Neal Morse Podcast - "Musicians having coffee and talking about stuff". Guest: Mike Portnoy

[@JRusso238]

Does anyone else feel like we've crashed a private conversation between two friends? Well done fellas!

[@fortheloveofmusic860]

my respect for you gents has only grown after this conversation. keep up the series Neal.

[@rodrigozamo]

Basically. I felt uncomfortable that manner, like I came for an interview and crashed into someone's private life somehow.

[@zxwart]

well. this is what really is

[@reactions4u438]

ye this felt the most natural one out of all the podcasts, which makes sense

[@mattpurcell3369]

Real people, free of ego having a conversation is enlightening and educational

[@CLGMusicMedia]

Don't forget that Rush was putting out great Prog stuff up through Permanent Waves (which was released in 1980). In my opinion, Hemispheres (released in 1978) was their apex.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

Nailed it! I was thinking the same thing. I recorded a Cd (at home of course) this year and it was made in tribute to Neil Peart and I thought of "Hemishperes" quite a bit while working on much of the material. I was supposed to record the material at Neal Morse's Radiant Studio (where he hosted the podcast) in 2018 after attending one of his Radiant School programs for a week October 2017. I wasn't able to return and felt I should at least finish the songs in demo form after Neil Peart passed in January of this year.

[@CLGMusicMedia]

@@WhaleBluePRS That's great. I'd love to hear it. I'm a drummer and Neil was my favorite drummer. I was prompted to pursue drums after hearing Temples of Syrinx. I've never cried after hearing of a celebrity's death...but Neil was so close to my heart. I grew up "idolizing" him. Truly a sad year after losing both Neil and Eddie Van Halen.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

@@CLGMusicMedia I'm on Bandcamp as "Lee Campbell Too". The album is "More Than Meets the Eye". (It's me playing all the instruments, I'm certainly no Neil or Neal!) Hope you find something you like there! I'm a huge Queen fan and Freddie Mercury's death didn't affect me anything like Neil Peart's. I was really moved by it. I guess because of all that he lived through in his life. I can't imagine retiring to spend time with my family and then have it cut so short.

[@Ogilla]

I agree, Hemispheres is the quintessence of their work in my opinion too.

[@filheim]

Hemispheres was every single feature, ability, talent, performance delivered at maximum power. That album is extreme and challenging in every sense! A masterpiece.

[@ondrejbaran1648]

Mike you don't have a clue, how important you have been in all neals Projects, even thought you wouldnt 100% believe in those Things. Trust me, i'm Christian, and i cannot imagine anyone else "drumming" all those masterpieces. And thanks to you, a couple of years ago i discovered one of the greatest composers in our era. I cant thank you enough! Great job Guys, keep doing because youre doing IT right and its worth it. Greetings from Slovakia.

[@Revolverjughead]

The word that come to mind after watching this is “Heartwarming”. After seeing Mike and Neal working together quite a few times, you just know their relationship is a special one.

[@lawnboyfreak]

Back in 2013 I joined my church band playing drums. I was a huge prog fan and was into Dream Theater, Transatlantic and other such bands. After a couple years of playing, the music I was playing felt stale to me. I really wanted to hear progressive Christian music. I looked it up on google and was surprised to find Neal Morse Testimony. I started to listen on KZbin, and I was 99% sure that I was hearing Mike Portnoy on drums. When I found out for sure, I knew I found something special. That first Testimony album is very special to me.

[@AhmadNadar]

I'm watching this with my Christmas sweater and cup of coffee

[@GainesMusic]

I vote for mcrib to be a lyric on the next album

[@AhmadNadar]

@@GainesMusic I concur!!

[@geoffbaker4452]

That was funny, gentle, heart- warming and full of mutual respect. I loved the bit where Mike says that being around Neal and the other guys in the band somehow make him a better person.

[@friendlyprism]

This is so awesome! I love getting a look on their personalities away from music. You should have every member from The Neal Morse Band on eventually.

