Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently discussed his approach to live performances and the importance of maintaining a human element in music. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Overdrive Live.
Portnoy addressed whether he has ever gotten lost while performing Dream Theater’s complex music, particularly when playing intricate time signatures like 7/8.
“Well, 7/8’s easy. 19/16 and 21/16, that’s when it starts to get a little more complicated. But, yeah, sometimes we get lost. It happens. We’re human beings, and I like the fact that we’re human beings. I’m not afraid to make a mistake,” Portnoy said.
The drummer emphasized his preference for authentic performances over technical perfection.
“I think it shows that it’s not on tracks or it’s not playing to a click. For me, it’s very important to not play to a click. That was something that I needed to establish when I came back to the band. ‘Cause I never used to do it, and I still don’t want to do it. The years that I was away, I know Dream Theater did,” he continued.
Portnoy concluded by explaining his philosophy on live music performance.
“So one of the important things for me was to have the human element. I would rather make a mistake and be real than be perfect and boring and a machine. So it was important for me for us to be real. And every once in a while, somebody makes a mistake, and that’s okay. I think that’s what makes music real,” he said.
Portnoy’s comments come as he continues to settle back into his role with Dream Theater following his highly anticipated return to the band.
Blabbermouth reported that Dream Theater played its first concert with Portnoy in 14 years on October 20, 2024 at the O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. The drummer had officially returned to the band in October 2023 after a 13-year absence since leaving in 2010.
The October 2024 concert marked a significant milestone for both Portnoy and the band. Brave Words noted that the show featured the band performing their 16th studio album “Parasomnia” (released February 2025) in its entirety. The performance also included the seven-movement masterpiece “A Change Of Seasons” for the first time since his return, plus other classics from their catalog.
Dream Theater has been actively touring since Portnoy’s return. The band is celebrating four decades as a group during this period. Sonic Perspectives revealed that the band will begin thinking about a new album after summer 2026, indicating their continued creative momentum.
Portnoy’s stance on maintaining authenticity extends beyond just avoiding click tracks. Blabbermouth confirmed that he has also ruled out using artificial intelligence during the songwriting process, stating “I don’t think it will ever come into the band.” This commitment to organic creativity aligns with his philosophy of preserving the human element in Dream Theater’s music.
