Mike Portnoy Plays Van Halen's "I'm The One" 

The older I get the more I realize how underrated Alex Van Halen was

Alex is the reason I started playing drums. Mike is the reason I still do.

When you see intensity in Portnoy's face and playing when covering another drummer, you know the original drummer was bad ass.

Alex is the most underrated drummer of that era

Not too many drummers can say they had an identifiable sound. Alex is an incredible drummer.

To me, "I'm the One" is Van Halen's most "Van Halen" song. It's got everything that made the band over-the-top next level badass. 🤟👍🔥

This is one of the first times Mike Portnoy hasn’t sounded like Mike Portnoy. He nailed the parts and was completely in the pocket.

I see all these comments saying Alex was... Al IS one of the best drummers of our time. He's still alive and still a drummer. Even though people don't see him in public much anymore. He has taught me a lot. I am grateful for his contributions to music.

Alex is one of the best rock drummers ever

I'm the One has to be the undisputed example of how rhythm and lead guitar is just so seamlessly together its criminal!

Alex is a Legend. But, make no mistake, Portnoy is a LEGEND in his own Right!!!

I love watching Portnoy play, he's always entertaining on top of the fact he's a virtuoso on his instrument. When it comes to VH, everyone is always talking about Edward, but Alex was just as incredible. Early VH is legendary.

AVH is a brilliant drummer 🤘🏼

Portnoy is AWESOME.

Damn, Mike that was fantastic! Any guitar player worth their salt will tell you that the groove on I'm the One is one of Eddie's hardest to duplicate rhythms. The swing and feel is off the charts good! Glad to see Alex getting some love showing how locked into the groove he was with Eddie. Also give credit to Michael Anthony. He's so in the pocket with Alex. Just drives this whole song forward at breakneck speed feeling like you're going to fly off the rails at any second, but always in complete control. Just shows why Van Halen I was one of the greatest first albums of any band and why we're still talking about it 46 years later!

I can watch Portnoy play all day.

This man Is the reason I play the drums. I will love him forever!

the groove in this is unparalleled and seeing this makes me realise how overshadowed his talent was - MP looks like he’s having to work for this one 🤯😍👊🏼

As a guy who’s not a drummer but is a massive fan of the instrument and many of the incredible musicians all of us appreciate that play it, I love this video as it really gives you an appreciation of just how good Alex’s playing is. Don’t get me wrong, I always appreciated his skill set listening to those records, but when you have a visual of what he was actually doing it takes that appreciation level to a higher level. Bravo Mr. Portnoy 👏🏻

I'm 66 yrs old . Been a guitarist for 50+ yrs.. Multiple album appearances and I just decided I need to learn the drums.. This fascinates me. I'm breaking things like this down to simplistic levels and then slowly adding/looking at the augmentations. I wish I'd taken the drums up yrs ago.. Having a blast tho I still suck compared to this but, I will fix that ;) This is inspiring..

Prime era =VH= is still my favorite live band. Reign in peace, Eddie! We’re still practicing.

My little brother plays drums, I asked him about Portnoy and he said Mike is easily one of the top 5 drummers of the modern era.

Alex VanHalen is a genius. Snare tone is iconic and matched.

Thanks for shining the spotlight on Alex Van Halen. He was my first favourite drummer. My brother and I modelled ourselves on Eddie and Alex.

Alex always seems to fall under the radar when best drummer conversations happen. Mike and Alex were a killer rhythm section. That's a beautiful kit you have there!

The swing makes it better for me than typical metal that is straight, like a jazz drummer playing rock. He lights it up!

You know, you could have NEVER found a more experienced master percussionist than my friend from the past, Mike Portnoy, to demonstrate Alex's shuffle groove technique. Mike is absolutely beyond description, and a brilliant mathematician. He has to be in order to lay down the progressive rock tracks required he's performed for so many groups, especially his decades with Dream Theater. Not to mention one of the most brilliant people I've met on the road in my lifetime. Way to lay 'em down, Mike! Yeah baby, Yeah!

Everyone was amazing on this track, the bass really sticks out on this recording and of course the guitar is impossible to duplicate too.

incredible battle of endurance on this one! Wow...

Good shit, Maynard! I'm smiling uncontrollably.

