John Petrucci & Mike Portnoy on Parasomnia, the Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour, Drumeo & more.

John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy take some time from rehearsals to chat about their new album 'Parasomnia', the Dream Theater 40th-anniversary tour, all those Drumeo videos, songwriting, and more. Parasomina is out on Feb 7th, and the US leg to the tour kicks off on Feb 7th, as well.
Host: Roie Avin
Cover photos by: Kyle Fagala
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Opening theme music to podcast: • Art Crime
#mikeportnoy #johnpetrucci #dreamtheater

[@torture10]

I'm happy Mike confirmed another year of great Drumeo content 😊

[@froddy32623]

I want myung and petrucci to hit up musora. Pianote has some awesome videos of Jordan rudess. Let's get the rest of them. I'd fxin love to hear labrie show us how to hit them highs with vocals. Musora (base of drumeo, pianote, etcetera, is such a powerful tool for learningses on the instruments that also include your face.

[@kristenisher]

“it’s like riding a unicycle” - perhaps on a wire above the clouds as a plane flies by?

[@TheProgCorner]

Just listened to the album for the first time today. OMG!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@claudioonate1744]

Where??

[@michaelrene2551]

no you havent its not released yet lol.

[@BrockwaysVinylBytes]

@@michaelrene2551yes he has. I know Scot and it’s likely that he got it from the label!

[@visualizeprog2874]

@@michaelrene2551 The Prog Corner is a KZbin show. Reviewers generally get new releases a week or more before release day. I used to write reviews myself.

[@TheProgCorner]

@@michaelrene2551 I got an advance copy for review!!!!!

[@ciskokidd1313]

Good to see DT has renewed interest and a boost to the legacy and great music that was created by this lineup. When MM took the drum duties it was definitely a new vibe ,I was amazed on his abilities and his style that gave the band a new charge and took prog to a new level. With MP back it’s definitely the vibe that made the band as great as they are. The Spirit Carries On!!

[@BrockwaysVinylBytes]

Yeah this is awesome. Diehard DT fan here and this was extremely informative. Can’t wait to hear the new album - only a few more days! Thanks Roie for a great interview with these legends. Some day, one day, I’d love to collaborate with you for The Prog Report.

[@progreport]

Thanks Brock

[@pabloyelpo707]

I was fortunate enough to see them Oct 20th in London for that opening night. Flew all the way from Argentina to be part of DT History. What a night that was!

[@marcoantoniorodriguez5376]

how was the crowd? as good as Arg/Chile nights?

[@Gorbyrev]

@@marcoantoniorodriguez5376 We were very enthusiastic!

[@pabloyelpo707]

@@marcoantoniorodriguez5376 To be honest, the crowd was OK in London, not even close to the massive party that was the concert in Buenos Aires I attended to (same as Santiago from what I saw)! In retrospective, both shows were awesome, but for different reasons! (we also got to hang out a bit with Mike's family, most members of Haken and some folks from the Prog Report after the show in London).

[@TeramazeBand]

the kings! nice one Roie

[@progreport]

Thanks! 🙏🏻

[@martindoyon6470]

Soooooo happy Mike is back!

[@Sanber]

WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU ONE MORE WEEK LETS F GO!!!!!!!!!

[@miguelmelchior986]

Its TIME ladies

[@WWROABM]

That Falling Into Infinity demo is a gem because the arrangements give you a new CD, basically. You can also hear why they needed a producer on that particular project.

[@NaanProphet]

It would have been criminal to leave Hell's Kitchen as just being a glorified guitar solo inside of Burning My Soul, with a very disjointed segue getting back to the main song. Being a bridge to Lines in the Sand was a fantastic move that Kevin Shirley made. Also, in the original, that epic ending to Hell's Kitchen isn't there.

[@WWROABM]

@ - Another thing I love about the demo is you hear the cutting room floor like Raise the Knife and other deep cuts. Oh, and the raw demo that spawns Scenes from a Memory. Amazing they could break apart that 20 minute plus demo and create something like Scenes. I always wondered if Derrick had stayed would Scenes have come out as it did.

