“There's the drums, the music, the melodies, the lyrics, the production, the artwork: there are so many elements to making an album, and the drumming is just a very small fraction of what I focus on.”

American musician, drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of Dream Theater

Michael Stephen Portnoy is an American musician, best known as the drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He is closely associated with Dream Theater’s sound and growth, both as a performer and as part of the band’s early foundation. His work is tied to progressive metal, and his reputation comes chiefly from his role behind the drum kit and his vocal contributions.