Dream Theater – The Fox Theater, Riverside, CA 10/28/19
By John Knowles
The second leg of The Distance Over Time Tour – Celebrating 20 Years of Scenes From A Memory is well underway – giving North American fans another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory performed in it’s entirety. Not only that, but a diverse set of songs in Act 1 that do a great job of supporting the new record, Distance Over Time (InsideOutMusic /Sony Music), and remembering some more recent fan favorites. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of their incomparable concept album, Scenes From A Memory, and the band is really doing right by the fans by delivering on a full presentation of this enormous work. Fans got a small taste of a Scenes celebration during the 15th Anniversary, but this is a more fitting and satisfying tribute, equipped with intricate lighting effects, new video accompaniment, and a band completely in their element celebrating along with their fans. The band appears to be hitting some of the smaller markets this time around without straying too far from the major cities – giving some previously unreached fans a real gift. It was a full and lively crowd for a Monday night at the Fox Theater in Riverside, California, and the band truly delivered for each and every fan during this 2.5 hour “evening with” performance.
The Fox Theater is the perfect venue for a Dream Theater show. Aside from the obvious “theater” connection, the acoustics are perfectly suited for this kind of music, and the theater layout means there is really not a bad seat in the house. A huge thank you to the amazing Security staff who provided a smooth and quick entrance process, and also kept cell phone filming to a distraction-free minimum.
The lights dimmed promptly at 8:00pm, kicking off the band’s current entrance track, “Atlas.” Moments later the band hit the stage and ripped right into the leading single from Distance Over Time, “Untethered Angel.” The mix and performances were spot-on from the outset, and most of the crowd jumped to their feet and remained there for the entirety of Act I. This song is another stunning example of a band that can always find new ways to challenge themselves, executing parts that are beyond most fan’s comprehension.
For a band that has been hitting the road as aggressively as Dream Theater, it’s amazing to see the energy they bring with each show. Moving right along into the epic “Nightmare to Remember,” the band kept the energy at peak level, giving every fan their best. This evening was their 6th show in the last 7 days, but they continued to deliver strong on new tracks “Fall into the Light,” and “Barstool Warrior.” Bassist John Myung really shined this evening. The venue had his bass way up in the mix, and it was so cool to hear his many parts that can sometimes get lost amid the busy arrangements in many of the band’s songs. Doing what Dream Theater does best, they are once again including “In the Presence of Enemies Pt. 1” on this tour, including another solid epic to this impressive set. “Pale Blue Dot” concluded Act I, a true stand-out moment for drummer Mike Mangini, who really ran with this particular track in the studio.
After a brief intermission, fans were treated to a fitting “vaudeville-style” intro to Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory. Even attendees without prior exposure to the 1999 album would have still found plenty in the lyrics and video presentation to follow along with the story. No real-life actor to perform the part of the Hypnotherapist for this tour, but the full audio is presented with appropriate visual aids. When you consider the numbers, it is obvious that most Dream Theater fans did not ever have a chance to see this monumental album performed in it’s entirety, save for the Metropolis 2000 concert film. You could sense a different energy erupt in the crowd as the band ripped into “Scene Two,” those familiar melodies of the overture, and the direct yet brilliant storytelling in “Strange Déjà Vu.” “Fatal Tragedy” got every head banging in 5/4, and the band embellished nicely throughout the iconic Zappa-inspired solo section of “Beyond This Life.” Dubbed, “the metal song,” “Home” brought a new energy to the theater with hands in the air and voices at full volume. The always beautiful and moving “The Spirit Carries On” concluded the narration of the story’s focal point, Nicholas. The soaring chorus line from James LaBrie, the chorus/orchestration, and soaring licks from guitarist John Petrucci never disappoint, and tonight was no exception. “Finally Free” ended Act II, fully equipped with an amazing jam session at the end. Mike Mangini delivered on so many odd time feels – it is just shocking the way he can improvise without losing site of the beat. This was truly a heartfelt and genuine performance, and something for the longtime fans to cherish and appreciate. Personally, it took me back to watching Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York for the first time 19 years ago.
After a brief performance pause while the video presentation took the audience through the true close of the Metropolis Pt. 2 storyline, the band returned onstage for the blistering “At Wit’s End.” It was an amazing night of progressive metal glory, and one that audience members will not soon forget. Dream Theater is a band that greatly values their fan base, and makes sure to deliver each and every night. To perform a fair sampling of new material, and a monster set of classic epics is in every way a humble gesture toward one’s fans, and a heartfelt thank you for 3 decades of support and dedication.
The remainder of the 27-date trek will see the band making stops in Reno, NV and Madison, WI., running through mid-November. If the band’s remaining stops are anywhere near you, do not miss out on this opportunity!