[@swampscott2670]

Yes. And yes, they needed that type of producer and outside help - unfortunately, they abandoned that approach after and that’s why DT peaked with the album and it’s been going downhill from there.

[@mikaelsnare]

I played in a Dream Theater cover band about twenty years ago and we played about half of the songs of the last tour. Great minds think alike 😉

[@dezmilad]

You Or Me 's chorus was waaaaaay better than You Not Me' s

[@KevinSitaras]

Was at the first show at the o2, and now I’m going to the first US show in Philly. So pumped!

[@lamey99]

Me too.. Philly baby

[@r.a.fiallos234]

Lumon t-shirt - Mike absolutely rocks!!! JP and MP are legends!!!

[@swiftla]

Bend the clock sounds like its going to be amazing, and the fade out solo idea makes me think of 'ministry of lost souls'. What a fantastic interview. Great unique questions being asked, talking about composing and remembering music for the tour. Awesome ❤

[@progreport]

Thanks!!

[@drumjosh1987]

That one is my favorite

[@Joemaj939]

They have to get tired of the same questions every single interview, but this was a breath of fresh air. Very much enjoyed the conversation

[@Gorbyrev]

Phenomenal. Dream Theater were outstanding in the O2, that was bucket list stuff. So thankful the creativity has endured and grown since I first saw them '93 in Glasgow.

[@progreport]

Agreed!

[@Cheese-hl5bd]

The one time I feel bad about leaving London to live in Vietnam

[@hichaelhyers]

I will never not be disappointed by the use of generative AI on the album artwork. Thanks DT for crushing my dreams forever.

[@nikatapi]

Roie back with a great interview!

[@progreport]

Thank you!

[@ricklabonte6790]

Great interview. You rock, Roie Avin!! Keep up the great work!! Thanks for bring the boys back on this channel. I got tickets to see Dream Theater in Toronto and New York!! Long Live Dream Theater!!

[@progreport]

Thanks dude!

[@aaronbrooke-naylor3389]

The o2 gig stood right at the front was something I’ll never forget. Just awesome

[@erikleenhouts834]

Awesome interview ❤. My heroes Thank you!

[@Darkest_of_Winter]

Hahaha I LOVE that Mike is wearing a Lumon shirt!! 🤘🏻

[@JoolsGuitar]

Great interview. Kind of a lost art asking good questions.

[@progreport]

Thank you!

[@iyyakamusicvideo4369]

Welcome Back Mike...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@andrewalderman]

I'm a little comforted that even John Petrucci is intimidated by learning DT music!

[@christopherharv]

But of course; Rudess is in the band! He can do shred in intervals on the keyboard that are way trickier on the guitar.

[@fabiochristoforo]

The masters! I’m super looking forward to Feb 7th!

[@fulviomanini6128]

Can’t wait for the album to come out and hope to see you back in Singapore soon boys 🤘🏻

[@vitorisaia]

Hollow Years was the one that made me cry (I was in front row in Curitiba - Brazil show)

[@hellterskeltor]

Cannot wait for Philly yyyyyyeeeeaaaaa😊😊😊😊❤❤

[@Killerklownsfromouterspace]

I cannot wait to see this tour! Feb 10th Nashville and March 8th in Chicago. Number 15 and 16 respectfully. The tears will flow seeing Mike back on the 10th. Welcome home Mike!!!

[@progdrummer4851]

Ill be at Nashville as well, can't wait!

[@emailaddress9678]

amazing questions man! it's easy to ask the same old questions but you had really insightful ones. thank you for your work! sad that time is finite, could have listened to them talk about nerdy music shit forever. superphrygian? say more?? hahaha

[@BenjaminBittner-wl6ct]

Hell yeah!

[@TheMaxportnoy]

My heros since always ! ❤ so cool to hear them like this!

[@CompleteProducer84]

You're ther best man, I love when you get together with MP and JP!! Excellent interview

[@davidsartorius6631]

great interview

[@IlyaMineev347]

16:57 I liked the answer to this question. I also caught myself thinking that there are a lot of self-repetitions, but on the other hand, this is the first album of the reunited line-up, so it makes sense that they sound like they did in 2009 again.

