Concert Review: 40 years of Dream Theater at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York

Dream Theater brought their A-game to the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island last October 25 and as their last leg in the US Tour. As the only photographer that night, I had a front-row seat to the epic performance. The band tore through a blistering setlist, showcasing their incredible musicianship and precision. From the opening notes of "The Enemy Inside" to the epic closer "Scarred," the crowd was entranced.

The band's performance was a masterclass in technicality and musicianship. Jordan Rudess's keys soared, John Petrucci's guitar work was sublime, and James LaBrie's vocals gave it his all. And as the return of Mike portnoy, he held down the drums with his signature skill, and the visuals and lighting added to the overall experience. The setlist was a great mix of old and new, with fan favorites alongside newer tracks. As the only photographer, I was able to capture some amazing shots of the band in action. The crowd was fully into the show, singing along to every word and waving their hands in the air.

What I enjoyed most is the second set, a brief intermission that allowed us to unwind before the second half. They opened the set with “As I Am,” which is one of my favorite track and smoothly transitioning into “Train of Thought.” Next, they played “The Enemy Inside,” a stunning track I had not revisited in quite a while. A standout moment for me was “Panic Attack,” a long-standing favorite featuring one of John Myung's most memorable riffs.

The band then treated us to two beloved tracks from the album “Scenes from a Memory”: “Through My Words” and “Fatal Tragedy.” Experiencing these timeless classics live, especially with the original lineup, was nothing short of extraordinary. They followed with an inventive rendition of “Peruvian Skies,” which included an improvised lap steel introduction by Jordan Rudess, artfully incorporating themes from Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam.” The night ended in a powerful rendition of “Take The Time,” a song I’ve always regarded as one of the highlights of a Dream Theater concert.

Words fall short in capturing the brilliance of this performance, a sentiment echoed by everyone I spoke with afterward. The band, comprising members in their 50s and 60s, delivered a level of energy and artistry that could easily compete with much younger groups. They showed no signs of fatigue, presenting an outstanding array of songs that clearly illustrate why they hold the title of the world’s leading progressive rock band.