Dream Theater
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Band Timeline
1985
Formation of Dream Theater as Majesty
Dream Theater was formed in 1985 in Boston, Massachusetts under the original name Majesty by guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, and drummer Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music. The founding trio started by covering songs and soon recruited keyboardist Kevin Moore and vocalist Chris Collins to complete the band. The name 'Majesty' was inspired by a Rush song's majestic ending. The band quickly committed fully to their music, leaving school to focus on their new band.
1987-1989
Early lineup changes and debut album
After initial formation, vocalist Chris Collins was replaced by Charlie Dominici in 1987. The newly named Dream Theater signed with Mechanic Records and released their debut album 'When Dream and Day Unite' in 1989. However, Dominici was dismissed shortly after the album's release. This period marked the band's first recordings and beginnings in the progressive metal scene, though they were still experimenting with their lineup and sound.
1991-1992
James LaBrie joins and breakthrough with 'Images and Words'
Canadian singer James LaBrie was hired as the lead vocalist in 1991, solidifying the band's lineup. With LaBrie, Dream Theater released 'Images and Words' in 1992, their second album and breakthrough success. It became their highest-selling album, reaching No. 61 on the Billboard 200 and eventually receiving gold certification. The album's success helped Dream Theater gain recognition as a leading act in progressive metal.
1994-1995
Keyboardist change and release of 'Awake'
Original keyboardist Kevin Moore left the band after the 1994 album 'Awake.' He was replaced by Derek Sherinian, who initially joined for the tour before becoming a full member. During this period, Dream Theater's sound grew heavier and more complex, evident in 'Awake.' Sherinian appeared on the EP 'A Change of Seasons' and the full-length 'Falling Into Infinity,' marking a transitional era in the band's evolving musical style.
1999
Jordan Rudess joins and release of 'Metropolis Pt. 2'
In 1999, Dream Theater replaced Derek Sherinian with Jordan Rudess on keyboards, marking a stable and long-lasting lineup. Rudess's first album with the band was the concept album 'Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory,' acclaimed as one of the greatest concept albums in progressive metal. This album is notable for its storytelling, complex musicianship, and is listed among the top guitar albums of all time, solidifying the band's reputation for ambitious progressive metal works.
2002-2005
Continued success with multiple releases and live albums
The early 2000s saw Dream Theater release influential albums such as 'Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence' (2002), 'Train of Thought' (2003), and 'Octavarium' (2005). These albums showcased their musical versatility, blending heavy metal with progressive complexity. The band also released several live albums and the notable orchestral-backed 'Score' in 2006 for their 20th anniversary, highlighting their expansive musical vision and popularity.
2010
Departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy
In September 2010, Mike Portnoy, a founding member and key creative force, left the band to pursue other projects. This marked a significant lineup change for Dream Theater. The band conducted a search for a new drummer, documented in the film 'The Spirit Carries On,' ultimately choosing Mike Mangini as Portnoy's replacement. This transition period was critical as it tested the band's continuity and adaptability without one of its original members.
2011-2013
First albums with Mike Mangini and Grammy nominations
Dream Theater released 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' in 2011, the first album featuring Mike Mangini on drums. The band continued their progressive metal legacy with their self-titled album in 2013. During this era, they received consecutive Grammy Award nominations for songs like 'On the Backs of Angels' and 'The Enemy Inside,' underscoring their critical acclaim and continued relevance in the metal genre.
2016-2019
Release of ambitious projects 'The Astonishing' and 'Distance over Time'
In 2016, Dream Theater released 'The Astonishing,' a sprawling double concept album showcasing elaborate storytelling and musical experimentation. They followed this project with 'Distance over Time' in 2019, which received positive reviews for its return to a more straightforward yet intricate progressive metal style. These albums exemplify the band's willingness to push boundaries while retaining their core musical identity.
2020-2022
Recent success and first Grammy win
The band's ninth live album 'Distant Memories - Live in London' was released in 2020, followed by their fifteenth studio album 'A View from the Top of the World.' The lead single 'The Alien' from this album earned them their first Grammy Award in 2022, marking a milestone achievement. This period highlights Dream Theater's enduring impact and recognition within the music industry after decades of innovation.
2023
Return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy
In October 2023, Dream Theater announced the return of original drummer Mike Portnoy, reuniting the classic founding members after more than a decade. This significant reunion is anticipated to influence the band's future creative direction and performances, energizing longtime fans and symbolizing a full-circle moment in their storied career.
Albums
When Dream and Day Unite
8 tracks
1989
Images and Words
8 tracks
1992
Awake
11 tracks
1994
Falling Into Infinity
11 tracks
1997
Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory
12 tracks
1999
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
5 tracks
2002
Train of Thought
7 tracks
2003
Octavarium
8 tracks
2005
Systematic Chaos
8 tracks
2007
Black Clouds & Silver Linings
6 tracks
2009
A Dramatic Turn of Events
9 tracks
2011
Dream Theater
10 tracks
2013
The Astonishing
20 tracks
2016
Distance Over Time
9 tracks
2019
A View From the Top of the World
7 tracks
2021
Parasomnia
8 tracks
2025
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Story of Dream Theater
Dream Theater, the progressive metal titans, emerged from Boston, Massachusetts in 1985. Initially formed as Majesty by Long Island natives John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), and Mike Portnoy (drums), the trio dropped out of Berklee College of Music to pursue their musical ambitions. Petrucci and Myung remain the band`s only constant members.
Portnoys powerful drumming defined the bands sound for years, until his departure in 2010 to explore other projects. He was replaced by Mike Mangini, only to sensationally rejoin the lineup in October 2023. Vocalist James LaBrie joined in 1991 after a brief period with Chris Collins and Charlie Dominici (who was let go shortly after the 1989 debut, When Dream and Day Unite). The keyboard chair saw Kevin Moore contribute to three albums before Derek Sherinian stepped in for a brief period in the mid-90s (recording one album and an EP). Jordan Rudess took over keyboard duties in 1999, solidifying the current lineup.
Dream Theater`s legacy is cemented by their sixteen studio albums, a testament to their enduring influence on progressive metal.
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