Mike Portnoy recently clarified Dream Theater’s reasoning behind their European tour decisions. Speaking to BluntMag, he addressed misconceptions surrounding the band’s previously discussed plans.
When asked about the cancellation of next year’s proposed European tour and their intentions for 2026, Portnoy stressed that it was a shift in plans rather than the cancellation of an actual tour. “You used the right phrase. We canceled our plans,” Portnoy said. “A lot of people misinterpreted that as cancelling a tour, but that tour never existed. It was a hypothetical plan that we had and we ended up just changing our plans.”
He went on to explain that the band had already enjoyed major success on their previous European runs, expanding on why they chose to alter their schedule.
“Sometimes plans change. So we decided not to go back to Europe for a third time and instead used that time that we had allotted for some other plans that will be announced soon. We had already been to Europe twice on this tour and both tours there were the biggest and best most successful tours that we’ve ever had in Europe,” Portnoy continued.
Instead of returning to Europe, Dream Theater has arranged a large-scale tour across Asia and Australia. Their upcoming itinerary includes performances in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, and Indonesia, along with Australian dates running from January through March 2026. Portnoy hinted that more tour announcements will be revealed soon.
“The plan all along was to be on the road through next spring,” he added. “We started this tour a year ago, October of 2024, and now here we are a year later. When all said and done, the entire tour cycle will be about a year and a half, wrapping up by next spring.”
This shift marks a pivotal moment for the renowned progressive metal group, who are launching an expansive international campaign to honor their legacy and reconnect with fans in new regions.
According to The Rock Pit, Dream Theater’s 40th Anniversary Tour will take place in 2026. The classic lineup—James LaBrie (vocals), John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), and Mike Portnoy (drums)—will reunite for this milestone run. It will be their first Australian tour together in more than fifteen years, making the 2026 shows especially meaningful for fans.
As confirmed by Destroy All Lines, the Australian leg begins in February 2026, with scheduled stops in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The band expressed its excitement, stating: “The excitement we have felt from the fans since the first leg of this tour was announced has been overwhelming! Now we get to bring the show to our fans all across the world, and play a bunch of cities that we haven’t been together in for more than a decade. We can’t wait to continue this historic celebration of 40 years together with everyone in Asia and Australia next year.”
Wall of Sound AU reported that the Asia and Australia dates extend the ongoing touring cycle that began in October 2024. Fans can expect a setlist filled with classics and fan favorites spanning Dream Theater’s four-decade career. Select shows will offer VIP packages that include early entry, exclusive merchandise, and limited edition souvenirs for an enhanced concert experience.
Dream Theater is preparing for a wide-reaching commemoration of their 40-year legacy. With the tour running from January to March 2026 across Asia and Australia—followed by additional dates yet to be announced—the band’s choice to focus on these regions rather than return to Europe for a third time underscores their dedication to reaching audiences they haven’t visited together in many years. This approach ensures that fans worldwide can take part in this landmark anniversary celebration.
