COFFEE WITH JOHN PETRUCCI & MIKE PORTNOY

[@OlaEnglund]

Info from JP tech Matthew about the Majesty. It's an Arctic Dream Majesty from 2014 ! Checked the serial number on Ernieballs website.

[@aquabot]

It's a beautiful guitar anyway. I'm not a DT fan nor a Majesty fan, but I would buy that. Especially since three of my guitars are equiped with john's pickups. Anyway, awesome CWO, dude, keep 'em coming!

[@zenmasteril]

Yes, I have the same one - "Arctic Dream" Majesty. "Mystic Dream" is a different finish they had later for a guitar without the shield. Mine is from 2015, based on the serial number, and it's in mint condition. It’s my main guitar and my most loved one to date :) By the way, the marks on the chrome hardware were a known issue with those early models (so it wasn’t necessarily due to being in a humid place), but I don’t mind - I love it just the way it is! :) Thanks Ola for the great interview.

[@jasongoad1084]

I have the same one. Its awesome.

[@garysayers9476]

Look how Pix knows that Mike is a dog lover, you're a great guy Mike!

[@aquabot]

@@garysayers9476Yeah, that's what I thought watchng the video, Pix knows who to get to to get petted. 🤣

[@_ajguerra_]

The only negative comment is: I wish it was a longer interview. I could have listen to these 3 guys all day. Great job Ola!

[@twocatsyelling723]

Same. I'm still not past being thrilled that Portnoy is back. Everything he said about how he performs, and how the band performs with him is like "Yup... this all makes too much sense" lol.

[@boasnoticiaspravoce134]

@@_ajguerra_ yeah period.

[@orionvassi]

Maybe @lexfridman can do a seven hour interview with the whole band.

[@GhostFacedrummer]

It’s so great to see John and Mike together again. They are like real brothers. So excited to see them in Toronto 🤘

[@sunnibird]

I need to look that up

[@rahgirferdous]

@@GhostFacedrummer March 11, 2025 🤘🏼

[@rahgirferdous]

@@erikarvidsson-hv8df Lol. Wish they could find someone like Journey did.

[@bryllecortes9780]

I am going to see them (meet and greet) on March 11th here in Toronto!

[@rahgirferdous]

@@bryllecortes9780 Wow! That's awesome!! 😀🤘🏼

[@RequiemDead]

Ernie Ball Music Man - Do the right thing and send Ola a 10th anniversary Majesty!!!!

[@C-Ro]

I support that request.

[@Mcorpmike]

Agree

[@livio1396]

haha i thought the same thing like cmon john give him one!

[@KristofXIV]

Agree!! What a great interview such a chill and cool vibe

[@farfly7]

Agree

[@souio]

The way mike always reflexively pets the dog when it comes shows that he's an animal lover, and I highly respect that

[@kennhern]

He really is. I remember they were mourning the loss of their dog a year or so ago, and it was heartbreaking for them

[@iolychan811]

@@kennhern but Mike's dog isn't dead 😅 he was just sick

[@trusoundlowvolumedrumheads1002]

When he's on the road he has doggy withdrawal

[@nicrow1369]

I feel exactly the same way. As a huge dog lover it’s great to see Mike being so affectionate to the dog. I’d be just the same in this situation. Love Mike even more after this canine interaction 😂

[@rlm4471]

Very excited about the theme of the new album. Six Degrees is my favorite DT album.

[@andreaszinke4835]

The fact, that John Petrucci remembers that 'Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence' is a special record for you and Luise shows what an amazing, thoughtful and wholesome human being he is. He seems to be such an approachable and open-armed guy! You simply MUST love this guy! I am so happy that your dream came true and you are friends with him.❤🥰

[@_Just_Some1]

Curious to know why Six Degrees is a special album for them…

[@MajorDook1]

​@@_Just_Some1From memory, it has something to do with how they first met and how they kinda bonded over that album.

[@killerkite333]

​@@_Just_Some1It's a modern day double album masterpiece from start to finish.

