What do you get when one of the most iconic drummers in progressive metal challenges his son to play one of his most intense songs? A Father’s Day moment like no other.
In this special episode, Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, The Winery Dogs) tasks his son, Max Portnoy (Tallah), with learning and performing the beastly Dream Theater track “Honor Thy Father”. The twist? Max has never played the song before.
This isn’t just about chops, it’s about legacy. Watching Max navigate one of the most punishing tracks in Mike’s catalog, under the watchful eye of his father, is equal parts heartwarming and jaw-dropping. And while Mike doesn’t get behind the kit this time, his legendary “Dream Monster” setup makes a full appearance, reminding us why he’s one of the most revered names in progressive drumming.
In this Gear Breakdown, we will explore the massive kit, multiple pedals and the plethora of cymbals Max had at his disposal to recreate this Dream Theater masterpiece in an epic Drumeo YouTube video.
Mike Portnoy brought out the big guns for this one, his iconic “Dream Monster” Tama Starclassic Maple kit in a custom purple-to-white fade finish. This sprawling setup isn’t just a visual statement; it’s a percussive playground built for extreme progressive metal. Mounted entirely on a custom Tama rack, every piece is carefully placed for maximum efficiency and expression.
This configuration gives Mike the tonal range and flexibility to pull off the lightning-fast fills, thunderous double-kick patterns, and nuanced accents that Dream Theater fans know and love.
Obviously, this kit isn’t available off the shelf, and the sheer size of it would be a marathon of collecting. We have linked the basics and some special items above to get you started.
Speed Cobra pedals are designed for maximum velocity and power with minimal effort, essential for Mike’s intricate footwork and relentless double-kick phrasing.
Mike’s cymbal setup is a sonic arsenal filled with crashes, splashes, stacks, chinas, and custom Max signature models, most of them Sabian, of course. It’s a dense forest of metal, offering a huge range of dynamics and textures:
Whether it’s a brutal crash, a subtle splash, or one of his signature Max Stacks, each cymbal serves a specific purpose in Mike’s complex arrangements—designed for color, chaos, and clarity.
This kit isn’t just over-the-top, it’s *engineered* for progressive madness. Watching Max Portnoy rise to the challenge of playing “Honor Thy Father” is a treat for drumming fans and a heartfelt nod to generational talent. The technicality, the intensity, and the sheer pressure of learning a song this complex, while your dad watches, is next level.
With Father’s Day around the corner, this episode hits home in all the right ways. It’s not just about playing fast, it’s about passing the torch.
Happy Father’s Day to all the drumming dads out there.
You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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