Lasers Set To Stun: 40th Anniversary of Dream Theater At Orpheum
A most highly anticipated show, when hearing that Dream Theater would be bringing their 40th Anniversary Tour to Minneapolis, knew I needed to see this stunning show that has taken decades to craft. Built in 1921 and recently restored, The Orpheum was a beautiful venue choice. The acoustics being equally as stunning as the historical significance and sumptuous design made it a perfect marriage for a magical night of metal.
The weather was perfect, mid 70s and a light breeze. Found a meter spot a mere block from the venue, one of my favorite ways to start. Garages were not too spendy around the area due to there not being a Lynx game or other big event nearby. Saw $25 and $30 for inside parking but did see a few more blocks away (closer to Target Field) that were only $15. Tending to prefer street over meter, I was quite tempted. Being able to escape when I was, not do the ring-around-the-concrete-pole if having to go to a top level. Anyone else a street/meter person exclusively, we are finicky but strong brethren. Salute to ya.
Having a little time to spend before doors, picked a new to me bar since my typical breweries were about a fifteen minute walk and didn’t wanna hike over there since procuring a hot spot. Mackenzie Pub was right next door to the Orpheum so hopped in there for a pint. Don’t know what was going on with their taps, but it wasn’t good. Got my Fashion Mullet with about 3 inches of head on it. The bartended saw my judging eyes immediately, and goes “Oh, it will go down.” Seeing it was a busy hornet nest inside, took my crappy pour with a nod. Kicking myself for not whining a bit, which I never do but if any instance was ripe for it, this was. After about a minute of it “settling”, had 2/3s of a 9 dollar beer to start enjoying. Snapped a pic just because it was so comically bad. Looking at other beers being poured my sad suds were not an isolated crime. Almost every pint was like mine. Rough. Tis a cute old bar, but for the price and the apathy, will pass on it next time.
As hearing in the lobby of the historic Orpheum Theater by an excited attendee, “Dream Theater is the kind of band that has your favorite guitarist’s favorite guitarist.” Very accurate way of putting it. Made it even more of a spot on observation when guitarist Jason Richardson (who has played in some great groups including Born Of Osiris, Chelsea Grin, and most recently All That Remains) was seen hanging out with the rest of the audience before the first act started. A little bummed about my medicore brew from next door, spied a tallboy of Furious available at concessions. $14 including tax and gratuity (there was also an option to tip extra, so just beware to not automatically click through) which isn’t bad for such a stunner of a venue. Worse prices at a lot smaller spots with less. And it was almost too cold. De-lish.
A few minutes after doors, strolled the halls a bit before finding out where my seat would be post-photoggin’. Lots of old Dream Theater tour shirts sprinkled the concert goers, new merch was reasonably priced. Ranged from $45 to $60 depending on short vs long sleeved and designs. They are known for having phenomenal visuals in their act and continue their signature aesthetic throughout their purchasable items. Love when you can recognize a band shirt from a room away, lets ya know when a new friend is to be made. Chatted with some of the staff who got to see the sound check and a bit of the show before finding my spot to shoot from. Nothing but glowing reviews and excitement. Seems Dream Theater makes new fans anywhere they go.
The lights flickered above our heads, signaling the show was about to start. The stage was decorated tastefully but also left room for intrigue. A brass bed was the main centerpiece. A white comforter on top abandoned in disarray as if it’s occupant had leapt from a stirring nightmare. The familiar and satisfying Dream Theater tone filled the Orpheum, pillars of fog began to expell it’s contents in front of the members. Catching the light, in particular guitarist John Petrucci looked epic. Knowing exactly where to stand so his body was engulfed by thick smoke. Laser beams spearing through the plumes of opaque, glimpses of his guitar as he shredded away. There is no detail ignored by this band. Probably my favorite visual aid on stage was Canadian singer Kevin James LaBrie. Giving energy, audience engagement, space for his fellow music titans to show their talents alongside his. Also…the sick mic which had a multi-faced emotive (and scary AF) sculpture adorning its stand. Another awesome aspect was the kickass keyboard composer, software developer, and pianist Jordan Rudess was rocking. It was not only follow along with every key that was struck, similar to the monster screen behind the band, but also could turn and swivel on a dime. Could not stop staring at it, marveling at how interactive the device was. Fitting he has such a cool version of a keyboard.
Now, as I said before, the visuals = fabulous. Only thing that pulled me out? A weird presumably AI image that got in the mix. Around 25 minutes in, lots of cool sepia smoke and haunting visuals as usually. But then, I spied the top of a very recognizable head. Saying to myself in a whisper, “Abraham Lincoln?” It was only for maybe 2 or 3 seconds and with out his face visible, wouldn’t bet money on it in Vegas. But my spidey senses were on high alert for more Abes the rest of the show. None to be seen, and the rest of their displays and video footage was on point, it was a weird and fun little blip.
Intermission was a short sweet 20 minutes. Time to visit the restroom, snag a snack, and what….go.…OUTSIDE?! Almost every venue is a hard NO when it comes to popping outside (for smokers I get it, but also us outdoor cats who like a break from the lights and sounds to hear a touch of mid-evening Minneapolis. Seeing a cracked door past security, inquired “So we are allowed outside?” He responded yes but to make sure you have your ticket for reentry and you walk back through metal detectors. Nice group of folks hanging out, talked about past Dream Theater shows and what they were most enjoying about this one. The overwhelming refrain is that it’s a band for people who truly appreciate musical creativity and give ample space for storytelling.
The second half of the show (including a plump encore) was just as fun as the first. The first act was the entirety of Parasomnia, which was a true delight. When a band has the setlist room to play half an album, let alone an entire brand new one, you leave pleased. Now, Dream Theater goes, enjoyed that? Pretty cool, huh? You’re welcome, here’s 14 more songs. Powerhouse isn’t an apt enough description for these guys. I implore you even if not a particular huge metal fan to go see them live. They are more than a show. More than a concert. Musicians dedicated to excellence and their craft. Never mailing it in, and with enough smoke and lasers to keep the most hyperactive brain busy. Dream Theater was…well…a dream.