[@_Just_Some1]

@@killerkite333 yes but that surely is not the reason why it is so special for them 😅

[@DanielDeVidi]

It's amazing how Ola is playing super professional and cool, but from the eyes you can clearly see "OMG OMG are Mike and John really in front of me, together!!?!?" Excellent work :)

[@PutItAway101]

You and Rick Beato are the kings of having a real conversation and actually knowing what you're talking about

[@francescopomona2086]

We had Dream Theater. Than we had the split. Than we had Ola. Than we had MP back, and he and JP to Coffee with Ola. In a world that always seems on the brink of collapse, it’s nice to have moments of pure joy like these. Thank you for everything!

[@daniel_naaden]

ok this is officially the coolest

[@LucaMolteni84]

I can’t believe you had Petrucci, Portnoy, Romeo and Akerfield having coffee with you. It must feel fantastic

[@mr.timebombman2230]

Took lessons from John back in the late 80's here on Long Island in NY. Friend of mine was doing lessons with him, and I decided to call and try and learn. Very thorough, and he used to give certain things to work on every week, and I practiced my ass off after school every day. He was patient, but he definitely made me work to get better.

[@Gutszomb11]

This was one of my favorite coffee with Ola episodes

[@TheWizard706]

Pix and Mike are clearly best buds, and this warms my heart. 🖤

[@Eduhardlock]

Mike and John are so down to Earth. They are humble, they are not that kind of arrogant music star, that is doing an immense sacrifice to be doing interviews. They are always in a good mood. That's one of the (many) things I like about them. They breathe and live music, and they like to share it with everyone.

[@jaycanha]

and they seem to genuinely appreciate the dog.

[@Avliv_Satan]

So great to have Portnoy back, as I've said pretty much ever since it happened, it's like welcoming home an old friend, there are many drummers in the world, but there's only one Mike Portnoy.

[@CesarHuescaMusic]

So good to see these two together.

[@radek_jaszczyszak]

Mike pets your dog Your dog: MORE UNCLE MIKE! (She kept looking at him for the whooole talk 😂)

[@andremouracosta]

she* :)

[@smarty61997]

@@radek_jaszczyszak Cute dog

[@variablevolume3059]

2 of the best musicians to ever touch their instruments

[@FinnGamble]

Three*

[@christianbehrens6531]

I'm listening to DT since 1991, there where times where I heard nothing else but DT for month's or even years. For me this is like my 'family' and the worst day was MP leaving the band. I'm so happy he rejoined the band. My dream became true. I love these guys and their music. Please proceed for many years.

[@DonTitoification]

@@christianbehrens6531 I totally feel your words as mine. These guys made the soundtrack of my life

[@eDrumsInANutshell]

Me too, damn ... I was born in 1980 and I listen to Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Marillion and that stuff, and then RAMMSTEIN. The first album. Haha. My first DT song was 6:00 ... man, Metropolis Pt. II ... since then I have been deep into this prog metal stuff. I played weird time signatures on the drums ... Love these guys!

[@danidelgado3015]

As a fan since 1991, for me the worst moment was when Kevin Moore left. For me, that was the end of Dream Theater as I had known it 😢

[@alanalanis2257]

@@christianbehrens6531 Same here bro!! I started listening to DT around 92.

[@RaphaelOlmos]

Already became my favorite Coffee With…and Ola, soooooooo happy for you, cause i can imagine how magical it was to you! And as i always coment, you deserves more and more always! Tks for the inspiration and to make everything with your heart, full of passion and professionalism!

[@LuisOtavioZimmermann]

Mike and John are so real and human guys... John not remembering the guitar models he released, Mike peting the dog from time to time and playing jokes with his friends. Amazing interview.

