1994 Progressive Metal Hit Named Among Greatest Drum Solos of All Time
Mike Portnoy sits on the short list of the greatest drummers of all time and received acclaim from Far Out Magazine, which listed the greatest drum solos of all time.
Portnoy's work on Dream Theater's 6:00 from their third album made the list.
"The first track on prog-metal heroes, Dream Theater's third album, Awake, ‘6:00' features some of Mike Portnoy's best drumming. Although he is no longer in the band, it is songs such as this one that reminds us of just how integral he was to the band establishing their sound," Far Out Magazine wrote.
"Their rhythmic master, he controlled the band. Taking his cues from his hero Neil Peart, Portnoy delivers a stellar performance here. Hard-hitting yet restrained, he makes a strong claim for being one of the best drummers of all time. There are double kicks, rhythm changes and no end of frills."
Mike Portnoy's Favorite Drummers Were Necessarily 'Great'
In a conversation with Drum Magazine, Portnoy revealed the Beatles were his favorite band of all time, including Ringo Starr. However, he held a deep respect for a number of different percussionists.
"My favorite drummers of all time aren't necessarily quote-unquote great drummers. To me the sign of a great drummer is somebody that is making powerful music and doing things that are innovative," he said.
"They don't necessarily have to be complex or difficult or technical guys. Ringo Starr and Nick Mason and Larry Mullen Jr., those guys have as deep a place in my heart as Terry Bozzio or Neil Peart do. I can appreciate different drummers for different reasons."
Mike Portnoy's Exit From Dream Theater Was Sparked by Guest Performance
Portnoy suggested Dream Theater take a break from performing to seek other creative outlets and eventually filled in for Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan after the Avenged Sevenfold drummer suddenly died.
The new gig was a catalyst for Portnoy leaving Dream Theater in 2010.
"After that experience with Avenged I realized how much fun I was having, not having to sit there with a calculator to play drums," he said. "Not that there's anything wrong with that. I did that for all those years with Dream Theater and I loved that too, but, man, my brain just needed a break, and I really enjoyed that vibe with Avenged."
Related: 1966 Rock Hit Named Among Greatest Drum Solos of All Time
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 3:58 AM.