Mike Portnoy Quotes

When I write the set, I try to create something that will not only be interesting for the audience, but will have a flow for the band, too, so we don't get boring.

I'm an entertainer. If people are paying good money for tickets they deserve the best show they can see. I don't get into lighting stuff on fire, but I do believe in going the extra mile.

Traditionally, the role of the bass player was just to keep things simple and solid, so it's really a special thing when you can get a player that can actually bring in a lot of presence and also a visual presence, too.

Every time I see a live performance of something, I'm like, 'I want to be doing that!'

I really enjoy doing the live stuff.

I know that I am an excellent live performer. I know that I have spent my life paying attention to my art form, developing my art form, worrying about my show and what it is I'm bringing to people, making sure that I give them a fine trade. They get a two-hour show, sometimes a three-hour show, for a decent price.

And I try to give the best bang for the buck. I love performing more than anything else.

All I have is my performance, I try to feed in the best of everything that I could possibly do into those 90 minutes and to make a live entertainment show out of it.

Ever since I was 2 or 3, I loved to perform for people. I would walk up to another table in a restaurant and crack a joke, sing a song, do a dance, or something entertaining, and the 'audience' would almost always smile and laugh.

We're entertainers, not just singers!

You either entertain an audience or you don't.

Sometimes I get more excited for shows that I know are going to be quieter because it gets me more inspired to be more of a showman and be more of an entertainer and forces me to work harder.

Live performances always feel like such a moment with all of the costumes and theatrics.

Performing is fine.

Who can deny that it was a pleasure to watch Rob Van Dam interact with the audience and tear the house down for 30 minutes a night.

It's awesome to play 1 1/2 -hour shows because it's so much fun, and we enjoy every single minute of it.

I think our strongest suit is our live show.

I think the most important thing to putting on a good show is to always mix things up. Sometimes we wear makeup; other times we don't. The point is, you'll never get the same Avenged show twice. I think it's really important to be theatrical. I mean, look at Iron Maiden!

Actors and singers share common ground in that they both express something.

There are lots of reasons people come to Beyonce shows. There's the music, her dancing; all in all a bedazzling show. She's a great performer and singer.

Whether you're on TV or on the stage, you have to work hard to stay fresh, real, and full of energy. You can't settle back. You always have to stay on your toes.

I would just stand there puzzled, then realize this would be a great place to make a show.

I don't think just funny is enough on Broadway.

If an actor is bored, then they are boring to an audience. I definitely don't want to ever be that.

Some acts are tricky. Eartha Kitt was tricky in a wonderful, old-style way. She did yoga on the piano and put her hands over her ears when the other acts were on.