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Making the Grade with Iron Maiden Tour and MSG Stop A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch The progressive metal aficionados Dream Theater were scheduled to have a little break after traversing the world on the strength of their 2009 chart topping Black Clouds and Silver Linings release. But when the call came from Iron Maiden to join them on their "The Final Frontier" tour they jumped at the chance. That's where we found them on July 11, 2010, at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey when thousands of DT and Maiden fans converged on the venue's lawn and lots prior to the show.
 James LaBrie prowls the stage at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. "Be prepared to have your minds blown," was the declaration of funny man Jim Florentine who, along with his pal Eddie Trunk from That Metal Show, had the privilege of introducing the band before they took the stage. The packed amphitheater, filled with many fans clad in black and sporting the scary IM mascot Eddie, let out a roar and the show was underway. Dream Theater (James LaBrie-vocals, John Myung-bass, John Petrucci-guitar, Mike Portnoy-drums & Jordan Rudess-keys) are well versed in metal and progressive rock. Formed in 1985, Dream Theater emerged from high school friendships and associations at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Together, they have forged a curriculum that incorporates those and other influences. The band learned well from the likes of Iron Maiden and when the opening spot on the 2010 North American leg of Iron Maiden's tour was offered Dream Theater accepted the honor.
 John Petrucci is an inspiration to many aspiring guitar players. The local legends hailing mainly from Long Island and Rockland County came out on the attack with "As I Am". The piece was propelled by Portnoy's powerful pace and Petrucci's sinister shredding. LaBrie was swinging the mic stand around and stalking the stage as Myung blazed on bass while Rudess added aggressive accents to the mix. At their headlining shows Dream Theater usually mixes up their sets as standard practice. For this run with Maiden - setlist decider Mike Portnoy determined they would play similar songs each night to include Dream Theater's "shorter and heavier" tracks in order to best appeal to the Iron Maiden contingency. They also packed lighter using less visual effects with just the cloud backdrop behind the stage the lone holdover from the last tour. However, there was still plenty of equipment present including Mike's monstrous kit complete with three bass drums.
 Mike Portnoy put on a drum clinic before and during the show. "A Rite of Passage" and "Home" both had shades of middle eastern tones yet were well grounded in metal with raucous rhythms and forceful fret work as keys contributed daring elements to the dense music. "Constant Motion" was a lesson in fast and furious showmanship. In between beats, Mike was twirling and pointing his sticks at the audience. John's sizzling solos were countered by an equally frenetic response from Jordan. "Panic Attack" was ballistic with bold vocals, racing rhythms and roaring riffs with Rudess stepping out from behind the keys to jam out on his Zen Riffer. Dream Theater closed with the potent "Pull Me Under" which was a hit for the band back in 1992. Mike encouraged the crowd to clap along and John sizzled on his guitar solo. Dream Theater's six song set was a good tutorial of the band's work and should have generated interest among the Iron Maiden camp.
 Jordan Rudess in action in New Jersey. If Dream Theater were still in school they could all probably write a memorable version of "What I did on my summer vacation" by the time this tour is over. What Dream Theater did do on their month-long North American trek with Iron Maiden was play before 80,000 metal fans in Quebec. On July 12, 2010 - the night of John Petrucci's 43rd birthday - the band performed at Madison Square Garden in NYC - marking the first time in their lengthy and respected career that they graced the stage of the world's most famous arena.
 Fluid Dynamics 101: The solid Johnny Myung was a professor of the bottom end. Just as Maiden influenced Dream Theater - the majestic metalers are also having a profound impact on a whole new generation of musicians. "He' my favorite drummer in the world," said an ecstatic fan in the front row who had just caught a stick tossed to him by Mike Portnoy as he pounded his kit at the PNC. We recognized the kid as one of the performers from the School of Rock in Hackensack from the recent Joe Lynn Turner tribute concert for Ronnie James Dio that took place in South Hackensack last month. Then, when we saw another one of the young singers from the organization, it was obvious there was a class trip underway to help further educate these aspiring young musicians with rock and roll at the highest possible level.
 Petrucci and Myung put on a master class of stringed instruments. Many great lessons were learned at the Dream Theater and Iron Maiden show. Seeing Dream Theater thrive and reach new heights twenty-five years into their career teaches the value of perseverance. Watching the "School of Rock" kids enthusiastically support the bands on stage reminded us to keep the fire burning and move forward in life with the energy, optimism and expectation of youth. Not a bad result for a heavy metal concert.
DREAM THEATER SETLIST - JULY 11, 2010
 Hands in the air -- Dream Theater were in attendance and so were many metal maniacs! Related Links: For more information on DREAM THEATER and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- DreamTheater.net | ArtsCenter.com | Scool of Rock/JLT Article (Originally Published on July 13, 2010) |
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