Dream Theatre has made a name for themselves over the years in the world of Rock and that of Progressive Rock. I was ignorant of the band until 1998. At that time they were already a "big band" making headlines. I wondered why I didn't here of them before so, I decided to see them the first time in 2 April 1998 (my wedding anniversary - boy was my wifr happy).

Of course the crowd in the stadium knew who they were going to see. Fans with Dream Theatre T-shirts passed by from past concerts and new. The enviroment in the stadium was electrifying filled with anticipation. Well, the lights went out and Dream Theatre came on stage. Of course I immediately started to click away (only allowed to shoot 3 songs) and attentively listened.

I was amazed at the musicianship this band had ! Mike Portnoyis a great drummer who accompanies John Petrucci on guitar (a member of the G3 group), John Myung playing 6 string bass and Kevin Moore later Jordan Rudess on keyboards. All excellent musicians that can play their asses of. The riffs and solos on all instruments are superb and show a caliber of musicianship that is taken seriously. Dream Theatre is what I like to call a modern Rock & Roll band with all the knowledge from their past masters of the 60's & 70's. However, they are unique, creative, and have made their own "sound." If I had to sum up Dream Theatre in two words I would say "superb musicianship."

But, and I mean BUT, after attending 4 concerts over a period of 8 years I still haven't come home at the end of a concert humming a tune from Dream Theatre ! Now this is my personal experience and opinion. Maybe some might say "Dream Theatre is not meant to be such a band." However, I say that I have been to and listened to a lot of different styles of rock (Emerson Lake & Palmer, Uriah Heep, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, King Crimson, Jimi Hendrix, Rush, Pink Floyd, and so on) and have always have had some tune running through my head. This is where I feel Dream Theatre falls short of being one of the greatest bands ever. If I can't go home "humming" something then I have no reason to buy their records nor do radio stations have any reason to play them. Again, this is my personal opinion.

By no means am I trying to say don't go see Dream Theatre. Like I stated previously, you will witness a band that has band members that can be considered "virtuoso," and experiense great musicianship that only a few bands or none can immitate. They are great. I have noticed that the band members also have another project called "Liquid Tension." For me this is the melodic side of Dream Theatre that was lacking. Based on what I have heard of Liquid Tension you will experience the same virtuoso musicianship as before, and in addition be able to have that "humming" in your head. Go see Dream Theatre and by all means look into Liquid Tension. Enjoy the photos. Peace