The band plans to return to the region on its next tour
Progressive metal titans Dream Theater have scratched plans to tour the UK and Europe in 2026. The band encourages fans to visit the US for the final run of shows that sees the group performing its latest album, Parasomnia, in full.
“We know we promised we’d be back in 2026 with our full Parasomnia show, but sadly sometimes plans change… after much discussion, after 2 European legs on our 40th Anniversary Tour in 2024 and 2025 (as well as EU tours the previous two years in 2022 & 2023 as well), we’ve made the hard decision to skip a return to EU/UK in 2026,” a statement reads.
“We are currently on the final 3 weeks of our US Parasomnia/ACOS Tour, so there’s still time to come on over to the States to catch this show if you are so inclined… it really is an amazing show! And if we can’t bring it over to you, we at least wanted to give the heads up so you’d have the option of coming to us to catch it.
“We look forward to returning to EU/UK when we begin our next tour cycle in either 2027 or 2028!”
Drummer Mike Portnoy clarifies the decision, saying there’s no reason to be concerned about the band’s future.
“There’s absolutely no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Portnoy comments. “Basically, it was a hard decision… but ‘the powers that be’ decided a 3rd run through EU would be overkill after going there 4 years in a row… and we felt it very important to be transparent w the fans that were promised/expecting a return in the spring… All is 100% awesome in the band and camp… nothing to be concerned about… honestly, the past year has been the biggest and best DT tour ever!! We will still do our Asia/Oz tour Jan thru March…and there may still a little something after that as well…”
The tour continues on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s set to wrap on October 25th in Uniondale, New York.
Parasomnia is the title of Dream Theater’s 16th studio album, which was released on February 7th. It marks a significant release for the band as it is the first studio album to feature original drummer Mike Portnoy since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings. The album is a thematic concept album that explores the various unusual and undesirable experiences and behaviors people have in their sleep, also known as disruptive sleep disorders. Several songs on the album directly relate to this theme, including night terrors, sleep disorders and PTSD, violent parasomnia, and others.
This fall, the Grammy-winning group will release Quarantième: Live à Paris, a live album that documents the iconic lineup’s sold-out show from Paris, France, on their 40th Anniversary Tour of Europe. The release contains a setlist that spans the band’s entire career, with classics like “Metropolis Pt. 1,” “Panic Attack,” “Octavarium,” and “Pull Me Under” represented among other fan favorites. The show was recorded in front of a capacity crowd at the Adidas Arena. The album will be available in multiple configurations on November 28th via Inside Out Music/Sony Music.
