465]

It’s nice to see Mike jamming behind those Ludwig’s and those Pies 😎😎😎😎

[@markanderson7284]

Saw Jason Bonham last night on Sammy's "Best of all worlds tour" in Ridgefield, Wa. He absolutely smashed the skins like Mike does with passion and force, as did the great Alex Van Halen for decades. My ears are still ringing, and I don't even care. VH forever

[@mikea4015]

When ever I watch Mike play a Dream Theatre song it always looks like virtuoso level playing, watching him play this feels the same way.

[@SM-dh1zu]

mike always has the coolest shirts ever.

[@stevetech5150]

Portnoy + Van Halen. Does it get any better than that? - Nope! Killer!!

[@RavelShreds]

Portnoy and Petrucci ;)

[@babagadoush1]

Hell yeah. Alex is the man and Mike is the One!

[@dmitrybogatsky1734]

Love Mike's Drumming...Collected, sociable, super technical, musical

[@ppuntrotzooizooi7692]

I always know when it’s his greatness playing drums in a song because of his distinctive swing- sound just like Mije sayss/shows. This is one of the reasons i like VH so much and always will. He is just like the others a legend!! Respect!! 👍👍👍 a VH fan for life and beyond, frim The Netherlands, yes, land if woodwn shoes, windmills, gouda cheese. 🇳🇱🧀🙌🤘🤘

[@user-ev4td1dq5g]

Just love the big band jazz feel of this song. Big show come to town, baby!!!

[@Cleanthecreek-ub4hp]

Dope! Ed could not have done all the genius things he did without Al being just as great.

[@paulgiacalone4471]

Fantastic!!!! What great musicians both of these drummers are . True talent . Alex made rock swing ….

[@jemack7]

Cool! Thanks Mike for sharing.

[@stephenelkins8045]

Mike is one solid drummer. An asset to any band he would play with. A Five Star player. S

[@SVJROADSTER770]

Alex was always in his brothers shadow, but he was an excellent drummer that should have gotten some recognition.

[@jonnuanez7183]

Imagine being Michael Jordan's brother. You can handle yourself on the court pretty good and are recognized as being a very decent player, maybe even a few All Star Games; but again your brother is Michael Jordan. Alex is that.

[@navahojn55]

Mike, you are the best. You are #1 in my top 3 drummers of my personal favorite bands! Can't wait to see/hear you and your "BROTHERS" back in the one and only DREAM THEATER!!! Thank you!

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Nearly 60 as well...

[@djmylesmatisse]

One of the best drum covers I've ever seen and heard. Brilliant!

[@stevieg2755]

Alex pioneered the flaming drumsticks,that was awesome in it's day

[@williambeatty7781]

Fantastic cover ! Alex is truly one of the greats ! Mike Portnoy is also one of the best around. If would have had the opportunity to be in a great rock band who knows how famous he would be today !

[@jorgepinto2085]

Excellent performance!! Mike, just as you explain all the shuffle stuff and then seeing you play, one realizes that Alex Van Halen was innovating as his brother Eddie did. This song has some important snare work too! Really enjoyed it!!

[@FadjarMoeljarto]

Waw...incredible mr. Mike🥁👍🔥

[@leddygee1896]

Good God Man!!! Perfection. I expect nothing less...🥁

[@got2rock4]

Amazing tribute to to Alex Van Halen very underrated drummer imo. He had a very technical style of his own.Great Job🔥

[@tommynikon2283]

MD....THANKYOU!!! Any Portnoy appearance/PERFORMANCE is always special.

[@davidferrara1909]

HELL YEAH! Awesome recreation and an eye opener to how good Alex is!

[@alanarnold6660]

Outstanding as always Mike! Interesting use of the double bass drum pedal. Thank you! You are simply the best drummer in the world today!

[@teachingbeats]

This is why they killed so hard, it's rock, metal and even big band( and even some Barber Shop thrown in here for good measure!) elements all combined. Alex is an absolute beast.

[@downtown4028]

Fluid city... nice job Mike.

[@KitWriter]

God, I love Paiste 2002 cymbals SO. FREAKING. MUCH. I had this 17" crash that was just ... ~*chef's kiss*~ so good. And then I realized they all sound amazing.

[@KitWriter]

Okay, hol' up, Mike. You got a double kick pedal in front of your second bass drum. Am I missing something here?

[@MikePlayDrums]

Mike’s on fire lately, man!! Love to see it!!