Drum Teacher Reacts: MIKE PORTNOY Hears "Burn It To The Ground" For The First Time

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Drum Teacher Reacts: MIKE PORTNOY Hears "Burn It To The Ground" For The First Time

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Andrew Rooney Drums

Күн бұрын

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@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

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@TheDondoran 7 ай бұрын

Hey Andrew, KZfaq here, it looks like the link to the OG video goes to Chad Smith playing 30 Seconds to Mars.

@carlgibson285 7 ай бұрын

My favourite thing about this Drumeo video isn't the performance (although the drumming is unbelievable!) or the song (even though it's way better than I expected), it's Mike Portnoy's personality. I've never listened to Dream Theater so I've never come across Mike Portnoy before, but he's great! Love the new studio too!

@Cmoore718 7 ай бұрын

His personality really shows in his drumming, and really made Dream Theater what they are. Not taking anything away from Mike Mangini (who replaced Portnoy for a few years), but he's the man

@powerups5434 7 ай бұрын

The Dark Eternal Night

@69CamaroSS 7 ай бұрын

Que up the Images and Words album and hold on to your seat…..then the Awake album!

@RyTrapp0 7 ай бұрын

I'm a lil bit of a drum nerd(maybe a 'nerd-lite'? Have to put too much time into being a full time race car nerd, one man can only do so much nerding) so that's how I know about Portnoy, though Dream Theater has never been my style. An all-timer band for sure, talent, writing, & performing abilities off the charts, just not my style of prog metal(blusey Mastodon-like and darker Mudvayne-type stuff are more my style; I'd still go see DT live though for sure). But I would listen to the shit outta a Mike Portnoy podcast! It looks like he's been a guest on a number of different ones, but dude would totally have a market for his own show for sure lol.

@theodoreknuyver7075 7 ай бұрын

They’re a band of musical geniuses who are incredibly true to the craft and grounded as people. It’s a deep dive into their catalog of fantastic music.

@paulfromtoronto1534 7 ай бұрын

Mike is a musical genius. The double kick with the triplets was all his idea. It's amazing how these top level guys can reinvent songs and still keep to the original idea. Thanks for sharing.

@mk.5706 7 ай бұрын

What i find absolutely fascinating about Mike Portnoy is how he is abe to play so busy parts, playing so much without annoying or disturbing the song, but doing right the opposite, He is as far from any look-what-i-can-do drummer as you can be and that while he´s doing all Mike Portnoy does.

@kcrang 5 ай бұрын

He's definitely a stadium drummer. He is so good at making the song sound huge with the way he plays the drum

@zerumsum1640 Ай бұрын

It's the difference between a drummer who focuses on themselves vs a drummer who focuses on the sound of the band. I've played with both and you can really tell. A drummer who focuses on themselves is loud, and does whatever they please as they play even if it detracts from the overall performance. A drummer who focuses on the sound of the band matches the energy of what the band does, has their moment then gets out of the way (as all band members must to make a song be good), and does what they can to enhance the way *everyone* sounds rather than just themselves.

@andrei_heretic 7 ай бұрын

calm, relaxed, having fun, just a walk in the park for Mike. the funny thing is that, even tuned down, his drumming is 200% more complex than the original

@billwell9266 7 ай бұрын

the half time chorus with the double bass was killer ... simple but so effective

@obh4197 7 ай бұрын

Mike Portnoy’s drumming has always had an “Acoustic” sound to me. In Dream Theater his drumming always grabbed me.

@CompleteProducer84 7 ай бұрын

Mike has been my favorite musician for many years - but not only because of his drumming. He is just such an interesting person. Back in the old DT days, he would document everything on video and this gave us fans a look into the personalities of the band members. His love and knowledge of other bands is also something I admire

@69CamaroSS 7 ай бұрын

Ahhh the good ole YTSEJAM days!! I was there from the beginning, read and commented on the msg boards daily for years, got ALL of the fan club Christmas CDs (and about a dozen bootlegs), met them numerous times and even got Mike’s permission to video one of his Guitar Center drum clinics in Atlanta using a HD camera on a tripod with 2 of it’s 3 legs TOUCHING the drum riser….and gladly sent him a copy at his request!

@adampletcher1153 6 ай бұрын

I loved him when he filled in for avenged 7 fold and also dream theater

@Artanis2k 7 ай бұрын

What a drummer! Since 1995, when i listen Dream theater for the First Time, he changed my vision on what a drummer Is and must be.. he's creativity, his touch, and everything's about his drumming Is awesome!

@Benobot99 7 ай бұрын

I already saw this video but I'm glad to see that you enjoyed it too. Mike Portnoy is so good.

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

The people asked... here it is!

@senna1994 2 ай бұрын

Thank you. I don’t mind the original song but Mike made that song excellent and your review helped explain what makes it, and him, great. I just loved this

@annebokma4637 2 ай бұрын

Thinking of what I am going to ask now 😂

@kwantoon 7 ай бұрын

Mike Portnoy is just pure awesome.

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

What a riot! And KILLER player

@user-cl5mn5ll5g 4 ай бұрын

Mike is so humble I will just hire him just because of that trait never mind that he’s a goddamn drum genius

@AndrewRooneyDrums 4 ай бұрын

seems like a hoot

@carpe0113 7 ай бұрын

Mike is THE dt drummer and he's an amazing musician. So happy he's back. Such a down to earth and fun guy.

@b_nes6093 7 ай бұрын

Excellent human being. I have to admit I love Portnoy's version myself. It was not pulled bac, but it also wasn't overkill by any means. 💯💪🤘✌️🫶🔥

@rolandmdill 7 ай бұрын

That advice about relaxing the jaw is so important. Everybody who was treated for TMD knows exactly what you are talking about Andrew

@RyTrapp0 7 ай бұрын

I wonder if this relates to wearing a mouth piece in sports. There's been different mouth pieces that are supposed to "increase strength/explosion a couple percent", "less susceptible to getting KO'd", and this and that, but as far as I'm aware none of these have ever legitimately tested to show a consistent, meaningful improvement. But, anecdotally, you'll hear a lot of athletes say that they feel like they can perform better - maybe some subconscious 'comfort' of sorts as a result of a little tension release.

@alexmills3119 7 ай бұрын

Awesome tip with the relaxation of the mouth. My wife notices when I am feeling and just enjoying what I am playing, and I tend to have a big smile. Mike Portnoy is my #3 favorite drummer of all time. The first time I heard "Pull me under " I was hooked on listening to his drumming.

@doorkman13 3 ай бұрын

The best part of the series with him is him playing Dance of Eternity for the first time in 14 years and nailing it like he’s been practicing it for years.

@Zzzlol94 6 ай бұрын

Portnoy is such a fantastic musician, not just a drummer. He just always somehow creates the most tasteful parts to complement the music. I can’t understate how insanely overjoyed I was when I heard he was back in DT. And he’s going to use his best sounding drum kit for the new album. I have the highest hopes and wishes.

@AndrewRooneyDrums 6 ай бұрын

Brilliant drummer and great guy

@nicholasvinen 3 ай бұрын

Now that Rush have retired they are #1. Like Geddy, Alex and Neil there is something special when John Petrucci, John Myung, Mike Portnoy and James LaBrie work together. Despite some friction over the years they just mesh so well. I love Mangino too but I also can't wait to hear what these guys do next now that they're back together.

@johnnyresistance 7 ай бұрын

mike is a super funny dude, love his enthusiasm and his skills.

@BrianYates-ue8hf 7 ай бұрын

These Drumeo vids are super entertaining and are a great insight into the minds of all types of drummers and how they compose their parts...Mike looks like he's playing this in his sleep😂😂 You can see he's really holding back from over playing...Word on the street is Drumeo might be bringing MARIO DUPLANTIER up to the studios which would EPIC 😎🤘🧐✌️

@driftwood4625 7 ай бұрын

The new set-up is perfect, just hang some blinds on the back wall and I'll feel right at home.

@Meowmeow0506 7 ай бұрын

Portnoy did 3-4 videos with Drumeo. Playing Pull Me Under, and an hour long discussion and playthrough of 4-5 Dream Theater songs and a Winery Dogs song. As well as an Avenged Sevenfold intro. Well worth a watch on all of them

@emjem99 Ай бұрын

Portnoy is the most musical drummer i think I've ever heard. He also has Elton John's best album on his shirt. Obviously a man of immense talent as well as taste.

