An Epic Return: Mike Portnoy Rejoins Dream Theater for Their 40th Anniversary Tour

4 days ago4 min read

By: Michael Drukarsh

Toronto, Canada - It’s not often a photographer gets to be involved in the show, unless of course you're with Alice Cooper and that never ends well. Last night, yours truly had the honor and privilege of handing back the mic to Dream Theater’s lead singer James LaBrie after it accidentally flew from the mic stand and smacked front row fan Davor square in the forehead. A quick exchange between LaBrie and Davor and a little TLC from the top notch security (a tissue and a band-aid) and it was on with the show!

Dream Theater is on the road celebrating their 40th year as a band. Making this celebration extra special is Mike Portnoy taking his rightful place behind the kit after a 13 year hiatus from the band he started along with guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung.

Mike Portnoy applauds a fan in Toronto. Photo Credit: Michael Drukarsh

Turning the Coca-Cola Coliseum into a magical soundscape, Dream Theater led the audience through a 40 year Prog Metal journey of incredible light and sound. As much a part of the show as the unbelievably talented musicians on stage was the video screen and laser/light show that helped to bring LaBrie’s lyrical delivery to life.

When Dream Theater formed in 1985, it wasn’t unusual for metal bands to use keyboards to fill in the sound. More often than not though, they were hidden away side stage or even off stage completely. Not so last night as keyboardist Jordan Rudess was on full display, creating movement and sound that filled the coliseum. His rotating keyboard featured a video display of its own where sound oscillations and keyboard keys flashed across the screen. Rudess broke free of his stand-up keyboard early in the night and delighted the audience with a solo on a bloody axe keytar.

James LaBrie performs live in Toronto. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

With very little audience interaction, save for the occasional “How ya doin Toronto” and a nod to his hometown of Midland Ontario, LaBrie led the band through an incredible set split into Act 1 and Act 2, followed by a powerful encore. Weaving his way through songs such as "Panic Attack", "Night Terror", and "Midnight Messiah" (a song off their new album Parasomnia), LaBrie would take center stage, singing and directing the audience to clap or wave their cellphones before leaving the stage allowing the band to take over. A very heartfelt moment occurred when introducing "Barstool Warrior" where LaBrie talked about the meaning behind the song, explaining how the lyrics are meant to give hope to those who chose the wrong path and that there is an opportunity to resolve mistakes made.

Bassist John Myung was steadfast in his mission, not moving much from his position on stage but laying down a solid and heavy groove throughout the night. Guitarist John Petrucci was far more active, interacting with the audience as well as LaBrie and Portnoy. During "Hollow Years", Petrucci brought the audience to its feet with an incredible, otherworldly guitar solo complete with lights and fog creating the illusion of floating through the clouds.

John Myung performs live at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

And of course, there was Mike Portnoy. Perched high above his bandmates behind a drum kit worthy of fellow prog master, the late Neil Peart, Portnoy, clad in a purple tank top adorned with the number 40, never missed a beat (pun intended). Clearly loving his place behind the drums, Portnoy drove the songs forward with his precision and skill. Trading lyrics with LaBrie, Portnoy saved "Dark Eternal Night" when LaBrie slipped up and admitted he forgot the lyrics. Constantly interacting with the audience, standing up and waving his sticks, it was obvious that, after 13 years, he was back where he belonged. Portnoy even took a moment, while playing, to check in with Davon who, as you might recall, was clocked in the head by the mic.

Often, incredible production can overwhelm the band on stage but not in this case. The lights, lasers, and video displays only helped to enhance the incredible musical and vocal talent on display by Dream Theater, a Prog Metal band, who, after 40 years, can still create a sonic landscape that brings crowds to their feet.

Set List

Act I

Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper

Act I: Scene Two: I. Overture 1928

Act I: Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu

The Mirror (with 'Lie' outro solo)

Panic Attack

Barstool Warrior

Hollow Years ('96 demo version)

Under a Glass Moon

The Dark Eternal Night

Let's All Go to the Lobby