Earlier this week, Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Portnoy faced an incredibly emotional challenge as he performed on stage just moments after learning about his sister’s passing. Playing in Zagreb, Croatia, on October 29, as part of Dream Theater’s 40th anniversary tour, Portnoy received the heartbreaking news of his sister Samantha Leone Cattaneo’s death only half an hour before taking the stage. Despite his grief, Portnoy carried on with the show, honoring his sister in a poignant way.
In a moving post shared after the concert, Portnoy reflected on the night, describing it as one of the hardest performances of his life. He shared how his sister had been battling cancer and had taken a serious turn in recent days. Portnoy admitted that even as he played, he was overcome with emotion, shedding tears as Dream Theater’s frontman, James LaBrie, dedicated the song “The Spirit Carries On” to Samantha. The tribute was made even more heartfelt when bassist John Myung sat beside Portnoy during the song’s final solo, offering quiet support in this difficult moment.
Portnoy expressed deep gratitude for his sister, who had been one of Dream Theater’s most loyal fans, cheering for the band throughout her life. Although Samantha was unable to attend their London concert due to her declining health, she had watched videos from her hospital bed, finding joy in her brother’s reunion with the band. Portnoy shared that he will carry his sister’s memory with him for the rest of the tour, feeling her presence during every performance of “The Spirit Carries On.”
In a show of solidarity, Dream Theater’s official social media channels also dedicated the concert in Samantha’s memory, offering condolences to Portnoy and his family. LaBrie invited the Zagreb audience to join in the tribute by singing along and holding up their phone lights, creating a sea of light in honor of Samantha. The emotional tribute from both the band and the crowd reflected the depth of support surrounding Portnoy and the significance of family within the Dream Theater community.
This tour, celebrating Dream Theater’s 40 years, will continue through Europe, Mexico, and South America before moving on to North America in early 2025. Alongside the tour, the band is also preparing to release their highly anticipated 16th album, Parasomnia, set to launch on February 7. This album marks Portnoy’s first recording with the band since 2009, symbolizing both a musical reunion and a renewed sense of unity among the members.