@merqury5 6 ай бұрын

He played his greatest hits. His go to stuff. All the stuff we know and love.

@SynicalDan 7 ай бұрын

The flowing locks add to his supernatural capabilities (sorry Andrew). A god among drummers. Also, in response, his hitting was actually pretty light compared to normal. And not tense at all, he was enjoying the experiment. Fun guy to watch.

@Grinder504 7 ай бұрын

When are we getting a first listen drum playthrough by yourself? Would love to see your process, and how you approach/attack a song :)

@Kiery86 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so very much for doing a reaction to this one, Andrew! Mike Portnoy is and always has been my favourite drummer of all time. Such a phenomenal talent, and just such a dude as well! I’ve watched this performance of his numerous times now, but the first time I saw it, my very first thought was your reaction to it! Just awesome, man! You were smiling just as much as myself😊👍🏽

@dirkstadil8621 7 ай бұрын

For me it was a way more interesting drum-part and made the song better and more entertaining.

@riesabass 7 ай бұрын

i knew that you're gonna laugh at 'premature evacuation'! was so sure bout that, and there it was! :D

@mr.pac.4614 6 ай бұрын

Different drummers have different ideas. Sometimes the simplest drumming can have a bigger impact.obviously Mike is a great drummer!

@AndrewRooneyDrums 6 ай бұрын

Oh for sure. There’s a reason hit songs have simple drum parts…

@donnelson6694 7 ай бұрын

Great to see Mike so chill and having fun. His version was busier but probably still dialed back for him. Love the new studio. Props to your decorator!

@MikeKobb 7 ай бұрын

Portnoy’s self-effacing humor aside, I thought his version kicked ass. I’d rather listen to that part than the original. Also, if anybody from Drumeo/etc is reading: please do a “Basseo” site!

@stevesperling1489 7 ай бұрын

I just watched a video of Portnoy talking about/breaking down Alex Van Halen drum parts. It is absolutely incredible to watch him play this stuff. You should check it out!

@RyTrapp0 7 ай бұрын

Awesome video, love what Drumeo has been doing with this idea, it's pretty genius! Love this series! Really appreciate just hearing MUSICIANS play and talk about other music that they aren't typically associated with, gotta love the LACK of gatekeeping and snobbery from the majority of the musicians out there, it's such a contrast to trying to talk music with fans("fans"). Shout out to YT and such giving the Andrew Rooneys of the world a platform too for that matter. Mike Portnoy filling in on drums in Nickelback would've been pretty damn awesome, I would've actually checked that out LOL. Gotta love those crossovers, like Joey Jordison filling in for Lars in Metallica. BTW, for every video they do where the drummer doesn't just jump right into it - we always have to acknowledge Chad Smith just being an animal and shredding 30StM while barely having heard it lol. I'm not saying he's "better" than anyone else, or that that's the "better" way to do it... but damn it's impressive!

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

Yeah I'm loving this series of vids :)

@markphillips3986 5 ай бұрын

mike made the drums sound like they should have enough said ive heard this song like a 1000 times since it came out best drums ive ever heard

@AndICanTalk2 4 ай бұрын

I really hope, over time, you do the rest of these Drumeo videos. I think they are fascinating, and you definitely make them more interesting. Great stuff.

@Johnsantos_of_asguard 7 ай бұрын

Most people don’t realize Daniel Adair is a prog drummer as well. Look up one of his drum solos. He also has a side project. That is prog.

@Hadgerz 7 ай бұрын

You can tell Adair knows what he's doing. No flam timing issues between that snare and bass. The old 'slow is smooth and smooth is fast' mantra never fails.

@Johnsantos_of_asguard 7 ай бұрын

@@Hadgerz Daniel is actually beast of a drummer. And sings a lot of the back up lines as well. Very underrated

@edilsonmaceno 7 ай бұрын

In 2005 Dream Theater recorded a DVD playing Pink Floyd Dak Side of the Monn. You can see Mike Portnoy playing perfectly at a very slow tempo for him. You can check it out here on KZfaq

@AstroPixUK 6 ай бұрын

Wow wow wow…. The musicality in that was insane.

@AndrewRooneyDrums 6 ай бұрын

RIGHT!?

