Matt Sorum Responds to Mike Portnoy’s ‘November Rain’ Criticism

Adrenaline Mob drummer Mike Portnoy (formerly of Dream Theater) has never been shy in expressing his opinion, and a few days ago he tweeted a criticism of Matt Sorum's drum work in the Guns N' Roses song 'November Rain' off the album 'Use Your Illusion I.'

“November Rain is an all-time classic song…but why on Earth did Matt Sorum play the SAME EXACT fill every 4 bars? (23 times to be exact!),” tweeted Portnoy on Aug 4.

A couple of days later, Sorum responded. “@MikePortnoy that fill was Axls idea As a musical phrase that carried on through the trilogy , ‘Don’t Cry’ and ‘Estranged.’ Those albums UYI 1 n 2 Have sold 20 million combined.”

Blabbermouth points out that Sorum defended the 'November Rain' drumming during a 2009 interview with Music Radar. They got the idea from Elton John's song ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.’

In another tweet, Sorum continued the conversation. "@MikePortnoy remember kids, drumming isn't all about fancy drum fills and splash cymbals; ask Charlie Watts, Ringo and Phil Rudd."

Instead of erupting into a Twitter war, things settled down with Portnoy's response. "@mattsorum Agree 1000%!! Ringo is one of my greatest heroes!! No disrespect meant bro...just making an observation of that song. Peace! : )"

Guns N' Roses - 'November Rain' Video