Born on April, 20, 1967, in Long Beach, New York, Portnoy's music talents
                  and interests began at an early age. Begin exposed to the fact his father
                  was a rock disc jockey also helped him be exposed to music.

                  At his early age he began playing drums, and intrument he taught himself.
                  He did eventually take music therory in highschool, but never had a real
                  intructor. After highschool he was accepted to Berklee Music School in
                  Boston.

                  Not much more is known about how this man gained his incredible talent,
                  perhaps just a gift from God, but no doubting he has the skill. He has
                  always been Dream Theater's drummer. Currently he is considered to be
                  the best drummer ever to live, even passing his protege Neil Pert from the
                  Prog-Rock band RUSH.

                  It's tough to tell who is the best instrumentalist in the group, but Portnoy is
                  surely vying for that spot. He also is the main writer of the lyrics and also
                  sings a lot of the background vocals you hear in the songs.

                       TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKE VISIT THESE LINKS:
                      http://www.dreamtheater.net/bio_mp.htm
                      http://www.mikeportnoy.com/