@kmelugin 7 ай бұрын

I love how Mike's first take is basically ready for print on the track, lol. Incredible and agree on his musicianship! On the topic of the double bass on the chorus, I would say that my preference would be to have the stripped back single bass drum on the first or 2nd iteration of the chorus and then save the double bass or even half time feel for the 3rd iteration or towards the end. That way you get something different as the song progresses. I would also say that my mind works similar in terms of understanding the charting so that I can play ideas that fit with the music and the structure. Great vid as always Andrew!

@JustineDilou 3 ай бұрын

You know it's damn good when you see other musicians give it a stank face. 🤘🤘

@AndrewRooneyDrums 3 ай бұрын

Yes Sir!

@srudine Ай бұрын

Perfection! Killer cover! Never heard this song as well but I love Mike's interpretation so much.

@AndrewRooneyDrums Ай бұрын

Machine!

@Mephilis78 Ай бұрын

When I was with my band that made original music we would record our practices because we'd have these improv sessions. We take our favorite parts from the improv and use those to build songs piece by piece. It kind of started because I would improvise guitar solos, but then I'd never remember what I did, so I'd use the recordings and study my own improv lol

@Ulti 7 ай бұрын

Dream Theater have never been my thing but I've always liked Portnoy for how clear it is that underneath all the prog shenanigans, he's still completely dialed in with rock and pop drumming. Nobody in the prog world has catchier, more musical and accessible parts.

@TheRicardoSanchez 7 ай бұрын

That's what you get from a legit master's master pro genius. Show's how totally pedestrian everyone else is.

@chrishuard12 4 ай бұрын

Andy, per usual, I love your videos mate! The best part of this reaction is seeing your reaction to one of the greatest drumming forces of nature on this planet! If you watch his “Liquid Drum Theater” instructional video, you get the same brash, honest, no pretense, experience! The dude is just real! And we love those kind of people, don’t we? No decorum, just this is what I do, Take it or leave it, and if you like it, then I have done some good in the world because Mike Portnoy, is Mike Portnoy, and he ain’t changing for anyone! You saw How excited the “Drumeo” guys were to have him in studio. A master, a drumming force of nature, an amazing lyricist, an amazing musician, an amazing person. One in a trillion! I love you Andy! You are like Mike, A force of nature! Keep The vids coming brother!

@AndrewRooneyDrums 4 ай бұрын

Yeah I love his style! Thank you!

@chrishuard12 4 ай бұрын

@@AndrewRooneyDrums Love you bro! Want to visit New Zealand some day. You’ll be the first Kiwi I look up! Check out Matt Thompson the drummer for King Diamond! Mikkey Dee was the original drummer, another drumming force of nature to check out . I’ll send you a link. Please make a reaction video. Check out Matt Thompson live at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Look up “Welcome Home” Matt Thompson drum cam! It’s bad ass! Holla! Love ya mate!

@chrishuard12 4 ай бұрын

@@AndrewRooneyDrums Here is Mikkey Dee. He plays with the Scorpions now but he dude is amazing! Huge inspiration for Me! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/preYe92XlbGwin0.htmlsi=qUOXE0OAOAC_Xr2f

@chrishuard12 4 ай бұрын

@@AndrewRooneyDrums I sent a couple of links. King Diamonds music is dark and b Heavy, but the musicianship is top notch! I MEAN TOO NOTCH!

@davemieze9021 6 ай бұрын

Goosebumps when that chorus comes in with the epic fill and the triplet double bass. Let’s go!

@MsBenlane 7 ай бұрын

one of your best reactions. funny as hell. you are right he should do a radio show or something

@derekthedood6416 7 ай бұрын

Yes! First thought I had while watching was hoping we'd get a Rooney Reaction, thx for delivering sir!!

@billiam2631 7 ай бұрын

There's a reason he said it would be so fun to play with them !!! It would be so relaxed for him and just chill !!!!

@davidriddick82 7 ай бұрын

YOU NEED TO DO THE 1 hour video from Drumeo with II from Sleep Token. He does his first video interview EVER and does a multitude of song play throughs. Please Andrew, you must do this!! YOU WILL LOVE THAT VIDEO, and have a new admiration for II and Sleep Token based on drums & structures of his playing

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

I'll get there!

