Mike Portnoy (drums for Dream Theater) 5

Mike Portnoy is amazing drumming. He has a deep passion for not just drumming, but music in general. His drumming influences ranging from Bonham, Ulrich, Ringo, and many others. His 'bag of tricks' has been an essential tool in writing music for Dream Theater and he incorporates many styles (other than rock), meters (lots of odd meter), and modulations you don't hear in your every day rock music. This is what makes Mike Portnoy an overall 10/10 musician. Mike is sometimes criticised for "overplaying", and as both a drummer and Dream Theater fan for about 10 years now, I can say that Mike does not overplay at all. His playing is very orchestrated, complex, odd, and most of all...very suitable. He approches writing as a composer would - he is very respectful to the overall music. -Dan Ober- www.myspace.com/danober