Dream Theater – To Infinity And Beyond

Not conforming to radio has made Dream Theater a somewhat guarded musical enigma (most songs clock in at one hundred times longer than the average attention span). Having formed in Boston, the complicated, progressive and master-skilled musicianship that lead to breakthrough in ‘92 with Images & Words continues to roll with their latest, Falling Into Infinity. Since then, the band has issued four more treasures, fronted by the frightening vocal prowess of Ontario’s own, James LaBrie.

“We sell almost a million albums worldwide,” says LaBrie from opening night with Deep Purple and ELP in New Jersey. “In Canada, maybe we’ll do 20,000 copies, but that doesn’t get us anywhere, especially on radio. Isn’t that sad? It’s a reality and I’ve accepted it. One good thing, is that I’m able to walk down the streets at home and maintain my anonymity. Thankfully, it’s not like that elsewhere, but in my hometown, it’s kind of nice.”

LaBrie’s theater is rounded out by drummer Mike Portnoy, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. Currently they are putting the final touches on their double live disc, Once In A LIVEtime, with Falling Into Infinity producer, Kevin Shirley (Ozzy). They are also touring with ELP and Purple, whose song ‘Perfect Strangers’ they covered on A Change Of Seasons. Interestingly, James sang two songs (‘Tarkus’ and ‘A Time And A Place’) for an upcoming ELP tribute disc (Mike Portnoy is featured as well).

“It’s a very exciting thing to be on this tour,” agrees LaBrie. “I mean, Ian Gillan... there’s one of my main influences. The guy is an incredible vocalist. We did a show a while back with Deep Purple in Italy and they sound fucking incredible. They’re singing and playing better than they did ten years ago. They’re into it again, they’re playing with heart and soul. The reason we’re on the bill is because we’re a young band and we’re in the same vein. Our music is intense and progressive, like theirs. It’s going to snuff out the thought that this tour might be some trip down nostalgia lane. It’s contemporary and will stand up to any tour out there. For us, we hope to open some new eyes to our music. And, I know, some heads will turn,” he laughs.