"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio - Ep. # 5: Mike Portnoy

[@neuroscope9052]

2 of my favourite drummers.

[@TedSchoenling]

I was about to say the same!

[@joshuajuaire8757]

Yes i agree

[@maxkerzan64]

My two favorites

[@carlnoonan1861]

+1

[@Skwidmon]

Mine also

[@ryantrimble881]

Nick, i think the conversation about girlfriends, wives etc. Is never ever talked about...so glad u brought that up

[@boreanknight]

Spock's Beard and Transatlantic will always occupy a special spot in my life, incredible amount of top tier prog rock music and so many memories from late 90s throughout the 2000s. School days, growing up, travel. And DT introduced prog to me back in the 90s on TV! So these two gentlemen alongside Neal Morse, through their music, have been huge part of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@Sailormarinero]

One of the best drummers ever interviewing another of the best drummers ever. 🤩

[@NDVirgilio]

Aw! Thank you!!!🙏

[@nikospantelis6492]

I enjoy Mike talking nowadays, because back then he was just a selfish rock star who wanted things to be done his way and only his way. It is obvious how much he has evolved and matured since, and he is a much better fit for Dream Theater than he was when they parted ways. Everything happens for a reason, and now everything clicked between them and they are more conscious about what they want at this stage in their careers and they are all way more experienced so that they don't even fight because everyone respects and appreciates his band members, and the time they have left they want to invest it in writing great music and reconnecting with their fans, creating emotions both with their albums and their concerts. We wish Mike the best, he deserves all this warm welcoming to the band he created and we all are looking forward to the new music and the new live experiences they are going to offer us ❤

[@nickentros]

Two of the greatest prog rock drummers ever. This was super cool

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!!!

[@cowboyupdrummer]

Mike is a great well educated and respected drummer. Had the opportunity of seeing him with Billy and WD’s a couple of years ago. And of course been following him since the early DT days. Great interview, straight and to the point. Congratulations to both of you on your successful marriages and musical careers.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@chadcarrdrums]

I've read numerous times that you are Mike's favorite drummer. You're definitely one of mine.

[@NDVirgilio]

Aw! Thank you for that!

[@johnbelfiglio562]

The first question is a definite yes for me. I stopped for about 10 years(not by choice) and I was in a constant state of depression. I couldn’t figure out why until I started playing the drums again. I had no idea music had such an impact on my life until then. I then decided that I would never stop playing again. Ever! And as a side note, a ton of us are inspired by you, Nick!

[@unclerhombus]

It’s amazing, isn’t it? If we neglect our talents, our spirit withers inside of us.

[@johnbelfiglio562]

@@unclerhombus absolutely! It’s one of those you don’t know what you have till it’s gone.

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you got back to it John. I appreciate you. Cheers!

[@NDVirgilio]

Here here!

[@StephenDanielAddeo]

Spotify wasnt working right. It's slowed down for me. This has been a recurring problem on spotify with playback speed. Great interview. Love these guys.

[@gillesrozenstheim6383]

Je suis la carrière de 2 des meilleurs batteurs actuels dans leurs différentes formations. Que du bonheur ! Merci de partager ces moments avec nous NDV et MP.

[@NDVirgilio]

Merci beaucoup d'avoir pris le temps d'écouter le podcast. Je l'apprécie vraiment!

[@kimeradrummer]

Nick and Mike...two of my top 5 drumming inspirations.

[@jordanpantaleo554]

Haha. He said it! "you have to co-write with Desmond Child"

[@brunomadail]

I never understood that desmond child thing with derek sherinian.

[@jordanpantaleo554]

@@brunomadail The label "forced" Dream Theater to co-write with Desmond Child during the making of Falling Into Infinity. Desmond earned himself one writing credit on the album and it was for "You Not Me" which is actually kind of a 2nd draft of another song: "You Or Me." Sherinian's involvement in this probably ends at being a band member and co-writer on the track. Or maybe he had a hook-up to Desmond Child? But I highly doubt he was forcing this to happen as he was brought into the band less than 2 years prior, roughly. Big DT nerds know "You Not Me" has, perhaps literally, never been played live. They know it's not a preferred song by the band and is the opposite of a fan favorite.

[@brunomadail]

@@jordanpantaleo554 it´s funny cause i am big DT nerd and really thought that desmond child was an artistic name to derek sherinian. Cause i remember on the cover it said desmond child and not derek sherinian maybe it´s me.

