Legendary drummer Mike Portnoy surprised his son Max by challenging him to learn and perform the Dream Theater song “Honor Thy Father” on the spot in a new Father’s Day video from the folks at Drumeo.
Mike, who founded Dream Theater in 1985, and returned to the band a couple years ago following a 13-year absence, is widely considered to be one of the best metal drummers of all time. Max is no amateur himself, as the current drummer for Code Orange, and a member of the band Tallah (for whom he also plays bass).
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In the video, Max is surprised by Mike when he walks into the Drumeo studio, not knowing that his dad would be there to present him with a challenge. Mike himself was put through the wringer by Drumeo last year when he was asked to learn and play Tool’s “Pneuma” after hearing it for the first time.
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Appropriately, Mike challenges Max to play the 10-minute track “Honor Thy Father” off Dream Theater’s 2003 album Train of Thought, released when Max was just 4 years old.
The video is a joy to watch, as Mike and Max playfully rib each other throughout, but even more so to see how Max totally masters the epic track in his final performance, with Mike looking on as a very proud father.
Fans can catch Dream Theater when the band embarks on a recently announced fall North American tour. Tickets for the outing are available here.
Watch it all go down in the video below. And if you’re looking to pick up the drums or improve your skills, Drumeo is offering a 30-day free trial for new members. Learn more about everything you need to become a skilled drummer here.
Content shared from consequence.net.