On an evening stuffed with each profound loss and creative expression, Dream Theater’s drummer, Mike Portnoy, carried out throughout the band’s live performance on Tuesday, October 29, with a heavy coronary heart. Just hours earlier than taking the stage, he obtained the devastating information of his sister, Samantha, passing away. Despite this overwhelming emotional burden, Portnoy made the brave choice to proceed with the efficiency, honoring his sister’s reminiscence and their shared love for music. The band devoted an emotional rendition of “The Spirit Carries On,” a tune that resonates deeply with themes of affection, loss, and remembrance, creating a robust tribute to Samantha.

As the live performance unfolded, lead singer James LaBrie addressed the viewers, sharing the somber context that surrounded their efficiency. He expressed how deeply private this second was for every member of the band, setting the tone for what would grow to be a heartfelt tribute. LaBrie stated, “This song has so much meaning for each and every one of us.” He inspired the viewers to sing alongside passionately in remembrance of Samantha, emphasizing the communal nature of grief and the therapeutic energy of music. This heartfelt dedication reworked the efficiency right into a cathartic expertise for each the band and the viewers.

What adopted was a deeply transferring efficiency that resonated all through the venue, as viewers members illuminated the area with their cellphone lights, making a sea of flickering lights in honor of Samantha. Portnoy, visibly emotional, made a prayer movement earlier than beginning the observe, symbolizing his connection to his sister and the non secular essence of their shared reminiscences. The viewers joined in, singing together with unity and love, turning the second right into a collective tribute. Fan-captured movies from the efficiency showcase this emotional environment, encapsulating the profound bond between the band and their followers throughout such a poignant second.

Experience Dream Theater’s Heartfelt Tribute: “The Spirit Carries On” (Live in Zagreb, Croatia)

Mike Portnoy Reflects on His Sister’s Legacy and the Power of Music

Following the efficiency, Portnoy shared his ideas on what he described as “one of the hardest shows I’ve ever had to play.” He opened up concerning the emotional turmoil he confronted after dropping his sister, who had been a steadfast supporter of the band all through its journey. Portnoy articulated how music serves as an important lifeline throughout moments of profound grief, permitting him to channel his sorrow into a robust efficiency that honored his sister’s spirit.

In a heartfelt Facebook publish, Portnoy recounted the second he realized of his sister’s passing simply half an hour earlier than the present. “About 30 minutes before showtime, I received a call from my brother that my loving sister Samantha Leone Cattaneo had just passed away,” he wrote. He shared his agony concerning her battle with most cancers and the toll it had taken on their household. Portnoy emphasised the heart-wrenching days main as much as her passing, as all of them needed to reconcile with the inevitable loss they have been going through.

Portnoy continued to precise his gratitude for the help he obtained from his bandmates throughout this attempting time. He famous, “As hard as it was, tonight’s show went on, and James dedicated ‘The Spirit Carries On’ to her…those lights in the air were for Sam…I wept like a baby the entire time.” He highlighted a touching second when John Petrucci, the band’s guitarist, got here to take a seat beside him throughout the ending solo, which offered him with much-needed consolation and help. This show of camaraderie illustrated the deep bonds throughout the band, particularly throughout such a difficult second.

Reflecting on his sister’s unwavering help for Dream Theater, Portnoy talked about how a lot it meant to her to see the band reunite. “My sister was always one of DT’s biggest fans & supporters,” he recalled. Although her well being had deteriorated, stopping her from attending the London reveals, he shared how she watched movies from the concert events on-line from her hospital mattress, and the way that introduced her pleasure throughout her ultimate days. This profound connection between the band and their followers underscores the highly effective function that music performs in connecting people throughout completely different experiences.

READ MORE: Discover Dream Theater’s Rarities at Their Reunion Show with Mike Portnoy

In closing, Portnoy expressed his dedication to honoring his sister’s reminiscence all through the continued tour, stating, “I will be thinking of her each and every night on stage throughout this tour when we play ‘The Spirit Carries On’ knowing that she now gets to watch every show, every night, everywhere. I love you Sis.” This heartfelt message resonated deeply with followers, illustrating the unbreakable bond of household and the therapeutic nature of music in occasions of sorrow. #RIPSamanthaLeoneCattaneo #FuckCancer

Dream Theater’s fortieth Anniversary Tour is at the moment ongoing, with the European leg operating by November 24 in Amsterdam. Following this, the band will embark on a South American tour in December, and is about to kick off their subsequent North American leg on February 7 in Philadelphia. For an entire record of tour dates, cities, venues, and ticketing data, followers can go to the band’s official web site.