DREAM THEATER EARN “SPIRIT OF PROG” ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT THE 2009 CLASSIC ROCK AWARDS LAST NIGHT IN LONDON

DREAM THEATER was honored with the "Spirit Of Prog" achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards last night in London (November 2)

The award was presented to DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy by Prog legend Rick Wakeman of Yes who added that he couldn't have been happier for it to go to such a worthy recipient (and joked that he was jealous he wasn't getting it!).

DREAM THEATER–James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar, vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums, percussion, vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards, Continuum–also was nominated in the "Album Of The Year" category for their latest album BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS.
 
Says Portnoy: “Apparently I gave a great acceptance speech, although I was so stunned I have no recollection of what I said as I was unprepared and was basically improvising. Afterwards, Jimmy Page even told me he loved my speech!! (uh, wow…).”

The star-studded event was attended by such legends as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Pete Townshend of The Who, Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones, Brian May of Queen, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Iggy Pop, Slash, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Ginger Baker of Cream, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and Carl Palmer of ELP, plus members of Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Anvil, Marillion, ZZ Top, Uriah Heep and Mott The Hoople.  
 
Here's an initial report of the winners:
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/iggy-pop-awarded-living-legend-at-classic-rock-roll-of-honour-2009/

2009 continues to be a watermark year for DREAM THEATER as a recording act and touring powerhouse. Having achieved a #1 debut on the Billboard European chart and 12 Top Ten album chart debuts around the world including the U.S. with BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS (Roadrunner)—their 10th studio release and a highlight of their 25-year career—the legendary progressive metal masters just wrapped their second European tour this year.

The band took their “Progressive Nation” tour to 15 countries including the U.K. where they performed in October at London’s Wembley Arena. Next, they launch their Down Under trek December 1. This will encompass seven shows in New Zealand and Australia, wrapping December 12 in Perth.  Special guests Pain of Salvation will join the band on all dates except in New Zealand.   Look for the band to head to South America in the winter-spring, followed by another U.S. leg also in the spring.

To read a story about progressive rock in which Dream Theater figure prominently, go here:

http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/News/Default.aspx?newsID=3593

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DREAM THEATER EARN “SPIRIT OF PROG" ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT THE 2009 CLASSIC ROCK AWARDS LAST NIGHT IN LONDON