Dream Theater North American Tour Dates (Feb-Mar, 2025)

[cramx3]

Even if James is sounding good on the new album and in the studio, it doesn't mean he'll be able to sustain that on the back-to-back EU/NA tours. Dream Theater should be choosing every song with James' wellbeing in mind, and maybe even have backup options for two or three of the tougher songs.

I just hope they have a plan.  The tour is pretty aggressive.  Maybe that means downtuning.  Maybe that means not playing some songs.  Or maybe that means inserting more instrumental tracks.  I don't know, but I do hope the band is prepared for it and maybe even JLB addressed it himself via doctors/vocal coaches. 

[Stadler]

Re: James, I'm with Chino on this as far as the recent shows being another level of not good.  BUT:  from what I've seen, it's fixable.  It's not that his voice is shot, IMO, it's pitchiness.  Maybe that's because his chords aren't doing what his brain is telling him, but I'm hoping that it's more a matter of discipline and buckling down. I do have faith that Mike isn't going to set James up to fail.   He's got too much riding on this. 

[wizard]

I wish good concerts to these and those, who will be on those places.

[Setlist Scotty]

Re: James, I'm with Chino on this as far as the recent shows being another level of not good.  BUT:  from what I've seen, it's fixable.  It's not that his voice is shot, IMO, it's pitchiness.  Maybe that's because his chords aren't doing what his brain is telling him, but I'm hoping that it's more a matter of discipline and buckling down. I do have faith that Mike isn't going to set James up to fail.   He's got too much riding on this. 

Don't forget that MP was the one that made the decision in the past to abridge both Voices and TtT as far back as 2003. He did that because he knew it was too difficult for JL to sing the second verses of each song. So I imagine that we'll see something similar, where songs are altered in various ways (downtuned, abridged, vocal melodies changed) or not played at all to make it easier on JL.

[DTiwbwMP]

Lucky for you they don't have any hits.

That's why the "quotes" around greatest hits.

[DTiwbwMP]

What kind of tour are you hoping for?

Honestly ANYTHING is fine, but....and this is just me, as I've seen DT 50ish times since 1992, I would MUCH RATHER see a MAJESTY song played over As I Am, I'd rather see RAW DOG played over PMU, and I'd rather see YOU NOT ME played over TSCO! BUT, I get that some songs need to be played for the casual fans, but just get a few surprises in the set!

[DTiwbwMP]

There's not much "shit I can't stand" in DT's catalog, so I'd replace that with "songs I've seen 40+ times already"   

THIS^^ AT least up through 2014! 

[Ben_Jamin]

I don't like saying things like this because it comes off dickish, but last tour was the worst I've ever heard James since I started listening to them in 2004 (I've seen them close to 20 times since then). I have to wonder if the band was caught off guard by it once the tour started and just had to eat the decision. That's the downside to the more modern shows, where every bit of the set is pre-planned and all of the stage is programmed around it.

Even if James is sounding good on the new album and in the studio, it doesn't mean he'll be able to sustain that on the back-to-back EU/NA tours. Dream Theater should be choosing every song with James' wellbeing in mind, and maybe even have backup options for two or three of the tougher songs.

Yet, what if JLB loves the pre-planned production shows?

[Ben_Jamin]

Don't forget that MP was the one that made the decision in the past to abridge both Voices and TtT as far back as 2003. He did that because he knew it was too difficult for JL to sing the second verses of each song. So I imagine that we'll see something similar, where songs are altered in various ways (downtuned, abridged, vocal melodies changed) or not played at all to make it easier on JL.

What about an abridged Octavarium, ACOS in the set?

[DragonAttack]

My buddy wanted to join me at the radio city show. He just needed a few hours to get home and buy his ticket. So I bought my seat right near the aisle. Left a single open seat on both sides of me. Thought "this is perfect him and and wife can grab those seats. There are plenty of single seats and groups of seats everywhere, who would randomly sit next to one random person?" Apparently I thought wrong because out of the HUNDREDS of seats available the two seats next to me were chosen with 10 damn mins! Now I will wait till my friends secure their seats and move next to them. Most likely worse seats. I have half a mind to stay where I am to say "wtf is wrong with you???" To the two random people on both sides of me lol. Sorry I needed to rant abt this because it's been pissing me off for 3 days 😂

Mind if I ask the simple question:  why didn't you purchase those two tickets?

Also, I might be on either side of you.     I still haven't looked to see where my seat is. I was just happy to get one. My wife was sitting next to me at CVS doing the checkout while I was getting a flu and new Covid shot.

[TAC]

I'm hoping that it's more a matter of discipline and buckling down.

