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			{{Short description\|American drummer (born 1967)}}
	{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
			{{For\|the American contemporary artist\|Michael Portnoy}}
	\| Name = Mike Portnoy
			{{BLP sources\|date=November 2020}}{{Use mdy dates\|date=August 2021}}
	\| Img = Mike Portnoy.jpg
			{{Infobox musical artist
	\| Background = solo_singer
	\| ~~Birth_name~~ = ~~Michael~~ ~~Stephen~~ Portnoy		\| name = Mike Portnoy
			\| image = MIKE PORTNOY @ Teatro ABC (37281265734).jpg
	\| Born = {{Birth date and age\|1967\|4\|20}}<br><small>], ], ]</small>
			\| caption = Portnoy performing in 2017
	\| Instrument = ], ], ], ], ]
			\| alias = MP<ref>{{cite web\|title=Happy New Year from MP & JP! @MikePortnoy @JPetrucci - @mikeportnoy\|url=https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/947699774190473218\|access-date=January 21, 2024}}</ref>
	\| Genre = ], ], ], ]
	\| ~~Years_active~~ = ~~1985–present~~		\| birth_name = Michael Stephen Portnoy
			\| birth_date = {{Birth date and age\|1967\|04\|20}}
	\| Label = ]
			\| birth_place = ], U.S.
	\| Associated_acts = ], ]. ], ], ]
			\| origin = ], U.S.
	\| URL =
			\| occupation = Musician
	\| Notable_instruments =
			\| instrument = {{hlist\|Drums\|vocals}}
			\| genre = {{hlist\|]\|]\|]\|]\|]}}
			\| years_active = 1984–present
			\| label =
			\| current_member_of = {{hlist\|]\|]\|]\|]\|]\|]\|]\|]}}
			\| past_member_of = {{hlist\| ]\|\|Cygnus and the Sea Monsters\|]\|]\|]\|]\|}}
			\| website = {{URL\|mikeportnoy.com}}
	}}		}}

			'''Michael Stephen Portnoy'''<ref>{{Cite book\|last=Da Silva\|first=George Batista\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=St9xDwAAQBAJ&q=%22Michael+Stephen+Portnoy%22&pg=PA42\|title=Nomes Batismais\|date=October 3, 2017\|publisher=Clube de Autores}}</ref> (born April 20, 1967) is an American musician who is primarily known as the drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the ] band ].
	'''Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy''' (born April 20, 1967) is an ] ] primarily known as the former drummer, ], and co-founder of the ] band ]. Known for his drumming prowess and technical skill, Portnoy has won 23 awards from the ] ]. He has co-] the last six Dream Theater albums with guitarist ], starting from '']''. From '']'' onwards, Portnoy had been writing a substantial amount of Dream Theater's lyrics. He is the second youngest person (after ]) to be inducted into the ''Modern Drummer's'' '']'' (at 37 years of age).

			In September 2010, Portnoy announced his departure from Dream Theater after 25 years, with ] taking his place as drummer of the band. In October 2023, 13 years after his departure, the band announced his return. During his time out of Dream Theater, Portnoy remained active, with a variety of bands and projects, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].
	On September 8, 2010, it was announced that Portnoy had left Dream Theater. Portnoy cited conflicting interests as the reason behind his departure.<ref>Now he keeps on being dumped every time.

			== Early life ==
	{{cite web
			Portnoy was born on April 20, 1967 in ].<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Mike Portnoy Biography, Songs, & Albums \|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mike-portnoy-mn0000059338/biography \|access-date=2023-07-08 \|website=AllMusic \|language=en}}</ref> He is ].<ref>{{Cite tweet\|number=1045060815240523776\|user=MikePortnoy\|title=I am...but I put the "ISH" in Jew-ish!! 😂😂😂\|author=Mike Portnoy\|date=Sep 26, 2018\|access-date=March 1, 2023}}</ref> His father, Howard Portnoy (1940–2009), worked as a DJ at a local radio station. Mike and his father later moved to ], to work at ] radio station after watching the 1971 film '']''.<ref name="merged1">{{cite AV media \|date=April 1, 2015 \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLRo9RT539k \|title=Mike Portnoy - Misplaced Pages: Fact or Fiction? \|publisher=] \|via=] \|access-date=December 1, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603180607/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLRo9RT539k \|archive-date=June 3, 2022 \|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother died on November 16, 1984, when the private plane she was riding in, with her boyfriend, crashed off the ] coastline.<ref>{{cite web\|last1=Portnoy\|first1=Mike\|title=PLEASE TAKE 2 MINUTES TO READ THIS POST….IT JUST MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE!\|url=https://www.facebook.com/mikeportnoyofficial/posts/1036438213040487 \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/116713035013014/1036438213040487 \|archive-date=2022-02-26 \|url-access=limited \|via=Facebook\|access-date=June 30, 2015\|date=June 30, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
	\| url = http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2585154.aspx
	\| title = Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater - Official Press Release
	\| first = Mike
	\| last = Portnoy
	\| date = 8 September 2010
	\| work = Mike Portnoy.com
	\| accessdate = 10 September 2010
	}}</ref><ref>
	{{cite web
	\| url = http://www.dreamtheater.net/news_dreamtheater.php#pressrelease
	\| title = Dream Theater's Press Release
	\| date = 8 September 2010
	\| work = dreamtheater.net
	\| accessdate = 10 September 2010
	}}</ref><ref>
	{{cite web
	\| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Mike-Portnoy-Announces-His-Departure-From-Dream-Theater-22063.aspx
	\| title = Mike Portnoy Announces His Departure From Dream Theater
	\| date = 8 September 2010
	\| work = ]
	\| accessdate = 10 September 2010
	}}</ref><ref>
	{{cite web
	\| url = http://jacksonnewsnow.com/radio/1023-the-rocket/1023-the-rocket-latest/mike-portnoy-joins-avenged-sevenfold
	\| title = Mike Portnoy joins Avenged Sevenfold
	\| date = 29 September 2010
	\| work = jacksonnewsnow
	\| accessdate = 7 October 2010
	}}</ref>

			His father's job as a DJ helped Portnoy gain an appreciation for music at an early age, as he had access to his father's collection of ]. He developed a preference for bands ], ], ], ], ], and ], among others. Portnoy claims to be self-taught as a drummer, though he did take ] classes in high school. During that period he began playing in local bands. With Rising Power and Inner Sanctum he recorded and released independent albums.
	On February 3, 2011, Portnoy announced that he has started a new project with ] singer ].

			==Career==
	==Pre-Dream Theater history==
			===Dream Theater: 1985–2010, 2023–present===
	Portnoy was born April 20, 1967 and raised on ] in ].<ref name="Official-bio">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mikeportnoy.com/credits.aspx\|title=The Mike Portnoy Official Website/biography\|last=Portnoy\|first=Mike \|year=2009\|work=Portnoy Official Website\|accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref> According to a post made by ] on his forum, Portnoy is ethnically Jewish but does not practice. His father worked as a ] at a local ], helping Portnoy gain an appreciation for ] at an early age particularly, as Portnoy has pointed out, because he had access to his father's collection of ]. He developed a preference for bands including ], ], ], ], ], and ], among many others. Portnoy claims to be self-taught as a drummer, though he did take ] classes in ]. During that period he began playing in local bands, two of which (Rising Power and Inner Sanctum) recorded and released independent albums. He left Inner Sanctum (his last high school band) after being awarded a ]ship to attend the ] in Boston. There, he met ] and ]. They formed a band, initially taking name "Majesty" before changing the name to ]. They left Berklee soon after.
			{{main\|Dream Theater\|Dream Theater discography}}
			] in August 2007\|left]]
			Portnoy left Inner Sanctum, his last high school band, after being awarded a scholarship to attend the ] in ]. There, he met ] and ]. They formed a band called Majesty, which was later changed to ]. Soon after they all left Berklee.<ref>{{cite web\|last1=Reesman\|first1=Bryan\|title=An Interview with Twisted Sister: The Fire Still Burns\|url=http://www.theaquarian.com/2015/06/10/an-interview-with-twisted-sister-the-fire-still-burns/\|website=theaquarian.com\|publisher=Arts Weekly, Inc\|access-date=December 9, 2015}}</ref>