[@jordanpantaleo554]

@@brunomadail oohh. I see what you mean. Nah, look up Desmond Child. He worked with Bon Jovi and stuff.

[@paulapasma8004]

2 fabulous and inspiring guys. Love Mike's honesty and humility. Helps that NDV is a friend and so easy to talk to! ❤💜🎶🎶 Looking forward to seeing DT and BBT👍

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@emjem99]

Two wonderful talents. Thanks for the insights and the many years of entertainment in all the incarnations you've both been in. I love Big Big Train, Spock's Beard and Dream Theater. May you both play for a long time to come!

[@NDVirgilio]

Yes indeed! A lot more to come. Thank you!

[@chromakey84]

Nick you’re incredibly inspiring and wonderfully humble. 🙏🤙

[@NDVirgilio]

Cheers!

[@p.rd.5504]

I was amazed when I saw Nick playing 'A guy named Sid: Same old story' and he easily became one of my favourite drummers

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@Fanis753]

Its refreshing looking at world class musicians talk about the human side of things!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for listening!

[@arieltege]

Good interview! Congrats 🙏

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DEllisMusic]

Really enjoyed this a lot! You guys are most definitely two of my favorite drummers, DT and Spock’s Beard got me into the prog world and definitely changed my trajectory as a musician. Thank you both for this.

[@NDVirgilio]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@glauberguitarverso]

Hey Nick you came to this world to be a musician but I didn't know that you're also brilliant as a podcaster!! I just loved it and please keep up the great work on it!! God bless you!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@radiosygnal1782]

That first real answer in this interview should speak volumes to those aspiring musicians. There was never a time in the music industry where success was guaranteed and success was magically acheived. Every band that I know of and idolized spent years honing their skills & sound while working the circuit before ever landing a lucrative deal AND there were those who worked just as hard and they didn't make it.

[@NDVirgilio]

Agreed. There are no guarantees. Cheers!

[@radiosygnal1782]

@@NDVirgilio Just wanted to say: Long time fan. Heavily influenced by your awesome drum work and singing in Spock's Beard. 'Snow' helped me through some tough times in my life. I can't thank you enough...

[@PabloJ1968]

You, sir, you are one of the best drummers in this century.

[@TheSateef]

the best (sorry Neil)

[@NDVirgilio]

Wow, thanks!

[@simonnathan2065]

Great interview! Looking forward to the new Dream Theater album.

[@NDVirgilio]

Me too!

[@spsmith45]

Thanks. My two favourite drummers.

[@HoustonRoad]

Great conversation!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@hcnilsson]

Beautiful 👏👏

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SunlethSky]

Really happy you asked "do you need to play music to be happy" honestly. I get discouraged from playing because I just don't have the time to "get pro" with my career and all, but it's like a fundamental need. Even if it ends up as scratchy garbage, it's like a kind of release. Loved the interview Nick!

[@-dimar-]

Great conversation. I'd be interested in hearing a long format 1-3h conversations as well. Thank you. btw I went to Steve Hackett show in Montreal, and it was a great surprise to see you on the drums.

[@NDVirgilio]

That Montreal gig was so much fun! Glad you were there and thanks for checking out the podcast!

[@pedrolsantiagosr5092]

Nick, i love what you're doing, don't stop. I'm almost 65, i've played on and off 50 year, local gigs mostly. Can you do a Pod on getting back in for fun…not the money… fyi, love the doo.

[@NDVirgilio]

Cheers! Thank you

[@vulcandj]

Excellent interview. The first time I saw Spock’s Beard, Mike sat in on the drums for the song June. He was wearing an Ace Frehley mask, and you unmasked him at the end of the song.

[@NDVirgilio]

Ha! I totally forgot about that. Cheers!

[@markallen4127]

NICK!!! this is fantastic! Please keep it up! So glad to see you continue your legacy in a new collaborative outlet!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thanks! Will do!

[@justinreynolds3935]

Nick thank you for this. One of the best interviews ever. You ask all the right questions. And the fact you know these guys they seem to open up more with you. Thank you for this. I appreciate the work you do!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much!

[@vigaren]

very cool! would love to have the legend Vinnie Colaiuta on here!!

[@glauccoginard]

Hi Nick. How is it going? Congrats for the successful interview. I met you in Rio 28th April. Now, I'm looking forward to meeting you again in Bochum - Germany on 18th August. See you there. 😊👍🏻

[@NDVirgilio]

Sounds great!