[@robertsmithers9059]

70's prog is just as much a "style" of music as 50's rockabilly or 60's surf music, and bands are still playing those genres of music today and no one accuses them of regressing or rehashing old ground, but that sometimes happens with modern prog, i.e. "you're not PROGRESSING"... I was ecstatic when I got on the internet in 1999 and found out that prog had had a rebirth. Some bands took the 70's template and expanded it (progressed, if you will) while others stuck with a retro sound paying homage to the originals... either way, I was thrilled to hear this STYLE of music again and I thank the guys in TRANSATLANTIC for being part of it!!!

[@davidmomberg8208]

How could anyone fall asleep with Mike and Neal on stage?

[@johninama585]

I saw you guys on the Testimony 2 tour in Denver at the Soiled Dove Underground. My wife went with me. She's not a prog wife either! I think she fell asleep during the show. We had VIP tickets and met you guys backstage. Still one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you for the music and the memories, and stay safe!

[@lyubomirrusev]

Gents, true fans will always buy your albums, regardless of format, Vynil, CD or Lossless paid download. Big thanks for your high spirit and devotion! Waiting for new albums!

[@CollinLeijenaar]

Great talk Neal & Mike. And for those who where wondering. That tour manager was not me! ;) I did The Whirlwind tour.

[@GordonHighland]

"I Am Willing" from Testimony still makes the hairs on my arm stand up. Good chat! I also appreciated the conversation about how hard it is to get new music heard, as a one-man-band home-studio producer myself.

[@siloagrain2176]

This song IS pure beauty

[@siloagrain2176]

This song IS pure beauty

[@MrPiniman]

you thank god for having us, we thank god for having you. you're amazing musicians and you keep on touching my soul with every piece of music you write.

[@johndavidgraham]

Love you guys. I Just wished it was 3 or more hours. I’ve followed Mike’s music since the early 90s. Now I’m following Neal also. I Love every minute of the podcast!! Thanks!!

[@daviddryden8088]

They made a good point. When is the last time we saw a music genre explosion on a wide scale? Maybe the last was the early 90's with Nirvana and the other Seattle bands. Prog has always been there through the bad years of disco, girl bands, big hair, logger shirts and rap. Alot of it because of these two dudes. Thank you both for your years of devotion to music.

[@dangseid]

Modern day prog heroes and genuinely good people. Thanks to you guys for everything.

[@jackcamp6149]

Could listen to you guys all week. Neal Morse seems like a great guy

[@oceanmachine1906]

A discussion between Mike and Neal is the greatest thing ever. Love you guys :)

[@mknespel274]

I hope they will continue doing these videos. ❤

[@fenirob]

I don't know why I find these conversations so interesting. But I do.

[@dianawinkler1221]

My husband and I are both prog heads. When we were in a prog band, the band leader booked a gig at a Mom and Pop coffee shop. Our band took up the left half of the coffee house. 20 minute songs for an hour and a half. The audience was used to singer songwriter 3 minute songs. They were she'll shocked with us lol.

[@r.a.fiallos234]

Simply awesome. I wish I had a friendship with someone like the one these guys have....so cool.

[@JawdysBasement]

This stuff is precious and priceless. Loved every second. Would love if you would delve more into the costs of making a record. That part of the conversation when you and MIke discussed the costs of making Sola Gratia was so interesting and a part of the industry that most of us have no connection or understanding of. LOVE IT! Music people talking music for an hour?? SIGN ME UP!!

[@Kenneth-nVA]

“Surrendered” such a great and intriguing word!

[@Eelgram]

Two of my favorite musicians, but more importantly: two of my favorite people. Well done, guys! Love you and look forward to many live shows and new music ahead!

[@peterracer1]

Great to here you both talk and laugh! It was also good to listen to Mike talk about his spirit mind! We love you Mike, and are totally behind you...... we love you too Neal 😎

[@Jahoragin94]

Should totally call this podcast "On the Upbeat". Musicians being positive and sharing.

[@danieleiterer7468]

I simply love you with all my heart. Your music have been guiding me through all these years. Thanks so much!

[@andsoitgoes2177]

I have to agree with both Neal and Mike on recording at home. In general, production skills are dying out as the people that helped record the classic albums are getting old, but there is some pretty high quality stuff out there. It's easier than ever to record, edit, and produce yourself.

[@MJ-tt9ww]

I love watching these and just pause and listen to the songs they talk about.

