Mike Portnoy

Michael Stephen Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer. He is primarily known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater.

Mike Portnoy was born and raised

Michael Stephen Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer. He is primarily known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater.

Mike Portnoy was born and raised in Long Beach, New York on Long Island, where his interest in music started at an early age. Although Portnoy taught himself how to play the drums, he did take music theory classes in high school. During that time he began playing in local bands Intruder, Rising Power and Inner Sanctum, the latter of which released an album. He left the band after being awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met John Petrucci and John Myung and formed what would become Dream Theater.