@dillonnations1891 7 ай бұрын

I would love to see nickelbacks reaction, and he’s not wrong they are a great show

@dennesey 7 ай бұрын

Ha! Just saw this vid yesterday and your reaction vid popped into my feed today, giving me the immediate pleasure of seeing it again. Loved drums since childhood but can't speak the language. What I gathered is that Nickelback made a conscious decision to bring let guitar shine a little brighter than drums but Mike's version leaned toward the opposite. Man, can that guy improvise. One of my favorite Drumeo performances so far. Need to visit their library and see who else is out there.

@erjkvjking5371 4 ай бұрын

Best hack I ever had for clenched jaw like you mentioned; was to stick your tongue out a little & rest your teeth on it The moment you start getting tense you end up biting down on your tongue, it hurts & you learn to chill real quick

@AndrewRooneyDrums 4 ай бұрын

Great tip! It really works

@thetattedpharmacist3215 Ай бұрын

It’s alright Andrew, I was chuckling along with you at the Roxanne reference 😅

@johncampbell3390 7 ай бұрын

You know you are a listening to a world class drummer when Nickleback almost sounds good.

@ericbontheweb 7 ай бұрын

A nice follow up to this video would be to check out one of Daniel Adair's solos. He's got beastly chops that are never expressed in any of Nickelback's songs

@StefanP742 7 ай бұрын

Begged drumeo to try and get Daniel on! They said he is always welcome... so I hope it happens some day, he's so underrated!

@mybrotherjames8579 7 ай бұрын

Andy, I feel ya on the music collection. I have 700 or so albums. Mostly late 80’s to 2010ish. Like most people, I think, my album acquisition happened from around age 10 to 30ish.

@tommysonnier9848 7 ай бұрын

Those Tama drums sounded GREAT!

@michaellee2652 7 ай бұрын

Diggin the new studio. Lighting and angle!

@billiam2631 3 ай бұрын

I love it 🤘 he wanted double bass in that song so freaking bad 😂😂😂

@vic1ous511 6 ай бұрын

The nest example of being absolutely overqualified for a task 😊

@DaveGardoni Ай бұрын

He converted this song into a Winery Dogs song. This is the power of this man !!

@AndrewRooneyDrums Ай бұрын

The all powerful Portnoy!

@aawells07 7 ай бұрын

Very cool video. Im certainly not a Nickleback fan but this song isnt so bad imo. Its a good song to break out once in a while at a party lol.

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

Yeah I dig it

@justinwillms17 7 ай бұрын

People often comment when I play at church about my mouth being open…. I tell them it would sound bad if it was closed and if you want to know if I’m comfortable with a song look at my mouth 😂

@trevorhummer7592 7 ай бұрын

My favorite comment from this whole video from Portnoy was "This is why they're rich and famous and I'm just a fuckin Prog guy" XD

@graciefolden2359 3 ай бұрын

I'm sure you have heard or seen it by now but they (Mike & Drumeo) did another little song you might know called PNEUMA by Tool. Not a blind listen but VERY worth watching, Mike spent 5.5hrs listening & watching the Drum Cam of Danny and still was challenged. He sure had no problem praising Danny for what he writes & plays.❤

@ThePerkins100 7 ай бұрын

Andrew , I was one if many im sure,askifor you to react to this , as ever your knowledge and thoughts are so valuable, I'm know drummer, but I found watching Mike s7ch an inspiration..

@davemadman7093 7 ай бұрын

Hi Andrew Mike portnoy is a absolutel genius. Awesome reaction.

@ivanbutler6079 7 ай бұрын

Dig Mike. Dig the new digs. The FPS (whatever) of your orange light in the background does however poke at my non-existing epilepsy.. if that makes any sense.

@TriptoCo 7 ай бұрын

There is a reason that MP has been peer voted as the best drummer ever for multiple years Peer reviews!

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

MONSTER player

@alexgolovchenko3791 7 ай бұрын

Hi, Andrew! Love your new studio, although that strobing red circle on the wall behind you is a huge distraction, try a lava lamp instead. The video is awesome and Mike just rocks it. He had a lot of fun doing it, that was cool. Also, just love his TAMA drums! For some reason Nickelback is truly hated here in Canada, I don't know why. It might be the perception that they have not been loyal to their fan base.

