MIKE PORTNOY Says LARS ULRICH Was a Major Influence: 'He Was More Than Just a Drummer'

Summary

• Mike Portnoy says Lars Ulrich was a major influence, not just for drumming but for his role in shaping Metallica’s direction and success.
• Portnoy highlights Ulrich’s work on setlists, merch, and album production as key reasons he sees him as a role model.
• Despite criticism, Portnoy values Ulrich’s personality and presence more than flawless technique, calling him invaluable to the band.

Mike Portnoy, drummer for progressive metal band Dream Theater, recently shared that Lars Ulrich of Metallica had a big impact on his career, and not just behind the drum kit.

In a new interview with El Estepario Siberiano (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH), Portnoy talked about the drummers who inspired him. He named well-known players like Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, and Neil Peart.

But he also highlighted Ulrich, who often gets criticized for his drumming technique.

“Lars, believe it or not, was a big influence for me,” Portnoy said. “A lot of people give him a hard time over his technique and everything, but to me, he was more than just drums.”

Portnoy explained that Ulrich stood out because of how much he contributed to Metallica beyond playing. He handled the band’s setlists, worked with fan clubs, managed merchandise, helped produce albums, and co-wrote songs.

“He was the leader of the band,” Portnoy said. “To me, he was a role model. And even to this day, he still is.”

Portnoy also praised Ulrich’s live presence. He recently saw Metallica in concert and was reminded of how important Ulrich is to the band’s performance.

“He was so important for Metallica’s success,” Portnoy added. “That was the thing.”

He also noted that Ulrich was part of something much bigger in the 1980s. When Metallica released their early albums, they were shaping a new kind of music.

“They were inventing an entire style,” Portnoy said. “And he was at the front of it.”

Portnoy said he learned a lot from Metallica’s first four albums, calling the drumming both “progressive” and “aggressive.” He also mentioned other metal drummers who influenced him, including Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Charlie Benante of Anthrax, Vinnie Paul of Pantera, and Mikkey Dee of King Diamond.

In a separate story, Portnoy recalled a signing event where he and Ulrich were promoting signature snare drums. He expected Ulrich to keep things short with fans. Instead, he said, Ulrich gave each person time and attention.

“He looked every single one of them in the eye and spent a few minutes asking questions,” Portnoy said. “That was a tremendous lesson for me.”

While Ulrich’s drumming has often been the subject of criticism, Portnoy said there’s more to being a good drummer than technical skills.

What matters most, he explained, is what a drummer brings to the overall music experience.

“I’d rather be entertained,” he said. “I don’t judge drummers based on technique. I judge them based on what they bring to the music.”

To Portnoy, Lars Ulrich has always brought something valuable, and that’s what made him a lasting influence.

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