The Progressive Nation Tour Returns… On a Boat!

I had a “pinch me” moment last night: along with a few other members of the press and select folks from the bands inner circle, I was invited to attend a private listening party for Dream Theater’s new album at Germano Studios in Manhattan. All five band members were there. I’ve been doing this long enough now that I rarely get star-struck anymore, and I didn’t last night either (the members of DT are just some bros from Long Island and are completely un-intimidating!), but if I ever write a memoir it’ll surely make my list of top five “what the fuck??? how did I get here?” moments. As Twitter user @TheRamblingElf noted, “this is what your years of writing about shitty bands has earned you.” Indeed! As for the new album, one listen is never ample to form an opinion when it comes to Dream Theater, but I am pretty confident in saying it’s probably the band’s best and most creative work since Train of Thought. There aren’t any real curveballs and there are a couple of filler tracks, but at least three tracks are Heavy with a capital “H,” like the latter.

Not present last night: Mike Portnoy. The ex-DT drummer has been keeping plenty busy since he left the band (most recently with his boss power trio Winery Dogs), and his latest venture is a reprise of the Progressive Nation Tour that Dream Theater headlined two years in a row (I guess he owns the rights to the name). This year’s incarnation will be on a boat, as is the trend these days — which could either be a dream come true or your worst nightmare depending on how you look at it — but the lineup is a prog metal fan’s wet dream. Check it:

TRANSATLANTIC
PORTNOY SHEEHAN MACALPINE SHERINIAN
JON ANDERSON
KING’S X
SPOCK’S BEARD
THE FLOWER KINGS
PAIN OF SALVATION
RIVERSIDE
TONY HARNELL & BUMBLEFOOT
BIGELF
BEARDFISH
THE DEAR HUNTER
JOLLY
NEXT TO NONE

Progressive Nation At Sea will hit the ocean from February 18 – 22, 2014 on the Norwegian Pearl, heading from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Freeport, Bahamas, featuring 40 shows on multiple stages, along with activities, Q&A’s, panels and workshops. Oughtta be a hoot. More bands will be announced soon and tickets can be purchased here.