Dream Theater gig review

Dream Theater
Manchester Carling Apollo
January 16th 2004

Dream Theater are not one of the most well-known bands around. Taking up residence at the heavier end of the prog spectrum, they have a reputation for tremendous musicianship, and long (many over 10 minutes) that contain more separate parts than Jeffrey Dahmer's fridge. Many are put off by this, and correspondingly, the band have enjoyed only modest success in the UK.

This, of course, matters not one jot to the 2700 people in the Manchester Apollo to see them. We know what they're like, and we love them for it. Dream Theater have a fanbase that many other bands would kill for in terms of their unceasing devotion to the band.

It's an all-seated gig tonight, which is probably for the best. It's not the sort of concert that you'd headbang or pit to, it's the sort where you watch and appreciate. The Apollo is a fine venue, with a floor area with removable seating, and also a 1300 capacity balcony. I was up there, and it gives a good view of proceedings. The acoustics were never less than perfect, and if every venue was like this, the world would be a much better place.

House light down, and we're ready to rumble. The big screen shows a series of highlights from the band's career, starting with the beginnings as Majesty in 1985, through to the present day. And then we launch into opener 'As I Am'.

The first thing that strikes you about the concert is the production quality. The sound is spot on, and the mix is perfect. Often at concerts, the vocals are too low to begin with, and take a few songs to get sorted. Not here.

Also noticeable is vocalist James LaBrie's attitude. I'm loathe to say he 'knows his place', but it is certainly worth pointing out that when there's an extended solo or section of the song with no vocals, he leaves the stage to allow the other four members to get all the attention. Quite a refresing change from some bands and their affliction known as 'Lead Singer Disease'.

As the band proceed through latest album 'Train of Thought', which is played in its entirety, it becomes obvious that they're tighter than a 12 year old's....actually, it's best not to use that analogy. Let's just say that they are VERY tight. It's almost telepathic the way they all know exactly what each other are playing and when.

And so after 70 minutes, the band leave the stage, and the houselights go up. At most concerts and with most bands, this is a case of 'thanks for coming, safe home now'. Nut not tonight, and not this band. it's only the intermission, and there's more to come.

After the band returns, they start on their older material, and John Myung breaks out the 12-string. At this point it should be noted that John Myung is the bassist, and yes, he's playing a 12 string bass. Flawlessly. The bass itself looks like a large sword, the sort you'd expect the hero to wield in a Final Fantasy game.

Of the other band members instruments, Jordan Rudess' keyboard has a touch screen control panel of such a size that I remain convinced that every time he changed a setting, the Starship Enterprise veered sharply off course, and Mike Portnoy's drumkit was the largest I've ever seen, with three bass drums. John Petrucci had an array of guitars, including a 12 string of his own (twin neck, natch).

Also, a comment on James LaBrie's voice. It's not often I can say this, but he was giving an absolutely flawless performance, and with god as my witness I mean FLAWLESS. Perfect reproductions of every note from the albums, as indeed we got from every member.

The setlist for the second set was not exactly what I expected, but not any the worse for it. Another thing that sets this band apart from others is that they keep a note of the setlist from the last time they played each town, and make sure you get different songs. Just a little touch, but one that makes for a better experience overall. there were some songs missed out that I'd have liked to have heard, but if they'd played everything I'd wanted to hear, we'd probably still be there.

Almost without realising the time, the band are playing 'Learning to Live', and it's the end of the concert. They've been onstage for just short of 3 hours, and everyone's going home happy.

Setlist:
As I Am
This Dying Soul
Endless Sacrifice
Honor Thy Father
Vacant
Stream of Consciousness
In The Name of God

-- BREAK --

New Millenium
Under A Glass Moon
Through My Words
Fatal Tragedy
The Mirror
Hollow Years
War Inside My Head
The Test That Stumped Them All
Goodnight Kiss
Solitary Shell
Pull Me Under

-------------

Learning To Live

The bottom line:
This show was everything that I hoped it would be, and more. While the music may not be to everyone's taste, those who do like it can rest assured that attending a Dream Theater concert will give you total satisfaction, and astounding value for money. Highest possible recommendation.