Drumming News :
What happens when one of prog metal’s greatest drummers challenges his son to master one of his toughest songs? A memorable Father’s Day moment unfolds.
Mike Portnoy—legendary drummer of Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, and The Winery Dogs—tasked his son Max Portnoy (Tallah) with learning “Honor Thy Father,” a punishing Dream Theater track Max had never played before. Watching Max navigate the complex rhythms under Mike’s watchful eye is both inspiring and jaw-dropping.
Though Mike didn’t play this time, his famous “Dream Monster” drum kit made a full appearance—a sprawling Tama Starclassic Maple setup, custom purple-to-white fade, designed for extreme progressive metal. Mounted on a custom Tama rack, it includes:
Cymbals (Sabian):
- Tama Starclassic Maple 4-Piece
- 6″x16″, 6″x18″, 6″x20″, 6″x22″ Octobans
- 8″x7″, 10″x8″, 12″x9″ Rack Toms
- 14″x14″, 16″x16″, 20″x18″ Floor Toms
- 14″x5″ Pancake Floor Tom
- 6″x5″, 8″x6″, 10″x7″ Concert Toms
- 20″x12″ Gong Drum
- 2x 22″x18″ Bass Drums
- Snare 1: 14″x5.5″ Tama Melody Maker (Starclassic Alternative)
- Snare 2: 12″x5″ Tama Melody Maker (MasterCraft Alternative)
Pedals:
- 2x Tama Speed Cobra Single Pedals
- 1x Tama Speed Cobra Double Pedal
- 1x Tama Speed Cobra Hi-Hat Stand
- 2x Tama Speed Cobra Remote Hi-Hat Stands
Cymbals (Sabian):
- HHX 18” X-Treme Crash
- Paragon 19” Chinese
- AAX 14” X-Plosion Fast Crash
- AAX 14” X-Plosion Hats
- HHX 18” Thin Crash
- AAX 7”, 9”, 11” MaXX Splashes
- AA 6”, 6.5”, 7” Max Chimes
- HH 10” Max Stack
- AAX 18” Medium Crash
- HHX 22” Max Ride
- HHX 20” Chinese
- HHX 16” X-Treme Crash
- HHX 19” Fierce Crash
- HH 10” Max Stack Splash Hats
- Artisan 20” Crash
- HH Max Stack Low
Mike’s pedal setup features several Tama Speed Cobra pedals and hi-hat stands, engineered for the speed and precision needed in complex double-kick patterns and intricate footwork.
This kit isn’t just visually impressive—it’s meticulously crafted to deliver the tonal range and power that Dream Theater’s demanding music requires.
Max’s performance of “Honor Thy Father” highlights not only his technical skill but also the emotional weight of carrying on his father’s legacy. It’s a reminder that beyond speed and complexity, this challenge is about family and passing the torch.
With Father’s Day near, this episode resonates as a celebration of generational talent and the bonds forged through music.
Watch at Drum HERE
