Prog-rock fans are in for a treat on next February’s Cruise To The Edge music vacation: iconic drummer and former member of Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy will for the first time ever perform the band’s “12 Step Suite” in its entirety on the cruise. The music documents the musician’s battle with alcoholism, and is an ensemble of five songs recorded by the band from 2002 to 2009, with titles that reflect his struggles: “The Glass Prison”, “This Dying Soul”, “The Root Of All Evil”, “Repentance” and “The Shattered Fortress”.
Portnoy, who is also celebrating his 50th birthday on Cruise To The Edge with an all-star career retrospective concert, says: “When I came up with the idea of writing a multi-part suite that spanned five Dream Theater albums, (which ended up taking eight years to complete), it was always part of my master plan to perform it in its entirety, live on stage. Unfortunately, after completing the final piece of my conceptual puzzle, I was never able to perform this creation with Dream Theater. Now I’ve decided that I owe it to the fans to finally bring my ’12 Step Suite’ to life on stage as I always had dreamed. Cruise To The Edge passengers will be the first to ever see this performed live! Joining me for this very special performance will be some great friends and amazing musicians (yes, it’s a surprise) that I know will kick ass in helping me with my unfinished business of bringing this piece of music to life on stage!”
Sailing out of Tampa, Florida on February 7, 2017, Cruise To The Edge hits Cozumel, Mexico with a who’s-who of prog-rock prodigies. Headliners Yes, Kansas, Steve Hackett and John Wetton join Portnoy on the deluxe music vacation package. Over a dozen other bands are slated to perform. Other esteemed performers confirmed include: Patrick Moraz, Bad Dreams, Neal Morse Band, IO Earth, Spock’s Beard, Alex Machacek, Änglagrd, Stick Men, Haken, Pain Of Salvation, Curved Air, Electric Asturlas, District 97, Scott Henderson and Focus, with more bands to be announced. In addition, famous Yes album design artist Roger Dean will be aboard to talk about the back story of his unique designs and the cruise will be hosted by U.K. journalist and preeminent Yes expert Jon Kirkman.
Beyond the once-in-a-lifetime intimate music experiences with iconic artists, the guests will get to partake in a wide array of activities. In addition to fun and exquisite dining, there will be artist/cruiser photo experience, Q&A sessions, late-night surprise performances and more. This year will also feature the unprecedented CTTE Late Night Live, where fans can sign up to showcase their own musical talents in four different performance scenarios: late night live pro jam, where you could be invited to play with a with a headline act; artist’s choice, featuring fans and prog legends performing together; the main event, where it’s your choice to shine with fellow late night live musicians and overtime jam, where a song of your choosing could be featured in a late-night jam.
Cabins are still available aboard the full-charter cruise (double occupancy). Children 11 and under at the time of sailing are free when sharing a cabin with two full-fare-paying adults. Government fees, taxes, and gratuities are mandatory for all passengers regardless of age.
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