Mike Portnoy Tackles Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ on Drums

Dream Theater‘s Mike Portnoy not too long ago ventured into sudden territory by way of reimagining the drumming on Taylor Swift’s chart-topping pop anthem “Shake It Off.”

As a part of Drumeo’s fashionable First Time collection, the mythical prog-metal drummer approached Swift’s infectiously upbeat monitor along with his technical brilliance, developing an interesting hybrid of father and prog.

After listening to a snippet of the track—stripped of its authentic drum tracks—Portnoy in an instant immersed himself in crafting his personal interpretation, quipping, “My daughter goes to get a kick out of this … It seems like one thing out of Disneyland Japan or one thing.”

Whilst understanding learn how to manner the track, Portnoy commented on its unconventional construction: “It’s like Bob Dylan. It’s all verses, it doesn’t trade keys. I don’t even know what to put in writing. I’m simply going to jam to it, I suppose.” In spite of the demanding situations, he powered via, handing over an outstanding interpretation crammed along with his rhythmic aptitude.

In spite of the playful mismatch of types, Portnoy maintained his admiration for Swift, including, “Taylor, I’m in reality sorry. I nonetheless would play with you in a heartbeat, however I wouldn’t do this [drum pattern].”

The sudden crossover comes as Portnoy gears up for a significant second in his personal profession. Dream Theater—the long-lasting prog-metal band he co-founded in 1985 with John Petrucci and John Myung—is making ready to unencumber their extremely expected album Parasomnia on Feb. 7.

It marks the primary file that includes Portnoy since his 2009 departure following Black Clouds & Silver Linings, and next go back in overdue 2023.

“There may be such a lot shared historical past between us all… such a lot of reminiscences, such a lot song… to suppose we’re arising on 40 years since this adventure started!” Portnoy stated. “The speculation of making new song in combination is so thrilling and I completely can’t wait to hit the street and get to play reside for an entire new technology of enthusiasts that weren’t ever ready to look this lineup prior to…There’s no position like house!!” 

Taylor Swift, in the meantime, continues to shatter data in her personal proper. Her Eras Excursion concluded in December 2024 because the highest-grossing excursion of all time, incomes $2.2 billion.

Swift additionally made waves with The Tortured Poets Division, which debuted at No. 1 at the Billboard 200 chart, spent a career-best 17 weeks on the best, bought 2.61 million similar album gadgets in its first week.

You’ll be able to watch Portnoy take on Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” right here.