Adrenaline Mob’s Mike Portnoy: An Exclusive Interview

As was reported by Noisecreep this week, Mike Portnoy's new project, Adrenaline Mob, is not just releasing a new five-song EP on August 9th - they're also hitting the road this month on their first headlining tour across the US.

In an exclusive interview with Noisecreep, Portnoy shared some of his thoughts on the tour as well as some of what fans can expect to experience at the shows.

Did you expect Adrenaline Mob be doing a headlining tour this soon in the game?

Actually, after the one NYC "unveiling" we did at the end of June, we weren't planning on doing any more shows until the album came out - and then the offer came in to do these Godsmack dates, which of course we couldn't pass up!

However, the Godsmack shows are all in the secondary markets that they didn't hit on the Mayhem Festival, so we figured being we were already going to be up and running, we'd fill in the off-dates with some shows of our own in some of the major markets we could get to while out touring with the Godsmack shows.

But honestly, this all came about sooner than we had planned! The original plan was to wait until the album came out (which at this rate wasn't going to be until the beginning of 2012). This all also played into us moving things forward quicker than expected and getting the EP out NOW, so we could do this tour and have a product out that was available to the public and for people to get to know some of the music immediately rather than waiting for the traditional three-to-four month "set-up period" record companies usually need to get a release out.

Will you be playing most of the album live?

We will indeed be playing all five songs from the EP live - as well as many other Adrenaline Mob songs that will appear on the full length album. And at the headlining shows, we will inevitably fill out the set with some fun covers as well, like we did at the NYC show this past June.

Watch Adrenaline Mob's live cover of 'Mob Rules' from Hiro Ballroom

How do you see your role onstage as compared to other bands you've been in - are you the de facto front man given your history?

Well with Dream Theater live, I may have been a bit of a focal point because I absolutely live for the energy on stage and having interaction with the audience is absolutely crucial to me - regardless of how some others have described it! (laughs). So my character and stage presence may have stuck out a bit with those guys who are maybe slightly more reserved than I. However in Adrenaline Mob, there are five guys that are ALL absolutely insanely energetic performers each of their own right. It's like a five-ring circus on stage! I absolutely am NOT the "de facto front man" in The Mob - that title surely goes to Russell Allen who is one of the best front men in the business. I am just happy to be part of the band, and not necessarily leading it.

What can fans expect at these shows?

Crushing riffs and grooves, some shredding, memorable songs and seriously high energy performances. There is a reason why the word Adrenaline is part of the band's name!'

Tour dates are as follows:

Aug. 14 Allentown, PA, Crocodile Rock

Aug. 16 N. Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues *

Aug. 17 Springfield, VA Jaxx

Aug. 18 Clifton Park, NY, Northern Lights

Aug. 19 Worcester, MA, The Palladium

Aug 20 LaFargeville, NY, Can-Am Motorsports Park *

Aug 21 Hamilton, ON, Copps Coliseum *

Aug 22 Chicago, IL, Bottom Lounge

Aug 23 Dubuque, IA, Five Flags Arena *

Aug 24 Bloomington, IL, US Cellular Coliseum *

Aug 26 Casper, WY, Casper Event Center *

Aug 27 Grand Junction, CO, Rock Jam *

Aug 28 Denver, CO, Marquis Theater

Aug 29 Lubbock, TX, Wreckers

Aug 30 Dallas, TX, Trees

Sept 3 San Francisco, CA, The Independent

* Denotes Godsmack date