Fans With Sympathy, Mike Portnoy Stays On Stage With Dream Theater After News Of His Brother's Death

Mike Portnoy (Instagram @mikeportnoy)

Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy has just had a tough moment. He chose to be professional while still performing after the sad news he heard.

Mike got the news that his sister Samantha died moments before performing in Zagreb, Croatia on October 29.

Fans mourn and sympathize with Samantha's death. They sang emotionally during the song The Spirit Carries On performed on stage.

"This song means a lot to all of us. Before tonight's show, Mike Portnoy's younger sister, a few hours ago, passed away. Samantha," said James LaBrie, Dream Theater vocalist to the audience.

"So we will ask all of you to sing this song from your hearts. We will sing it for Samantha in heaven and for the deceased. This song is for Samantha. Let's do this right," he added.

While Portnoy was seen staring at the sky and praying for his sister. What happened next, the whole stadium presented the song to him and his loved ones who had passed away.

After the concert, Mike Portnoy said that this was one of the toughest shows he had ever performed. He is grateful to have an environment that supports him in difficult times.

"Tonight at Zagreb Croatia was one of the most difficult shows I've ever participated in. About 30 minutes before the show, I received a call from my brother that my beloved sister Samantha Leone Cattaneo has just died," wrote Mike Portnoy in an Instagram post, October 30.

"My sister has been battling cancer all year long and the last few days her condition has deteriorated... these days have been a very tough day for me and my family knowing that the inevitable will happen soon."

He remembers Samantha as a figure who always gave her support. "My sister has always been one of DT's biggest fans & supporters and our reunion means a lot to him," concluded Portnoy.