Mike Mangini was born on April 18, 1963 in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. He is best known as the former drummer for the progressive metal band
Dream Theater. After
Mike Portnoy's departure in 2010, he auditioned along with several other candidates for the role as their new drummer, and joined the band shortly after. Mangini had previously appeared on three solo albums by Dream Theater's lead singer
James LaBrie, and he has also played for
Steve Vai and Annihilator among others. In October 2023, after 13 years and 5 studio albums with Dream Theater, Mangini left the band following the return of drummer Mike Portnoy.