[@andrewebrey9334]

Well done guys. You keep old bastards like me entertained. Love the "Wake Up" at the end

[@richardwoodhouse8404]

As a fan since 92 I'm very confident this will be my album of the year and I've only heard the 3 singles, these 2 guys are my favourite musicians of all time ❤❤❤❤❤, great interview.

[@OddVenture7]

The GOATs ❤

[@Eccentrics]

So excited for this record.

[@guitargreg6001]

Feb 12th!!!! Finally after first seeing Pull Me Under on Headbangers Ball and being an instant fan. Finally playing close enough that i can go

[@iron_rush_theater1246]

See you guys in Feb! Second row! Rock the Barrell!

[@froddy32623]

The saddest thing in my history is that I didn't know about dream theater till early '24. Their music is my cup of tea. Id love to claim lifetime fan but im obsessed now and I hope i can introduce more people to good fekkin music. Such great music.

[@demonalisdragon9674]

I can't wait to hear the Shadow man Incident the 7 string song John and mike rock on see you in Chicago!

[@jeffreydheere4737]

Going to see these guys next week in Nashville, TN. Only seen two other big concerts in my life - this will be the first one in 30+ years! So stoked! Since I'll see them on Feb. 10, 3 days after the new release, I wonder if they put anything new in to the 40th anniversary concert night?

[@turbocoupe27]

Please John, channel your hero David Gilmour more often. Bend the Clock and New Beginning are both amazing. We want more!

[@dtforever5430]

just preordered the artbook. im interested in the contents now

[@Djcimofficial]

Can’t wait for the new album and seeing them at Radio city.

[@EricVera539]

Back in 2010 and Dec '24 last DT concert in México city, they played that version of Hollow Years. I was the only one in the audience who knew the lyrics both times. There were a couple of guys just starring at me with hatred in their eyes. It was funny. 🤭 One week until Parasomnia! 😁

[@Ravenskill_DT]

Can't wait for the philly show! I haven't been this hyped for a show in probably 10 years

[@gabrielbartholomeu180]

Top

[@Lineageholder]

I dig Mike's Lumon T-Shirt!

[@jaguarhell2068]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@llehmorfzzaj]

Good job, Roie Avin! Petrucci's beard: Is it majestic? Or is it just time for a Change of Seasons...

[@TheDarkEternalKnight07]

I was the hardcore fan that sang the extra line in Hollow Years lol

[@danielsouzadeoliveira7214]

Nice Lumon shirt :)

[@MichaelBoyd-zz8zv]

The familiarity of "Midnight Messiah" was identifiable to me as well. I laughed at your comment "the riff police" cause thats how i feel too but yeah, i think what im hearing is parts of the song that remind me of or sound like parts of "The Glass Prison."

[@KenBecker3]

🎉🎉🎉

[@kronowski]

Mike's Lumon shirt means this is actually Mike's innie escaping and joining the former band of his outie

[@ProgSnob14]

Hugh might have done some awesome work in the artbook, but it definitely wasn't on the album cover. That said, love what ive heard and looking forward to getting the vinyl and cd next week!

[@unusualcarrot]

Are We Dreaming/Bend the Clock is my favourite song writing wise but man those instrumentals in The Shadow Man Incident are 😩

[@gaztroboy]

Where did you listen

[@drumjosh1987]

I agree!! Bend the clock is my favorite of the album

[@nomanshigh3058]

This album has been finished for months! Do they hate money? Let me buy it already.

[@austin5732]

Wow THERES GONNA BE A NEW SONG ON THE SETLIST!!! 20 YEARS OLD... GLASS PRISON!!

[@e5u4r5o]

Hopefully!!! 😭😭😭

[@Christopherk2000]

I've been keen to hear that song live in recent years

[@frankherrmann965]

I think, the hardest working Mens in the Rockhistory

[@DJTraceman]

They gotta play The Glass Prison

[@bernardopuente2301]

This interview gives me fomo… release the album already!! 😅🙏🏻

[@dannephi1013]

I love the show, but I'm still not sure how to tell which segments will show up in the audio-only podcast

[@progreport]

We did accidentally skip on the audio podcast the last few weeks but are catching up. You will hear the interviews and occasional special episode on there. But stuff like the Wheels will be video only.

[@ojkrillo]

Now knowing that they're changing the setlist, I'll be very sad if for New York they take out my absolute favorite DT song "Stream of Consciousness", or others that I'm looking forward to like "Panic Attack" or "Octavarium", I wouldn't mind if the sacrified son(g)s are "As I Am", "Under a Glass Moon" or "Hollowed years" for example

[@felipegottardo8069]

I just hope Octavarium continues on the setlist. My favourite song by them and I still need to see it live.

[@Alanbrf1]

🤘🏻

[@hahaheslop]

The horror babies on the vinyl are gonna give me nightmares!

[@BigIsk52]

Great interview Roie! I love the sound those five people create. Can't wait to see them in March.

[@progreport]

Thanks!

[@GillBoldberg]

"The artwork that Hugh Syme did is some of his best work" I love you John but the man literally typed in a prompt and let AI spit out the art. It's embarrassing as a graphic designer myself and as a Dream Theater fan who appreciates the older artwork that had thought and effort put into it. I'm not paying extra of my hard earned money for a book that has AI garbage in it.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

These guys are almost as old as I am.

[@progreport]

Almost

[@yourib5152]

take a pic to the drumsessions they made, the first on its start the third and last at its end, Mangini what they say, his reaction to be recruted, and how they got e'm out now Portnoy 's back. To me Portnoy is the greateqst drummer on this planet, but hell, I feel unwell, Mangini out because Portnoy's out of idees unless pulling out a great guy that brought the band to an award, this isn't cool. it might also mean the soon end of dream theater and close with original band (something alike), we go and see them in Orange, France the 29th of july 2025 after seeing them in Lyon november 2024, Portnoy's return. They're of my age, but I don't perform, I'd just like to hear them till dead, see them till blind. Anyway, thanks Mangini too We saw U the first and last tour U did with DT and U were AMAZING!

[@PentUpPentatonics]

16:50 Unfortunately, that for me is the problem. Colour me a troll but I prefer new music to not feel instantly familiar. Some of my favourite albums were jarring at first. I had to tune into them. When there’s nothing new, what’s the point?

[@BrockwaysVinylBytes]

That’s just one song, and not indicative of how the whole album was created.

[@PentUpPentatonics]

@ He said in the interview that they embraced the familiar as part of their approach for this album.

[@filheim]

The longest week of all time

[@jamespeterson1630]

Yeah get the art book sure to be filled with more AI generative slop just like the front cover and single covers ! Love these guys and honestly if you wanna pay Hugh to have him use AI as a tool to make the art thats one thing but holy SHIT at least TRY to generate something without obvious indicators that it's just made from a prompt without any clearly necessary but ignored editing after the fact.

[@aldoelektrika]

Softball questions but I get it, if you asked them about LaBries decline and if it affects the band they would never talk to you again.

[@progreport]

That would ridiculous and insulting to ask frankly.

[@aldoelektrika]

@progreport totally understand, but these are the questions that I have as a fan. I haven't seen them in about 4 years because of the awful live vocals, and as much as I love their music, I cannot bring myself to pay to hear LaBries decline.

[@LuckyTheLeperachaun]

John Petrucci is afraid of what he has created 😂

[@danlc95]

I actually prefer the Mangini era music. 🤷‍♂️

[@progreport]

Good for you.

[@paulsund11]

Lumon! Has Mike been severed?

[@shannonbiggers3312]

Lumon.

[@asabovesobelow2299]

What happened to Mangini 😥

[@demite5267]

Dude what century are you living in??

[@asabovesobelow2299]

@demite5267 in 2025...I mean, why did they fired him??

[@asabovesobelow2299]

@demite5267 Did he do something wrong?

[@brandon_925]

@@asabovesobelow2299he did nothing wrong, MP is a founding member so they probably just felt the time was right to get the classic lineup back together

[@asabovesobelow2299]

@brandon_925 Yes, I thought so. It's still unfair, in my opinion.