[@Yupppi]

I swear these guys get more wholesome every year they age. Portnoy talking about family and being through life together made me remember I haven't talked with my good friend and teenage years band's bassist in a bit and I should reserve time for that call. He always calls me and it feels really nice to have a person like that. My friend was on the Finland concert of this tour and he was over the moon, got a group picture with the band and all. Portnoy mentioning how Dream Theater vocals are often very hook-ey, it's inevident when just him mentioning that makes Glass Prison play in my head, or Pull Me Under or Take the Time (and I wrote this the video paused just before he mentioned those titles, you just know). They are incredibly enjoyable songs, but you also really remember some vocal parts as "the key part" of the song. And just yesterday I was wondering how many artists write the music first and lyrics after, because sometimes the music tells the same story and drama development as the lyrics. In cases where the music is written first, it must be that the writer had the concept of the story or its emotions in mind, or at least felt how the emotional progression would be even if they didn't know the actual story. And I suppose the lyrics writer writes about that topic to that emotion of the music. It's so fascinating how people create these complete masterpieces where everything supports each other and the experience as whole, not as individual layers. Diving a bit further on that thought, I was always the guy who didn't care about the lyrics (even though I grew up with music with very catchy vocal lines and especially catchy expressions and "poetic" effect) who just listened to the music. Only in recent years I realised how music is about communicating with people, feeling some sort of connection together, and how important the message is - the lyrics and human voice - to feel that connection with people who are not participating by playing an instrument, or in general who don't even play an instrument. The music is important, but between us humans the human voice is the core of communication and connection. Which is why I started working on my skills as accompaning instrument, simple rhythm and context, and trying to learn to sing a bit. Because even if your voice isn't great, it gives people something to attach to and the feeling that you're presenting it to them. As an entertainer you do have to consider that despite it being your art and your expression - your vision being the most important thing about it - you are also giving it to other people, you're telling your story and your vision to others so they need to have an access to it somehow. Which is where the vocals come in, they offer a passage to the music and the first step into understanding what the music behind the words and voice is about. And frankly I've heard so many great guitarists (the first example that comes to mind being Paul Gilbert) say how even when making guitar tracks like melodies, you have to be able to sing it. It's catchy and sensible if you can sing it. If you can't, it's gonna be a bit detached and not necessarily as powerful. The voice is such a great leveler for what's appropriate. It also really opened my eyes in enjoying sitting in the back, providing someone else a solid base to access people's emotions by their performance, and the enjoyment of seeing people really latching onto it and living it because you stood back and allowed someone else to reach them. It feels so powerful sometimes to play a single chord at the right time and have the vocalist hit the strings of the heart of the people. It's interesting how different drummers or players flow differently. Like someone plays perfectly in time without a click track and someone else has a really nice groove with a click track. And of course vice versa. But I have such an appreciation of that "old school" vibe of music being able to breathe (which requires specific type of compositions, you can't just flow carelessly in really fast technical metal). One place where I didn't expect to come across that was Carcass' Surgical Steel album where they had Daniel Wilding, relatively young drummer, and the songs sounded so spot on tight yet trying to play along with a click track I noticed they ever so slightly changed the tempo over the song. Like coming off of that dramatic build up and climax of the solo back to the main riff the tempo drops multiple bpm and it becomes so heavy and impactful when you do that, emphasises the emotion you experience. It feels so good when the drummer sets the tempo to the current vibe and atmosphere. You can feel it but you can't really obviously tell they change the tempo, you just feel it's right. The quiet to the audience track from the drummer is such a cool idea, I've been wondering and hoping for something like that because you can get away with a hihat or bass drum or something, people accept and vibe that, but it's still not the exact thing you wanted to express. Just last week I said this somewhere and now I'm gonna repeat it: I love that "yap" became a trendy word, I enjoy the sound and rhythm and poppiness of "yap" or "yapping" so much. It's such an enjoyable word to say. And you know what is lovely? Not bleeping out every other word. I know it's important to youtubers to make sure they get their revenue, making living is tough, but it's so nice to just listen to someone talk smoothly without unbelonging noises in the middle. So I wonder, is Petrucci a cat person? His personality somehow feels like he could be. Something tells me Portnoy is a dog person (and googling confirms that). Important things you don't get in interviews.

[@gregorysleeth1792]

Mike and John look so happy. Glad to see them together In DT

[@MrBozstarr]

been to their 40th anniversary concert last night in Amsterdam. It was just awesome, being an eyewitness to their relationship, chemistry on stage and feeling all those years of experiences that came out on stage... Many thanks Dream Theater for having him back and thanks Mike for being back.