			Known for his technical skill as a drummer in Dream Theater, Portnoy has won 32 awards from the '']'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://bravewords.com/news/mike-portnoy-wins-30th-modern-drummer-readers-poll-award-i-am-beyond-grateful-appreciative-and-humbled\|title=MIKE PORTNOY Wins 30th Modern Drummer Readers Poll Award - "I Am Beyond Grateful, Appreciative And Humbled"\|website=Bravewords.com\|access-date=March 15, 2018\|language=en-US}}</ref> He is the second youngest person (after ]) to be inducted into the ''Modern Drummer'' Hall of Fame, at 37 years of age. He was one of the main songwriters during his first tenure with Dream Theater. He co-produced six of their albums with guitarist ], starting from '']'' through '']''.
	==Influences==

			] in 2010]]
	In the April 2001 edition of ] & Portnoy's website, he names Neil Peart, Vinnie Paul, Carl Palmer, Bill Bruford, Terry Bozzio, Nicko McBrain, Billy Cobham, Alan White, Stewart Copeland, Phil Collins, Chester Thompson, Simon Phillips, Nick D’Virgilio, Andy Sturmer, Dave Lombardo, Jon Fishman, Vinnie Colaiuta, Ringo Starr,Jomarc V, Peter Criss, Tommy Lee, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Lars Ulrich as influences.<ref>http://www.mikeportnoy.com/aboutmike/faq/answers/20.aspx#167</ref>
			In the spring of 2010, Portnoy filled in for ]'s former drummer, ], who died during the production of the band's fifth album '']''. On May 5, 2010, Portnoy released a statement on his status with Avenged Sevenfold on their official website, concluding his working relationship with the band.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.avengedsevenfold.com/news/mike-portnoy-will-be-drumming-a7x \|title=MIKE PORTNOY WILL BE DRUMMING WITH A7X \|publisher=Avenged Sevenfold \|date=July 31, 2010 \|access-date=October 24, 2011 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928084521/http://www.avengedsevenfold.com/news/mike-portnoy-will-be-drumming-a7x \|archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}</ref>

			In September 2010, Portnoy announced he was leaving Dream Theater. The band hired ] to take his place after inviting and holding auditions with seven "world-class" drummers.<ref>{{cite web\|title=It's Official: MIKE MANGINI Is New DREAM THEATER Drummer\|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157462\|website=BlabberMouth.net\|date=April 29, 2011}}</ref>
	==Awards and recognition==
	;Modern Drummer

			Avenged Sevenfold chose not to continue working with Portnoy after the ''Nightmare'' tour was completed, in part due to the significant controversy surrounding his departure from Dream Theater.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://deathbatnews.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/mike-portnoy-confirms-my-time-with-avenged-sevenfold-has-come-to-an-end/ \|title=Mike Portnoy Confirms, 'My Time With Avenged Sevenfold Has Come To An End.' \|author=Mike Portnoy \|publisher=Deathbat News\|date=December 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="merged1"/> Following this, Portnoy announced that he asked to return to Dream Theater, but was turned down by their lawyer<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.anthonybest.com/2010/12/mike-portnoy-told-he-cant-come-back-to-dream-theater/\|title=Mike Portnoy Told He Can't Come Back To Dream Theater\|date=December 20, 2010\|website=Anthonybest.com\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804040354/http://www.anthonybest.com/2010/12/mike-portnoy-told-he-cant-come-back-to-dream-theater/\|archive-date=August 4, 2016\|url-status=dead\|access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> as the band had already brought Mangini fully onboard and he had left his tenured teaching position at Berklee College of Music to join the band.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/interview-dream-theaters-john-petrucci-jordan-rudess-on-the-bands-future-442741\|title=Interview: Dream Theater's John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess on the band's future\|date=May 11, 2011\|website=musicradar.com}}</ref>
	Mike Portnoy won the following '']'' magazine Reader's Poll awards:
	# Best Up & Coming Talent (1994)
	# Best Progressive Rock Drummer (1995–2006)
	# Best Recorded Performance (1995 for ''Awake'', 1996 for ''A Change of Seasons'', 1998 for ''Falling Into Infinity'', 2000 for ''Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory'', 2002 for ''Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence'', and 2007 for ''Score'')
	# Best Clinician (2000, 2002)
	# Best Educational Video/DVD (2000, 2002)
	# Hall of Fame Inductee (2004) <!-- would be good to have guitar magazine awards for JP, bass for JM, etc -->

			On October 25, 2023, Dream Theater announced that Mike Portnoy was returning to the band,<ref>{{cite web \|title=Dream Theater announce the return of drummer Mike Portnoy \|date=October 25, 2023 \|url=https://dreamtheater.net/dream-theater-announce-the-return-of-drummer-mike-portnoy/ \|access-date=October 25, 2023 \|publisher=Dream Theater}}</ref> Portnoy having gradually reconciled with the band throughout his 13-year absence before lastly reconciling with James LaBrie in 2022 at the band's show at the ] in New York.<ref>https://consequence.net/2023/12/mike-portnoy-opens-up-dream-theater-reunion/</ref><ref>https://metalinjection.net/news/mike-portnoy-attended-dream-theaters-show-last-night-got-a-shout-out-from-the-stage</ref> His first album with the band in 15 years, '']'', will be released on February 7th, 2025.<ref>https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dream-theater-parasomnia-album-1235130182/</ref>

			===Former and current projects: 1997–2023===
	He has co-founded several progressive rock groups and projects, including ], ], and ] (with former Dream Theater keyboardist ]).
			Portnoy is known for his many side projects and tribute bands. He is a founding member of ], an instrumental progressive rock band featuring fellow Dream Theater members John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess along with bassist ]. He is also a founding member of ], a progressive rock "super-group" featuring former ] keyboardist/vocalist ], ] guitarist ] and ] bassist ]. Outside of Transatlantic, Portnoy has worked with Neal Morse extensively, appearing on most of his solo albums. He is a member of ], featuring guitarist/vocalist ], bassist Randy George, and second keyboardist/vocalist Bill Hubauer. Portnoy has also recorded and/or toured/performed live with ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Over the years, Portnoy has created tribute bands to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and the Who.<ref>{{cite AV media \|date=August 22, 2010 \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavIllGMFRA \|title=Amazing Journey - Paul Gilbert/Mike Portnoy/Billy Sheehan/Gary Cherone - Young Man Blues \|publisher=winrar \|via=] \|access-date=December 1, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730091756/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavIllGMFRA \|archive-date=July 30, 2022 \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			After his departure from Dream Theater, Portnoy formed several new bands, starting with ], a ]/] band with singer ] (of ]) and guitarist ].<ref>{{cite web\|title=MIKE PORTNOY, RUSSELL ALLEN, RICH WARD, MIKE ORLANDO Join Forces In ADRENALINE MOB\|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=159475\|access-date=June 16, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619195750/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=159475\|archive-date=June 19, 2011\|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 4, 2013, however, Portnoy announced his departure from Adrenaline Mob, citing scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://eddietrunk.com/drummer-mike-portnoy-leaves-adrenaline-mob/comment-page-1/\|title=DRUMMER MIKE PORTNOY LEAVES ADRENALINE MOB\|website=eddietrunk.com\|access-date=April 23, 2021\|language=en-US}}</ref>
	He has released three instructional videos, "Progressive Drum Concepts", "Liquid Drum Theater", which has won awards from Modern Drummer Magazine, and his latest "In Constant Motion". He has released many "Official Bootlegs" on his website, including footage of the studio sessions for the Dream Theater albums '']'', '']'', '']'' and the Transatlantic release '']''. He has released bootlegs of his tribute bands ] (a ] tribute), ] (]), Cygnus and the Sea Monsters (]), and Amazing Journey (]).

