Turns out DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy almost played drums for NICKELBACK
In a recent interview with Drumeo, renowned DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy disclosed that there were plans for him to join forces with NICKELBACK for drumming duties in 2022. The video segment from his interview with the prominent online drum education platform unveils Portnoy‘s insights into this prospective collaboration and can be seen below.
Portnoy says: “I got a call from NICKELBACK in spring of ’22. Their drummer [Daniel Adair], I guess, was having surgery and they asked me to play a show with them. And I said, ‘Yeah, that’d be a fun gig.’ I was all set to play this gig with NICKELBACK — it was for a festival [in Vancouver, Canada] — and the festival ended up getting canceled. But I was this close to playing a gig with NICKELBACK.”
In the video, Drumeo also asked Portnoy to play NICKELBACK‘s song “Burn It To The Ground”, which he’d never heard before. He played it with lots of double kick and later admitted “I would’ve been fired immediately.”
“[NICKELBACK frontman] Chad [Kroeger] sent me the setlist,” Mike added. “My daughter and my wife were, like, ‘You’re gonna know every one of these songs,’ and I was, like, ‘I’ve never heard any of these songs.’ I don’t listen to the radio, so I don’t know any NICKELBACK songs.”
Discussing further his knowledge of NICKELBACK, Portnoy stated, “I know nothing about NICKELBACK but I know that as much as they are hated, they are just as loved even more and they were down with the PANTERA guys too, which is good enough for me.”
After playing “Burn It To The Ground” for Drumeo, Portnoy said: “That was a good song, man. I could fine-tune that and make a really cool drum part, but I think it’s better just the first impression.”
He added, “I’m sure if I ever did end up touring with them it would be the most fun shows ever in my life. So yeah, I kind of regret that that gig didn’t happen, but there’s a little taste of what that could have been right here on Drumeo.”
In 2020, Adair shared with the public that he underwent surgery to address a pinched nerve affecting his arm. In an online statement, he opened up about the challenges he faced in controlling his right hand on the drums over the preceding years. Seeking medical advice, Adair received a diagnosis of radial tunnel syndrome, a condition arising from nerve compression in the forearm. He further explained how this syndrome caused muscle fatigue, leading to a mechanically inaccurate motion in his wrist.
As one of the founding members of DREAM THEATER, Mike Portnoy dedicated 25 years to the band before departing in 2010 (ultimately rejoining later). His diverse musical journey extends beyond DREAM THEATER, featuring notable collaborations with various bands and artists. Portnoy has lent his exceptional drumming skills to projects such as THE WINERY DOGS, SONS OF APOLLO, ADRENALINE MOB, FLYING COLORS, TRANSATLANTIC, and LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT. Notably, he has also recorded and performed live with an impressive array of acts including AVENGED SEVENFOLD, Neal Morse, OSI, HAIL!, STONE SOUR, FATES WARNING, OVERKILL, and G3.
Beyond these ventures, Portnoy has been an integral part of four tribute bands alongside Paul Gilbert: YELLOW MATTER CUSTARD, HAMMER OF THE GODS, AMAZING JOURNEY, and CYGNUS & THE SEA MONSTERS. His extensive musical portfolio showcases a multifaceted career marked by creativity, versatility, and a relentless passion for the art of drumming. Portnoy remains one of the world’s most sought after and important rock drummers of our time.