“I Wept Like a Baby”: Dream Theater Mourns Death of Mike Portnoy’s Sister With Heartbreaking Performance of “The Spirit Carries On”

Considered part of the “big three” in progressive metal, Dream Theater continues to tour the world and release new music. Although releasing their 15th album, A View from the Top of the World, back in 2021, the band prepared for their newest album, Parasomnia, to hit shelves in February 2025. While currently on tour in Europe, drummer Mike Portnoy shared the heartbreaking news that his sister, Samantha Leone Cattaneo, passed away on October 29th. 

While battling cancer for some time, Portnoy explained how heartbreaking it was to learn about his sister’s passing. He wrote on Instagram, “Tonight in Zagreb Croatia was one of the hardest shows I’ve ever had to play. About 30 minutes before showtime, I received a call from my brother that my loving sister Samantha Leone Cattaneo had just passed away. My sister had been battling Cancer all year and the last few days she took a turn for the worse…it’s been a devastating couple of days for me and my family knowing the inevitable was coming…”

Continuing to perform on stage, Dream Theater made sure to honor one of their biggest fans by dedicating “The Spirit Carries On” to her. Portnoy went on to explain how the band’s guitarist John Petrucci sat beside him during the end of the song.

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Dream Theater Honors Mike Portnoy’s Sister

As for Cattaneo and Dream Theater, Portnoy insisted, “My sister was always one of DT’s biggest fans & supporters and us reuniting meant sooooooo much to her. She wanted so badly to be in London [at the opening show of the tour] but her health had declined so quickly that it was impossible for her to travel. But she told me she watched some videos of the show online in the hospital and I know how happy it made her.” 

Although losing her battle with cancer, Portnoy will always carry her with him. “I will be thinking of her each and every night on stage throughout this tour when we play ‘The Spirit Carries On’ knowing that she now gets to watch every show, every night, everywhere. I love you Sis”.

(Photo by Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic)