Tag Archives: mike portnoy

Dream Theater: Live Photos @ Mid-Hudson Civic Center (8/21/2005)

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“Gigantour” was coming at you live from the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and PiercingMetal.com was on point as early as possible to catch all of the bands. That show was documented and discussed in full on THIS LINK; Now please enjoy the photos taken during Dream Theater’s set.

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Dream Theater by Ken Pierce (2005)

dream theater, dream theater concert photos, gigantour
Dream Theater by Ken Pierce (2005)

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Megadeth & Dream Theater: “Gigantour” @ Mid-Hudson Civic Center (8/21/2005)

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Artist: Megadeth & Dream Theater – “Gigantour”
Venue: The Mid-Hudson Civic Center (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Opener: Symphony X, Nevermore, Fear Factory, Life Of Agony, Dillinger Escape Plan, Dry Kill Logic
Label: Capitol Records
Date: 8/21/2005

When I was offered the opportunity to cover the “Gigantour” it was a goal of mine to try and do this in a venue that I had never been to previously. Of course The Jones Beach Amphitheatre or the PNC Arts Center would have been an easier commute and travel but this is Metal and raising the bar a notch is what I am all about. I opted for the performance that would be held at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie NY. As many Metal heads know by now the “Gigantour” is the brainchild of Megadeth’s mastermind Dave Mustaine. The show is colossal and features a number of varied and very interesting Metal acts. The roster for the show I would attend would be as follows: Bobaflex, Drykill Logic, Symphony X, Nevermore, Life Of Agony, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Fear Factory, Dream Theater and of course Megadeth. Not as numerous in line-ups as the Ozzfest, but in all honesty I prefer a festival to not be overblown either. It loses some of its appeal if there is too much going on and makes it very difficult to report on.
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“One Night In New York City” by Yellow Matter Custard

Artist: Yellow Matter Custard
Title: “One Night In New York City”
Label: Radiant Records
Release Date:
Genre: Rock & Roll
Rating: 8/10

There is no question about the impact of The Beatles on modern music and the effect is so profound that you can listen to songs recorded over thirty years ago and still find the material fresher than most of today’s newest “stars” and producer “concoctions”. This impact also holds a historical side as most records that have been set by The Beatles have yet to be matched. The fact that Yellow Matter Custard came to be is a statement to this history as it takes the combined forces of Neil Morse, Mike Portnoy, Matt Bissonette, and Paul Gilbert (all amazing talents) and puts them in a situation where they are playing some of their favorite Beatles tunes. Fans of Progressive music would enjoy this as both Portnoy and Morse are leaders in that genre. Morse for his work with Spock’s Beard and Portnoy of course in Dream Theater. Matt Bissonette (bassist) has played with David Lee Roth and Paul Gilbert was the guitar wizard behind Racer X and Mr. Big. Each of them sing while Neal Morse pretty much holds the main vocal duties. You might ask yourself if the vocals come off as good as the Beatles might in a live setting. The answer is a resounding yes and the players execute it very well. This 2CD set is your chance to own the official “bootleg” of the performance. Radiant Records has released this piece which was recorded live at B.B. King Blues Club on May 18th 2003. The Portnoy and Morse produced recording takes the entire concert and brings it to your living room. It is truly difficult to gauge how good or bad this is when you take into consideration the fact that this was primarily done for the fun of it. Is it good, well yes it is and there are moments of brilliance especially on their renditions of “A Day In The Life” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
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Dream Theater @ The Theater at Madison Square Garden (4/3/2004)

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Artist: Dream Theater
Venue: The Theatre at Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
Opener: n/a
Date: 4/3/2004
Label: Atlantic Records

Given that I first heard of this band when they were a new signing on Mechanix Records back in 1989 I essentially consider myself among their earliest supporters. Though I have enjoyed their music for so long they were one of those bands that I just never got to see. Tonight, at “The Theatre” (which is beneath Madison Square Garden, and is the former Felt Forum) I had the chance to rectify this issue. This is the perfect setting for this band as not only is the room acoustically sound – but you can see the performers very easily from almost any vantage point. However for this particular show there was not a lot of sitting going on for many fans decided to stand for the entire show. As a result the tall folks in immediate front of me prevented me from actually seeing a lot of the show. Without being disparaging I must declare that there are not a lot of antics onstage that merit your consistent attention at a Dream Theatre performance. You are there to absorb and enjoy their skilled musicianship and standing thru the entire set is only bound to annoy someone behind you.
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