The theater of dreams

Last saturday, Madrid had the honour of featuring the spectacular concert of one of todays best progresive rock bands: Dream Theater.

Although the music style is not a commercial one, a load of people gathered in the Palacio de los deportes, where the seats were all full and the majority of the breathing space of the pit section (where I was you couldn't put your ellbows out withouth pushing someone, let alone swing a cat...).

Sons of varied influences, some of which are bands they have covered, such as Metalica, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Marillion, Yes, Deep purple and a very long etcetera, their virtuous music is characterized by long instrumental sections where each member rises as one of the best with their "weapons". One must, however, note specially on Mike Portnoy's excellent stage skills. As the band's drummer, he has one of the biggest broadest sets I've ever seen which includes a gong (sadly he didn't touch it on the concert) and punching ball - which he, of course, plays in rythm though it makes no sound - and of course, some headslapping for the audience's entertainment (I hope). I wonder how many drumsticks landed on distracted heads...

Despite the sadly inapropriate sound setting on the hall (more than inapropriate depending on where you were standing/sitting....) the concert was spectacular and recommendable to music lovers of all kinds and styles for an appropriate mind opening.

I recomend a visit to their [OFFICIAL WEB SITE]and vewing of the youtube videos they've hanged (on their own page).

Here's a little snippet:

Photo by Ternasco:

Stage 6 videos: