You don't have to be a great drummer to be the most important guy in the band. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
When Dream Theater first started, we were touring in a van and playing clubs. — Mike Portnoy Dream Copy Share Image
I surround myself with incredible musicians who inspire me to always do my best. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I don't even like doing drum solos live; to me, it's like, 'Ehhh.' It doesn't really interest me. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
It's so refreshing to just play straight-ahead music with lots of twists. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
A Dream Theater without me was never in the plan; I never expected that. — Mike Portnoy Dream Copy Share Image
When I sit down to do an interview, I try to be polite and answer the questions that I'm asked. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I have no interest in playing 'perfect.' To me, it's more about being an entertainer. Having a connection with the audience. — Mike Portnoy Connection Copy Share Image
I'm not a politician; I'm a very open, honest guy, and that's the way it is - that's the way I am;… — Mike Portnoy Honest Copy Share Image
One of my biggest concerns was how defensive the fans would be over The REV's drum throne. I'm grateful they have been… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
In Adrenaline Mob, I'm not the leader, but I'm on the board of directors, and that's OK. I'm not stressing out over… — Mike Portnoy Adrenaline Copy Share Image
Trite as it sounds, follow your heart. Persevere. And if you follow your heart and persevere, it will pay off. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
In all of my years in this business, I've always been part of either a progressive band or a metal band. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I love my family more than life itself, but I can only sit at home by my pool eating barbecue food so… — Mike Portnoy Family Copy Share Image
Dream Theater was my baby. I formed it from the beginning, out of college, and I lived a lifetime with them. — Mike Portnoy Beginning Copy Share Image
It's all about the music, and I work as hard as I do strictly because of the music. It's not a money… — Mike Portnoy Career Copy Share Image
I live a very open life. I value my relationship with the fans, and I utilize Twitter and Facebook and my web… — Mike Portnoy Books Copy Share Image
I really do care what people think, and I revolved my whole career and all the twenty five years with Dream Theater...… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
Flying Colors is more alternative pop with a prog edge. Think the Beatles meets U2 meets Muse and Foo Fighters. It is… — Mike Portnoy Beatles Copy Share Image
With the Neal Morse Band, we're doing progressive music with a harder edge; it's a little more in Dream Theater territory for… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I've been asked to write a book several times; I've had several publishers come to me and offer me book deals. Especially… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
A lot of bands, they'll try to jump on the bandwagon or the fad or the fashion, and they'll skyrocket, have this… — Mike Portnoy Bands Copy Share Image
Change is inevitable with the evolution of technology. In the '70s, we had records. In the '80s, we had CDs, and now… — Mike Portnoy Age Copy Share Image
I kind of always made it a tradition, whenever Dream Theater played Toronto, to play a Rush cover. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I spent a good solid two years giving my all to Adrenaline Mob. — Mike Portnoy Adrenaline Copy Share Image
As far as I know, you only live once. So, I want to make the most of it while I can and… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
My time and my legacy with Dream Theater will always be a part of me. It's something I'll always be proud of. — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I don't think I was ever meant to be tied down to one band for the rest of my life, playing one… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I think if there's any one band that every member of Sons of Apollo has been influenced by, I think Van Halen… — Mike Portnoy Apollo Copy Share Image
One of the reasons I needed to leave Dream Theater was because I didn't want to end my career as just the… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I don't consider myself a great drummer. I consider myself just a music fan that's a very, very passionate artist, and the… — Mike Portnoy Artist Copy Share Image
In Adrenaline Mob there are five guys that are all absolutely insanely energetic performers each of their own right. It's like a… — Mike Portnoy Adrenaline Copy Share Image
I can't possibly overstate how much influence Rush had on me as a young teenager. I would say from about 1981 to… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I am not a technical drummer at all. I'm more from the Keith Moon/Lars Ulrich school of, 'Hey, look at me!' I… — Mike Portnoy Drummer Copy Share Image
First and foremost, play what you love to play. Don't try to jump on a bandwagon or a trend or a popular… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I understand that Adrenaline Mob is not going to be every Dream Theater fan's cup of tea. I totally get that; I… — Mike Portnoy Adrenaline Copy Share Image
I guess I did make my name out of my drumming, and I have the big drum sets, and I'm doing all… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
I think it's important for a young musician to stick with a band for a while and really work with a band… — Mike Portnoy Copy Share Image
