Pop music often tells you everything is OK, while rock music tells you that it's not OK, but you can change it.
BonoRead
To me, a great drummer isn't always about somebody with chops who can shred. A great drummer is someone who is part of a great band.
Interpretation
A great drummer's value lies in their ability to contribute to the overall sound of the band rather than just technical skill.
Mike Portnoy emphasizes that the essence of being a great drummer goes beyond mere technical proficiency or showy skills. Instead, it's about how well the drummer integrates into the band, enhancing the collective musical experience. This perspective highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in music, where the synergy of the group is more critical than individual talent alone.
In practice
During a music workshop, a member might quote this to emphasize the importance of working together.
Pop music often tells you everything is OK, while rock music tells you that it's not OK, but you can change it.
I remember Elvis as a young man hanging around the Sun Studios. Even then, I knew this kid had a tremendous talent. He was a dynamic young boy. His phraseology, his way of looking at a song, was as unique as Sinatra's. I was a tremendous fan, and had Elvis lived, there would have been no end to his inventiveness.
We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
The future of rock belongs to women.
It was very interesting in my world, because I grew up as a fan and I did not know that there was a thing called R&B, pop, country, classical - I just knew that I loved music.
Minneapolis just embraced me. There are a lot of weirdos here. It's awesome, because I'm a weirdo. Thankfully, the city embraced me with open arms. A lot about Minneapolis helped carve my musicality and open my eyes. The whole town is so open-minded compared to like, you know, Texas.
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