[@michaelbahr7957]

Two of the best guys in prog metal shooting the breeze and it's absolute gold

Awesome, NDV! 👍😎👍

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@simonhusseymusic]

Wow…2 amazing people!!! 🥁🥁

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@jvassalo]

Man, you are such good interviewer. You channel is amazing, everything you do is so awesome! Thank you so much for this series!

[@NDVirgilio]

Wow, thank you!

[@pilouche210]

I'm remember a Spock Beard's concert in Paris with Nick at vocal and Mike on the Drums for a amazing version of The Light ! A great moment, great musician :) I'm very happy to watch this video ! My life is link with your musical work :) Thank you for all !

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you 🙏

[@drewjohnson6351]

two of my awsome drummers that love

[@NDVirgilio]

Cheers!

[@TerryKrysinski]

Nick--- thanks so much for interviewing Mike...that was great. And interesting insight behind the busy schedule of a pro muso! Been a fan of both you guys for many moons now. Hoping you can do more work with Mr. Big down the road--the new album is great! And-- if Spock's ever records again...maybe there as well. I recently got to see Neal in a little coffee shop in Florida while on vacation there. Asked him if NMB would make new music again,and he said Yes..definately. That really warmed my heart to hear ( I was worried with Mike being so tied up with DT for awhile.) Thanks again,bro-- enjoyed your vlog on the Mr. Big road trip,too. Take care & rock on! Regards, T

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for checking it out Terry!

[@ProgSnob14]

My two favorites

[@stickslinger96]

Great episode!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@Missskullymetalhead]

Another very inspiring for me… Thx a lot Nick!!

[@NDVirgilio]

My pleasure!

[@bélalugrisi]

Much respect! Long Islander! LTE is da bomb!!! Thanks Nick! ☮, ❤ & 🎶/ 🌎

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

this was great Nick. Mike's always worth hearing from, and in this case, details about how he became and managed to be a musician.

[@angelasmuth3670]

😊 Mike P...love the t-shirt! ❤

[@KileyBurkhart]

This was such a great interview, thank you for and Mike for being so candid! Love your podcast series.

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ProckGnosis]

Great interview and discussion. Enjoyed chatting with you both on CTTE 2019 (pre-Covid seems a life time ago), so it was nice to see this as well. Cheers!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@dbmdrums1105]

hellz yeah this is it!

[@davidborgia2312]

Awesome ! I’ve been on 3 CTTE and it was always an honor/pleasure to chat with both of you ! 😊👍🥁

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@Chudley716]

Love Mike

[@irena7777777]

Mike’s videos during the pandemic helped me get through it in a big way. Some brilliant stuff that I really love. Especially going through his large vinyl collection!

[@stoyanrashev1653]

Awesome ❤

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nixneato]

Just discovered this through Mike's Facebook post. Best surprise of the day, two of my fav drummers and people :)

[@fabiodias5527]

Dope chat with, Mike. It's funny because my step dad has been in recovery for pretty much the same amount of years as Mike, and my stepdad also played a HUGE role in my musical development and my passion for drumming and prog. If it wasn't for my step dad buying my albuns such as SNOW back in 2002 when I was 17 years old, I wouldn't be the musician I am today. So cool hearing Mike talk about his sobriety and how important it's been for me - it resonates a lot with me especially because the way Mike talks and lays out his thoughts and ideas reminds me so much of my step dad 🤟

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for listening and I’m glad you got some enjoyment out of it. Keep playing! Cheers

[@brandon1351]

Great interview Nick.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@RaulCerna]

Even when he says "...from 2020 to 2022" it sounds like a Dream Theater rhythm pattern.

[@NDVirgilio]

Ha! Yes 👍

[@ChrisPhoenixMusic]

This was a great conversation. Thanks for doing this and for sharing some insights with us. Incomparable is right.

[@erikleenhouts834]

Awesome interview, you both are great musicians. Thank you so much ❤

[@eirikhjortdahl8944]

a different and more personal talk with Mike, which I enjoyed very much! thank you for a great podcast!

[@pcs56]

Two of my all time top five. Thanks, Nick! Both you and Mike are beyond awesome!

[@peterdent2019]

Mike has a DEEP voice

[@Tanzbaer777]

Saw these two guys in July 2000 in Hamburg, Germany...what a concert!

[@RockyTop85]

This was so wonderful! Thanks!