[@MrStarchild3001]

Here are the top 10 revelations from the interview with John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater: Taylor Swift Drumming Fame: Mike Portnoy humorously acknowledges that his viral drum videos, including the Taylor Swift one, have garnered him more mainstream recognition than his numerous drumming awards and magazine covers. Emotional Reunion Tour: The Dream Theater 40th-anniversary tour's first show in London was highly emotional, with visible tears from both the band and the audience. This emotional intensity continued throughout the European and South American legs. "Hollow Years" Live Version Twist: The version of "Hollow Years" played on the tour features an extra couple of lines from the demo that weren't on the original Falling Into Infinity album version, adding a treat for hardcore fans. "Octavarium" 20th Anniversary: The band is playing songs from their album Octavarium on this tour, celebrating its 20th anniversary, including the title track, which they haven't played live in many years. Relearning Songs is Challenging: John Petrucci admits that relearning old Dream Theater songs feels daunting at first, but the muscle memory kicks in once he starts playing. He wishes his superpower was to instantly play any song without relearning. Mike Portnoy adds that they recently relearned a song they hadn't played in 20 years. "Parasomnia" Album Concept: The new album, Parasomnia, is thematically based on sleep disturbances. The concept expanded during the writing process to include musical themes that tie the songs together, similar to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. "Midnight Messiah" Embraces Familiarity: The band embraced the familiar Dream Theater sound on the new album, even if some parts sounded reminiscent of their older work. They decided not to fight their signature style. "Bend the Clock" Solo and Fade Out: The guitar solo on "Bend the Clock" was improvised early in the recording process, channeling David Gilmour. The band opted for a long, slow fade-out, similar to "Comfortably Numb" or "The Best of Times." "Shadow Man Incident" Epic Writing Process: Writing the long epic "Shadow Man Incident" allowed for more freedom than shorter songs. There were no rules regarding form or arrangement, and they let the song develop naturally. Easter Eggs and Recurring Themes: Parasomnia is filled with recurring musical themes and motifs that appear in different forms throughout the album, providing "Easter eggs" for fans to discover. For instance, the interlude "Are We Dreaming" is comprised of themes from other songs on the album. Bonus Revelations: Drumeo Success: Mike Portnoy's collaboration with Drumeo has been very successful, with his videos garnering millions of views. Guitar Universe 5.0: John Petrucci's Guitar Universe 5.0 camp will take place in Las Vegas in August 2024, and Mike Portnoy will be a special guest.

[@mv5737]

Won't buy the album. DT have become a metal band and not that much more I hoped they would have become.

[@pgrove]

So is the entire Mangini library permanently in the toilet because of Portnoy's ego? Only thing he'll do is Barstool Warrior?

[@progreport]

They did 2 songs in the tour.

[@MikePortnoyDT1]

Where on Earth did you get that?? I’ve never said that…in fact, I was the one that said to the guys that we HAD to include songs from those albums…

[@austinbramer558]

@@MikePortnoyDT1 Mike, I think what he is trying to ask is if you will be taking on some of the more difficult Mangini songs that came to be beloved. Specifically like “the alien” ? Any insight on this? Love you man!!!

[@Ignitus]

@@MikePortnoyDT1 Pay no mind to these jokers, Mike. It costs nothing to be a critic, meanwhile creatives are the ones bearing their hearts and souls for others to see.

[@BrockwaysVinylBytes]

@@MikePortnoyDT1we know, Mike. The proper fans have paid attention to the set lists. Don’t listen to jackasses like this guy. I notice he’s awfully quiet now.

[@taxconsultant1111]

portnoy has such an ego. cant help praising himself. ugh

[@brandon_925]

Portnoy is the fucking man

[@MikePortnoyDT1]

Huh????? Did you even watch this video?? What on earth did I say that rubbed you wrong??? 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tetragrammatonghost5244]

Humility is good regardless of one's achievements..

[@brandon_925]

@@MikePortnoyDT1he definitely didn’t watch. Great interview of you and JP🤘🏼

[@teeple1877]

@@MikePortnoyDT1Too many people online will find anything to shit on. Most of us love the interviews and the inside scoop on what’s going on. I eat it up personally. Can’t wait to see you guys in Portland!