One of the biggest bands in progressive metal, Dream Theater, is headed to Malta for a concert unlike anything the island’s ever seen.

The legendary proggers will be swinging by the islands for their Distance Over Time tour, in what will be a celebration of 20 years since the much-loved concept album Scenes From A Memory.

The iconic pioneering band have influenced generations of musicians to pick up an instrument and rock out – as well as learn many an arpeggio – and the awesome team over at Rock’N Malta have confirmed that Dream Theater will be performing live on the 9th July at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

“Rock music has now evolved in vastly different directions,” said Lou Bondi, the Artistic Director of Rock’N Malta. “This year, we at Rock’Malta are very proud to host one of the best bands in the world spearheading the progressive metal path to the future.”

“Dream Theater are meticulous master craftsmen who create a unique, complex yet melodic, hard yet emotional brand of rock.”

“Rallying round the virtuoso guitar playing of John Petrucci, they can be as sweet on the heart as much they can be crushing on the bones,” Bondi continued. “I have no doubt that this gig will be a historic triumph for rock in this country and a milestone for Rock’N Malta. Rock is life.”

“The band have achieved a startlingly sublime synthesis of soaring and unmistakable melodies, progressive instrumentation and aggressive heaviness unrivaled in the hard rock scene. James LaBrie (Vocals), John Petrucci (Guitars), Jordan Rudess (Keyboards), John Myung (Bass), and Mike Mangini (Drums) share a unique bond with one of the most passionate fan bases around the globe as evidenced by their two Grammy Award nominations and 15 million records sold worldwide.”

The concert is assured to be “big, long and diverse as only Dream Theater can make it”

The metal pioneers will also be supported by two local bands.

Rock’N Malta is responsible for bringing over some of the most celebrated foreign artists from various rock genres to the island

As the rock hub of Festivals Malta, it also provides a platform for local talent in the field. Rock’N Malta produces the concerts in partnership with NnG Promotions.

They’ve brought over some of the biggest names to hit Malta in the last few years, including Kaiser Chiefs, The Hives, The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldof, The Wailers, Gogol Bordello, Julian Marley, Procol Harum, Lacuna Coil and more.

And it’s not just Dream Theater that will be coming to Malta

Expect performances from former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, legendary heavy metal vocalist and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, and reggae ambassadors Third World and Inner Circle – all supported by local Maltese bands.

Tickets are limited, and will be available as of Monday 15th April, so make sure you beat the rush and plan to book yours at www.kultura.mt

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]