Legendary progressive metal band Dream Theater has announced a major milestone in their career: the reunion with former drummer Mike Portnoy and the first dates for their highly anticipated 40th Anniversary Tour. The announcement, made via an emotional statement on the band’s social media, marks a significant chapter for the band, as Portnoy’s departure in 2010 had left a lasting impact on both the group and their fanbase.
The reunion comes after years of speculation and hopes from fans who longed for the return of the founding member. Portnoy, who played a pivotal role in shaping Dream Theater’s sound with his virtuosic drumming and songwriting contributions, left the band nearly 14 years ago to pursue other musical endeavors. Since then, the band has continued to evolve, most notably with drummer Mike Mangini taking over the role in 2011. While Mangini brought his own unique style to the band, the chemistry between Portnoy and Dream Theater has always been a key part of their identity.
In a heartfelt message, Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci reflected on the emotional reunion. “It feels surreal,” Petrucci said. “Mike was an integral part of Dream Theater from the very beginning. To have him back after all these years, especially as we celebrate four decades of music, is something truly special.”
Portnoy echoed similar sentiments, expressing his excitement to rejoin the band on stage. “There’s something deeply nostalgic and powerful about playing with these guys again,” Portnoy said. “The energy is electric, and it’s clear that we’ve all grown in our own ways, but the magic is still there.”
The band also revealed the first dates of their 40th Anniversary Tour, which will take them across North America and Europe in 2025. The setlist promises to be a celebration of the band’s extensive catalog, featuring fan favorites spanning their entire career, as well as some deeper cuts that haven’t been performed live in years. In addition, fans can expect special performances of some of the band’s iconic albums, such as Images and Words, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, and
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