He admits that the movie The Kids Are Alright was part of his formative years.
Mike Portnoy, former drummer and co-founder of Dream Theater, spoke with Rock City Radio Show Berlin and revealed who his musical inspirations were when he was learning to play.
"I first picked up drumsticks when I saw Keith Moon in the movie The Kids Are Alright."
I'd been listening to The Who for a while, but I'd never seen Keith Moon play until the movie came out. And that was around the time I bought my first drum set.”
He goes on to say that he always wanted to be the kind of musician who interacts with and entertains the audience, not "the guy who stays in the back."
Portnoy reveals that Keith Moon wasn't his only inspiration. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich also helped him become the musician he is today. "He's not a great drummer, and he'll be the first to admit that, but I respect him as a showman and I respect his energy and leadership. I think I always wanted to be that kind of drummer ," he adds.
Check out the full interview (in English) by clicking here.