This would kind of piss me off, honestly. Do you think that Mike Mangini wasn't physically prepared or disciplined enough for the last tour? Why should James be let off the hook?
Rhetorical questions, Stads...not going at you..lol

Don't forget that MP was the one that made the decision in the past to abridge both Voices and TtT as far back as 2003. He did that because he knew it was too difficult for JL to sing the second verses of each song. So I imagine that we'll see something similar, where songs are altered in various ways (downtuned, abridged, vocal melodies changed) or not played at all to make it easier on JL.

Right. MP does pay attention, and you'd have to wonder WTH JP was thinking on Dreamsonic. Like I said, James was spent before the tour.

[cramx3]

Right. MP does pay attention, and you'd have to wonder WTH JP was thinking on Dreamsonic. Like I said, James was spent before the tour.

That tour was likely booked long before JLB was shot from the previous tour.  Especially with "dreamsonic" I bet the band couldn't just easily walk away from that.  Might have put them in a hole to do so and one thing has seemed clear, the band does what it needs to make the money. (that's not a complaint, just a reality)

[Setlist Scotty]

What about an abridged Octavarium, ACOS in the set?

I don't think we'll see ACoS this time around, but 8v is looooonnnnng overdue for a return. I could also see them doing the first two parts of IT and having it fade into OtBoA, LitS or another song with a keyboard intro.

[Ben_Jamin]

I don't think we'll see ACoS this time around, but 8v is looooonnnnng overdue for a return. I could also see them doing the first two parts of IT and having it fade into OtBoA, LitS or another song with a keyboard intro.

You didn't answer my question...What about an abridged version of Octavarium?

[TheOutlawXanadu]

I wonder if they could do a couple of instru-medleys, one during the first set and one during the second. Coupled with an intermission, it could give James a bit more of a break.

[Setlist Scotty]

You didn't answer my question...What about an abridged version of Octavarium?

How would it be abridged? For that song, I can't see it, given that it's length is part of its appeal.

[Stadler]

This would kind of piss me off, honestly. Do you think that Mike Mangini wasn't physically prepared or disciplined enough for the last tour? Why should James be let off the hook?
Rhetorical questions, Stads...not going at you..lol

Apples and oranges.  I don't believe anyone can say that Mangini was never prepared or disciplined enough for the gig, but I also don't know that he was or would have been let go FOR THAT REASON.  I know you and I don't see 100% eye-to-eye on the Mangini/Portnoy change, but I don't think it was unfair, and I don't think it was for any musical reasons at all. I just think it was "clubhouse" and/or "family". I think they all think Mike M. was a pro and a great guy, he just wasn't a BROTHER. 

[TAC]

Apples and oranges.  I don't believe anyone can say that Mangini was never prepared or disciplined enough for the gig, but I also don't know that he was or would have been let go FOR THAT REASON.  I know you and I don't see 100% eye-to-eye on the Mangini/Portnoy change, but I don't think it was unfair, and I don't think it was for any musical reasons at all. I just think it was "clubhouse" and/or "family". I think they all think Mike M. was a pro and a great guy, he just wasn't a BROTHER. 

Well, I used Mangini as an example. See, I could've said JP, or JR, or even JM, but...  

As to the bolded, I think we see exactly eye to eye.


My point was really about what you said about discipline and buckling down. If that were all it was, then his performance on the Dreamsonic tour could've been within his control, and if so....did he just not care? Did he not take it seriously enough? Again, rhetorical questions.

[Progmaniac1988]

Mind if I ask the simple question:  why didn't you purchase those two tickets?

Also, I might be on either side of you.     I still haven't looked to see where my seat is. I was just happy to get one. My wife was sitting next to me at CVS doing the checkout while I was getting a flu and new Covid shot.

Because my friend did not know if his wife was joining him so I wasn't sure if I'd need to buy just for him for also his wife. I should have just bought 3, i would have found people that wanted them. My mistake there lol. It's orch 5 row g I believe.

[RaiseTheKnife]

I dunno.  I'd be shocked if Raw Dog and You Not/Or Me made it into the setlist, but I'd be pleased as punch.  Would swap out a couple of perennials for these two any day.

[Progmaniac1988]

I dunno.  I'd be shocked if Raw Dog and You Not/Or Me made it into the setlist, but I'd be pleased as punch.  Would swap out a couple of perennials for these two any day.

I can see one or both of em returning in a limited way. Maybe on a later tour, I doubt anytime in the 40th tour tho.

[Progmaniac1988]

I feel like I probably bought that ticket! 

