Mike Portnoy Honors Sister Samantha Leone Cattaneo with Emotional Tributes on Dream Theater Tour
Metallica News is deeply saddened to report that Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy‘s sister, Samantha Leone Cattaneo, has passed away after a heart-wrenching battle with cancer.
A Touching ReunionLost
Portnoy revealed in a heartfelt statement that he received the tragic news while in Zagreb, Croatia, just before a performance. The news came as a devastating blow, as his sister had been battling cancer for a significant period.
"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 Cattaneo had just passed away. My sister had been battling cancer all year."
A Heartbreaking Performance
Despite the tragedy, Portnoy decided to go on with the show as planned. His bandmate, James LaBrie, dedicated the song ‘The Spirit Carries On’ to Samantha. During the song, the concert hall was filled with lights in her memory.
The emotional moment was captured during the performance, with Portnoy breaking down while playing.
"Those lights in the air were for Sam…I wept like a baby the entire time."
The Unfinished Journey to London
Samantha was a lifelong Dream Theater fan and supporter. Although she wanted to witness their show in London in person, her health declined rapidly due to her illness. However, she managed to watch some online recordings of the band’s live performances while in the hospital.
A Legacy that Lives On
Portnoy shared, "My sister was always one of DT’s biggest fans & supports, and us reuniting meant soooooo much to her. She wanted so badly to be in London 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." Adding to that, he said,
"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."
A Warm Farewell
In closing his statement, Portnoy expressed his deep love for his sister.
A Musical Love Flowing
The artistic community remembers Samantha Leone Cattaneo with profound respect and empathy. The loss is a testament to the deep bond that Dream Theater and their fans share.
Call to Action
Keep supporting Dream Theater as they continue their tour, remembering that with every note, they celebrate the legacy of Samantha Leone Cattaneo.