Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy talked in an interview with Rock City Radio Show Berlin. He revealed his thoughts about Lars Ulrich and Keith Moon.
He said that he always wanted to be like Lars Ulrich for 3 reasons. Here’s the statement:
“From day one [I wanted to be more than just a musician in the background]. As soon as I picked up a pair of drumsticks, it was because I saw Keith Moon in the movie ‘The Kids Are Alright.’
I was already listening to The Who, I was already a fan of ‘Tommy’ and ‘Who’s Next’ and ‘Live at Leeds,’ but I hadn’t seen Keith with my own two eyes until that movie came out. And that was around the same age when I actually got my first drum kit.
So I think right out of the gates, I wanted to be that kind of drummer, that kind of performer where you’re like a lead instrument. I wanted to be somebody that was engaging the audience and entertaining, and I never wanted to just be the guy in the background.
I was always kind of a frontman stuck behind the drum set. I loved Keith Moon and I even love people like Lars Ulrich from Metallica. I mean, he’s not the greatest drummer, and he’ll be the first to admit it, but I totally respect his showmanship and his energy and his leadership qualities. I think I always wanted to be that kind of drummer.”
Click here to entire interview.
