Michael Stephen Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer and backing vocalist for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. From A Change of Seasons onwards, Portnoy had been writing a substantial mount of Dream Theater's lyrics, filling the void left by Kevin Moore, who left the band after the band's release of Awake.
A though Portnoy claims to be self-taught as a drummer, he did take music theory classes in high school. During that period he began playing in local bands, two of which Powerecorded and released an independent album. They formed a band, initially taking name "Majesty" before changing the name to Dream Theater.
"This is a sad, sad day....I'm afraid I have some bad news.... MP/DT Sept 1985 - Sept 2010"