[@NDVirgilio]

You're so welcome!

[@vividimagination5018]

Thank You Nick For Helping REV or Avenged Sevenfold or being there for the REV

[@jonashellborg8320]

Nice interview again Nick! The message I heard from Mike was that you got to work hard.

[@JohneCook]

Nick, dude, you have an incredible podcasting voice! Nice.

[@carlosclerigadrums]

Awesome , two of my favs together. Always great and inspiring talks Nick, thanks for doing this. Hope you invite Mr.Blundell soon

[@JonnyB956]

Great interview!!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@leighjo70]

Thanks for the great interview Nick.

[@michaelharris9694]

Thanks Nick! This is Great!

[@rztricky]

Thanks for letting our band The Screen open for Spock’s Beard at the Lowell MA brewery back in the mid 2000’s Nick. A friend got us referred to you cats and I was floored to be playing with a collaborator of Kevin Gilbert’s, Tears for Fears and everything else you’ve crushed in your career. Cheers from NH.

[@NDVirgilio]

Great memories! Cheers NH!!!

[@LiveAerosmith]

Awesome interview....thanks for the video Nick!!!

[@TonyIvey-z6g]

Hey Mike! I dig the Partridge family shirt.

[@TheCOZ]

Nick rockin' the Judge Doom look 😮

[@joshuajuaire8757]

I love Mike he is a great drummer, and I had his pro mark drumsticks one time

[@ultraviolet9863]

great work Nick.

[@daustin777]

Awesome! Thanks Nick and Mike!

[@morsecode2112]

Cool stuff!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@shawnhapney8784]

Nice interview enjoyed much guys.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for watching!

[@RiffLordExegesis]

Great insight Nick

[@guidobischoff7642]

Very insightful talk!👍🏻 Far too short though...

[@NDVirgilio]

Yeah. I go with my gut on these interviews and some feel like going longer and some feel right being short and sweet. Take care

[@Rogue_R8]

Great interview!

[@joshuajuaire8757]

You should do this with Dave Weckl

[@JeffCooper10538]

Great video. I need to catch up with the rest of these Podcasts.

[@NDVirgilio]

Please do!

[@TheProgCorner]

I don’t wanna be a musician anymore - I wanna be a KZbin star!!!!

[@RiffLordExegesis]

Same here .. lol

[@JackNiles]

Thanks

[@Jay-Go]

Nick!!! These interviews are awesome. You're a natural. Barbara Walters ain't got nuthin' on you. 🎤

[@Txaman88]

Love this podcast!!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@twocatsyelling723]

That Partridge Family shirt.

[@raylou1000]

It took four questions to give his advice, I was starting to worry for Nick at the end...

[@NDVirgilio]

Nah :) Sometimes it takes time. Cheers!

[@rhythmicbeast]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁 both

[@kenminerva]

Hey Nick! Maybe I'm a lil bit lost here. Just wanna know why you didn't join Mr Big for their tour now? What happened? Cause I love to see you with Mr Big..Cheers

[@theadamblock]

I'll take a guess and say it might be near total commitment to Sweetwater.

[@NDVirgilio]

It’s was not Sweetwater. It was concert commitments I have with my band Big Big Train. Originally Mr Big was not going to tour in the summer and then that changed but I was booked with some very important gigs for BBT so I’m doing those ( one on the 9th at the Cropredy festival in the UK ) then I head to Frankfurt to rejoin Mr Big. That’s the way it goes sometimes in this biz. Cheers!

[@kenminerva]

@@NDVirgilio Thank you for the explanation, mate. Really hoping to see you back on the road with Mr. Big soon. Cheers! 🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@theadamblock]

@@kenminerva I've never seen Nick live but maybe one of these days. He's been such an inspiration as a singing drummer.

[@kenminerva]

@@theadamblock me too. I've watched him playing with Mr. Big on youtube only 😅. But he is so great and professional. Fits right in. And I really like the vlog he did during the Mr. Big tour last time..

[@mcbrain79]

Did you get OFFSPRING GIG ..hair looks like you did😂😂❤❤🇫🇮🇫🇮🤟🤟

[@TheSateef]

3 different singers? that's news to me and i know DT history

[@kman0146]

Holy crap ! Are you wearing Maynards hair piece ?

[@mellobotstudio]

Dang, Nick looks like he's been lifting.

[@YanniBG]

This Desmond Child thing still hurts...