By Jeff Madore, Rock At Night Orlando
Venue:The Plaza Live Orlando, Florida–February 11, 2018
I’ve been a fan of Mike Portnoy since the Dream Theater Images and Words album. He’s been doing a million projects since he parted with DT and this is now my favorite one!
The show opener was Sifting from California. They are a prog metal band and displayed some amazing guitar work. You could see the joy in their playing and it was contagious. The four members can all play with the best of them and I’m interested to listen to their albums after seeing them perform. Was my first time seeing or hearing them.
Sons of Apollo hit the stage with their 11 minute epic “God of the Sun”. This was their first full show of the tour and as a band. I thought there might be some glitches to work out but they were flawless. Besides the drum god Mike Portnoy, they have his former Dream Theater bandmate Derek Sherinian on keyboards. I’ve always been a fan of his work and he brings that old school 70’s vibe mixed with amazing chops. He had quite a display of keyboards and a vintage organ. He bounced around them with ease. Not much needs to be said about Billy Sheehan on bass. The former Mr.Big and David Lee Roth member showed why he is a legend of music. He’s something special to see live. Ron Bumblefoot Thal and his double neck are mesmerizing to watch.
During his solos I’d forget I was there to take pictures and stop and watch. He’s one of the top players in the world and I can see why Axl picked him for Guns N Roses. He plays things that are hard to even comprehend with ease. To front this band is a tall order and Jeff Scott Soto really shines doing so. He didn’t miss a note and I preferred his renditions of the two Dream Theater classics they played. He’s also very entertaining to watch as he mimics the crazy time signatures and drum accents. He does a great David Lee Roth as well!
If you get a chance to catch them live do so! They are the best of the best and write songs that are both complex and catchy! Here’s the set list from the show!
SET LIST
- God of the Sun
- Signs of the Time
- Figaro’s Whore
- Divine Addiction
- Just Let Me Breathe (Dream Theater cover)
- Labyrinth
- Bass Solo
- Lost in Oblivion
- The Prophets Song/Save Me (Queen Cover)
- Alive
- Pink Panther Theme
- Opus Maximus
- Keyboard Solo
- Lines in the Sand (Dream Theater Cover)
- And the Cradle Will Rock (Van Halen Cover)
- Coming Home
Photo Gallery
Sons of Apollo
Sifting
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Sons of Apollo were a big Bore!
You are a phenomenal photographer. Love the shot of JSS pointing, all very nice.
I was there front row dead nuts center. Truly a great show!
Incredible show! We had the pleasure of being on the rail in the center. What a treat! I hope to hear more from this band!
PS CT people love great Rock@ 😎