Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy recently shared his thoughts on the greatest live performance he has ever witnessed. He revealed his choice in an interview with Words & Music.
When asked about the best concert he’s ever attended besides his own performances, Portnoy didn’t hesitate to name his pick.
“I’m gonna have to say hands down Roger Waters doing The Wall shows,” Portnoy said. “‘The Wall’ happens to be one of my favorite albums of all time and one of my favorite films of all time. So it has to be named as the one of favorite concerts of all time, too.”
The drummer elaborated on why this particular show left such a lasting impression on him.
“I didn’t get to see Pink Floyd back in 1980. But I saw Roger Waters put the show on a few years ago,” he continued. “And it was one of the most epic undertaking of a production that I’ve ever experienced. And I don’t think it will ever be beaten in terms of a favorite concert.”
Portnoy’s praise reflects the widespread acclaim that Waters’ ambitious production received from both critics and audiences worldwide.
Wikipedia documented that Waters’ The Wall Live tour from 2010 to 2013 sold over 4.1 million tickets. This ranked it among the most-attended concert tours in history. The massive scale of the production matched its commercial success, featuring elaborate staging that recreated the iconic wall from Pink Floyd’s concept album.
The tour’s financial impact was equally impressive. The Independent reported that the tour grossed nearly $460 million across more than 200 shows worldwide. This commercial achievement earned the production multiple industry awards, including Pollstar’s Major Tour of the Year recognition.
Waters’ production broke attendance records in multiple regions during its global run. Rayo documented how the South American leg alone featured a record-breaking 15 open-air stadium shows in Chile. The tour included nine sold-out performances at Buenos Aires’ River Plate Stadium that exceeded the venue’s previous record of five consecutive sellouts.
The tour’s success demonstrated the enduring appeal of Pink Floyd’s music and Waters’ ability to translate the album’s theatrical concepts into a live spectacle. The production featured a massive wall constructed during the performance, elaborate projections, and theatrical elements that brought the album’s narrative to life on stage.
Portnoy’s endorsement highlights the enduring impact of Roger Waters’ ambitious theatrical production of Pink Floyd’s iconic concept album. It cements its place as one of rock’s most memorable live experiences.
