At The SAFE Performing Arts Center On February 25th

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All Photos By Lisa Holt Photography

The State Capitol was rocking Tuesday night as the Progressive Metal giants, DREAM THEATER, graced us with their presence. The SAFE Center was filled to the brim with generational fans coming to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary. This world tour began on October 20th at England's 02 Arena. They have made their way across Europe, Brazil, and South America so fans all over the globe can say "Happy Anniversary" to the beloved kings of Progressive metal.

The return of drummer and co-founder Mike Portnoy adds a nostalgic flair to this monumental anniversary tour. Portnoy was absent from the band for 14 years and has taken his rightful spot back with the band he has contributed to for so many years. The band seems to have a renewed, magical chemistry onstage with the addition of Portnoy. These prog-metal pioneers are here to slay with a well-curated set list that showcases 40 years of musical innovation and excellence, including classics and some cuts from their latest album, Parasomnia.

The seas of fans filled the arena, patiently waiting for the kabuki to drop and DREAM THEATER to take the stage. The merch line was gigantic; I noticed T-shirts from every era on the backs of almost every fan. I was ready for the nearly 3-hour set to begin. As the kabuki drops, the band members secure their spots on the stage, and the magical moment has arrived. They begin with "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle And The Sleeper" from the 1992 album Images and Words. The music keeps rolling into "Overture 1928" with "The Mirror" keeping the momentum and not missing a beat. The massacre continues as "Barstool Warrior" and "A Rite of Passage" come next.

Thunderous bass player <>John Myung, stoic yet confident, rips through the set, playing seamlessly along with drummer Portnoy. The comfortability and cohesiveness are obvious with the low end here tonight. The band segues into the softer "The Hollow Years" and for the first time this evening, I noticed that cell phones have been scarce until now they are lighting up the theater along with this ballad. Guitar virtuoso John Petrucci lends mind-blowing leads to the emotionally charged songs. The first set concludes with the classic "As I Am". It is hard to believe they have played for almost 90 minutes.

After the brief intermission and following a short video, the band continues with the song "Night Terror", the first single from the new album release Parasomnia. I was thankful that lead vocalist James La Brie didn't concern himself with mindless chatter between songs, only to thank fans for coming out to the show and showing support. The singer conveys a deep connection to the fans with the emotional lyrical content. He really puts on a spectacular performance, and the vocal he lends to this ensemble is unwavering. Portnoy's drumming ability and style are second to none. The 31-time winner of the Modern Drummer Magazine readers' poll was welcomed back with open arms. His musical journey has led him back to DREAM THEATER, and we are all so elated. It's just in time for this amazing celebration of 4 decades of progressive metal magic.

Keyboard player Jordan Rudess is a heavy hitter on the keyboards and programming. He treated us to a keytar solo, and his revolving sets of keys were most impressive. Act 2 carries on with "Midnight Messiah", "This Is Life" and the heavy "Vacant". Petrucci's technical prowess and deep connection to his instrument is full frontal, enigmatic, and in-your-face-shredding in every song. Next is the captivating instrumental "This Is The Life" and the completion of Act 2 is the song "Octavarium". After all the exciting visuals on 3 LED screens and a massive light show, the meaningful, eclectic guitar leads and the individual solos from every musician come to the close of the evening, but, like all rock and roll bands, we all need an encore! DREAM THEATER doesn't leave us hanging! The encore begins with "Act II - Scene Eight - The Spirit", and for the last song of the night, DREAM THEATER's big hit "Pull Me Under" gets underway, and the whole arena erupts in a sing-along.

This tour honors the classics and also showcases the band's musical evolution into the progressive metal genre. It celebrates 4 decades of progressive metal excellence. This anniversary tour has been met with critical acclaim; the band treats every audience like a musical family reunion. Don't miss the conclusion of this special once in a lifetime tour rolling through North America.

Remaining Tour Dates:

• February 27 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theater
• February 28 - Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
• March 2 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra
• March 4 - Salt Lake City, UT - Maverik Center
• March 6 - Denver, CO - Mission Ballroom
• March 8 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
• March 9 - Cleveland, OH - MGM Northfield Park
• March 11 - Toronto, ON - Coca-Cola Coliseum
• March 12 - Montreal, QC - Place des Arts
• March 14 - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theater
• March 15 - Boston. MA - Boch Center
• March 17 - Rochester, NY - Kodak
• March 18 - Wheeling, WV - Capitol Theater
• March 19 - Cincinnati, OH - Brady Music Center
• March 21 - Washington, DC - The Anthem
• March 22 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall