The Most Influential Drummers of All Time

Mike Portnoy

Portnoy is best known for his work in the band Dream Theater. However, he is currently active in the Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors, Transatlantic, The Winery Dogs, Liquid Tension Experiment, Metal Allegiance, and Sons of Apollo. Portnoy co-founded Dream Theater and left after 25 years of being the soul behind their music.

The Metal Pioneer

Dream Theater was the first band to begin using elements of noise, power-violence, and drone in their metal songs. Portnoy was one of the fastest, most aggressive, and steadiest drummers in modern times. Seriously, he was really that good. Listen to anything by Dream Theater and you'll understand. 

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The More You Know

  • Freddie Mercury helped Princess Diana sneak into a bar by disguising her in an army jacket, a cap and sunglasses.
  • Travis Barker told CBS Local that his first ever hero was Animal from The Muppets, crediting the character as his inspiration to pursue drumming.
  • “Happy Birthday” was the first song ever played on Mars. Mars Rover Curiosity played the song to itself on its first anniversary on the planet.
  • David Bowie's eyes weren't actually two different colours.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.