[@lindyceeo9238]

This is the best “interview” with Mike I’ve ever seen, Neal! Thank you! I needed this for reasons I can’t express. ♥️

[@chrissmith3668]

I love these dudes. Just love em.

[@itsalolmor]

I would absolutely love one of these with Al!

[@fredyair1]

Soon: Neal Morse The Food Album, a Prog Odyssey...

[@skibber999]

...a pork odyssey :-)

[@TheCountofToulouse]

I'm mildly terrified at how a guy like Neal only has 18.5K subs. It really is a testament against the world and its lack of understanding and taste. Not sure if Neal will ever see this but I first found out about him through a friend that was into Spocks Beard. He had mistakenly got two copies of their last album 'Octane' and gave me one. I was into Dream Theater at the time so I decided to give it a go, the song 'There was a time' was and still is, a very special song to me. He also mentioned that the leader of the band had become a Christian (something I was struggling to do at the time) and was now making Christian prog rock, as he understood it. He mentioned that the music was awesome. Since then, I've amassed the entire catalog of material and some of these songs are some of my favorite songs I've ever heard while on earth. The musical skill never stops astounding me...but its the simple songs like Alleluia that really got to my soul and caused me to pray and seek GOD even more. Its working, BIG TIME. GOD promises that if you strive towards him, he'll come to you...he DOES! JESUS CHRIST IS THE LORD to the GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER!!

[@TheMusicWiz]

A couple of weeks ago I had no idea there was a Neal Morse ...and just accidentally found your talk with Michael Omartian. Now I have delved into the richness of your work, and both impressed and touched by the excellence and depth of the whole thing...wow! And to top it off I found out about the Morsefest in London in january....and got tickets for my wife and myself :) And this talk is so close to heart....I am a contemporary to you guys, and have had a career in music for almost 37 years, and grew up with all the prog bands of the seventies. I feel like this is me and a couple of friends talking ...even the part of one being a christian and the other not, but still having this really close friendship and appreciation of each other. That is just as it should be...you love and value people, not their meanings or convictions ...and you wan't to embrace all of what they are because they are your friends. And Mike is such a gem ...so generous with himself and his playing. I saw him here in Copenhagen a couple of months ago with Winery Dogs...and he just brought a smile on my face! Such an amazing player...but so engaged and happy to be there...it was contagious. Also love his Beatles quizzes with you and his daughter...and that he is such a fan of all the other musicians. Just a volcano of a personality :) Anyway...just wanted to voice my appreciation, and looking forward to seeing the band in January. God bless!!

[@MrOzkarlopez]

I love Mike's room, filled with all sorts of music related stuff!! thumbs up for Neal on doing this show

[@mpaybaadet]

Simplemente hermosos! I love you guys!

[@taltonbrothersband8613]

So glad I carved out time to listen to this great conversation between two close friends.

[@framebadger]

Oh man I was at that London Astoria gig on the Testimony tour. Blown away.

[@blackasthesky]

I grew up with Genesis, Yes, Oldfield, but also with Spock's Beard and later Transatlantic, Dream Theater (and many more). So thank you for that! I really learned drumming with your music.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

Interview ideas: Phil Keaggy, Steve Morse and Kerry Livgren. Rick Wakeman would be pretty darn cool too!

[@dagsouleyedblue407]

Damn right but lets think even bigger: howz about guys like Todd Rundgren and Paul McCartney. This podcast makes complete sense

[@WhaleBluePRS]

@@dagsouleyedblue407 Couldn't agree more but I was thinking of artists he's in contact with already, with the exception of Rick Wakeman. I don't know if their paths have crossed yet. I think they share the same faith, so I think it would be extra special because of Rick Wakeman's legendary status in the prog world. Might as well hope for Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins too! (Being that Nick D'Virgilio recorded with Genesis, that might be a possibility at some point.)

[@TedSchoenling]

Keaggy's was awesome~!

[@bobvermeulen491]

Thanks for letting me be a fly on the wall. Best wishes for 2021.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Morse and Portnoy families! Thank you for comfort, inspiration, motivation and being such a blessing to this old guy the past 5 years or so. You guys do make a difference in this world, one person at a time.