[@HumilityisaVirtue]

With no disrespect to Mike Mangini, and after seeing them live over the years, I felt Dream Theater lost their identity when Mike Portnoy left the band. I, for one, was extremely disappointed. I'm nearly 72 and am so happy I lived to see Mike Portnoy return.

[@MaiElizabeth]

Same here

[@pingjockey775]

That dogo is living the dream with all the attention... But great interview!

[@DaMegadeth]

John seems to be a really nice guy, mentioning things he remembered about Ola.

[@nikolasthomas4360]

You have these two living legends sitting down with you,drinking coffee with you and you ask them about their favourite PANTERA album.I just love you and the world a little more after that man.

[@jhonfelo]

Ola you nailed this interview. You can see Mike is a bit off and down, totally understandable due to his recent loss in his family, and you can see John answering for him sometimes, that moved me a lot 😢

[@vrabierobert5031]

THIS is top tier content - thank you Ola, Mike and John. The show in London was my dream come true, seeing DT live for the first time, and with the A line-up, was heart-melting, and the set-list was super emotional and it hit hard. I hope you'll come back to the UK for the Parasomnia leg of the tour 🙌

[@josedaliortega1975]

That weird feeling of being happy for someone on the other side of the world that have never met. Congrats, Ola! Great interview.

[@DanielOakfield]

Tack så mycket Ola for this interview, three great artists in the same room!

[@gurhant5840]

Mike Portnoy is so warm and close, I feel like he's my uncle who does not exist.

[@marcin-bensz]

What an interesting episode! It's so cool to see John and Mike here :) Thanks Ola!

[@SJ-ym4yt]

Glad to hear some love for Six Degrees! First DT album I heard, and a fundamental album in my musical upbringing. Still one of my favorites to this day.

[@krionite]

Heartwarming content. John seems to be such an OK guy. Down to earth and really polite and calm about everything. Hats off for these dudes!

[@MajorDook1]

This was a great interview Ola. You have are awesome at making your guests feel comfortable and it shows in how open they are and how willing they are to talk about things that you don't get to hear in other interviews.

[@monsnet]

I'm not crying... a hair of beard got into my eyes. DT forever. Thanks OLA!

[@M.C.R.SYNTRN]

Olas dream come true! Ticking off all the boxes man

[@lutima]

I love these two together😍❤️the chemistry between John and Mike in their music and friendship is beyond amazing🙏love you guys🥰can’t wait to meet them again next Sunday😃thanks Ola great job !

[@FrankMoreiraV]

I'm the type of DT fan that would listen to the albums from start to finish while doing house chores.

[@Blackphillipsupporter]

@@FrankMoreiraV same here brotha!

[@gechuzhao2178]

As a guy who always listens to full albums while cooking I can't relate more lol

[@TheMaxportnoy]

I love those guys so much! So glad and happy seeing them together like this ❤

[@SimonLoveridge]

This is the best video you've ever put out, amazing interview!

[@MrCleanPhoto]

I wasn’t a huge DT fan until I saw them live a couple years ago and kept seeing John on Olas channel. I’ve always appreciated them as musicians but now I also enjoy their music and I think it’s partially because they are super down to earth.

[@michael4591]

I love John and Mike! Like they said, they have the chemistry… like of brothers. I am looking forward to see them tomorrow. Congrats Ola

[@stevedendera]

This interview is so good because it's clear that John and Ola have a relationship now. It comes across as so relaxed and candid, rather than questions and answers. Also, Ola must find this absolutely mind-boggling to have someone like John be that familiar with him. Kudos to what he's built with his channel and career.

[@EgonEhomLundberg]

Så härligt se dem tillsammans igen! Bra intervju! Tack! 👍🏻👍🏻 Long Live Dream Theater! 🤘🏻

[@insleys]

So great that you got these guys in Ola! Also, crazy fucking excited now that Mike said they're going around the world twice... new album in its entirety in London - fuck yeah!