			Portnoy is a founding member of ], a ] band also featuring ], ], ], and ].
	On September 18, 2006 within his website's forum Portnoy cagily stated that he had finally met one of his drummer heroes from youth from the band Rush;<ref>http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/fb.aspx?m=1402101</ref> drummer ] (one of the few heroes from his youth Portnoy had never met, owing to Peart's legendary privacy), that "Neil and I have finally met and we spent some time together this week and had a great time...",<ref>http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/fb.aspx?m=1402158</ref> and that a possible collaboration was underway/had been discussed with the teasing statement of "Patience everybody... all will soon be revealed!" It has now been revealed that this meeting was for an interview Portnoy did for his stint as guest editor of Rhythm Magazine.<ref>http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59931</ref> Portnoy had previously written the liner notes for the Japanese pressing of Rush's 2002 release ],<ref>http://www.mikeportnoy.com/about/mpfaq/showquestion.asp?menu=about&faq=1&fldAuto=317</ref> but publicly denounced Peart in 2000 after Peart called the people involved in the Rush tribute "]"
	.<ref>http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=202&Itemid=52</ref>

			He also founded ], a ] also featuring bassist ] (]) and guitarist ] (formerly of Mr. Big and ]); ], a progressive metal supergroup also featuring Sheehan, ], ] and ]; ], a thrash metal/groove metal band also featuring Mark Menghi, ] (]) and ] (]); and ], a supergroup/cover band also featuring Menghi, ] (]) and ] (]). He was also a member of PSMS, with ], Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian.
	In the October 2009 issue of Rhythm Magazine, Portnoy was listed as #5 in their list of the Top 50 Drummers of All Time.<ref>http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Mike-Portnoy-Named-in-Top-50-Drummers-of-All-Time-20590.aspx</ref>
			] in 2016]]
			Portnoy also drummed with ] from 2015 to 2016, following the death of longtime drummer ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hartmann \|first=Graham \|date=2015-12-08 \|title=Mike Portnoy on Twisted Sister + Honoring A.J. Pero \|url=https://loudwire.com/mike-portnoy-playing-with-twisted-sister-honoring-a-j-pero/ \|access-date=2024-04-12 \|website=Loudwire \|language=en}}</ref> He also played with the band at their one-off performance in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Horsley \|first=Jonathan \|date=2023-01-27 \|title=Watch Twisted Sister reunite with Mike Portnoy on drums and blaze through three classics at the Metal Hall Of Fame \|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/twisted-sister-metal-hall-of-fame-2023-mike-portnoy \|access-date=2024-04-12 \|website=MusicRadar \|language=en}}</ref>

			==Artistry and influences==
	He was featured on ]'s ''Talking Metal'' where he joined with ] and the show's hosts in covering ]'s "Overkill."
			In the April 2001 edition of '']'' and Portnoy's website, he names ], ], ], ] and ] as influences.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.mikeportnoy.com/\|title=Mike Portnoy\|website=Mike Portnoy}}</ref>

			Portnoy played bass when ] performed as the fictitious band ]. Before live performances of "Trial of Tears", he would sometimes switch instruments with ] and play a fragment of "]" by ]. In Nightmare Cinema, he went by the stage name "Max Del Fuvio".<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2016-01-03 \|title=Who are the Del Fuvio Monks? \|url=https://dreamtheater.club/questions/question/who-are-the-del-fuvio-monks/ \|access-date=2022-11-08 \|website=The Dream Theater World \|language=en-US}}</ref>
	As voted on by 6,500 drummers worldwide, Portnoy won the Drummies Award for Best Progressive Rock drummer in 2010, while ] of ]/]/] won the award for Best Metal drummer.<ref>{{cite web\|url= http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Mike-Portnoy-Joey-Jordison-Win-2010-Drummies-Awards-21803.aspx\|title= MIKE PORTNOY, JOEY JORDISON WIN 2010 DRUMMIES AWARDS\|publisher= ]\|date= 2010-07-22\|accessdate= 2010-08-04}}</ref>

			Portnoy played bass guitar and xylophone during a song on '']''. He has also contributed lead and harmony vocals to numerous projects.{{Citation needed\|date=November 2020}}
	==Drum kits and percussive equipment==

			==Progressive Nation==
	* '''When Dream and Day Unite/Images & Words Kit''' - This Tama Imperialstar (the previous model of the Imperialstar, unlike the 2007 Imperialstar, which is an entry level kit) kit and ] cymbals which was bought originally by Portnoy himself through working three jobs. It was used until the end of the Images and Words tour when Portnoy got signed by ] and Mapex.
			] in July 2014]]
			In 2008, Portnoy organized a tour called ''Progressive Nation''. ] headlined the touring festival and were joined by ], ] and ]. Portnoy stated, "I've been wanting to assemble a package tour like this for many years now. With all of the festivals and package tours that go through America, I've been talking with our manager and agent for over 10 years now about doing something that focuses on the more progressive, musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal. I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk the walk."<ref>{{Cite news\|title=Progressive Nation 2008 - Press Release \|url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/news_dreamtheater.php#prognation \|work=dreamtheater.net \|publisher=Dream Theater \|date=November 5, 2007 \|access-date=May 11, 2008 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510152306/http://www.dreamtheater.net/news_dreamtheater.php \|archive-date=May 10, 2008 }}</ref>

			In 2009, the tour returned with ] headlining once more and joined by ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web \|title=PROGRESSIVE NATIONS 2009 – NORTH AMERICAN SUMMER TOUR \|url=https://www.jordanrudess.com/progressive-nations-2009-north-american-summer-tour-3/ \|website=Jordan Rudess.com \|date=February 13, 2009 \|access-date=15 December 2023}}</ref>
	* '''Awake/A Change Of Seasons kit''' - This Mapex USA Maple kit was used on the world tour supporting the album ''Awake''. It had two bass drums, one snare, six toms, two small timbales, a section of various percussion instruments, and four ]-sized drums in a 2x2 formation. This marked Portnoy's first use of Octobans on a record, which were custom-made by Mapex using maple as opposed to Tama's more traditional ], giving them a slightly different, more "natural" tone.

			In 2014, Portnoy rebooted Progressive Nation as a 4 day cruising music festival called ''Progressive Nation at Sea''. The event took place on the ] on February 18-22, 2014 sailing from ] to the ]. Portnoy organized the cruise with help from ], and music festival company, Sixthman. Portnoy performed in three different bands on the cruise, ], Portnoy, Sheehan, MacAlpine, Sherinian (PSMS), and ]. Also rounding out the cruise were a large number of other progressive rock artists, ], ]'s Power Trio, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] & ], ], ], ], Jolly, ], Mark Mikel, and his son, Max Portnoy's band, Next to None. Portnoy describes what the cruise was like: “Progressive Nation at Sea still remains one of my proudest career memories…at the time, music cruises were just beginning to blossom and to be given the opportunity to assemble such an amazing lineup was a dream come true for me".<ref name="PNAS">>{{cite web \|title=Progressive Nation at Sea sets sail 5 years ago \|url=https://progreport.com/progressive-nation-at-sea-five-years-ago/ \|website=The Prog Report \|date=February 20, 2019 \|access-date=15 December 2023}}</ref>
	* '''The Purple/Green/Red Monsters''' - These were Tama Starclassic kits which marked Portnoy's signing with Tama in the late '90s after his endorsement deal with Mapex fell through (they took the kit he was using off the market, meaning that he was endorsing a product the public could not buy.) Used for the recording of ''Falling Into Infinity" and "Scenes from a Memory'' and the North, South American, and Asian tours for said albums, they are so named because of their striking color/white/color fade finishes. The reason for three identical drum kits were for two copies held in storage in different parts of the world to avoid the shipping costs one extremely large kit around the world; the "Green Monster" in use for European tours and a "Red Monster" for Asian-market touring. It is similar to the "Awake" kit but features many more cymbals, the left-side octobans in a four-inline configuration (as opposed to his last kit which held them in a 2x2 pattern) and two more "low"-tuned octobans on the right side of the kit held overhead of the floor toms. This kit featured a snare drum with a foot-operated snare strainer mechanism which allowed for different snare drum sounds without having to use his hands to adjust it. On the Purple Monster Portnoy used DW 5000 Pedals, instead of the Iron Cobra Pedals. He uses this kit in his 1999 Instructional DVD "Liquid Drum Theater".

			Since ''Progressive Nation at Sea 2014'', Portnoy went on to join forces with another cruising ] music festival, ''Cruise to the Edge'', to merge the vision and musical lineups. CTTE has been sailing annually since then.<ref name="PNAS" />
	* '''Liquid Tension Experiment kit''' - A comparatively modest kit used in his supergroup project ]. The bass drum and toms of this kit (not the snare, timbales, and cymbals) were the first Portnoy ever purchased used according to an interview where he gave a tour of his basement and this kit showed up. This kit was unique in that it used a pair of small timbales where the two smallest toms would normally be. It was otherwise a normal "seven piece" rock kit with three toms (five if you count the timbales), and a single bass drum with a double kick pedal. It marks the first time Portnoy uses a floor tom on either side of the kit for a recording (during footage from their Fan Club Show in 1998 featured on ], Portnoy's "Unplugged" kit contained a left-hand floor tom used heavily during that performance) with a 14" floor tom on the left and an 18" floor tom on the right. It is the first time Portnoy used his MaxStax cymbal line in the studio. Portnoy notes in his ''Liquid Drum Theater'' instructional video that the reason behind the smaller kit is that when Liquid Tension Experiment went into the studio to record the first album, The Purple Monster kit was still being shipped back from some shows they had played immediately prior in Brazil.

			==Personal life==
	* '''Transatlantic kit''' - The kit used to record and tour behind the first ] album was the same as the Liquid Tension Experiment kit, but with five regular toms. When recording and touring behind the second Transatlantic album, Portnoy added his new Melody Master snare drums for the first time and some different cymbals including a set of custom made 15" hi-hats. The smaller Melody Master displaced the 14" floor tom, which was moved back to the right of the kit for the Transatlantic recordings. For the filming of Portnoy's 2007 "In Constant Motion" instructional DVD set, the Transatlantic kit was reproduced in ]' new line of acrylic shells named in the "Black Ice" finish. The original recording was done with more traditional Starclassic wood drums.
			Portnoy and his wife ] (née Apuzzo) live in ] in the ] region of ] with their children, Melody Ruthandrea (born May 3, 1997)<ref>{{cite tweet \|user=MikePortnoy \|number=859469108773040130 \|date=May 2, 2017 \|title=HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY TO @MelodyPortnoy!!!! - @mikeportnoy \|access-date=January 21, 2024}}</ref> and ] (born March 7, 1999).<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca0EgMQPqii \|title=Happy 18th Birthday to my Mini-Me @maxportnoy!!\|via=Instagram \|access-date=January 21, 2024}}</ref>

			Portnoy is a recovering addict and has openly discussed it. The five song set '']'' deals with his experience of substance abuse. He edged away from alcohol and drugs in April 2000 and has remained sober since then.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Graham Hartmann \|url=https://loudwire.com/mike-portnoy-battling-alcoholism-wouldnt-live-to-see-40/ \|title=Mike Portnoy on Battling Alcoholism: Doctors Told Me I Wouldn't Live to See 40 Years Old \|website=LoudWire.com \|date= June 29, 2017 \|access-date=January 9, 2020}}</ref>
	* '''The Siamese Monster''' - This kit was an amalgamation of two individual kits. The left side of the kit is laid out similarly to the Liquid Tension Experiment kit, with a floor tom on his left side, a modified tymp-tom on his right side, and three rack toms. The right side is laid out as a normal five piece kit but with the two rack toms reversed, a ] in place of a floor tom (with modified floor tom legs), and the ride cymbal in front of the hi hats, which allows him to share some of the cymbals and toms between the two kits. It has two stools, and while is not capable of being played in its entirety by one person, Portnoy often invites other drummers to sit in on the unplayed half during shows. It is a predominantly black kit with Majesty symbols around each individual drum. Much like the Colored Monsters, there were three identical versions of this kit for use when touring different continents, the North American kit being the "featured" kit with purple markings as was the case with the Colored Monsters. It was built by ] for the recording of the '']'' album and tour.

			== Equipment ==
	* '''The OSI kit''' - Portnoy used the small (right) side of his Red Siamese Monster kit for the recording of the first '']'' album. For the second he downsized even more to a four-piece consisting of his signature snare, one timbale as a tom as previously used on his ] kit, one floor tom, and a single 18" kick drum with a double pedal.
			Portnoy endorses ] drums, ] cymbals, ] drumsticks and ] drumheads. Though Portnoy is mainly a drummer and backing vocalist he also contributes lead vocals,<ref>{{cite tweet \|last=Portnoy \|first=Mike \|author-link=Mike Portnoy \|user=MikePortnoy \|number=1258073290154954752 \|date=May 6, 2020 \|title=MANY lead vocals through the years...search these on YouTube: • Sons of Apollo - Comfortably Numb • Transatlantic - A Salty Dog • Dream Theater - Best Of Times (Demo) • Flying Colors - Repentance (Live) And tune in on Saturday for the @theprogreport #progathome concert 😉😎 https://t.co/UGgKMl2CoO \|language=en \|access-date=December 1, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811215042/https://twitter.com/mikeportnoy/status/1258073290154954752 \|archive-date=August 11, 2022 \|url-status=live}}</ref> bass guitar<ref>{{cite AV media \|date=October 23, 2020 \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXmc_BQZo0 \|title=Mike Portnoy Plays Guitar Bass ••• Live at Morsefest 2020 \|publisher=Zafea House \|via=] \|access-date=December 1, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811215038/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXmc_BQZo0&gl=US&hl=en \|archive-date=August 11, 2022 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=TransAtlantic Winds \|url=https://www.planetizz.net/transatlantic/faq.htm \|access-date=2022-08-11 \|website=planetizz.net}}</ref> and keyboards.

			==Discography==
	* '''Yellow Matter Custard kit''' - A specially designed set for use in Portnoy's ] tribute band, Yellow Matter Custard. It is modelled on ]'s kit, and is quite simple compared with his Dream Theater kits. Its in the sizes: 12"x8", 14"x14" & 20"x14". The cymbals are an 14" AA HiHat, an AA Crash on the left and a HH Crash/Ride on the right.
			{{main\|Mike Portnoy discography\|Dream Theater discography}}
			;Dream Theater
			* '']'' (1989)
			* '']'' (1992)
			* '']'' (1994)
			* '']'' (1995)
			* '']'' (1997)
			* '']'' (1999)
			* '']'' (2002)
			* '']'' (2003)
			* '']'' (2005)
			* '']'' (2007)
			* '']'' (2009)
			* '']'' (2025)

			;Liquid Tension Experiment
	* '''Hammer Of The Gods kit''' - A ]-replica kit that was used in Portnoy's ] tribute band. Custom-made acrylic shells were used (transparent amber), and the kit is always played while wearing the obligatory bowler hat.
			* '']'' (1998)
			* '']'' (1999)
			* '']'' (2021)

			;Transatlantic
	* '''The Albino Monster''' - The previous kit used by Portnoy is similar to the Siamese Monster. Aesthetically, it is white with silver sparkle Majesty logos instead of the black/colored logos of the Siamese Monster. In layout it is almost exactly the same, the only differences being the right side of the kit mimics his earlier Hammer of the Gods kit; two of the timbales were removed, the 10" tymp-tom was changed to a 14", and the gong bass drum was replaced with a floor tom. He kept some of the cymbals from the right side of the Siamese Monster, including the 13" HHX Groove Hats, and the 19" Hand Hammered Fierce Crash, so there's more distance between the two sides in the Albino Monster, than there were in the Siamese Monster. So far it has been used for the Gigantour (a tour that ] participated in alongside ], ] and several other bands) and throughout the Octavarium 2005-06 World Tour. The modification to the right side stemmed from sessions for Dream Theater's ] album, where what began as an experiment became the inspiration behind most of Octavarium. When recording of Octavarium began, Portnoy brought along the Hammer of the Gods kit, resulting in the kit being used for part of the album: he ended up using it on five of the album's eight tracks. The kit utilizes larger "Rock" sizes, with a 14" rack tom, a 16" floor tom, an 18" floor tom, and a meaty 6.5" x 14" snare drum, much reminding of the drum sizes used by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Additionally, Portnoy only used a few crash cymbals, and used a splash and china sparingly. When touring began, Tama had the shells changed to traditional Starclassic Maple shells, because they didn't want Portnoy touring with a kit featuring shells that Tama didn't mass-produce for public acquisition. The touring kit includes two new limited-edition Mike Portnoy signature snare drums with the same matching finish used on the rest of the kit. On Tama's official website, Portnoy released details about changes to the kit for his upcoming tours, beginning with G3 in March. He says the left side will stay the same, but the right side will change. The sizes will change to more conventional sizes-22" kick etc. and will have three rack toms as opposed to the 'Bonham'-size, one rack tom kit of before. The shells would be Starclassic Mirage acrylic shells instead of the Starclassic Maple he has always used. He used this kit in his DVD In Constant Motion.
			* '']'' (2000)
			* '']'' (2001)
			* '']'' (2009)
			* '']'' (2014)
			* '']'' (2021)

