Dream Theater is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary with a tour, and frontman James LaBrie recently shared insights into the band’s enduring success. In an interview with Full Metal Jackie, LaBrie emphasized the importance of approaching each new project with the enthusiasm and dedication reminiscent of their early days. He stated, “When we go in to create an album, to us, it has to be like we are at the beginning of our career. It’s really about pushing ourselves, feeling that we’re growing not only as a band, but individually and collectively, that we can produce something that feels fresh.”
LaBrie also highlighted the band’s genuine passion for their craft, noting, “There’s no denying that we’re still in it for the right reasons. We love creating new music, we love putting out new albums, and we love touring and interacting with our fans.”
The return of drummer Mike Portnoy has been a significant event for the band. Reflecting on this reunion, LaBrie expressed excitement about the band’s current trajectory, mentioning that it feels like embarking on a new chapter with endless possibilities. He praised Portnoy’s seamless reintegration, attributing it to their shared history and Portnoy’s multifaceted talents in both drumming and songwriting.
Regarding their latest album, Parasomnia, LaBrie shared that it has been met with rave reviews and embraced warmly by fans. He attributes this success to the band’s renewed energy and the natural fit of their current lineup.
Portnoy’s return also influenced the band’s live performances, particularly in selecting setlists. LaBrie revealed that Portnoy was encouraged to explore songs from the era he wasn’t part of, leading to the inclusion of tracks from the Mangini era in their shows. LaBrie commended Portnoy’s ability to do these songs justice, reflecting the band’s collaborative spirit and respect for their musical evolution.
Reflecting on their journey, LaBrie identified the album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory as a particularly rewarding project. He acknowledged the challenges of creating a conceptual album early in their career, noting that it set a blueprint for others and marked a significant point in their artistic development.
Dream Theater’s commitment to innovation, genuine passion for music, and ability to adapt and grow have been pivotal in their enduring success over the past four decades.