[@iseeu-fp9po]

They played in Oslo almost two weeks ago and it was a great show. So nice to see them having Coffe with Ola.

[@gquimbayo1]

Ola's excitement is so nice to see, living the dream. He would love to being fanboying but still he manages to be such a professional interviewing John and Mike. ¡Felicitaciones Ola! 🥳

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Love Mike reppin the Peaks. And John just seems like the loveliest guy.

[@Mulex90]

The way John looks at Mike. The way Mike looks at John. Thank you for for this treasure.

[@lukaspechar]

Thank you Ola, what a pleasure to watch this. I've seen DT many times but the first time with Mike in Prague this year. I cried like a baby. Been an active fan since Six Degrees. So amazing....

[@user-dj6cn4db8c]

I'm a big fan of Mike Portnoy and of course the whole band since the 90s Dream Theater for life.

[@Rubengutzz]

Pix, Portnoy and Petrucci, 3 legends together.

[@LokiTrk]

7:40 John mentionning not only you but also Louise, for some reason it just gave me the tears

[@DCJayhawk57]

When I was in college, the local guitar shop in the suburb I grew up in somehow got John and Mike to come do a meet and greet on the Train of Thought tour. We're talking just your run of the mill, locally owned guutar store where I took lessons as a kid. It's pretty funny, because my brother and I were the reason the store owner even thought to try to get them to come in, we were such big DT fans and used to talk about them all the time with him in the store. I dunno what connections he had or syringes he pulled to make it happen, but my brother and I were obviously thrilled. But this goes to show the type of guys they are, they took time out on a busy tour to show up to a suburb 30 min from where they were playing that night to sign autographs and take pictures with young fans. Both of them were so humble and genuinely happy to be there.

[@iaing2030]

I am so stoked you got this interview Ola. This is a dream to have both Mike and John for a coffee and a chat, both are absolute legends in my eyes. Also Pix is a huge Portnoy fan as well clearly.

[@anomalyLG]

SUPER nervous Ola incoming.

[@johnnyteres]

You can tell he's feeling much more comfortable around John at this point which is cool.

[@thunderboyralte3769]

@@anomalyLG True 😃😃😃

[@dgjardinage7517]

First thing that I thought about 😅😂

[@alejandrocolon-iz7se]

😂😂😂😂

[@HordeOfSkies]

I can see only a Super Ola. 😊

[@gentlewolf1279]

Legends.... these two guys have had such a massive impact on guitar and drums.

[@peterlorenz2670]

Tack!

[@OlaEnglund]

Nej tack du å!

[@MrCleanPhoto]

Very happy for you Ola! Great interview!

[@NEINLIVES999]

What a great hang! Thanks, Ola!

[@alexanderchambers3825]

super stoked for the 6 degrees comparison! Love Mike's FWWM shirt as well. Pumped for all of it.

[@titit.broomvroom]

I watched the episode with only Petrucci from last year yesterday. And here I'm now with this, what a treat.

[@thomasalderman2399]

I think I was just as excited as you Ola. One of my all time favorite bands. John and Mike are such nice people. Regular guys. I'm going to watch it again.

[@StoneXue]

I love this interview. You keep getting better just chillin with the guests and having fun.

[@hahaheslop]

Great interview, was so happy to see Portnoy back in the band. 02 show was great, was so refreshing to hear the band without a click-track again. Can't wait for the new album.

[@Eric_01]

This was so great! I'm not really an interview kind of person, but the vibe here was just so nice and chill. Ola has gotten very fluid with it and asks questions that these guys were great about expanding on and it just felt like eavesdropping on a conversation over someone's shoulder. Awesome job by everyone!

[@seanoconnor7846]

Been waiting for this one! So excited they were both there.

[@jonatasflausino8542]

Here I am, watching this interview 20min prior to me watching them live! Currently in Stuttgart! Cant wait!

[@SquizbarDeAlienOfficial]

Holy shit it actually happened. Killa interview 🤘👽🤘

[@urgaalnoir5268]

amazing interview and questions ,thanks for inviting them in !

