Mike Mangini was born April 18th, 1963 in Newton, Massachusetts. Prior to becoming the new drummer for Dream Theater he was known by Dream Theater fans mainly for his work with James LaBrie on his Mullmzzler albums as well as James' first solo record. However, Mangini's career has stretched well beyond those three albums.
Mangini is both teacher and student. He has been performing since the age of 4 and studying music since age 5. He studied percussion privately with Walter Tokarczyk (Public School System, Waltham, MA), from age 10 through 18. Since 1987, he has given private instruction to drummers, guitarists, and pianists. Mike completed his first drum clinic tour in 1996. Since then, he has traveled the world as a clinician selling out venues in over 40 countries. The principles on which he based his extraordinary style can be found in his publications entitled Rhythm Knowledge Volumes I and II.
Mangini's numerous awards include: Official Multi Category W.F.D. World's Fastest Drummer, Boston's Best Drummer/Rhythm Section; NAJE All Eastern United States Percussionist - First Chair; All Massachusetts Jazz Band Drummer - First Chair; All Massachusetts Concert Band Percussionist - First Chair; All Massachusetts (N.E. District) Jazz Band Drummer - First Chair; Concert Band Percussionist (N.E. District) First Chair, and he appears in Drum Magazine Reader's Polls yearly.
Mangini is no stranger to the recording studio. His more celebrated Rock credits include his 6 records in 4 years with Steve Vai, Waiting for the Punchline by Extreme, Set the World on Fire, and Metal and All for You by Annihilator. Most recently, he has been an instructor at the Berklee College of Music.
In October 2010, Mangini auditioned for Dream Theater. He was awarded the job in November, 2010 and began recording the drum parts to Dream Theater's eleventh studio album, A Dramatic Turn Of Events, a few months later.