Mike Portnoy Expresses Emotion After First Dream Theater Show in 14 Years

Mike Portnoy posted on Instagram about his first Dream Theater gig in London in 14 years. “I am overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions, unsure where to start…Seeing numerous messages from fans who attended last night, I’ll let their photographs and words speak for themselves, the drummer stated with a photo.

“I’ll just sum it up by saying it was one of the most incredible evenings in my life! Thank you London and all the fantastic fans that traveled from around the world to join us for this reunion, celebration, and 40th Anniversary Tour kickoff! Enjoying doing this night after night for all of you worldwide!”

Dream Theater performed with Portnoy for the first time in 14 years on Sunday at London’s O2 Arena. John Petrucci, John Myung, and Portnoy created the band in 1985. He played on 10 albums over 20 years before departing in 2010 and returning last year.

Dream Theater’s 40th anniversary tour began in London and will run through 2024 and 2025. The ‘An Evening With Dream Theater’ tour runs across Europe till November 24. February will bring 2025 tour dates and a new album, ‘Parasomnia.’ Mike Leonard directed the music video for the debut track, ‘Night Terror,’ released this month.

The song’s first week was mainly positive, and Portnoy said on Instagram, “Incredible!” Under a week, nearly 2 million YouTube views. We appreciate the positive response to ‘Night Terror…’, including comments, reaction videos, and covers. The enthusiasm is real! Looking forward to sharing the rest of the album in February.”

Inside Out Music releases ‘Parasomnia’ on February 7. Portnoy’s first album since 2009’s ‘Black Clouds & Silver Linings’ is produced by Petrucci.