			;Liquid Trio Experiment
	*'''The Mirage Monster'''- Revealed at Gods Of Metal 2007, this kit is made up of two kits once again, except built out of Tama's new acrylic drums in clear "Crystal Ice" finish. The left side is virtually identical to his previous kit, except made with clear acrylic shells. The new configuration of the right side of his kit has replaced the "Bonzo Kit" of "The Albino Monster." His new right side of the kit includes: a 22" kick and 3 rack toms (8", 10", and 12") "so it's going to be a little more of a conventional, small kit." () The snares used are his Signature Melody Master snares. He uses 2 12x5" steel snares (one on the right side of the kit as a main snare and one on the left as a side snare) and uses one 14x5.5" maple shell snare. These snares are the same snares used in the last 2 kits (Albino Monster and Siamese Monster) and they are in the original black color. This kit has been scaled down to a relatively small double-bass kit for several shows taking place in smaller venues.
			* '']'' (2007)
			* '']'' (2009)

			;Avenged Sevenfold
	*'''Black & Silver Monster'''<ref>http://www.tama.com/bsm</ref>- Similar to the Mirage Monster, this kit is made up of two different kits, this time with the new Bubinga wood drums with a black and silver finish.
			* '']'' (2010)

			;Neal Morse
	Several of Portnoy's drum kits make use of ] ] pads. Portnoy uses these as what he calls the "secret cowbell", to count off the songs in a way that only his fellow band members and the technicians can hear it. An example of this can be seen on the '']'' DVD, where it can be seen in the background that Portnoy counts off the song "Under A Glass Moon" on the pad. Portnoy explains the use of these pads in the commentary track of the "Drum Cam Only" version of the '']'' DVD, as well as the "Mike's Stage Tour" featurette on the '']'' DVD.
			* '' ]'' (2003)
			* '' ]'' (2004)
			* '' ]'' (2005)
			* '' ]'' (2007)
			* '' ]'' (2008)
			* '']'' (2011)
			* '' ]'' (2012)
			* '']'' (2020)

			;The Neal Morse Band
	Tama has marketed two different sized Mike Portnoy signature snare drums, known as "Melody Masters" (named after Melody, his daughter), since the late 1990s. The smaller of the two has a 12x5" steel shell and the larger has a 14x5.5" maple shell. Both snare models have a unique three way snare strainer mechanism.<ref>http://www.mikeportnoy.com/about/tama/?menu=about</ref> Portnoy and Tama have custom-made versions in various colors to match the color schemes of the kit he was using at the time (i.e. The "Purple/Red/Green Monsters", "Siamese Monster" "Albino Monster", etc.). For 2006, in recognition of his 'Albino Monster' kit, he released only 250 of these snares worldwide in a white, gloss finish. The older colour (black) is not limited edition.
			* '']'' (2015)
			* '']'' (2016)
			* '']'' (2019)
			* '']'' (2021)

			;Flying Colors
	Sabian has marketed three different sized signature cymbal stacks, known as "Max Stax" (named after his son, Max). They consist of a hand hammered china kang-style cymbal on top of a splash (or crash) cymbal that can be played much more like a drum than a cymbal, used much more in traditional ] than most quickly decaying cymbal tones. Their sizes are 8/8", 10/10" and 12/14". Sabian has marketed odd-sized 7, 9, and 11" "Max Splash" cymbals which have a fast decay and can be used in fills and drum patterns that have the same namesake.<ref>http://www.mikeportnoy.com/about/sabian/?menu=about</ref>
			* '']'' (2012)
			* '']'' (2014)
			* '']'' (2019)

			;John Petrucci
	Portnoy has endorsed Promark sticks since the early 1990s. His signature stick is the TX420N.<ref>http://www.promark.com/products/view/tx420n/</ref> It is made of hickory 5A sized stick, with a white nylon 747 sized taper and has purple print to match the Purple Monster's motif. The "420" in the model number, which is printed on the sticks, is a reference to his birthday (and not a marijuana reference, as has been suggested). He is known for gripping his left stick on the reverse side to attain a different sound on the snare drum.
			* '']'' (2020)

			;Adrenaline Mob
	==Other instruments played==
			* ''Adrenaline Mob'' (2011)
			* '']'' (2012)
			* '']'' (2013)

			;BPMD
	Portnoy played John Myung's bass when ] performed as the fictitious band ]. Before live performances of "Trial of Tears", he would sometimes switch instruments with ] and play "]" by ]. He was seen playing a sunburst 4-string ] belonging to Myung on ''The making of Systematic Chaos''. He plays bass guitar during a jam by ].
			* '']'' (2020)

			;Haken
	==Avenged Sevenfold and Departure from Dream Theater==
			* '']'' (2014)

			;Metal Allegiance
	Image:Transatlantic2010_portnoy.jpg\|Mike Portnoy
			* ''Metal Allegiance'' (2015)
	In spring 2010, Portnoy filled in for ]'s former drummer, ], who died during production of the band's latest album '']''.
			* ''Fallen Heroes'' (2016)
			* ''Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty'' (2018)

			;OSI
	On the May 5th, 2010, Portnoy released a statement on his status with Avenged Sevenfold on their official website saying:
			* '']'' (2003)
	"Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011.....However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010.....You can look at me like the band's "rebound drummer" to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future!"<ref>http://www.avengedsevenfold.com/news/mike-portnoy-will-be-drumming-a7x</ref>
			* '']'' (2006)

			;Sons of Apollo
	On Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Mike Portnoy announced he would be leaving Dream Theater. In his official statement<ref></ref> he said:
			* '']'' (2017)
			* '']'' (2020)

			;The Winery Dogs
	{{cquote\|Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band....But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.<br/>
			* '']'' (2013)
	We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'...<br/>
			* '']'' (2015)
	Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...}}
			* '']'' (2017)
			* ''III'' (2023)

			;John Arch
	The rest of the band did not agree and decided to continue on without him. Because of this decision, Portnoy decided he will be leaving Dream Theater. How the production of the 11th album or the future world tour will continue on without him is still unclear.<ref name="dreamtheater.net"></ref> According to John Petrucci's Twitter account, auditions to find a new drummer began in October.<ref name="John Petrucci Twitter"> ]</ref> An interview with James LaBrie conducted on October 8, 2010 confirmed that there were seven world-class drummers lined up for auditions, which would be taking place through the rest of October. LaBrie is confident that their new drummer lies within these seven.
			* '']'' (2003)

			;Between the Buried and Me
	On December 16, 2010, Portnoy announced via Facebook that although he would have liked to continue working with the band, ] had decided to stop using him as their drummer.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://deathbatnews.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/mike-portnoy-confirms-my-time-with-avenged-sevenfold-has-come-to-an-end/ \|title=Mike Portnoy Confirms, “My Time With Avenged Sevenfold Has Come To An End.” \|author=Mike Portnoy \|publisher=Deathbat News}}</ref> He later announced that he had asked to rejoin Dream Theater, but had been rejected.<ref>http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/mike-portnoy-told-he-cant-come-back-to-dream-theater/</ref>
			* '']'' (2021) (Drum solo on "Fix the Error")<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Owen \|first1=Matt \|title=Between The Buried And Me announce new album Colors II, recruit Mike Portnoy for thunderous lead single, Fix the Error \|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/between-the-buried-and-me-fix-the-error \|website=guitarworld \|access-date=30 August 2021 \|language=en \|date=25 June 2021}}</ref>

			;Bigelf
	{{cquote\|Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives...(plus I know how much it meant to a lot of the fans...)
			* '']'' (2014)

	I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer...but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did...they didn't even tell me themselves....) I tried, and the door is now shut...the ball is now in their court, not mine...}}

	On February 3rd, 2011, Mike Portnoy announced via Facebook that he has started a musical project with ].

	==Personal life==

	Portnoy and his wife Marlene (née Apuzzo) live in the ] with their children, Melody Ruthandrea and Max John. Marlene used to be a guitarist in the all-female band Meanstreak, and two of the other members, guitarist Rena Sands and bassist Lisa Martens, are married to Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung, respectively.

