Show Review: John Petrucci shreds the Empire Theater in San Antonio, Texas

Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci wrecked the empire theater in San Antonio, Texas much to the delight of all the guitar pickers and grinners that filled the beautiful empire theater 10/27. Touring in support of his latest solo offering, 2020's "Terminal Velocity" The Dream Theater guitarist has brought along DT founding member and drum monster Mike Portnoy on drums, and bassist extraordinaire Dave LaRue.

Reunited all-female metal act Meanstreak, which features the wives of Petrucci, Portnoy and DT bassist John Myung would open the show with a 45-minute metal-filled set, bringing a sound very reminecent of classic Iron Maiden meets Metallica.

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John Petrucci would hit the stage after a short intermission. Wasting no time the band kicked off with the title track of the album "Terminal Velocity" demonstrating what it truly is to be a guitar virtuoso. I'm sure it wasn't effortless but john sure made it look that way. I must say as fast and shreddy as the guitar playing is, there is an underlying emphasis on the song, not just the soling.

With a good mix of songs from both of his solo efforts "Terminal Velocity" and "Suspended Animation," there was a variety of styles and techniques to marvel at, from jazz to blues it was all on display. "Damage Control" would feature an extended jam with each player taking a turn in the spotlight for a bit of solo action. What a super-talented group of musicians, this stuff is not easy to play and they absolutely nail it.

The night would end with the melodic encore "Glasgow Kiss" ending an epic night of guitar-playing greatness.