John Petrucci at The Danforth Music Hall – A Night of Pure Magic

Concert Review: John Petrucci’s Terminal Velocity Tour with Meanstreak

Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022
Venue: The Danforth Music Hall

It was a night of guitar virtuosity and metal nostalgia as John Petrucci, joined by Mike Portnoy and Dave Larue, took the stage at The Danforth Music Hall for the final show of his Terminal Velocity tour. What made this tour truly special was the reunion of the all-female thrash metal band, Meanstreak, after a hiatus of three decades. The band, founded by Marlene Apuzzo and Rena Sands, added a unique flavor to the evening, and their connection to Dream Theater members brought an intriguing twist to the night’s festivities.

The Danforth Music Hall, a smaller, more intimate venue, proved to be the perfect setting for this epic musical journey. The place was absolutely buzzing, with fans pouring in from every corner of the globe! As the lights dimmed and the crowd cheered, the stage came alive, with two legendary acts coming together once more.

Meanstreak, one of the earliest all-female thrash metal bands, set the stage on fire with their aggressive and powerful performance. Their setlist, featuring tracks like “Giant Speaks” and “The Dark Gift,” showcased their undeniable talent and passion for the genre. It was an incredible moment for fans of both Meanstreak and Dream Theater, as the band members’ connections to the latter added an extra layer of intrigue to the evening.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for, as John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, and Dave Larue took the stage. This tour marked the first time Petrucci and Portnoy had shared a stage since the latter’s departure from Dream Theater in 2010. The chemistry between these two was nothing short of spellbinding, leaving the audience absolutely enchanted by the music they created.

Petrucci’s guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing. His intricate and lightning-fast fretwork left the audience in awe. It wasn’t just the speed of his playing but also the clarity of every note and the way they seamlessly intertwined to create a sonic masterpiece. The crowd was spellbound by Petrucci’s performance, and it was evident that his passion for the guitar had only grown stronger over the years.

The setlist featured tracks from Petrucci’s solo albums, Terminal Velocity and Suspended Animation. The band’s performance was flawless, with Dave Larue’s exceptional bass work and Mike Portnoy’s powerful drumming providing a solid foundation for Petrucci’s guitar wizardry.

As the evening drew to a close, the crowd was treated to an encore that included the iconic “Glasgow Kiss.” The sheer talent made this a concert a show that will be remembered for years to come. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many in the audience, and the overwhelming response from fans in various cities across the tour was a testament to the impact of this musical journey.

In the end, John Petrucci’s Terminal Velocity Tour, featuring the reunion of Meanstreak, was a night of musical magic. It brought together fans of progressive metal and thrash alike, creating an unforgettable experience that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of attending. Here’s hoping we see more collaborations and tours like this in the future.

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.