The wait is finally over – report of Dream Theater’s debut show for their anniversary tour in London 20.10

For some of us who have been following Dream Theatre for quite some time…there are no words to describe how much we’ve waited for this moment, technically 14 years. The return of Mike Portnoy marks a significant milestone in Dream Theatre‘s history, bringing back the band’s original drummer and a crucial part of their sound and identity, and nonetheless an extraordinary show as part of his signature. The report is by Sabrina Schiavinato – a huge thank you to Kirsten of Cosa Nostra for hosting us!

As Dream Theatre celebrates four decades of creating groundbreaking music, their London concert represents the opening night of a long worldwide tour that will finish in June 2015.

The majestic space and set-up of the O2 Arena leave everyone breathless. It’s a journey through complex musical landscapes that leaves audiences in awe of the band’s skill and artistry. A Dream Theatre concert is always an immersive experience that combines technical virtuosity, visual spectacle, and emotional depth.

When “Metropolis, Pt. I: The Miracle and the Sleeper” begins, the crowd screams as the band’s name appears on the stage banner, illuminated by a laser light. Yes, this is the kind of thing that brings us to tears.

The band didn’t waste a second to take us away right from the first song, as intricate lighting enhanced the mood and atmosphere of the stage with large screens displaying visuals synchronised with the music.

Since Mike required an introduction, James LaBrie took the opportunity to inform us all about his presence—as if anyone hadn’t noticed—and to talk about how special it will be to be back together and perform their amazing song catalogue on this tour.

The show’s opening act included well-known tunes including “Barstool Warrior,” “Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu,” “Panic Attack,” and “Hollow Years,” to mention a few. And one of the most magnificent solos by John Petrucci is heard in “Barstool Warrior.” You never know what story he will tell with each note, and in addition to showcasing his well-known technical prowess, each note possesses a rich sense of melody and harmony that captivates all of us.

Before taking a twenty-minute break, the band performed “As I Am” with a raw fire and passion that was evident.

After a brief video showcasing the band’s incredible career, “Night Terror” is the song that brings them back to the stage. The new song from the 16th album “Parasomnia,” which will be released on February 7, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the band’s history, possibly a return to some of Dream Theatre‘s earlier work or a desire to keep discovering new musical avenues. I suppose we’ll see.

The second act, which included fan-favourite songs like “This Is The Life,” “Under A Glass Moon,” and “Vacant” concluded with an extraordinary performance of “Ocatavarium.” Jordan Rudess’s intricate keyboard work opens the 24-minute song. The music games the keyboard created with John Petrucci’s guitar captivated the crowd, allowing John Myung’s bass line to emerge and gradually build to a crescendo effect that left everyone gasping.

The final two songs, “Scene Six: Home” and “Scene Eight: The Spirit Carriers On,” feature James LaBrie’s powerful vocals. The band’s maturity and genuineness came through, making the performance feel real and meaningful. James contributes significantly to the band’s distinctive sound by providing both technical prowess and emotive traits, which enhance the live performance of the band’s songs.

We truly lose it with “Pull Me Under,” which the band chose to preserve as the final song, seemingly trying to tell us, “Hey, this is just the beginning of something new,” or at least that’s how we want to interpret it. After what James called “a night that has made history,” let’s return home and recompose ourselves.

Act I

1. Metropolis, Pt. I: The Miracle and the Sleeper
2. Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
3. Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu
4. The Mirror
5. Panic Attack
6. Barstool Warrior
7. Hallow Years
8. Constant Motion
9. As I Am

Act II

1. Night Terror
2. This Is The Life
3. Under A Glass Moon
4. Stream Of Consciousness
5. Octavarium

Encore

1. Scene Six: Home
2. Scene Eight – The Spirit Carries On
3. Pull Me Under