by Mike Portnoy recently reflected on a significant milestone for Dream Theater. He shared a heartfelt message on Instagram marking one year since the band’s historic reunion.
The message commemorated the first show of Dream Theater’s 40th Anniversary Tour. This landmark performance took place exactly one year ago at the O2 Arena in London. Portnoy highlighted the magnitude of what has transpired since that historic night.
“October 20th 2024: Hard to believe this was exactly 1 year ago today! This is when and where it all began…The very 1st show of DT’s 40th Anniversary Tour at the 02 Arena in London England…and our first show with this reunited lineup in almost 15 years! What an unbelievable evening that was for all of us in attendance,” Portnoy said.
The reunited lineup has achieved remarkable success over the past year. The band toured extensively and performed over 100 shows worldwide. Portnoy expressed gratitude to the fanbase that made this possible.
“Since then, we’ve circled the globe several times and have played over 100 shows over the course of the past year…Thank you so much to each and every fan everywhere that has come out to share the joy and excitement and to help make this DT’s biggest and most successful tour EVER!” he continued.
This milestone represents a historic moment for the progressive metal legends. The reunion brought together the classic lineup after years of anticipation from fans worldwide.
Dream Theater’s official website documents that the 40th Anniversary Tour began on October 20, 2024, with the reunion show at the O2 Arena in London. The classic lineup of James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess, John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy reunited on stage for the first time since 2010. The show featured an impressive 18-song setlist split into two acts, including rare tracks and fan favorites. The band performed the live debut of “Night Terror” from their upcoming 2025 album Parasomnia and closed the evening with a full performance of the 26-minute epic “Octavarium.”
The tour celebrates Dream Theater’s 40-year career with the classic lineup reunited. Arrow Lords of Metal reported that the European leg started in London on October 20, 2024, and ran through November 24. The tour included stops in major cities including Berlin, Milan, and Budapest. Following the European dates, the band will tour North America from February to March 2025, with performances at venues such as The Met in Philadelphia and the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on February 22, 2025.
Mike Portnoy’s return replaced Mike Mangini, who had been the drummer since 2011. Drummerworld noted that his reunion with the band reinvigorated the group’s classic progressive metal sound after nearly 15 years apart. The tour offers extensive setlists that tap into the band’s entire catalog, underscoring the significance of this milestone and the emotional weight of the reunion for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.
The band enters the final week of their US Parasomnia Tour before taking a break for the remainder of 2025. Portnoy encouraged fans to catch the remaining shows while they can. This historic celebration of Dream Theater’s legacy promises exciting performances combining their classic and new material, cementing this tour as one of the most significant events in the band’s storied history.