	==Discography==
	=== With Dream Theater ===
	* 1989 - '']''
	* 1992 - '']''
	* 1994 - '']''
	* 1997 - '']''
	* 1999 - '']''
	* 2002 - '']''
	* 2003 - '']''
	* 2005 - '']''
	* 2007 - '']''
	* 2009 - '']''

	=== With Avenged Sevenfold ===
	* 2010 - '']''
	* 2010 - '']''

	=== With Transatlantic ===
	* 2000 - '']''
	* 2001 - '']''
	* 2009 - '']''

	=== With Neal Morse ===
	* 2003 - '']''
	* 2004 - '']''
	* 2005 - '']''
	* 2006 - '']''
	* 2007 - '']''
	* 2008 - '']''

	=== Tribute Shows (CD and DVD) ===
	* ''One Night in New York City'' - ] (2003) (The Beatles) with Paul Gilbert, Neal Morse and Matt Bissonette
	* ''Two Nights In North America'' - Hammer of the Gods (2006) (Led Zeppelin) with Paul Gilbert, Daniel Gildenlöw, and Dave LaRue
	* ''One Night in Chicago'' - Cygnus and the Sea Monsters (2006) (Rush) with Paul Gilbert, Sean Malone, and Jason McMaster
	* ''One Night in New York City'' - Amazing Journey (2007) (The Who) with Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Gary Cherone

	=== With selected musicians===
	* 1984 - Rising Power: '''Power for the People''' (out of print)
	* 1986 - Inner Sanctum: '''12 A.M.''' (out of print)
	* 2001 - ] with Rama: '''Rama 1'''

	=== Instructional DVD Releases ===

	Portnoy has released several instructional drumming videos/DVDs. These include:
	* ''"Progressive Drum Concepts" (Rittor Music 1995 1 VHS/DVD)''
	* ''"Liquid Drum Theater" (Hudson Music 2000 2 DVDs)''
	* ''"In Constant Motion" (Hudson Music 2007, 3 DVDs)''

	===Portnoy's self filmed performances===
	Portnoy has self-released "drum-cam" DVDs of the last several Dream Theater and side project recording sessions through his own "MP4" production company. These are "in-studio" recordings typically consisting of Full Band, Isolated Drums tracks, and an Audio Commentary.
	* ''"Asian Clinic Tour" (MP4 Productions 2001, 1 DVD)'' (out of print)
	* ''"Ten Degrees of Turbulent Drumming" (MP4 Productions 2002, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"Drums Across Forever" (MP4 Productions 2002, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"Drums of Thought" (MP4 Productions 2004, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"Live at Budokan" (MP4 Production 2005, 1 DVD)
	* ''"Mike Portnoy - Drumavarium" (MP4 Productions 2005, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"sysDRUMatic chaos" (MP4 Productions 2007, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"SCORE" (MP4 Productions 2008, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"Black Clouds & Silver Drumming" (MP4 Productions 2009, 1 DVD)''
	* ''"Whirlwind Drumming" (MP4 Productions 2010, 1 DVD) ''

	== References ==

			==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

	==External links==		==External links==
			{{commons category\|Mike Portnoy}}
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			*{{official website\|http://www.mikeportnoy.com}}
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			*{{Facebook}}
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			*{{Twitter}}
	*
			*{{allmusic}}
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	{{Dream Theater}}		{{Dream Theater}}
			{{Neal Morse}}
	{{Transatlantic}}		{{Transatlantic}}
			{{The Winery Dogs}}
			{{Flying Colors}}
	{{Liquid Tension Experiment}}		{{Liquid Tension Experiment}}
	{{~~Avenged~~ ~~Sevenfold~~}}		{{Adrenaline Mob}}
	{{OSI (band)}}		{{OSI (band)}}
			{{Twisted Sister}}
			}}
			{{Authority control}}

	{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
	\| NAME =Portnoy, Mike
	\| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
	\| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
	\| DATE OF BIRTH =1967-04-20
	\| PLACE OF BIRTH =
	\| DATE OF DEATH =
	\| PLACE OF DEATH =
	}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Portnoy, Mike}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Portnoy, Mike}}
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Latest revision as of 07:15, 4 January 2025

American drummer (born 1967) For the American contemporary artist, see Michael Portnoy.

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Mike Portnoy
Portnoy performing in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Michael Stephen Portnoy
Also known as	MP
Born	(1967-04-20) April 20, 1967 (age 57) Long Beach, New York, U.S.
Origin	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres	Progressive metal heavy metal progressive rock hard rock blues rock
Occupation	Musician
Instruments	Drums vocals
Years active	1984–present
Member of	Dream Theater The Neal Morse Band Liquid Tension Experiment Flying Colors The Winery Dogs Metal Allegiance BPMD Transatlantic
Formerly of	Avenged Sevenfold Cygnus and the Sea Monsters Yellow Matter Custard OSI Adrenaline Mob Sons of Apollo

Website	mikeportnoy.com

Musical artist

Michael Stephen Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American musician who is primarily known as the drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater.

In September 2010, Portnoy announced his departure from Dream Theater after 25 years, with Mike Mangini taking his place as drummer of the band. In October 2023, 13 years after his departure, the band announced his return. During his time out of Dream Theater, Portnoy remained active, with a variety of bands and projects, including Adrenaline Mob, Avenged Sevenfold, Transatlantic, Yellow Matter Custard, Flying Colors, The Winery Dogs, Liquid Tension Experiment, Metal Allegiance, Sons of Apollo, the Neal Morse Band, and BPMD.

Early life

Portnoy was born on April 20, 1967 in Long Beach, New York. He is Jewish. His father, Howard Portnoy (1940–2009), worked as a DJ at a local radio station. Mike and his father later moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, to work at KRML radio station after watching the 1971 film Play Misty for Me. His mother died on November 16, 1984, when the private plane she was riding in, with her boyfriend, crashed off the Atlantic City coastline.

His father's job as a DJ helped Portnoy gain an appreciation for music at an early age, as he had access to his father's collection of LPs. He developed a preference for bands Rush, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Iron Maiden, and the Beatles, among others. Portnoy claims to be self-taught as a drummer, though he did take music theory classes in high school. During that period he began playing in local bands. With Rising Power and Inner Sanctum he recorded and released independent albums.

Career

Dream Theater: 1985–2010, 2023–present

Main articles: Dream Theater and Dream Theater discography

Portnoy left Inner Sanctum, his last high school band, after being awarded a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he met John Petrucci and John Myung. They formed a band called Majesty, which was later changed to Dream Theater. Soon after they all left Berklee.

Known for his technical skill as a drummer in Dream Theater, Portnoy has won 32 awards from the Modern Drummer magazine. He is the second youngest person (after Neil Peart) to be inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, at 37 years of age. He was one of the main songwriters during his first tenure with Dream Theater. He co-produced six of their albums with guitarist John Petrucci, starting from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory through Black Clouds and Silver Linings.

In the spring of 2010, Portnoy filled in for Avenged Sevenfold's former drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who died during the production of the band's fifth album Nightmare. On May 5, 2010, Portnoy released a statement on his status with Avenged Sevenfold on their official website, concluding his working relationship with the band.

In September 2010, Portnoy announced he was leaving Dream Theater. The band hired Mike Mangini to take his place after inviting and holding auditions with seven "world-class" drummers.

Avenged Sevenfold chose not to continue working with Portnoy after the Nightmare tour was completed, in part due to the significant controversy surrounding his departure from Dream Theater. Following this, Portnoy announced that he asked to return to Dream Theater, but was turned down by their lawyer as the band had already brought Mangini fully onboard and he had left his tenured teaching position at Berklee College of Music to join the band.

On October 25, 2023, Dream Theater announced that Mike Portnoy was returning to the band, Portnoy having gradually reconciled with the band throughout his 13-year absence before lastly reconciling with James LaBrie in 2022 at the band's show at the Beacon Theatre in New York. His first album with the band in 15 years, Parasomnia, will be released on February 7th, 2025.

Former and current projects: 1997–2023

Portnoy is known for his many side projects and tribute bands. He is a founding member of Liquid Tension Experiment, an instrumental progressive rock band featuring fellow Dream Theater members John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess along with bassist Tony Levin. He is also a founding member of Transatlantic, a progressive rock "super-group" featuring former Spock's Beard keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse, Flower Kings guitarist Roine Stolt and Marillion bassist Pete Trewavas. Outside of Transatlantic, Portnoy has worked with Neal Morse extensively, appearing on most of his solo albums. He is a member of The Neal Morse Band, featuring guitarist/vocalist Eric Gillette, bassist Randy George, and second keyboardist/vocalist Bill Hubauer. Portnoy has also recorded and/or toured/performed live with Umphrey's McGee, OSI, Hail!, Stone Sour, Fates Warning, Overkill and G3. Over the years, Portnoy has created tribute bands to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and the Who.

