Dream Theater Mesmerize Montreal on Their 40th Anniversary Tour [Photos]

Montreal’s legendary Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place Des Arts was the scene of a special musical reunion that has been several years in the making. Dream Theater was back in town and with them was legendary drummer Mike Portnoy, making his return to the band after a 13-year absence. Everyone loves a good family reunion. Smiles are in abundance, people we haven’t seen for years get the chance to reconnect and if you’re lucky, a grandmother brings you a favourite dish and hides an extra serving for you before the rest of the family gets to it. There were no special biscuits on this evening, but rather serving after serving of the technical musical wizardry that Dream Theater has been bringing to their fans since 1985.

Yes, it’s another of those anniversary tours that make your friendly neighbourhood photographer realize that the sands of time continue to flow as the days of our lives suddenly turn to years in the blink of an eye. In this case, Dream Theater is celebrating their 40th anniversary and have prepared a huge show for the occasion. They also released a new album, Parasomnia, back in February, their first new music since Mike Portnoy returned to the band.

The concert is split into two acts with a brief intermission between them. Though mostly known for being technical masters of their instruments, they showed a humorous side as well by playing the animated “Let’s all go to the lobby” short in between acts. Altogether, the band played for a rather incredible three hours, which is truly impressive when you consider that most headliners play for only half that amount of time, and I’ve seen some that spend even less time than that on stage.

Hosting this event was possible in one of the most prestigious music rooms in our fair city. Place Des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier is used to hosting classical music concerts for a more buttoned-down crowd, but it was rapidly transformed into a rock n’ roll mecca this evening. The venue was packed as every seat was sold for this show, but they didn’t suffer much wear and tear on the evening as the crowd quickly rose to their feet as the first notes played and remained on there for the duration of the show. It was interesting to watch the ushers, who under normal circumstances would have probably been rushing to get offenders back in their seats, just stand back and take part in the fun as well.

As previously mentioned, this tour marks the return of Mike Portnoy, sitting behind one of the wildest and biggest drum kits that I have ever seen. Going back several years now, he has been probably one of my favourite drummers.

If you will indulge me for a moment, allow me to share a quick story from a previous concert. Dream Theater was in Montreal, opening for Iron Maiden in 2010, and the power suddenly went out on the stage. While everyone else exited, Mike Portnoy remained and entertained the crowd with a bunch of drum solos and the drum parts from some Iron Maiden songs as well. I was immediately a fan for life, and I am very happy to now have a nice Mike Portnoy photograph to add to my collection.

On this evening, Dream Theater put on a show that stimulated all of your senses. Watching John Petrucci play guitar is mesmerizing. He is such a master, yet he makes it look effortless. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess is great fun to watch as well. His keyboard is equipped with more toys than Batman and he knows how to play all of them. Sonically with their music and visually with a wide variety of videos that played on the large wall behind them, Dream Theater gave the fans the kind of show that will not be forgotten.

The concert really had everything that any Dream Theater fan could possibly want and still more. The 40th-anniversary tour continues through the fall. Don’t dare miss Dream Theater when they come to your town.

Dream Theater @ Place Des Arts (Montreal, QC) on March 12th, 2025

25 photos