[@TheCOZ]

I like how they try not talking about music but soon are talking about music 🤣

[@jimlamb9766]

What a great musical partnership, thankful we all get to listen to your musical creations and now the great friendship. You both are very inspirational and great examples of what friendship and mutual respect is. Look forward to the next live event watching your magic!

[@jordansbeard]

I was at the whirlwind tour in both Philly and New York. I think I had seats for the gramercy show. For the TLA show a group of us were on line in the front to get upstairs and get the balcony seats.

[@miguelperezgalan417]

It's so amazing to listen to two great musicians, that are so renown, have such a typical conversation. If I ever ran into one of them, I'd probably wouldn't be able to keep a conversation like this with them. Neal and Mike, you guys are SO AMAZING!

[@erikmaronde2244]

These changes in music or literature you discuss are present elsewhere, too. In science we call it "paradigm shifts". It's usually not planned but just happens.

[@darrellbevacqua3871]

Great show! Really enjoyed this! Bring Pete Trewavas on sometime!

[@t702942]

Great talk! It was so fascinating listening to the two of you talk, I loved it! Can’t wait for the next one 🙂 Happy new year, Neal and Mike!

[@kellymilam2648]

Awesome job! New follower and fan. I can say as a daughter of a professional studio musician, my more favorite memories were sitting quietly and listening to stories shared with other musician buddies. You all have captured the real ness, here. Well done, guys!

[@dferris7767]

This was a great conversation. I have just watched the Bee Gees documentary. So, that has been on my mind. This series of subjects from food to music to faith and spirituality. I've often wondered about Mike's faith too considering how much he contributes to your music. Thanks Neal.

[@mshelton5036]

Neal seen you and Mike live a few years back great show. Everything you and Mike have been part of is great. You both have such deep and wonderful catalogs of music together and apart. Thank you both.

[@elinedelepeleire3550]

Neal... Mike... It was a FANTASTIC WARM podcast! Hope to see you soon guys! Much love and hugs from me (Jurgen) and my fantastic wonderfull wife Diane! Peace from Belgium!

[@pumpkin1982]

You tube sucks. Please put this on Apple podcast or Spotify. This was a great talk.

[@ronnelson8876]

I really enjoyed this year's Morsefest, hope something like that might be offered again.

[@jozjonlin3170]

Neal, you remind me so much of one of my best friends, in your demeanor, musicianship, and commitment to creating quality work. I've worked on projects with him where he hires string and horn players and our live concerts have been amazing. His ability to play pretty much any instrument as well as his ability to write and arrange is mind blowing. Singing with him has always been an amazing blessing. I'm sure the musicians working with you feel the same way. God bless you Neal, family and Friends. May 2021 be the best year ever for all of you

[@Scottmcgee1111]

Loved it! I am a bigger fan now after watching this. Please keep doing these. Honestly I could just watch Neal and Mike talk lol.

[@alexmusat7822]

Great stuff, Neal and Mike! You are two of my greatest influences, warm hugs from Bucharest! :)

[@cleuenberg]

A well done premiere of the podcast and thank you for letting us be a part of your conversation! I would agree with Mike that pretty impressive music productions are possible even on a very small budget. The Internet and technological progress have opened the gates for everyone. However, to be successful and make money, it takes much more than releasing an album every few years. Listeners (customers) nowadays have a much wider choice of music at a small price and you have to look at it objectively: No artist is forced to release on Spotify. However, you are in a comparatively comfortable situation with your music, having found your niche and delivering great albums year after year. Thanks again for this podcast, I'm looking forward to more episodes!

[@markhollin]

Nicely done, guys. Enjoyed the Junior High Yearbook segment. Would love to see pics/stories from Neal at that awkward age as well.

[@AlexVan1985]

This was hilarious! Throughly enjoyed this. Can't wait for more episodes!

[@MetalheadNation]

They say that the best Prog came out from 1970-1974, but I would argue that the beat Prog came out from 1992-present day, in large part due to these two geniuses

[@drumsralwaysbest9234]

I would love to hear the testimony about Jada! Nice interview, two friends having a conversation. Blessings to the both of you

[@pastorphilbickel429]

You probably mean the spoken version of Neal's testimony with tears and all. I'd like to hear it too. For commenters who don't know, Neal tells the story musically in the song Jayda, the 4th track on the Testimony 2 album. The closing instrumental portion of that track appears later in extended form as the album's climax. It's beautiful and speaks to my heart whenever I hear it, which is often.

