With Dream Theater’s landmark 40th Anniversary Tour set to reach Australian shores in February 2026, guitarist John Petrucci spoke with Australian Musician’s Joshua Batten about the excitement surrounding the band’s long-awaited return, their acclaimed new album Parasomnia, and the renewed creative energy following drummer Mike Portnoy’s reunion with the group. All photos by Jason Rosewarne
MORE ABOUT THE TOUR INTERVIEW
The Australian leg, an Evening With Dream Theater, marks the band’s first tour down under since 2017, and the first with the reunited classic lineup of James LaBrie, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy, and Petrucci since 2009. “It’s been a while since we hit the major touring stops along Australia’s coast,” Petrucci said. “This time, we’re doing a proper run, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane. It’s exciting to finally bring this show back in full force.”
Petrucci revealed that the band is still finalising exactly what kind of set fans can expect, suggesting a blend of material from Parasomnia and highlights from the 40th anniversary shows. “Australia hasn’t had the anniversary portion of the tour yet,” he explained. “So it could be some combination of the two. Mike [Portnoy] loves curating the perfect setlist, he’ll definitely lose sleep over that,” he joked.
Reflecting on Parasomnia, Dream Theater’s 16th studio album and the first since Portnoy’s return, Petrucci said the live response has been “fantastic.” The record, released earlier this year through Inside Out Music/Sony, has been central to the band’s 2024-25 touring cycle. “It’s great to finally play it live the way we envisioned,” he said. “Fans have had time to absorb the music, and seeing those songs come to life on stage has been really rewarding.”
From a technical standpoint, Petrucci shared insights into the evolution of his live rig, which now includes a sophisticated mixer and looper setup to preserve the purity of his tone. “I’m still using my signature Mesa JP2C heads and Fractal Axe-Fx, but now the dry amp signal always stays intact,” he explained. “That way, I get the pure guitar to amp sound, and just blend in the effects I want. It’s the best of both worlds.” His touring arsenal includes around 20 of his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty and JP15 guitars in six, seven, and eight string configurations, covering a wide range of tunings.
As for the physical demands of performing Dream Theater’s complex, three-hour shows, Petrucci takes a disciplined approach to fitness and stamina. “I’ve dropped about 25 pounds and focus more on range of motion workouts,” he said. “You learn as you get older that rest is just as important as playing. There’s such a thing as over-practicing-those rest days are crucial.”
Petrucci also discussed the mental preparation that goes into each tour. “When I head into rehearsals, I want to be show-ready on day one,” he said. “Once you’ve played the set long enough that it becomes second nature, that’s when you can really connect with the audience. You stop thinking about what’s next and just live in the moment.”
Looking ahead to Dream Theater’s 2026 Australian tour, Petrucci promises an experience that celebrates both the band’s past and their enduring future. “Forty years together is a big milestone,” he said. “We’re bringing a massive show, and we can’t wait to share it with our Australian fans who’ve stuck with us all these years.”
DREAM THEATER AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
TICKETS VIA DESTROYALLLINES.COM
Tuesday 10 February
Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide
Thursday 12 February
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Saturday 14 February
ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney
Sunday 15 February
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