Alex is a beast on the drums 🥁

My favorite drummer who played in a band that had my other favorite drummer (RIP rev) covering one of my other favorite drummers. The trinity is complete.

Early Van Halen was so great because they had that swing and boogie element to their sound. Even though still amazing during the Sammy years they lost that swing. Ever evolving.... Mike is in my top 5 drummers all time.pp Neal Peart, Alex VH, Scott Rockenfield, mike Portnoy, Stewart Copeland. Loved this video!

Mike you are the man. This just showed me how good Alex Van Halen is and you nailed that song. Great job.

I just love Mike Portnoy. He is beyond technically proficient. Looks like he still absolutely loves playing. And, he seems like one heck of a likable person.

So glad to see you back with DT!!

Alex is one of the best and most underrated and I love Mike Portnoy; what a fitting tribute!

it all began with "Quadrant 4" October 1 1973 release from "Spectrum" Billy Cobhams first solo album. Three years before Alex played his version.......VERY WELL played, Mr. Portnoy and the Ludwig kit sounds BEAUTIFUL !!

Sick... just f'in sick. My favorite VH tune for a long while. I was like 6 when this came out and my older brother got me hooked BIGTIME. LOVE DLR era VH. The whole nasty edgy package!

The EVH striped shoes were on point. And... Using Alex's actual drum kit... perfect.

Besides his drumming of course, I just really admire and appreciate Mike's detailed encyclopedic knowledge of so many different kinds of music, artists and bands.

A DRUM GOD playing & talking 'bout a DRUM GOD 🤘🏼🤘🏼🍻🔥🇧🇷💚

When ever I watch Mike play a Dream Theatre song it always looks like virtuoso level playing, watching him play this feels the same way.

I'm the one is one of my favorite Van Halen songs,,,AlexVan Halen is a great drummer for sure,,,Mike Portnoy is a great drummer too 🥁

That is a f@#$in workout !! Nice job Mr. PORTNOY !!!!

Incredible song. And the guitar is ONE TAKE. He just starts playing and doesn't stop. And it's utterly perfect. I still can't wrap my head around it.

First record I bought was Fair Warning, 1982(still have it). The snare and overall sound of the kit got me and to this day is my "deserted island" album. Hear about it later was the first VH song I heard. I lived in Costa Rica at the time so the earlier records didn't make it down here and nobody knew about VH until 1984. And yes, been a drummer shortly there after.

Mike, thank you for featuring my favorite Van Halen song. Damn!

When I was a kid all my friends loved Eddie because, let's face it, he was the man, the master, but I always loved Alex's style pounding those drums. Can't recall how many VH cassettes I wore out in my Walkman and later my truck. It always felt to me as Alex was overlooked in his own band by Eddie and Dave. He and Michael Anthony are 2 of the most underrated musicians I can think of. Excellent explanation and drumming on this video! Thank you!

My God, I love Van Halen. Thanks Mike.

The Halen's Were Just Masters at an Early age. Portnoy, Always a pleasure to hear as well!

Portnoy + Van Halen. Does it get any better than that? - Nope! Killer!!

Mike nails it! great drum sound too....

I always know when it’s his greatness playing drums in a song because of his distinctive swing- sound just like Mije sayss/shows. This is one of the reasons i like VH so much and always will. He is just like the others a legend!! Respect!! 👍👍👍 a VH fan for life and beyond, frim The Netherlands, yes, land if woodwn shoes, windmills, gouda cheese. 🇳🇱🧀🙌🤘🤘

mike always has the coolest shirts ever.

I never knew I needed a Mike Portnoy VH cover band in my life until now.

That was amazing. There is a lot more going on there that I realized. Love that whole album.

Mike really nails that sort of staggered, breathy style Alex played on this. The fills had an almost show tunes feel. Love this whole album so much.

Alex had the coolest drum kits of all. The FW kit is my all time favorite.

Mike The Great. 👏🤟👍🥁

This is why they killed so hard, it's rock, metal and even big band( and even some Barber Shop thrown in here for good measure!) elements all combined. Alex is an absolute beast.

God, I love Paiste 2002 cymbals SO. FREAKING. MUCH. I had this 17" crash that was just ... ~*chef's kiss*~ so good. And then I realized they all sound amazing.

