Dream Theater Kicks Off Excursion with Mike Portnoy’s Triumphant Go back in London After 14 Years
On Sunday, October 20, revolutionary steel icons Dream Theater took to the level on the O2 Area in London for a ancient second of their profession—their first are living efficiency with drummer Mike Portnoy in 14 years. The evening used to be full of emotion and effort as Portnoy, a co-founder of the band, rejoined his former bandmates for an epic evening of song, marking the start of a brand new generation for the gang and kicking off their extremely expected 2024-2025 fortieth Anniversary Excursion.
Mike Portnoy’s Go back: A Homecoming for Modern Steel Enthusiasts
Mike Portnoy, who co-founded Dream Theater in 1985 along guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung, at the start performed on 10 of the band’s albums over 20 years. His paintings outlined the band’s intricate, revolutionary sound, with contributions from the debut “When Dream and Day Unite” (1989) the entire option to “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” (2009). Alternatively, in 2010, Portnoy surprised the steel international by way of stepping clear of the band, mentioning inventive variations and private causes.
His go back in October 2023 used to be not anything in need of huge for the revolutionary steel group. After a 13-year stretch the place Mike Mangini took over on drums, Portnoy’s reentry seems like a full-circle second for Dream Theater lovers who’ve lengthy was hoping for this reunion. Mangini, who contributed to 5 studio albums and several other international excursions, left the band amicably to make room for Portnoy’s comeback.
The fortieth Anniversary Excursion: Celebrating 4 A long time of Modern Brilliance
London’s O2 Area display marked the reputable release of Dream Theater’s fortieth Anniversary Excursion, a milestone that celebrates their 40-year legacy in revolutionary steel. Introduced as “An Night With Dream Theater,” the excursion will run thru more than one towns throughout Europe, wrapping up the primary leg on November 24 in Amsterdam. This particular excursion structure guarantees an immersive, prolonged efficiency every evening, permitting the band to dig deep into their catalog, giving longtime lovers an opportunity to listen to each classics and more moderen subject material.


For the Ecu leg, the setlist is predicted to spotlight songs from Dream Theater’s huge discography, showcasing the evolution in their sound whilst that includes new subject material with Portnoy again in the back of the package. With Portnoy’s signature taste including a contemporary dynamic to each older and new tracks, this excursion is shaping as much as be a once-in-a-lifetime revel in for revolutionary steel lovers.
Dream Theater October 20, 2024 setlist:
Act I
- City Pt. 1: The Miracle And The Sleeper (first time since 2017)
- Act I: Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
- Act I: Scene Two: II. Ordinary Déjà Vu
- The Replicate (first time since 2014, with “Lie” outro)
- Panic Assault (first time since 2015)
- Barstool Warrior (first time with Mike Portnoy)
- Hole Years (first time since 2010; demo model)
- Consistent Movement (first time since 2015)
- As I Am (first time since 2019)
Act II
- Evening Terror (are living debut)
- This Is The Existence (first time since 2012, first time with Mike Portnoy)
- Underneath A Glass Moon (first time since 2017)
- Vacant (first time since 2006)
- Circulate Of Awareness (first time since 2004)
- Octavarium (first time in complete since 2006)
Encore:
- Act II: Scene Six: House
- Act II: Scene 8: The Spirit Carries On
- Pull Me Underneath
Upcoming Album: “Parasomnia” and the First Unmarried “Evening Terror”
Whilst the excursion has lovers humming, the thrill doesn’t forestall there. Dream Theater is gearing as much as unlock their 16th studio album, “Parasomnia”, on February 7, 2025, by the use of InsideOut Tune. This album would be the band’s first with Portnoy since 2009’s “Black Clouds & Silver Linings“, including additional anticipation for longtime listeners.
Produced by way of guitarist John Petrucci, “Parasomnia” is shaping as much as be some other sonic masterpiece, combining the band’s technical prowess with their signature revolutionary sound. The album used to be engineered by way of James “Jimmy T” Meslin and blended by way of acclaimed manufacturer Andy Sneap, who has labored with a few of steel’s largest names. Hugh Syme, recognized for his mythical paintings in revolutionary rock and steel, returns as soon as once more to design the album duvet, offering a visible supplement to the band’s advanced musical issues.


The album’s first unmarried, “Evening Terror,” delivers an intense, just about 10-minute adventure that showcases Dream Theater’s signature mixture of technical mastery and emotional intensity. The accompanying song video, directed by way of Mike Leonard, additional complements the tune’s exciting setting with visually putting storytelling. The monitor has already made waves amongst lovers, providing a style of what’s to return in “Parasomnia” and solidifying the band’s persisted relevance within the revolutionary steel scene.
What’s Subsequent for Dream Theater and Their Enthusiasts?
With a significant excursion underway and the discharge of “Parasomnia” simply across the nook, the long run appears extremely vibrant for Dream Theater and their devoted fanbase. Mike Portnoy’s go back to the fold seems like a homecoming that has reinvigorated each the band and their song, whilst concurrently honoring their storied previous. For the ones attending the fortieth Anniversary Excursion, those displays be offering a unprecedented probability to witness the reunion of one among revolutionary steel’s maximum iconic lineups.
Because the band prepares to take their excursion throughout Europe and unlock their long-awaited album, Dream Theater continues to turn out why they’ve remained at the leading edge of revolutionary steel for 4 a long time. Whether or not you’re an established fan or new to their song, this bankruptcy of their profession guarantees to be one among their most fun but.
Make sure to catch Dream Theater on excursion this autumn, and keep tuned for the discharge of “Parasomnia” in February 2025!