The Iconic Drumming Behind 'The Dance Of Eternity' | Dream Theater Song Breakdown

"The Dance Of Eternity" is arguably one of the most iconic (and difficult) progressive rock songs of all time. Tune in as the one and only Mike Portnoy breaks down how he plays this incredible song.

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Song Overview
02:55 - Breaking Down The Intro
03:53 - Performance
09:58 - Discussing The "Instrumedley" Version
11:12 - Wrap-Up
11:40 - Outro
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[MikePortnoyDT]

The one you’ve been asking for… 😉
Fun fact: You’re not gonna believe this, but this track was NOT on the list of discussed songs/content before I arrived at Drumeo to shoot. Brandon Toews asked me on the spot if I’d be willing to do it, and I said I was willing to give it a try but that I hadn’t played it in YEARS (since the Shattered Fortress tour in 2017). We decided to give it a whirl without me even listening to the track to review it…hit record and this is what came out! “Like riding a bicycle! Well, more like a unicycle…” 😝😎🥁🚴

[CarGuy]

I still can't believe we have MIKE FREAKING PORTNOY on Drumeo!

[AndreDiofanu]

We have Mike Portnoy on Drumeo and Jordan Rudess on Pianote at the same time. What a Time to Be Alive! 🙌

[drummerjosh]

The reason it’s called Dance Of Eternity is because it takes an eternity to figure out how to dance to it

[tomlammerse]

The fact that Mike Portnoy is still so humble about his performances and sometimes a little insecure, makes me like and respect him even more and speaks volumes to his character

[romz]

- How many time signature changes shall we have in this song?
- Yes

[ringsbarbell]

As a non drummer who just appreciates intelligence and creativity I watch every video of dance of eternity. Cheers Mike on your masterpiece

[levig]

This song humbled me as a drummer for sure

[TheDemolishore]

Now waiting patiently for Danny Careys cover

[utithough]

His drumming is so perfect that it makes the song sounds easy to play... what a magic.

I won't forget to respect Mangini, but I'm really happy that he is back to Dream Theater.
I can't explain clearly, but his play does add something to the band that cannot be replaced by someone else.

[thechosenone]

in 1994 a friend came to me with the images and words cd in his hand. he only said "u have to hear metropolis part 1"
that changed everything in my musical universe. the next 5 or 6 month i never had listen to another album. no mtv, no radio! only images and words.

thank you!
and im extreme happy that you are back!

[waltermora]

First song I ever actually sat down, broke down, studied and memorized. It's a masterpiece and an anthem, and one that will live on for decades more, I'm sure.

[sittingduck]

Mike is killing it on Drumeo while Jordan is doing the same on Pianote. Incredible. All we need now are YT channels for the guitar and bass.

[Goo_kazoo]

Scenes changed my life in high school. I want to thank Mike, John, John, Jordan, and James for showing where music can go.

[TheZxcv]

This makes me very emotional. Seeing Mike Portinoy playing one of my favorites songs and seeing that he still got it and is back to Dream Theater. Thanks Drumeo for inviting him!

[nickentros]

The way Mike's parts build in layers is always his best and most defining characteristic to me, like the 2-3-4-4-3-2 part he explained. Classic Portnoy

[linnstr]

As a standalone song, it is already insane. However, once you put it into the proper context of the Scenes of a Memory concept album, it is even more of a masterpiece. It's not just a bunch of random musical bits that they put together. In true prog fashion, a lot of the song's contents are based on recurring themes, time signatures, chord progressions, melodies, etc from the album as well as Metropolis part 1. They managed to be creative and package all of that into this monster.

[Paradiddlelydoo]

The talent, the production quality, the SOUND, everything about this was TOP NOTCH! Such a legend we are blessed to be alive at the same time as!

[gafflord]

I'm a life long guitar player and always loved Petrucci and Dream theatre, but lately the algorithm has decided I like watching drummers, and it's god damn right, watching Mike here makes it make sense why Dream Theatre rule, that was hypnotic to watch dude, rock on \m/

[TTVDefend]

I've always wanted a clean drum track of Portnoy playing this and the day has finally come! Thank you drumeo