“He was the leader of the band, he would write the setlist, he would deal with the fan clubs and the merchandise, co-produce the albums and co-write the music. He, to me, was a role model”: Which A-list metal drummer could Mike Portnoy be talking about?

Lars Ulrich on stage, early 1990s.

Mike Portnoy has been talking about some of his influences, and whilst he lists some iconic drummers you’d expect to be in there, he included one that might raise an eyebrow.

The Dream Theater drummer was chatting to the Youtube sensation El Estepario Siberiano and after singing the praises of Ringo Starr, Keith Moon and Neil Peart, turned his attention to a figure who’s often sneered at by some sections of the drumming community.