Dream Theater's 'Drummer Doc' Part 1

Dream Theater has released the first part of a mini-documentary on their Facebook page detailing the process they undertook to find a new drummer after the shocking departure of Mike Portnoy last year. Drummer Doc follows the band as they audition seven hopeful drummers, all of which are established veterans respectively.

The emergence of this doc means a few things. Firstly, the announcement of who the new drummer is must be coming very, very soon. John Petrucci confirmed they had a new man behind the kit last December, but his identity would remain in the shadows for the time being. It has now been five months, a ridiculous time to leave fans in the dark, when the decision has been made.

The new album must surely be near completion and the setting of a release date too. Also, the band has tour dates throughout the summer, including a headlining set High Voltage all booked. The rumours and speculation amongst fans has been rampant ever since Portnoy’s exodus and frankly, the bickering and debating must come to an end. Who is the drummer? Well, we know now that the list of possibilities has been whittled down to just seven. Who do you think it is? Leave a comment below and watch the video or on Dream Theater’s Facebook page.

Aquiles Priester (Hangar, Angra)

Peter Wildoer (Darkane, James LaBrie’s latest solo album Static Impulse)

Marco Minnemann (Extensive solo career, collaborations with a wide array of artists from Paul Gilbert to Ephel Duath. Also, Minneman played live with Necrophagist for a period and is featured on the live DVDs of the Summer Slaughter tour in 2007 and 2008)

Mike Mangini (Annihilator, James LaBrie’s Elements of Persuasion, Steve Vai, Extreme)

Virgil Donati (Planet X, session work for Derek Sherinian amongst other, touring member with Steve Vai)

Thomas Lang (Session work that ranges from Robert Fripp to the Sugababes)

Derek Roddy (Nile, Malevolent Creation, Hate Eternal, Today Is The Day)

Check back for Part Two when it's online!