For the sixth time, the legendary progressive rock/metal band Dream Theater returned to ‘bombard’ Indonesia with an absolutely maximal performance during their ‘An Evening with Dream Theater, 40th Anniversary Tour’ concert. The highly anticipated event took place at the Beach City International Stadium, Ancol, Jakarta, on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Organized by Rajawali Indonesia, the concert venue had been bustling with thousands of devoted Dream Theater fans since the afternoon. Despite their frequent visits to the archipelago, the band continues to exert a unique and powerful draw for enthusiasts of rock and metal music across the nation.
Precisely at 8 PM, the stirring notes of “Indonesia Raya,” the national anthem, resonated through the stadium, setting the stage for the evening’s grand spectacle. Immediately afterward, the massive screen on stage descended, revealing vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and drummer Mike Portnoy. The quintet wasted no time, launching straight into a powerful rendition of “Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper,” electrifying the already buzzing crowd.
Offering no moment for respite, Dream Theater immediately immersed the screaming audience in a relentless torrent of their complex and dynamic compositions. The initial barrage included “Act I: Scene Two: I. Overture 1928,” “Strange Déjà Vu,” “Through My Words,” and “Fatal Tragedy,” each performed with their signature precision and intensity.
Connecting with the fervent crowd, James LaBrie paused to address them, exclaiming, “Indonesia, we will be together all night, are you with us?” His words further fueled the palpable excitement that filled the Jakarta concert venue.
The highly anticipated return of Mike Portnoy behind his formidable drum kit was undoubtedly a major highlight of the evening.
The band continued to captivate with a powerful sequence of their best tracks, including “The Mirror,” “The Enemy Inside,” “Peruvian Skies,” and “As I Am,” which impressively concluded their first set. A 20-minute intermission followed, leaving many to speculate whether the break was a necessary pause due to the band members’ extensive careers or a meticulously planned component of their performance to maintain optimal energy throughout the extensive live show.
The second set commenced with renewed vigor, featuring an impressive selection of songs such as “In The Arms of Morpheus,” “Night Terror,” “Midnight Messiah,” “Bend The Clock,” “The Shadow Man Incident,” and the epic “Octavarium.” The unforgettable night reached its peak with a powerful two-song encore, delivering heartfelt renditions of “The Spirit Carries On” and the iconic “Pull Me Under.”
Undeniably, the central magnetic force of Dream Theater’s Jakarta concert was the triumphant return of drummer Mike Portnoy. Widely acknowledged as the mastermind behind the band’s massive sound, Portnoy had announced his departure from Dream Theater in 2010, only to make his much-anticipated comeback in October 2023. His presence on stage was not just a reunion but a powerful reaffirmation of the band’s classic lineup.
Mike Portnoy’s performance that night was indeed colossal, commanding a magnificent and expansive drum set. He delivered a show marked by intricate precision, powerful dynamics, and seemingly boundless energy, proving unequivocally that he hadn’t missed a single beat.
The palpable chemistry displayed among all the band members was exceptional, presenting a truly cohesive and formidable unit. The audience was treated to a comprehensive and luxurious display of progressive rock and metal, characterized by musicianship that was unequivocally above average. It was, without a doubt, a perfect and epic comeback for the legendary act.
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Summary
Dream Theater returned to Jakarta for their ‘An Evening with Dream Theater, 40th Anniversary Tour’ on February 7, 2026, delivering a maximal performance during their sixth visit to Indonesia. The highly anticipated concert at Beach City International Stadium featured the triumphant return of legendary drummer Mike Portnoy, whose colossal and precise performance reaffirmed the band’s classic lineup after his 2023 comeback.
Comprising James LaBrie, John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, and Mike Portnoy, the quintet opened with “Metropolis Pt. 1,” following the national anthem, and electrified the crowd with a relentless torrent of complex compositions. Across two sets and an encore, the show displayed exceptional musicianship and palpable chemistry, cementing it as a perfect and epic comeback for the progressive rock/metal legends.