[@andreasalov7618]

Great stuff!

[@tuomokuikka]

Well, that was great! I would like to hear much more of you guys. It was so inspiring conversation. 🙏 Bless you guys.

[@sam190385]

Love you guys. Great listen

[@tazmane3]

Funny they talked about this...I enjoy Christmas because I like to see what my wife bought the kids! LOL!!! A couple years ago, I actually asked her not to tell me anymore, so I could be surprised as well hahahahahahaha

[@leeDs718]

so far this first episode has a perfect score of 0 dislikes!

[@Eastcoastpreacher]

And it still hasn't mid of March. Great conversation!

[@revbharvey5046]

Thanks for sharing this conversation. So good to learn a bit more about you both. Keep playing good things.

[@RedDogMamaHD]

I've already purchased The Absolute Universe! Cannot wait!

[@nyifnbr18]

Mike's religion story matches mine to a T, must be something in the Long Island water.

[@johnbutler7704]

Thank You Neal And Mike.....I Was At The Astoria 2 Gig For Testimony....Amazing Night

[@TomDrums]

I've been through the entire (well, almost) Morse/Portnoy catalog these last weeks so this is a perfect follow up. Thanks for sharing!

[@ProgSnob14]

Looking forward to listening while I drive tomorrow!

[@bobwagner6164]

Thanks Neal Morse!!! 2021 is looking better already!!!!

[@14thsmeghead]

Has anyone ever done a "Stump Mike" game? Like a free pair of sticks if Mike can't tell you what the fourth song on the setlist on your date was. :)

[@philipp_0815]

Not able to tell how much I love these guys.

[@denverdave12]

Excellent podcast. Loved the laid back feel.

[@Avery-nz1su]

What a refreshing podcast! Hoping for more...Im sure the prog world will devour these! Absolutely love these guys and everything they do. Unfortunately ive never seen them live as for some reason they avoid New Orleans and the gulf coast like the plague. Also very frustrating back in the peak DT days.

[@Joanmaofficial]

So AWESOME! I really enjoyed this!! Neal, please! We want more!

[@markwonder8168]

This is wonderful. Do more of these please :)

[@tjflash60]

Good conversation.

[@gianriccardocolucci7952]

very good neal and mike from italy. your music is exciting

[@SebaProgre]

I loved this sooooo much!! I want a second part! :P

[@lutima]

Love you guys😍❤️ thanks for the chat ! Love from Holland and can’t wait to see you again🙏😘

[@bahritkharakor9257]

Wow..love it..😍🤩😍🤩

[@gatherstudio5219]

When the Holy Spirit moves you CAN'T deny it. Thanks for this I really enjoyed it!

[@donmcbass]

I noticed Neal you enjoyed the Glasgow tradition of a Curry when you were here!

[@SteveFulemule]

I loved it! Thanks guys! And, some of us, older folks can "take in" a lot of late show hours, yes indeed, think about that when coming back to Toronto! Hope to see you soon on stage!

[@fractalaudio4956]

I could listen to you two talk for hours.

[@andreask3218]

At least😉

[@adambilz9978]

This was great insight from both of you guys. Thank you for this! Looking forward to more.

[@daddiocity7163]

Always looking forward to what comes next from you guys. Fun to listen to . . . thanks for sharing yourselves. Can't wait to see the band perform in Cleveland again after things return to normal! Neal, thanks for asking Mike the tough question . . . and Mike, thanks for answering it openly and honestly. But who knows what the future may bring . . .

[@mickgentry8128]

Awesome podcast Both of you ! thank you!!!

[@humblefaithful]

I think this was great! The respect and love that these two men have for each other is so evident here, in case you have missed it somewhere else. Great opening for the podcast series, and it’s going to be a hard one to follow, from the emotional aspect, that is.

[@Jesterhead-ow6gu]

Will the Sola Gratia Morsefest concert be released? I've been meaning to hear those songs in a live setting since the event was mentioned. Thank you