Mike Portnoy, whose current résumé of bands includes Transatlantic, Bigelf, The Winery Dogs and Flying Colors, recently told Music Radar that he's not too keen on drum solos anymore. Portnoy said:
"There have been a lot of bands I've played in where the guys go, 'Oh man, you've got to do a drum solo!' And it's like, 'Ah, I don't know. I'd rather do a song in that five minutes.'
"I'm not interested in drum solos any more. This is my personal taste as a listener and as a player. I think I've grown out of it. Maybe that will change. Most musicians go through changes and phases, so that's just where I'm at in this particular moment."
Interesting choice for Portnoy, who has been generally known for his over-the-top solos (especially back in the day with Dream Theater). It makes sense he wants to step away from the whole shebang for a little as an identity thing since he's so known for it with Dream Theater and this is his way of forging a new identity live?