On March 17th, 2025, Dream Theater performed at the Kodak Center in Rochester, NY. The progressive-metal pioneers played one of the last few stops of their 40th Anniversary Tour (2024-2025), and they packed the venue on this Monday evening of St. Patrick's Day. This marked Dream Theater's first performance in Rochester since November 10, 2017, which I attended. The band's extended absence resulted in enthusiastic fans showing up and selling out the venue!
The venue doors opened at 6:30 PM and, upon entering, there was already a very long line of fans waiting for band merchandise. I immediately noticed the age range of the fan base: from young fans seemingly in the single digits being accompanied by their parents, to some little gray-haired grandma-type ladies! It's fantastic that the band continues to attract fans of all ages!
Dream Theater was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1985 and has released 16 albums. The band's most recent album, Parasomnia, was released on February 7th, 2025. Excited fans slowly filled the seats, anticipating what these legendary musicians were playing tonight.
A large backdrop resembling the tour logo hid the stage, keeping the setup a secret. Promptly at 7:30 PM, the house lights dimmed, and the intro music, "Prelude," played, steadily increasing in volume. The letters on the Dream Theater logo on the backdrop were individually highlighted with an electric-like blue light until the entire logo was pulsing with light. Finally, the curtain was pulled away, revealing an incredible stage setup. Elevated on a raised platform was an impressive drum kit flanked by the signature keyboard. Large video screens lit up the area around the platform, treating fans to a visual spectacle that would last for the remainder of the show. Now out of their seats, fans cheered loudly as the band began a sonic journey, covering their music of the past 40 years.
For the next three hours, fans were treated to an incredible 18-song set that covered each decade from 1992 until 2025—beginning with "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper," the band thrilled fans with their musicianship. The band maintained the momentum with limited fan interaction over the following three songs, keeping the energy alive. Frontman James LaBrie paused briefly after "The Mirror" to ask fans if they knew the guy behind him on drums; fans cheered as he welcomed back Mike Portnoy! Following this, LaBrie acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the sign language interpreters at the venue. He said, "In all the years of touring, I don't think I have ever seen this over here," as he pointed to the interpreters. "I think that is so amazing, and I thank you, girls." The fans cheered loudly in appreciation. He then turned to address the band. "Am I right? Have you guys ever seen them before in all of the years that we've toured"? Portnoy responded, "It's like a human teleprompter; in case you forget anything, look over there." LaBrie says, "Well if I could read sign language, you could help me out with a few lyrics." Fans chuckled. He then introduced the next song, "Barstool Warrior." LaBrie took a moment to introduce Jordan Rudess on keyboards before performing "Hollow Years," warning fans that "He will put a spell on you." He was right, as guitarist John Petrucci and Rudess delivered incredible solos during the song! If you're looking for an exciting light show, "Constant Motion" will deliver. The set ended with "As I Am," and a rush of fans returned to the merch table.
During the 20-minute intermission, an Orchestral Overture was played on the sound system and video screens. It featured a mashup of all 16 album artworks set to orchestral music, ending with the latest cover artwork. The band then returned to the stage and played the new release, "Night Terror." I swear the low-end was turned up at the venue. You could feel what bassist John Myung was putting down along with the thunderous drumming of Mike Portnoy; it was so good! At the end of this 10-minute song, LaBrie shared with the fans. "We were in Rochester on our Images tour; it was in the Fall of '92 when we came here. We got stuck in town for two days, a blizzard. I'm used to that. I'm Canadian; I live in an Igloo. Anyway, it was great that the show went on, and it was fantastic. Look at us here: what was that thirty-three years ago? Thank you for being here; this is one from the new album, Parasomnia; here’s “Midnight Messiah." Which was met with great enthusiasm from the fans! Four more strong songs would be played to close the set, ending with "Octavarium." The band walked off the stage while fans cheered loudly to bring them back for an encore performance.
Three powerhouse songs were played for the encore set, "Scene Six; Home," "Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On," and "Pull Me Under." LaBrie encouraged fans to "sing at the top of their lungs" on "Pull Me Under." The fans obliged and gave it their all during the performance, singing along with fists pounding in the air, and horns up! LaBrie shared a surprise with the fans as the last song ended: "Rochester, we love you; hey, have an amazing summer. We're coming back through in the Fall, and we're gonna be playing Parasomnia from beginning to end and many other freaking fine songs; see you then"! As the band took a final bow, ending this incredible show for the fans, "Singing in the Rain" played in the background and slowly faded to silence.
Dream Theater is:
James LaBrie – vocals(1991-present)
John Petrucci – guitars(1985-present)
John Myung – bass(1985-present)
Jordan Rudess – keyboards(1999-present)
Mike Portnoy – drums(1985-2010)(October 2023-present)
SETLIST:
Prelude-tape(Bernard Herrmann song), Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper(1992), Act 1: Scene Two: 1. Overture 1928(1999), Act 1: Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu(1999), The Mirror-with Lie solo outro(1994), Barstool Warrior(2019), A Rite of Passage(2009), Hollow Years-1996 demo version; preceded by guitar and keyboard solo(1996), Constant Motion(2007), As I Am(2003), Lets all go to the Lobby
Act II
Orchestral Overture-tape-containing excerpts from every Dream Theater Album, Night Terror(2025), Midnight Messiah(2025), This is the Life(2011), Vacant(2003), Stream of Consciousness(2003), Octavarium(2005)
Encore
Scene Six: Home(1999), Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On(1999), Pull Me Under(1992) Singin' in the Rain-tape-Exit song
