Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy shared an emotional message after the band’s show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He revealed that their last performance there was one of the worst days of his life due to the loss of their family dog, Mickey Portnoy. The heartfelt statement was posted on Instagram.
Portnoy reflected on the stark contrast between their previous show and their recent performance in Brazil. He expressed gratitude for the positive experience.
“Last time we played here (Dec 13th 2024) honestly was one of the worst days of my life…filled with sadness and so many tears (RIP Mickey Portnoy),” Portnoy said. “Well, Sunday night was a whole different experience for me…filled with so much love and all smiles. Obrigado for making the ‘penultimate’ show of our 2024-2026 World Tour so awesome!”
The drummer also looked ahead to the tour’s final show. He expressed excitement about concluding their extensive world tour.
“TONIGHT in Belo Horizonte, Dream Theater’s 40th Anniversary World Tour, after over a year & a half on the road, finally comes to a close!!” he continued. “Let’s all soak it up, enjoy every moment of it and send us home with a bang!”
The emotional post highlighted both the personal challenges and joyful moments that have marked Dream Theater’s extensive anniversary tour.
This tour holds special significance as it represents Portnoy’s triumphant return to the band after more than a decade away. The Lifestyle of Mike Portnoy reported that Portnoy officially rejoined Dream Theater on October 25, 2023, after a failed prior attempt. This reunion kicked off their 40th anniversary tour from 2024 to 2025.
The tour supported the band’s latest album release, marking another milestone in Portnoy’s return. Wikipedia noted that Parasomnia, Dream Theater’s sixteenth studio album released February 7, 2025, is the first with Portnoy since 2009. It is notably the first without him as co-producer since 1997. This album represents a significant creative reunion for the classic lineup.
The extensive world tour also featured some historic performances for the reunited band. Mike Portnoy Answers Fan Questions revealed that the tour featured Dream Theater’s first Australian shows since Portnoy’s return. It reunited the classic lineup of James LaBrie, John Petrucci, John Myung, and Portnoy for international audiences who had waited years to see this configuration perform together again.
Portnoy’s departure from Dream Theater in 2010 had left a significant void in the progressive metal community. This made his return and this anniversary tour particularly meaningful for longtime fans. The emotional weight of concluding such a significant chapter in the band’s history, combined with personal loss, created the poignant moment Portnoy shared with his followers as the tour reached its final shows in Brazil.