Dream Theater is:
James LaBrie (Vocals),
John Petrucci (Guitars)
Jordan Rudess (Keyboards)
John Myung (Bass)
Mike Mangini (Drums)
Setlist:
-Act I-
Untethered Angel
Nightmare to Remember
Fall into the Light
Barstool Warrior
In the Presence of Enemies Pt. 1
Pale Blue Dot
-Act II-
Scene One: Regression
Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà vu
Scene Three: I. Through My Words
Scene Three: II. Fatal Tragedy
Scene Four: Beyond This Life
Scene Five: Through Her Eyes
Scene Six: Home
Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity
Scene Seven: II. One Last Time
Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On
Scene Nine: Finally Free
-Encore-
At Wit’s End
Access Dream Theater online:
Official Site: www.dreamtheater.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamtheaternet
Instagram: http://instagram.com/dreamtheaterofficial/
By John Knowles
The second leg of The Distance Over Time Tour – Celebrating 20 Years of Scenes From A Memory is well underway – giving North American fans another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory performed in it’s entirety. Not only that, but a diverse set of songs in Act 1 that do a great job of supporting the new record, Distance Over Time (InsideOutMusic /Sony Music), and remembering some more recent fan favorites. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of their incomparable concept album, Scenes From A Memory, and the band is really doing right by the fans by delivering on a full presentation of this enormous work. Fans got a small taste of a Scenes celebration during the 15th Anniversary, but this is a more fitting and satisfying tribute, equipped with intricate lighting effects, new video accompaniment, and a band completely in their element celebrating along with their fans. The band appears to be hitting some of the smaller markets this time around without straying too far from the major cities – giving some previously unreached fans a real gift. It was a full and lively crowd for a Monday night at the Fox Theater in Riverside, California, and the band truly delivered for each and every fan during this 2.5 hour “evening with” performance.
The Fox Theater is the perfect venue for a Dream Theater show. Aside from the obvious “theater” connection, the acoustics are perfectly suited for this kind of music, and the theater layout means there is really not a bad seat in the house. A huge thank you to the amazing Security staff who provided a smooth and quick entrance process, and also kept cell phone filming to a distraction-free minimum.
The lights dimmed promptly at 8:00pm, kicking off the band’s current entrance track, “Atlas.” Moments later the band hit the stage and ripped right into the leading single from Distance Over Time, “Untethered Angel.” The mix and performances were spot-on from the outset, and most of the crowd jumped to their feet and remained there for the entirety of Act I. This song is another stunning example of a band that can always find new ways to challenge themselves, executing parts that are beyond most fan’s comprehension.
For a band that has been hitting the road as aggressively as Dream Theater, it’s amazing to see the energy they bring with each show. Moving right along into the epic “Nightmare to Remember,” the band kept the energy at peak level, giving every fan their best. This evening was their 6th show in the last 7 days, but they continued to deliver strong on new tracks “Fall into the Light,” and “Barstool Warrior.” Bassist John Myung really shined this evening. The venue had his bass way up in the mix, and it was so cool to hear his many parts that can sometimes get lost amid the busy arrangements in many of the band’s songs. Doing what Dream Theater does best, they are once again including “In the Presence of Enemies Pt. 1” on this tour, including another solid epic to this impressive set. “Pale Blue Dot” concluded Act I, a true stand-out moment for drummer Mike Mangini, who really ran with this particular track in the studio.
After a brief intermission, fans were treated to a fitting “vaudeville-style” intro to Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory. Even attendees without prior exposure to the 1999 album would have still found plenty in the lyrics and video presentation to follow along with the story. No real-life actor to perform the part of the Hypnotherapist for this tour, but the full audio is presented with appropriate visual aids. When you consider the numbers, it is obvious that most Dream Theater fans did not ever have a chance to see this monumental album performed in it’s entirety, save for the Metropolis 2000 concert film. You could sense a different energy erupt in the crowd as the band ripped into “Scene Two,” those familiar melodies of the overture, and the direct yet brilliant storytelling in “Strange Déjà Vu.” “Fatal Tragedy” got every head banging in 5/4, and the band embellished nicely throughout the iconic Zappa-inspired solo section of “Beyond This Life.” Dubbed, “the metal song,” “Home” brought a new energy to the theater with hands in the air and voices at full volume. The always beautiful and moving “The Spirit Carries On” concluded the narration of the story’s focal point, Nicholas. The soaring chorus line from James LaBrie, the chorus/orchestration, and soaring licks from guitarist John Petrucci never disappoint, and tonight was no exception. “Finally Free” ended Act II, fully equipped with an amazing jam session at the end. Mike Mangini delivered on so many odd time feels – it is just shocking the way he can improvise without losing site of the beat. This was truly a heartfelt and genuine performance, and something for the longtime fans to cherish and appreciate. Personally, it took me back to watching Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York for the first time 19 years ago.
After a brief performance pause while the video presentation took the audience through the true close of the Metropolis Pt. 2 storyline, the band returned onstage for the blistering “At Wit’s End.” It was an amazing night of progressive metal glory, and one that audience members will not soon forget. Dream Theater is a band that greatly values their fan base, and makes sure to deliver each and every night. To perform a fair sampling of new material, and a monster set of classic epics is in every way a humble gesture toward one’s fans, and a heartfelt thank you for 3 decades of support and dedication.
The remainder of the 27-date trek will see the band making stops in Reno, NV and Madison, WI., running through mid-November. If the band’s remaining stops are anywhere near you, do not miss out on this opportunity!
Dream Theater is:
James LaBrie (Vocals),
John Petrucci (Guitars)
Jordan Rudess (Keyboards)
John Myung (Bass)
Mike Mangini (Drums)
Setlist:
-Act I-
Untethered Angel
Nightmare to Remember
Fall into the Light
Barstool Warrior
In the Presence of Enemies Pt. 1
Pale Blue Dot
-Act II-
Scene One: Regression
Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà vu
Scene Three: I. Through My Words
Scene Three: II. Fatal Tragedy
Scene Four: Beyond This Life
Scene Five: Through Her Eyes
Scene Six: Home
Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity
Scene Seven: II. One Last Time
Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On
Scene Nine: Finally Free
-Encore-
At Wit’s End
Access Dream Theater online:
Official Site: www.dreamtheater.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamtheaternet
Instagram: http://instagram.com/dreamtheaterofficial/
