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3 unusual facts about Mike Portnoy


Casey McPherson

As of January 2011 he is involved in a project called Flying Colors with ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, guitarist Steve Morse and bassist Dave LaRue of the Dixie Dregs, and keyboardist Neal Morse, formerly of Spock's Beard.

John Arch

The EP includes musicians Jim Matheos, Mike Portnoy and Joey Vera, all of whom Arch worked with at some point in the past.

Scale the Summit

Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater heard the band's music and invited them to tour with Dream Theater on the 2009 ProgNation Tour.


Bass drum

Noted players include Rod Morgenstein, Tim Waterson (who formerly held the world record for the fastest playing on a bass drum), Tomas Haake, Chris Adler, Derek Roddy, Danny Carey, Hellhammer, and Mike Portnoy.

Robert Zildjian

Sabian cymbals have been used by many famous drummers in the world, including Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Peart of Rush, and Mike Portnoy, formerly of Dream Theater.

Splash cymbal

This technique was pioneered by Dave Weckl, Mike Portnoy and others, originally using a china splash as the upper cymbal.


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