PHOTOS BY WOLFE ELIOT

Progressive metal isn’t for everyone, but for its fans, it’s everything. It thrives on patience, with intricate compositions, extended solos, and songs that demand your full attention. In a world built on instant gratification, where a quick dopamine hit is just a scroll away, progressive metal dares to take its time. Dream Theater, one of the genre’s defining bands, has spent 40 years proving that complexity and craftsmanship are worth the wait.

Now celebrating their 40th anniversary, Dream Theater is back on the road, delivering immersive, technically dazzling performances that have earned them a devoted following. For many, their music represents a quieter time, when connection came through shared experiences rather than screens. My dad is one of those lifelong fans, and for his 60th birthday, I had the privilege of taking him to Dream Theater’s stop at the San Jose Civic. The historic venue only deepened the anticipation, and we felt excitement as we prepared to immerse ourselves in this wild ride.

From the moment we arrived, the warmth of the crowd was undeniable. Fans engaged with my dad and me, making us feel welcome rather than like outsiders. I was initially reserved, since online discourse sometimes makes me feel like I don’t belong in these spaces. However, instead of the pretentiousness often associated with progressive metal fans—especially Dream Theater’s—everyone was genuinely curious about our story, just as we were about theirs. These days, it seems like people are just happy to be here.

We shuffled into the stunning 1977 building, where security thoroughly checked us in a 2025 way. The venue itself, however, felt like a time capsule. Its Spanish-style architecture serves as a reminder of a severely underappreciated art form. San Jose Civic is part of the California Mission Revival era, preserving the state’s historic legacy while creating new memories. On our way to our seats, we passed portraits of legends who had performed there. Many of my dad’s favorites lined the walls, including Sammy Hagar. The anticipation grew as we realized we were about to witness history ourselves.

The audience was exactly what you’d expect: people around my dad’s age, maybe a little younger, but many had brought their kids or grandkids along. I wasn’t the only one who first heard “Pull Me Under” when my dad likened their theatricality to Panic! At the Disco in 2005. The two bands couldn’t be more different, but he saw something I didn’t, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Our seats were incredible—section 214, second row. At only 5’1,” my view can make or break a show. One 6’2” Golden State Warrior in front of me and I’m cooked! Thankfully, my sightline remained clear for the entire night.

Dream Theater’s first surprise of the evening was that there was no opening act. They got right to the point. They had 16 full-length albums to pull from for their set. Though their reputation for pretentiousness precedes them, their name perfectly captures their approach. The concert was structured in separate "acts," covering various points in their discography. It began with a prologue and continued until an intermission halfway through.

I know a good chunk of Dream Theater’s material, but I’d be lying if I claimed to know all 16 albums inside and out. Instead, the concert was an exploration. At times, they played familiar songs, and the crowd went wild. The real surprise of the night was just how dedicated the audience was. Somehow, they managed to learn this vast discography—but I suppose they had 40 years to do so. The band thrived on this energy, becoming more responsive and animated as the audience moved.

Technically speaking, Dream Theater is a sight to behold. Their stage setup was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Mike Portnoy played three different drum kits within the same rig. It makes sense, given Dream Theater’s signature complex rhythms. I recently saw a viral TikTok of Portnoy struggling to play a Taylor Swift song because it was too simple compared to what he’s used to. Watching him in action was something special. The way he moved effortlessly between kits made it look second nature.

I also can’t write about a Dream Theater set without mentioning Jordan Rudess’ floating keyboard. That thing is insane—it’s like what the Jetsons imagined 2025 would look like. It rotated and glided as he played, yet he never missed a single note or beat. Despite playing these songs for decades, he looked like he was having the time of his life. If anything, the band’s years together have only strengthened their chemistry and love for their craft.

They should be proud of it, too. Founder John Petrucci’s signature guitar style has been imitated countless times, but never successfully replicated. Watching him live, I could see the heart behind the intricacies as he weaved between riffs and distortion settings. Of course, everyone wanted to hear “Pull Me Under,” but his insane shredding made “Panic Attack” a standout moment. Petrucci is nothing short of a guitar god, and seeing Dream Theater live is essential to fully appreciating progressive metal in all its complex glory.

James LaBrie’s stage presence surprised me. Based on his vocal ability, I assumed he would be an energetic performer, and I was right. What I didn’t expect was the conviction behind his delivery. LaBrie seems to have the most straightforward job in the band, at least on the surface. Everyone else is locked in for 15-minute songs, while he can take short breaks when the instrumentalists go off. He can grab water, prepare for his next cue, or breathe before jumping back in.

Still, despite these breaks, his presence was essential to pushing the performance forward. His standout moment came during “Act II: The Spirit Carries On.” The crowd shouted every word in unison, releasing years of devotion in a single cathartic moment. It felt like a rock gospel, as if we were at church. There was extra emotional weight in realizing just how long this audience has held onto LaBrie’s lyrics as if they were scripture. Music is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Finally, their biggest hit arrived after three drinks, two bathroom breaks, one plate of nachos, and a 15-minute intermission. “Pull Me Under” is one of the greatest songs of all time, and thanks to the meticulous nature of these musicians, it sounded just as incredible live. Somehow, the set’s varied song lengths seemed to pass instantly—proof that we were having an unforgettable time. Dream Theater’s 40th-anniversary tour is a core memory in the making, for fans of any age. It indeed became one for me.