Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy played one of the “most difficult shows” of his life on Tuesday (October 29) in Zagreb, Croatia.
Just half an hour before Dream Theater took the stage, Portnoy learned of the death of his sister, Samantha Leone Cattaneo, who passed away earlier that day after a battle with cancer.
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Portnoy soldiered on and still played the concert while in mourning, although it was obviously an intensely emotional set for the drummer. During the encore, frontman James LaBrie addressed the crowd to dedicate the song “Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On” to Samantha, and guitarist John Petrucci sat next to Portnoy during the final solo (see below ).
After the concert, Portnoy shared the following statement about Facebook:
“Tonight in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most difficult shows I have ever had to play in my life. About 30 minutes before the show started, I received a call from my brother informing me that my dear sister Samantha Leone Cattaneo had just passed away. My sister had been fighting cancer all year and in the last few days it got worse…it has been a devastating couple of days for me and my family knowing the inevitable was yet to come…
As difficult as it was, tonight's show went on and James dedicated 'The Spirit Carries On' to him…this photo is from tonight…those lights in the air were for Sam…I cried like a baby all the way time (John even came and sat next to me in my kit for the final solo which meant a lot to me…)
My sister was always one of DT's biggest fans and supporters and getting together meant a lot to her. I wanted to be in London so much. [at the opening show of the tour] but his health had deteriorated so rapidly that it was impossible for him to travel. But she told me she watched some videos of the show online at the hospital and I know how happy it made her.
I will think of her each and every night on stage during this tour when we play 'The Spirit Carries On' knowing that now she will be able to see every show, every night, everywhere.
I love you sister.”
Dream Theater is currently in the midst of the European leg of the 2024 40th anniversary tour dates, the band's first trip with Portnoy behind the kit since rejoining the band. Next year, Dream Theater will embark on the North American leg of the tour (get tickets here).
We send our deepest condolences to Portnoy and his family at this time. Below you can see images of fans of LaBrie dedicating “The Spirit Carries On” to the drummer's sister.
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