Dream Theater is one of the most prominent progressive metal groups in the world today. First established in 1985 under the name Majesty. Founded by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy, as they studied at "Berklee College of Music" in Boston, Massachusetts. They then quit their lecture to concentrate more on the band that will eventually become Dream Theater. Despite several lineup changes, the original three members remained together with James LaBrie and Jordan Rudess until September 8, 2010, when Mike Portnoy left the band. In October 2010, the band held a drummer audition to replace Portnoy. Mike Mangini was announced as the new drummer on April 29, 2011, after setting aside 6 world-class drummers.

The band is renowned for its instrumentalist technical abilities, which has won many awards from music magazines. Guitarist John Petrucci was crowned as the third player of the G3 tour six times, more than any other player invited. In 2009 he was named the No. 2 best metal guitarist by Joel McIver in his book "Greatest Metal Guitarists". He was also voted one of the "Top 10 Fastest Shredders of All Time" by GuitarOne magazine. Jordan Rudess is considered one of the greatest keyboard players of all time by many such as MusicRadar. Former drummer Mike Portnoy has won 26 awards from the magazine "Modern Drummer" and also the second youngest person (at the age of 37) who was inducted into the Rock Drummer Hall of Fame. His replacement, Mike Mangini previously also set a record 5 WFD (World's Fastest Drummer). John Myung was voted the greatest bassist of all time in a poll conducted by MusicRadar in August to September 2010.