In a recent interview, Mike Portnoy opened up about the mix of emotions he experienced while performing live with Dream Theater for the first time in 14 years. After the band’s opening concert for their 40th-anniversary tour in London on October 20, Portnoy expressed relief and excitement. He stated, “Now we can all take a deep breath and start having fun,” acknowledging the intense focus and expectations surrounding the event. For him, the first show was particularly challenging, demanding significant concentration and energy due to the immense anticipation from fans and the band alike.
When asked if he felt nervous before taking the stage, Portnoy admitted, “I’ll confess I was.” He shared that it was unusual for him to feel this way, given his extensive experience, but the combination of being back with the band after so long, the massive venue, and the pressure of high expectations contributed to his anxiety. Portnoy highlighted the unique challenge of stepping back into such a significant role in front of a scrutinizing audience.
Regarding the setlist for the tour, Portnoy noted that while he traditionally enjoyed changing it nightly to keep things fresh for both fans and the band, the current focus is on solidifying their performance dynamics. He mentioned, “For now, we want to get our tour legs back,” indicating that the setlist would remain stable for a while before they begin to experiment with it. His goal is to create a show that feels like a greatest-hits experience, incorporating crowd favorites and popular tracks while representing various eras of Dream Theater’s expansive catalog.
Reflecting on his long history with the band, Portnoy recounted how he co-founded Dream Theater in 1985 alongside John Petrucci and John Myung. After a two-decade stint that included ten albums, he stepped away in 2010, only to return in October 2023. As they embark on this new chapter, he acknowledges the evolution the band has undergone during his absence and the importance of respecting the dynamics that developed in his absence.
As Dream Theater prepares to release their upcoming album, “Parasomnia,” on February 7, 2025, the excitement continues to build. Portnoy emphasized the importance of the reunion, noting the realization that time is limited and their desire to create music together once more. With the first single “Night Terror” already capturing attention, fans are eager to see what this iconic band will accomplish as they embark on this new era together.
