REVIEW BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine
Mondays are usually just the worst. You go to work after a nice weekend doing whatever, as it begins the long work week ahead. But, on Monday, November 4, the Omaha metro area were treated to one of the most influential bands and progressive metal legends, Dream Theater, at the Orpheum Theater as they returned to the city for the first time since 1993.
Before Dream Theater hit the stage, I was mesmerized by the futuristic 3D video being played on their video board on stage. It was a very cool start to their set. Then, Dream Theater hit and stage and color me impressed. The whole band are all phenomenal musicians, so to see them live in person was truly remarkable. They had two sets, with the first set was mostly new material from their latest album, Distance Over Time. An intermission followed after that, which I did not expect as that usually never happens at a metal concert. Their second set was them performing their fifth and first concept album, which is celebrating a 20th anniversary this year, Metropolis, Part 2: Scenes From a Memory. I’d listen to that album a couple times before the concert and I would say it’s pretty great. The musicianship on that stage was quite electric. Stand out players include guitarist John Petrucci, glorious beard and all, melted everyone’s faces off. Another key player was none other than, no pun intended, keyboardist Jordan Rudess, which just so happen to be his birthday, as he tickled the ivories and rocked a keytar, a wizard of his craft. And Mike Mangini, drummer, who’s been playing for the band for ten years after Mike Portnoy’s departure, did a job well done behind the kit, really making his own name. Overall, Dream Theater was a perfect fit for the Orpheum, as their music has this theatrical vibe to it, creating a perfect showcase for the band. I’d glad Dream Theater finally gave Omaha another chance after 26 years, because it was well worth the wait.
All images © Robert Chadwick Photography=====================================
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