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

They are hated here too! But I imagine most people who hate them have never listened. I prefer to stay away from that type of bullying

@basher5107 7 ай бұрын

Portnoy is amazing,overplays for a simple band like Nickleback But I’m sure he was just having fun,nothing wrong with that!

@DeePal072 7 ай бұрын

Basically, they trolled him, but now Daniel is in serious troubles 🤣🤣🤣

@balalumborshangrit2456 7 ай бұрын

The original version still rocks but if I have to add something I'll take the double bass of Portnoy and put that in the original version. But still Mike Portnoy the GOAT ❤

@sarahwalters4428 Ай бұрын

When I tell you that I LOVE this song lol. It's my fave from Nickelback honestly and youtube just so happened to show me a reel of Mike doing this song and I about lost my shit😂😂 THAT DOUBLE BASS HITS SO HARD FOR NO REASON😂! I fell in love with m Mike's version instantly! I hope he was just being sarcastic when he said he had ruined the song and that they would have fired him cuz NO TF THEY WOULDN'T😂. I think he did the song nothing but pure justice and leveled the song up 4 levels😂

@braddarrell6460 6 ай бұрын

Not hard or tense, dude could play anything. Top 10 current drummers.

@Aven115 7 ай бұрын

Yesterday I saw a reaction of another creator who was like "this dude's been doing the same drum fill for 30 years" and now I cant unhear it and see it (not that I didn't notice it, but he's right) and I burst out laughing. But to be honest it is his signature move and he's done it all so, just can't get enough with Mike. What a great musician and chill man. Loved the reaction btw! \m/

@flatnicable 7 ай бұрын

The fill in question is called a "Portnoy-fill" for a reason lol Nothing to unhear, it's all meant to be exactly the way it is.

@thepooz7205 7 ай бұрын

I have to imagine any drummer’s first take on any song is going to include whatever go-to fills they do by default. That would be something that would only need polishing late in the process.

@xavier.xiques 7 ай бұрын

Hahaha, OMG!! Love this fills!! This guy is incredible!!!

@dumagera 7 ай бұрын

Man, this was one the coolest videos ever! That tense and hard hitter, less than half of an actual drummer you described, is me. The messaged hit strong in the best way. I'll train having this in mind. Aside all that it's Mike Portnoy ffs.

@andreajuanitodicandia5186 2 күн бұрын

Let us be honest: that chorus deserved double bass drum

@AndrewRooneyDrums 2 күн бұрын

HAHA

@tindrum 7 ай бұрын

Spartan...so squeeky clean, the room is also very sprightly too!!!!!

@zognarreg 7 ай бұрын

LOVE this version! Played the drums on Rock Band version. I wouldn’t be able to play Portnoy’s but the key word is FUN.

@MusicalJackknife 7 ай бұрын

I love how hard he's trying to be positive and complimentary of the original part. I do think he genuinely appreciates different styles though

@AndrewRooneyDrums 7 ай бұрын

Oh he's completely self aware

@simonedmondson8875 4 ай бұрын

Fucking A! I’d watch a podcast of him religiously he’s such a cool guy

@powerups5434 7 ай бұрын

awesome tip

@keleighshepherd345 2 ай бұрын

I got shit from my parents and band leaders growing up because when I was fully in the zone and playing drums, I was not in my body, I was in the music in the flow, in the sticks and the drums And as such, my face was all relaxed and slack, with a wide open jaw - I often got shit for looking bored or completely gormless. And when I tried keeping my face looking more "pleasant" my drumming got waaaaaaaaaaay worse because I was all tense and couldn't expand my body through the pedals and sticks

@Iamadrummer 7 ай бұрын

Just like Portnoy...You hear it; you feel it; and you just jam to it. That is how I practiced when I was younger. I would put on the radio usually to a 60s/70s station and just jam to all the songs. I usually knew the songs but not to the point I knew the exact drum part, so I would ignore the drummer and just jam what I would play. I Still play by feel. It doesn't matter if it is in an odd time signature or not. You listen; You feel; You play. Of coarse for cover gigs you want to play close to the original but...I prefer if doing a cover is to keep the lyrics, keep some of the the original feel of the song but basically redo it as if it was your song. Portnoy is an incredible drummer. Being in several current bands as well as getting back into Dream Theater and been drumming professionally for over 30 years, you can only expect him to be a great drummer...and he is!