How many your tube queens have you seen drum cover this song or any Alex VH song? This is how it is done. MP is the real deal. In my opinion, Portnoy is one of the greatest drummers of all time. He truly understands how it’s done. Thank you Mike for your years of awe.

Love Mike's Drumming...Collected, sociable, super technical, musical

Waw...incredible mr. Mike🥁👍🔥

Alex was always in his brothers shadow, but he was an excellent drummer that should have gotten some recognition.

Alex Van Halen is finally this Year in the Drum Hall of Fame!!!

Fantastic cover ! Alex is truly one of the greats ! Mike Portnoy is also one of the best around. If would have had the opportunity to be in a great rock band who knows how famous he would be today !

Born to play drums. Viva Portnoy Viva AVH!!

I always love hearing an awesome Van Halen song, because you really do get it all on a high musicianship level.

What a Beast Mike is!!! WOW. And yeah Alex was rarely mentioned as the drummer he was. Spot light was in the front, but he's one of the greats and everyone knows that

That was just amazing. Sounds so good! Thanks!!!

Alex would very proud Mike! Tremendous job on I'm the one bud!! Keep Rocking bro!!🤘

Fluid city... nice job Mike.

It’s nice to see Mike jamming behind those Ludwig’s and those Pies 😎😎😎😎

Mike, you are the best. You are #1 in my top 3 drummers of my personal favorite bands! Can't wait to see/hear you and your "BROTHERS" back in the one and only DREAM THEATER!!! Thank you!

Mike may be my favorite drummer

Alex pioneered the flaming drumsticks,that was awesome in it's day

A great player himself - love how Mike enjoys honouring other great drummers.

Excellent performance!! Mike, just as you explain all the shuffle stuff and then seeing you play, one realizes that Alex Van Halen was innovating as his brother Eddie did. This song has some important snare work too! Really enjoyed it!!

great teacher, great explanations. clear understanding.

One of the best drum covers I've ever seen and heard. Brilliant!

And to think that Alex was on guitar and Edward was on drums when they first started 😂 still my favorite band of all time, it just doesn’t get any better than the MIGHTY VH for me!

Alex's dad was a jazz guy. All the great drummers have jazz chops.❤

Wow...old school..absolutely killed it bro

Good God Man!!! Perfection. I expect nothing less...🥁

MD....THANKYOU!!! Any Portnoy appearance/PERFORMANCE is always special.

SIMPLY AWESOME TO BE ABLE TO WATCH THIS!!! MORE PLEASE!!

The fact that they were that tight, creative and insanely talented in the 70s as teenager's

Sickness! Right on Mike! Alex is the most under rated drummer ever.

I fucking love AVH and Mike too. This video is gold.

No doubt that Mike killed it on this one but that kit!!!! 🔥

Mike’s on fire lately, man!! Love to see it!!

Crazy thing!! First… I love Mike and is one my favorite drummer s of the last 30 years since the first DT album. With that being said, i was taken back first mentioned,” Shuffle “, and “Im The One”, in that context i, as a guitarist have always known about Eddies Pured Shuffle that he plays but had never heard that Alex had that same Groove on this song from day one. I’m, 58 and have dissected alot of this song throughout the years being that it is one of Eddies Most demanding guitar works, fills , vibrato, hammers, octaves and harmonics than any song he ever recorded. The Purde Shuffle, i had no idea until this video that his brother was using that same Shuffle grove with the double bass kick as well… i never knew that Alex was using a double bass kick all these years until now thanks to Mlke. More advanced players of course knew this but was blown away knowing that Alex was using that same double bass Shuffle in his playing….. I missed something so important that after this video I finally found out! Thanks Mike for sharing your video which I think is Alexs kit in some museum from the mid 80s with the iconic roto toms … Thanks Mike and the late great EVH for one of their best…. you are missed by is devoted fans more than you will ever know!! 🎸👏🎸

Tremendous. Amazing strenth

Cool! Thanks Mike for sharing.

Outstanding as always Mike! Interesting use of the double bass drum pedal. Thank you! You are simply the best drummer in the world today!

That was cool. That is one of my favorite Van Halen tunes ever. Nice job Mike.

This is why I love VH. This song has this Buddy Rich/Gene Krupa vibe, and none of the other rock bands back then could swing like that. Mike plays it beautifully.

Such a bad ass tune and drum track, Mike killed it.