After his departure from Dream Theater, Portnoy formed several new bands, starting with Adrenaline Mob, a traditional heavy metal/hard rock band with singer Russell Allen (of Symphony X) and guitarist Mike Orlando. On June 4, 2013, however, Portnoy announced his departure from Adrenaline Mob, citing scheduling conflicts.

Portnoy is a founding member of Flying Colors, a progressive rock band also featuring Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue, and Casey McPherson.

He also founded The Winery Dogs, a power trio also featuring bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) and guitarist Richie Kotzen (formerly of Mr. Big and Poison); Sons of Apollo, a progressive metal supergroup also featuring Sheehan, Derek Sherinian, Jeff Scott Soto and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal; Metal Allegiance, a thrash metal/groove metal band also featuring Mark Menghi, David Ellefson (Megadeth) and Alex Skolnick (Testament); and BPMD, a supergroup/cover band also featuring Menghi, Phil Demmel (Vio-lence) and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (Overkill). He was also a member of PSMS, with Tony Macalpine, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian.

Portnoy also drummed with Twisted Sister from 2015 to 2016, following the death of longtime drummer A. J. Pero. He also played with the band at their one-off performance in 2023.

Artistry and influences

In the April 2001 edition of Modern Drummer and Portnoy's website, he names Neil Peart, Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, John Bonham and Keith Moon as influences.

Portnoy played bass when Dream Theater performed as the fictitious band Nightmare Cinema. Before live performances of "Trial of Tears", he would sometimes switch instruments with John Petrucci and play a fragment of "Eruption" by Van Halen. In Nightmare Cinema, he went by the stage name "Max Del Fuvio".

Portnoy played bass guitar and xylophone during a song on Liquid Tension Experiment 2. He has also contributed lead and harmony vocals to numerous projects.

Progressive Nation

In 2008, Portnoy organized a tour called Progressive Nation. Dream Theater headlined the touring festival and were joined by Opeth, Between the Buried and Me and 3. Portnoy stated, "I've been wanting to assemble a package tour like this for many years now. With all of the festivals and package tours that go through America, I've been talking with our manager and agent for over 10 years now about doing something that focuses on the more progressive, musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal. I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk the walk."

In 2009, the tour returned with Dream Theater headlining once more and joined by Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain of Salvation, and Beardfish.

In 2014, Portnoy rebooted Progressive Nation as a 4 day cruising music festival called Progressive Nation at Sea. The event took place on the Norwegian Pearl on February 18-22, 2014 sailing from Miami, FL to the Bahamas. Portnoy organized the cruise with help from Derek Sherinian, and music festival company, Sixthman. Portnoy performed in three different bands on the cruise, Transatlantic, Portnoy, Sheehan, MacAlpine, Sherinian (PSMS), and Bigelf. Also rounding out the cruise were a large number of other progressive rock artists, Jon Anderson, Adrian Belew's Power Trio, Devin Townsend Project, King's X, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings, Pain of Salvation, Anathema, Riverside, Periphery, Animals as Leaders, The Safety Fire, Tony Harnell & Bumblefoot, Beardfish, The Dear Hunter, Haken, Jolly, Anneke Van Giersbergen, Mark Mikel, and his son, Max Portnoy's band, Next to None. Portnoy describes what the cruise was like: “Progressive Nation at Sea still remains one of my proudest career memories…at the time, music cruises were just beginning to blossom and to be given the opportunity to assemble such an amazing lineup was a dream come true for me".

Since Progressive Nation at Sea 2014, Portnoy went on to join forces with another cruising progressive rock music festival, Cruise to the Edge, to merge the vision and musical lineups. CTTE has been sailing annually since then.

Personal life

Portnoy and his wife Marlene (née Apuzzo) live in Upper Saucon Township in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania with their children, Melody Ruthandrea (born May 3, 1997) and Max John (born March 7, 1999).

Portnoy is a recovering addict and has openly discussed it. The five song set Twelve-step Suite deals with his experience of substance abuse. He edged away from alcohol and drugs in April 2000 and has remained sober since then.

Equipment

Portnoy endorses Tama drums, Sabian cymbals, Promark drumsticks and Remo drumheads. Though Portnoy is mainly a drummer and backing vocalist he also contributes lead vocals, bass guitar and keyboards.

Discography

Main articles: Mike Portnoy discography and Dream Theater discography

Dream Theater

When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
Images and Words (1992)
Awake (1994)
A Change of Seasons (1995)
Falling into Infinity (1997)
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999)
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)
Train of Thought (2003)
Octavarium (2005)
Systematic Chaos (2007)
Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
Parasomnia (2025)

Liquid Tension Experiment

Transatlantic

SMPT:e (2000)
Bridge Across Forever (2001)
The Whirlwind (2009)
Kaleidoscope (2014)
The Absolute Universe (2021)

Liquid Trio Experiment

Spontaneous Combustion (2007)
When the Keyboard Breaks: Live in Chicago (2009)

Avenged Sevenfold

Nightmare (2010)

Neal Morse

Testimony (2003)
One (2004)
? (2005)
Sola Scriptura (2007)
Lifeline (2008)
Testimony 2 (2011)
Momentum (2012)
Sola Gratia (2020)

The Neal Morse Band

Flying Colors

Flying Colors (2012)
Second Nature (2014)
Third Degree (2019)

John Petrucci

Terminal Velocity (2020)

Adrenaline Mob

Adrenaline Mob (2011)
Omertà (2012)
Covertà (2013)

BPMD

American Made (2020)

Haken

Restoration (2014)

Metal Allegiance

Metal Allegiance (2015)
Fallen Heroes (2016)
Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty (2018)

OSI

Office of Strategic Influence (2003)
Free (2006)

Sons of Apollo

Psychotic Symphony (2017)
MMXX (2020)

The Winery Dogs

The Winery Dogs (2013)
Hot Streak (2015)
Dog Years (2017)
III (2023)

John Arch

A Twist of Fate (2003)

Between the Buried and Me

Colors II (2021) (Drum solo on "Fix the Error")

Bigelf

Into the Maelstrom (2014)

