Michael Stephen Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American (United States) drummer (Drum kit) primarily known as the drummer and backing vocalist for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Known for his drumming prowess and technical skill, Portnoy has won 23 awards from the Modern Drummer magazine. He has co-produced (Record producer) the last six Dream Theater albums with guitarist John Petrucci, starting from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory. From A Change of Seasons onwards, Portnoy has been writing a substantial amount of Dream Theaters lyrics, filling the void left by Kevin Moore, who left the band after the bands release of Awake (Awake (Dream Theater album)). He is the second youngest person (after Neil Peart) to be inducted into the Modern Drummers Hall of Fame (at 37 years of age). Portnoy was ranked as the eighth greatest drummer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine Avenged Sevenfold confirm that Portnoy will be joining them for upcoming tour dates.