Stereoboard Talk To Ex-Dream Theater Sticksman Mike Portnoy About New Super Group Adrenaline Mob
Monday, 18 June 2012
Written by Ben Bland
Legendary ex-Dream Theater sticksman Mike Portnoy has taken time out of his schedule to chat with Stereoboard about what fans can expect from the upcoming debut live tour with heavy metal super group Adrenaline Mob (Mike Portnoy, Russell Allen, Mike Orlando and John Moyer). 2012 is shaping up to be some year for Adrenaline Mob who released their new vicious slap 'Omertá', via Century Media Records this spring, reaching Number 5 on the US Billboard Rock Album Chart and also landing Number 62 on the Billboard Top 200.
Stereoboard: To start off, tell us a bit about how Adrenaline Mob started out…
Mike Portnoy: it began with Mike Orlando and Russell Allen who were working on the material together for years. Russ then asked if I'd be interested in joining up and we recorded the album. After the record was finished, I asked John Moyer to come on board.
Stereoboard: For people who are unfamiliar with Adrenaline Mob, how would you describe the music the band is making?
Mike Portnoy: Energetic, big riffs, bouncy grooves, melodic vocals
Stereoboard: The choice of cover song on the album was a bit surprising. What was it that made you choose 'Come Undone'?
Mike Portnoy: Mike Orlando suggested it...I had never heard the song actually! I then suggested asking Lzzy Hale to sing on the track as we had become friends when Avenged Sevenfold and Halestorm toured together in 2010.
Stereoboard: Are you comfortable with the ‘supergroup’ tag that has been attached to Adrenaline Mob or is that something you would rather avoid?
Mike Portnoy: Sure...why not? Most of us have celebrated pasts with other bands, so I suppose when you get guys together from other bands, that is the obvious term to use.
Stereoboard: The technical proficiency in the band is undeniable. How important would you say that Adrenaline Mob’s technical ability is to the band’s music?
Mike Portnoy: The SONGS and the music absolutely is the focus and priority in this band. The fact that we all can play the shit out our instruments is a bonus....but it's not the point of this band.
Stereoboard: Without wishing to sound impertinent, was it quite important to you that your new project(s) were very much distinct from your past with Dream Theater?
Mike Portnoy: yes, I purposely looked for projects and musical outlets that were completely different stylistically from DT. That was one of the reasons I needed a break from them and a new change of scenery.
Stereoboard: Do you see Adrenaline Mob as your main concern now…or is it quite nice not to have a main concern as such anymore? I know you’re involved in other projects as well, like Flying Colours for example…
Mike Portnoy: I have many things going at the moment and they are ALL important to me. Between June and November I will be touring with 4 different bands. However, I do believe Adrenaline Mob has the most potential of a sustained career with some longevity and I am willing to give it my all to get there.
Stereoboard: Adrenaline Mob are touring fairly extensively in the UK and Europe. Are you looking forward to the chance to play in some more intimate venues for a change?
Mike Portnoy: Yes, it's been a lot of fun being able to play small clubs and be so connected with the fans again. There is an incredible electricity and vibe in the air at these shows that I havent felt since DT's first European club tour in 1993. It's an amazing feeling to see something grow from the very beginning.
Stereoboard: Is your plan to tour well into next year in support of this album or are Adrenaline Mob keen to get more music out there as soon as possible?
Mike Portnoy: The Mob are absolutely a live band and I'd love to stay on the road through 2013...I think 'Omerta' has enough great songs on it to keep us out there for a while...we'll see...
Stereoboard: Obviously you are known for being a ridiculously talented drummer but one of the other things that have always stuck out about you for me is your sheer passion for music…things like your end of year lists. Do you ever see that incredible dedication and love for music fading?
Mike Portnoy: Thank you! No, that will NEVER fade...I am the same passionate music fan that I was when I was an 11-year-old kid playing Kiss songs in the bedroom! I will continue to bring that same passion and enthusiasm to everything I do just as I did to Dream Theater for 25 years.
Adreanline Mob hit the road for their debut live tour later this month. Dates and ticket details are listed below. Adrenaline Mob UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:
Sat June 30th 2012 - Manchester Moho Live, Manchester
Sun July 1st 2012 - O2 Academy Birmingham, Birmingham
Mon July 2nd 2012 - Cambridge Junction, Cambridge
Tue July 3rd 2012 - KINGS COLLEGE, London
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Stereoboard: To start off, tell us a bit about how Adrenaline Mob started out…
