In a thrilling announcement for fans of progressive metal, Grammy-winning band Dream Theater has unveiled their highly anticipated 40th Anniversary Tour for 2024-2025, which marks the return of drummer Mike Portnoy to the lineup. This tour will be the band’s first in North America since Portnoy’s return, joining the iconic lineup that includes vocalist James LaBrie, bassist John Myung, guitarist John Petrucci, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess.
Kicking off on February 7 in Philadelphia, PA, the tour will span 30 cities across the United States and Canada, culminating in a homecoming show on March 22 in New York City. Notable stops include Nashville, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Boston, where Dream Theater will perform classic tracks and fan favorites from their extensive catalog. The band expressed their excitement, stating, “The excitement we have felt from the fans since the first tour was announced has been overwhelming! Now we get to bring the show to our home country and play a bunch of cities that we haven’t been together in for more than a decade.”
Prior to the North American leg, Dream Theater will embark on a European tour starting on October 20 and running through November 24, hitting 23 cities along the way. Several dates have already sold out, and limited tickets remain for others, reflecting the immense demand for this historic celebration.
Fans are eager to see how Portnoy’s return will impact the band’s live performance, especially after his lengthy absence. In a recent social media post, Portnoy shared his enthusiasm for rehearsals, stating, “Incredible how quick and seamless we have jumped right back into these songs together again after all these years; in some song’s cases, it’s been DECADES since playing them together!” He further emphasized the comfort and naturalness of the rehearsals, hinting at an unforgettable experience for concert-goers.
In addition to the touring news, Dream Theater has been working diligently on their 16th studio album, which will be the first collaboration with Portnoy since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings. Fans can expect more information about the upcoming release in the near future, adding to the excitement surrounding the band’s continued evolution.
As Dream Theater gears up for an incredible celebration of 40 years in the music industry, fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening of music, nostalgia, and new beginnings. Tickets and VIP packages for the North American tour are available now, so don’t miss your chance to witness this monumental event in progressive rock history.