References

"Happy New Year from MP & JP! @MikePortnoy @JPetrucci - @mikeportnoy". Retrieved January 21, 2024.
Da Silva, George Batista (October 3, 2017). Nomes Batismais. Clube de Autores.
"Mike Portnoy Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
Mike Portnoy (September 26, 2018). "I am...but I put the "ISH" in Jew-ish!! 😂😂😂" (Tweet). Retrieved March 1, 2023 – via Twitter.
^ Mike Portnoy - Misplaced Pages: Fact or Fiction?. Loudwire. April 1, 2015. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via YouTube.
Portnoy, Mike (June 30, 2015). "PLEASE TAKE 2 MINUTES TO READ THIS POST….IT JUST MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE!". Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2015 – via Facebook.
Reesman, Bryan. "An Interview with Twisted Sister: The Fire Still Burns". theaquarian.com. Arts Weekly, Inc. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
"MIKE PORTNOY Wins 30th Modern Drummer Readers Poll Award - "I Am Beyond Grateful, Appreciative And Humbled"". Bravewords.com. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
"MIKE PORTNOY WILL BE DRUMMING WITH A7X". Avenged Sevenfold. July 31, 2010. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
"It's Official: MIKE MANGINI Is New DREAM THEATER Drummer". BlabberMouth.net. April 29, 2011.
Mike Portnoy (December 16, 2010). "Mike Portnoy Confirms, 'My Time With Avenged Sevenfold Has Come To An End.'". Deathbat News.
"Mike Portnoy Told He Can't Come Back To Dream Theater". Anthonybest.com. December 20, 2010. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
"Interview: Dream Theater's John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess on the band's future". musicradar.com. May 11, 2011.
"Dream Theater announce the return of drummer Mike Portnoy". Dream Theater. October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
https://consequence.net/2023/12/mike-portnoy-opens-up-dream-theater-reunion/
https://metalinjection.net/news/mike-portnoy-attended-dream-theaters-show-last-night-got-a-shout-out-from-the-stage
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dream-theater-parasomnia-album-1235130182/
Amazing Journey - Paul Gilbert/Mike Portnoy/Billy Sheehan/Gary Cherone - Young Man Blues. winrar. August 22, 2010. Archived from the original on July 30, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via YouTube.
"MIKE PORTNOY, RUSSELL ALLEN, RICH WARD, MIKE ORLANDO Join Forces In ADRENALINE MOB". Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
"DRUMMER MIKE PORTNOY LEAVES ADRENALINE MOB". eddietrunk.com. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
Hartmann, Graham (December 8, 2015). "Mike Portnoy on Twisted Sister + Honoring A.J. Pero". Loudwire. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
Horsley, Jonathan (January 27, 2023). "Watch Twisted Sister reunite with Mike Portnoy on drums and blaze through three classics at the Metal Hall Of Fame". MusicRadar. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
"Mike Portnoy". Mike Portnoy.
"Who are the Del Fuvio Monks?". The Dream Theater World. January 3, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
"Progressive Nation 2008 - Press Release". dreamtheater.net. Dream Theater. November 5, 2007. Archived from the original on May 10, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
"PROGRESSIVE NATIONS 2009 – NORTH AMERICAN SUMMER TOUR". Jordan Rudess.com. February 13, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
^ >"Progressive Nation at Sea sets sail 5 years ago". The Prog Report. February 20, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
@MikePortnoy (May 2, 2017). "HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY TO @MelodyPortnoy!!!! - @mikeportnoy" (Tweet). Retrieved January 21, 2024 – via Twitter.
"Happy 18th Birthday to my Mini-Me @maxportnoy!!". Retrieved January 21, 2024 – via Instagram.
Graham Hartmann (June 29, 2017). "Mike Portnoy on Battling Alcoholism: Doctors Told Me I Wouldn't Live to See 40 Years Old". LoudWire.com. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
Portnoy, Mike (May 6, 2020). "MANY lead vocals through the years...search these on YouTube: • Sons of Apollo - Comfortably Numb • Transatlantic - A Salty Dog • Dream Theater - Best Of Times (Demo) • Flying Colors - Repentance (Live) And tune in on Saturday for the @theprogreport #progathome concert 😉😎 https://t.co/UGgKMl2CoO" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via Twitter.
Mike Portnoy Plays Guitar Bass ••• Live at Morsefest 2020. Zafea House. October 23, 2020. Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via YouTube.
"TransAtlantic Winds". planetizz.net. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
Owen, Matt (June 25, 2021). "Between The Buried And Me announce new album Colors II, recruit Mike Portnoy for thunderous lead single, Fix the Error". guitarworld. Retrieved August 30, 2021.

External links

Mike Portnoy's bands & collaborations

v t e Dream Theater
John Petrucci John Myung James LaBrie Jordan Rudess Mike Portnoy Mike Mangini Kevin Moore Chris Collins Charlie Dominici Steve Stone Derek Sherinian
Studio albums	When Dream and Day Unite Images and Words Awake Falling into Infinity Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Train of Thought Octavarium Systematic Chaos Black Clouds & Silver Linings A Dramatic Turn of Events Dream Theater The Astonishing Distance over Time A View from the Top of the World Parasomnia
Live releases	Live at the Marquee Once in a LIVEtime Live Scenes from New York Live at Budokan Score Chaos in Motion 2007–2008 Live at Luna Park Breaking the Fourth Wall Distant Memories – Live in London
Compilations	Greatest Hit (...And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)
EPs	A Change of Seasons
Videos	Images and Words: Live in Tokyo 5 Years in a Livetime Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York Live at Budokan Score Chaos in Motion 2007–2008 Live at Luna Park Breaking the Fourth Wall Distant Memories – Live in London
Singles	"Pull Me Under" "Metropolis—Part I: 'The Miracle and the Sleeper'" "Another Day" "The Silent Man" "Wither" "On the Backs of Angels" "The Enemy Inside" "Along for the Ride" "The Looking Glass"
Other songs	"A Mind Beside Itself" "Space-Dye Vest" "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" "Twelve-step Suite" "Stream of Consciousness" "Octavarium" "Illumination Theory"
Other	Discography Songs by lyricist The Majesty Demos G3 Gigantour The Human Equation Roadrunner Records The Studio Albums 1992–2011 Liquid Tension Experiment
Category

v t e Neal Morse
Mike Portnoy Randy George Eric Gillette Bill Hubauer
Studio albums as Neal Morse	Neal Morse Testimony One ? Let's Polka Sola Scriptura Lifeline Testimony Two Momentum Jesus Christ the Exorcist Sola Gratia
Studio albums as the Neal Morse Band	The Grand Experiment The Similitude of a Dream The Great Adventure Innocence & Danger
Studio albums as Morse Portnoy George	Cover to Cover
Studio albums as D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings	Troika
Live and video albums	Testimony Live
Related articles	Discography Spock's Beard

v t e Transatlantic
Neal Morse Mike Portnoy Roine Stolt Pete Trewavas
Studio albums	SMPT:e Bridge Across Forever The Whirlwind Kaleidoscope The Absolute Universe
Live albums	Whirld Tour 2010: Live in London
Associated bands	Spock's Beard Flying Colors Dream Theater The Winery Dogs Sons of Apollo The Sea Within The Flower Kings Marillion Kino Edison's Children

v t e The Winery Dogs
Richie Kotzen Billy Sheehan Mike Portnoy
Studio albums	The Winery Dogs Hot Streak
Extended plays	Dog Years
Related articles	Mr. Big Niacin Flying Colors Transatlantic Poison Adrenaline Mob Dream Theater Sons of Apollo

v t e Flying Colors
Casey McPherson Neal Morse Steve Morse Dave LaRue Mike Portnoy
Studio albums	Flying Colors Second Nature Third Degree
Live albums	Live in Europe Second Flight: Live at the Z7
Associated bands	Dixie Dregs Spock's Beard Dream Theater Endochine Transatlantic Deep Purple Alpha Rev The Winery Dogs Sons of Apollo The Sea Within

v t e Liquid Tension Experiment
John Petrucci Jordan Rudess Mike Portnoy Tony Levin
As Liquid Tension Experiment	Liquid Tension Experiment (1998) Liquid Tension Experiment 2 (1999) Liquid Tension Experiment 3 (2021)
As Liquid Trio Experiment	Spontaneous Combustion (2007)
As Liquid Trio Experiment 2	When the Keyboard Breaks: Live in Chicago (2009)
Associated bands	Dream Theater King Crimson

v t e Adrenaline Mob
Russell Allen Mike Orlando Jordan Cannata Mike Portnoy John Moyer A. J. Pero David Zablidowsky Erik Leonhardt Paul Di Leo Rich Ward
Studio albums	Omertà Men of Honor We the People
EPs	Covertà Dearly Departed
Related articles	Symphony X Stereo Satellite Twisted Sister Disturbed Dream Theater Fozzy The Winery Dogs Trans-Siberian Orchestra

v t e OSI
Jim Matheos Kevin Moore Tim Bowness Gavin Harrison Sean Malone Mike Portnoy Joey Vera Mikael Åkerfeldt Steven Wilson
Studio albums	Office of Strategic Influence Free Blood Fire Make Thunder
Associated acts	Chroma Key Dream Theater Fates Warning Porcupine Tree
Related articles	InsideOut Music Metal Blade Records

v t e Twisted Sister
Jay Jay French Eddie Ojeda Dee Snider Mark Mendoza A. J. Pero Walt Woodward III Joey Franco Mike Portnoy
Studio albums	Under the Blade You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll Stay Hungry Come Out and Play Love Is for Suckers Still Hungry A Twisted Christmas
Compilation albums	Big Hits and Nasty Cuts Club Daze Volume 1: The Studio Sessions The Essentials
Live albums	Live at Hammersmith Club Daze Volume II: Live in the Bars Live at Wacken: The Reunion
Extended plays	Ruff Cutts
Singles	"I Am (I'm Me)" "The Kids Are Back" "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" "We're Not Gonna Take It" "I Wanna Rock" "The Price" "Leader of the Pack" "You Want What We Got" "Hot Love" "O Come, All Ye Faithful" "White Christmas" "Silver Bells" "Deck the Halls"
Related articles	Members PMRC Senate Hearing Twisted Forever We Are Twisted Fucking Sister! Widowmaker

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