In any event, to what Lonk said, I go to shows by myself all the time.  Why not?  I'm an adult.  I have a stable family and good friends; three hours of a concert don't automatically turn me into a loser or something, and I'm not one to need constant companionship.  Plus, I get to do what I want; storm the stage? Sure.  Hang to see if the artist comes out to meet fans?  Sure.  Meet up with other forumers (in the case of DT or related bands)?  Sure.  Not worry whether so-and-so is having a good time?  Sure.   

I went to Morsefest by myself, and had a grand old time and met some cool new friends and saw a couple old ones too.   

Hey man, I went to the last DT show at Oakdale alone, and was sitting next to a dude that was also alone so no judgement here. I just wanted to complain like a baby for a moment 😂. I'll most likely keep my seat at radio city because it's not worth it to swap out a good seat in a totally sold out section to sit on the balcony with a friend lol. So I'll be chilling myself at radio city too! Haha if your section 101 you may be next to me lol

*correction, section ORCH5, 101 is my oakdale section*

[CraftyCaleb2483]

it's not worth it to swap out a good seat in a totally sold out section to sit on the balcony with a friend lol.

If I was in your position, my opinion would be opposite that!

[dualpalmpilots]

Hey man, I went to the last DT show at Oakdale alone, and was sitting next to a dude that was also alone so no judgement here. I just wanted to complain like a baby for a moment 😂. I'll most likely keep my seat at radio city because it's not worth it to swap out a good seat in a totally sold out section to sit on the balcony with a friend lol. So I'll be chilling myself at radio city too! Haha if your section 101 you may be next to me lol

*correction, section ORCH5, 101 is my oakdale section*

I love going to shows alone sometimes. I go to plenty with a friend or two, but if I can't find someone to go who is at least half-interested in the band I really want to see, I'd have a better time by myself.

[Progmaniac1988]

I love going to shows alone sometimes. I go to plenty with a friend or two, but if I can't find someone to go who is at least half-interested in the band I really want to see, I'd have a better time by myself.

Yeah, I find it harder than ever lately. Back 15-20 years I feel there was always someone. Whether it was a band mate or friend. Now we're all in our mid 30's (some early 40's) married and it's just not like it was lol, but whatever I also enjoy going alone. Once the show starts my attention is on the show anyway. My wife joins me too sometimes. She's only coming to the Oakdale show tho. Hates the city, and does not find it necessary to see a band more than once on a tour. So..I'll happily enjoy this next legionary radio city gig alone! Maybe see some familiar faces too.

[cramx3]

I'll be going solo.  My buddy who used to come to DT shows has fallen out of love with them and even MP can't save them for him it seems.  My gf came to the JP show with me and was not into it so she's not really keen on seeing DT either.  That's fine, I like going solo too.  But RCMH show will be far from a solo experience, we are all going to meet up for sure.

[DTiwbwMP]

I'm 64 years old and I probably go to 80% of concerts alone. My wife goes to VERY FEW (although she will be coming with me to ELO in Philly Friday night) and my buddy who I went to hundreds of shows with over the last 50 years has some health issues which makes him pick and choose shows the last 15 years or so (he WILL be coming with me to 2 of the 3 DT shows ill be seeing:oakdale & Radio City). I love going alone because there are no restrictions or obligations. Plus, once the show starts, I'm in my own world anyway.

[brakkum]

I'm a huge fan of going to shows alone. As an introvert it's already painful enough having to be around all you people

[Progmaniac1988]

I'll be going solo.  My buddy who used to come to DT shows has fallen out of love with them and even MP can't save them for him it seems.  My gf came to the JP show with me and was not into it so she's not really keen on seeing DT either.  That's fine, I like going solo too.  But RCMH show will be far from a solo experience, we are all going to meet up for sure.

Yeah I'll definitely be checking the forum and seeing who's there. Looks like a good amount of us will be there lol

[Chino]

I've already got tickets to Philly and Wallingford, but I'm debating going to RCMH primarily for the get together 

[hefdaddy42]

What about an abridged Octavarium, ACOS in the set?

Awful

[cramx3]

I've already got tickets to Philly and Wallingford, but I'm debating going to RCMH primarily for the get together 

Who says Philly can't have a get together too??

But seriously, looks like so many people from DTF going to RCMH.  The meet up may be more fun than the show 

[EvantheMotel6Owmer]

You didn't answer my question...What about an abridged version of Octavarium?

Good fucking god, no.

[ReaperKK]

I actually think it's good idea, end 8VM right after Medicate and you got an even better version of 8VM

[TAC]

I don't know. I'd probably just end it after The Razor's Edge part.