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.

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Albums

When Dream and Day Unite

Falling Into Infinity

11 tracks

1997

Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory

12 tracks

1999

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

Black Clouds & Silver Linings

6 tracks

2009

A Dramatic Turn of Events

A View From the Top of the World

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Mike Portnoy

2023

Background vocals

Jordan Rudess

1999

Continuum

Lap steel guitar

Keyboard

Steve Stone

N/A

John Myung

1985

Chapman stick

Electric bass guitar

James LaBrie

1991

Lead vocals

John Petrucci

1985

Guitar

Background vocals

Mike Portnoy

2023

Drums (drum set)

Mike Portnoy

2023

Percussion

History

Name

Begin

End

Occupation

Derek Sherinian

1994

1999

Keyboard

Chris Collins

1987

Lead vocals

Kevin Moore

1986

1994

Keyboard

Charlie Dominici

1987

1990

Lead vocals

Mike Portnoy

1985

2010

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Percussion

Mike Mangini

2011

2023

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

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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Dream Theater

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Top Dream Theater Community Posts

Band Timeline

Formation of Dream Theater as Majesty

Early lineup changes and debut album

James LaBrie joins and breakthrough with 'Images and Words'

Keyboardist change and release of 'Awake'

Jordan Rudess joins and release of 'Metropolis Pt. 2'

Continued success with multiple releases and live albums

Departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy

First albums with Mike Mangini and Grammy nominations

Release of ambitious projects 'The Astonishing' and 'Distance over Time'

Recent success and first Grammy win

Return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy

Albums

Members

Current

Mike Portnoy

Background vocals

Jordan Rudess

Continuum

Lap steel guitar

Keyboard

Steve Stone

John Myung

Chapman stick

Electric bass guitar

James LaBrie

Lead vocals

John Petrucci

Guitar

Background vocals

Mike Portnoy

Drums (drum set)

Mike Portnoy

Percussion

History

Derek Sherinian

Keyboard

Chris Collins

Lead vocals

Kevin Moore

Keyboard

Charlie Dominici

Lead vocals

Mike Portnoy

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Percussion

Mike Mangini

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Story of Dream Theater

Learn more about Dream Theater

Bands you may like

More Metal Bands

More Bands from United States

Learn more about Dream Theater

Band Timeline

Formation of Dream Theater as Majesty

Early lineup changes and debut album

James LaBrie joins and breakthrough with 'Images and Words'

Keyboardist change and release of 'Awake'

Jordan Rudess joins and release of 'Metropolis Pt. 2'

Continued success with multiple releases and live albums

Departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy

First albums with Mike Mangini and Grammy nominations

Release of ambitious projects 'The Astonishing' and 'Distance over Time'

Recent success and first Grammy win

Return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy