dream theater

Dream Theater got their start in 1985, when Berklee School of Music students Mike Portnoy (drums), John Myung (bass) and John Petrucci (guitar) decided to start a band together. They recruited keyboardist Kevin Moore and singer Chris Collins and were originally called Majesty. Collins left and was replaced by Charlie Dominici. There was another band called Majesty, so they changed their name to Dream Theater after a movie theater in Monterey, California. Their debut album When Dream And Day Unite was released in 1989.

Lineup Change:

Charlie Dominici left the band shortly after their debut album was released, and Dream Theater spent a long time auditioning people to be his replacement. In 1991 Winter Rose vocalist James LaBrie was selected to be the band's new singer. They also signed to a new record label, Atco Records, and released their second album Images and Words in 1992. It was very commercially successful.

Success and More Lineup Changes:

During the next several years Dream Theater would become one of the most successful and popular acts in progressive metal. Awake was released in 1994. It also marked the departure of keyboardist Kevin Moore, who was replaced by Derek Sherinian for 1997's Falling Into Infinity, He would be replaced by keyboardist Jordan Rudess for 1999's Scenes From A Memory.

The 21st Century:

Dream Theater continues to be one of the most successful progressive metal bands, selling out concert venues worldwide. They've released a succession of studio and live CDs to generally positive critical response. They have a huge international following with fan clubs around the globe. Their latest effort was 2007's Systematic Chaos.

Current Dream Theater Band Members:

James LaBrie - Vocals (Fates Warning, Winter Rose)
John Petrucci - Guitar
John Myung - Bass
Jordan Rudess - Keyboards (David Bowie, Dixie Dreggs, Jan Hammer, Steve Morse, Vinnie Moore)
Mike Portnoy - Drums

Former Dream Theater Band Members:

Chris Collins - Vocals (1985-1987)
Charlie Dominici - Vocals (1987-1990)
Kevin Moore - Keyboards (1985-1994)
Derek Sherinian - Keyboards (1995-1999)
Dream Theater Discography:

1989 When Dream And Day Unite (Mechanic)
1992 Images And Words (Atlantic)
1993 Live At The Marquee (live) (Atlantic)
1994 Awake (Atlantic)
1995 A Change Of Seasons (Elektra)
1997 Falling Into Infinity (Elektra)
1998 Once In A LiveTime (live) (Elektra)
1999 Scenes From A Memory (Elektra)
2001 Live Scenes From New York (Elektra)
2002 Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (Elektra)
2003 Train Of Thought (Elektra)
2004 Live At Budokan (Elektra)
2005 Octavarium (Atlantic)
2006 Score (live) (Rhino)
2007 Systematic Chaos (Roadrunner)
2009 Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Roadrunner)

Best Dream Theater Albums
The best Dream Theater albums, as selected by About.com Heavy Metal.