Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has revealed that he considers Lars Ulrich of Metallica to be one of his main influences on the instrument.
In an interview with El Estepario Siberiano [ via Blabbermouth ], he also mentioned legendary names such as Ringo Starr ( The Beatles ), Neil Peart ( Rush ), and Keith Moon ( The Who ).
However, the Dane has a different quality, due to his attitude and career management within the band , according to Portnoy.
“Lars was a huge influence on me. A lot of people criticize him, but for me he was a role model. Most people talk about his technique, but what inspires me is the whole package: he leads the band, defines setlists, interacts with fans, takes care of the merchandising and co-produces the albums. He is an example of a complete musician. He was essential to Metallica , and for me, that's what mattered.”
Mike Portnoy also emphasized that Lars Ulrich played an essential role in the emergence of a new way of playing drums within the genre.
According to him, Metallica's first four albums had "progressive and aggressive beats" that helped "shape" the way metal was played.
"It was only with the Black Album that he started to slow down a bit, but in those first four albums, I learned a lot about drumming in heavy metal."
Names like Dave Lombardo ( Slayer ), Charlie Benante ( Anthrax ), Vinnie Paul ( Pantera ), and Mikkey Dee (his time in King Diamond ) are also inspirations in his career .
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