[@deansilkmusic]

I am beyond happy this vid is out! I knew it was gonna happen after checking the tour schedule, and having just stepped in the door from holiday, I've grabbed a beer and ran straight to my computer to watch :)

[@brugvp]

What a great interview! I've been a subscriber since the early days Ola. Everytime you get to interview one of your music heros, bringing great content for us, It makes me extremely happy. You deserve all your success man! Stay metal \m/

[@ivosepulveda]

so glad to see you making all the people´s dream come true, having this two genius at your studio! greettins from argentina!

[@franekborowiec9648]

Saw them in Łódź Poland for the 40th Anniversary tour! It was awesome ❤

[@MarinedrummerSGT]

As a drummer love Mike's description of ebb and flow feeling the music

[@shaindaman13]

I got up and listened to the beginning while I made my coffee and then sat down with a hot cup to chill and listen. Good conversation.

[@meatfistcannon3939]

Ola, great job keeping composure. thats why John came back with Mike in tow like dude gotta have this free coffee bro!

[@kramersurfer5280]

i heard dream theatre when they released images and words,,to still see them together and hear them is amazing...good job Ola

[@ProgSnob14]

Can't wait for the new album. This reunion is the most important thing to happen musically in years!!!

[@MingTian666]

I wish I could find and play with musicians who have a similar feeling and understanding for each other as these two great guys do

[@andremouracosta]

Great interview, Ola. DT just makes me love music and helped me get through some very hard times in my life. I'm just very thankful to be able to see these two guys being back together. Long life to DT!

[@kslock1975]

Ola so modest. He really deserves to be in the thumbnail with Mike and John

[@theemmanuelguzman]

OMG! My mind is exploding! I love this so much! Thank you Ola! And, I am so happy that Mike is back! We love you Mike!!!

[@SutMacG]

Seeing these two back together is the best! They have been my musical inspirations for more than 28 years! Ola you are the man! 🤘🤘

[@TwoBadBassist]

So refreshing to hear they’re not using a click! Also glad to hear that the tour will be extended! Hopefully they’ll come back to Detroit this time!

[@minggwie]

Great interview with two GOATS of the progressive metal scene! 🤘🏽 @OlaEnglund: Love the inter-musician interview style! Keep the horns up! 🤘🏽

[@Daneidorff]

Really heartwarming to see Mike and John together again in this relaxed interview. So special to watch. Saw the show in Copenhagen - i have to agree with Mike; the setlist is fucking great. Perfect even👌 Best show i’ve seen in years. Soo good. And the guitarsound is among the very best i’ve ever heard, live. Can’t believe how good Johns rig sounds these days. Truly mindblowing🤯

[@grhto]

The I&W anniversary in Finland and the canceled gig in Oulu left a sour taste and was hesitant going to another gig but seeing Mike again back home with the guys in Helsinki it was absolutely amazing, beyond all expectations. So happy! James was excellent and so cool hearing backing vocals from Mike and John and such a great vibe on stage. Excited for the new album and next tour

[@ianking1889]

Great interview, loved hearing John mention Chris DeGarmo, definitely lots of influence from Queensryche in DT's songwriting

[@BEARDEDCLAMUSA]

Kick ass interview, I would be in another world trying to talk to Mike and John. You did Great Ola, keep it up,my brother! 🙌

[@Sigma77-n2u]

These 2 guys are musical soul mates there’s no price on that ! Great to see them together again

[@CaptGizmo01]

DUDE!!!! You got the Dream theater guys in person. You are super cool Ola!

[@staratlas7778]

One of the Best Drummers of all time, Sitting next to one of the Best Guitarists of all time, in one small room with a cute dog!?!? Best Interview Ever lol 😎🤘🏼. Thank you Ola!! ❤️

[@ToxicxEternity]

love this! 🤘

[@nickx1754]

John and Mike, so gracious and kind. It's fantastic to see them back together again.

[@williamhsi3597]

Kul att se John Petrucci och Mike Portnoy tillsammans igen !