Mike Portnoy Expands Progressive Nation Lineup ::Mike Portnoy News ::antiMusic.com

Mike Portnoy Expands Progressive Nation Lineup

08/13/2013
. As previously reported, Mike Portnoy has resurrected his former Progressive Nation tour, but with a twist. Progressive Nation will now be an ocean cruise and the lineup for the inaugural cruise has been expanded.

The cruise will take place aboard the Norwegian Pearl and will be launching from Miami, Fl on February 18th and will cruise to Freeport, Bahamas. The cruise will conclude on February 22nd.

Portnoy had revealed the expanded lineup and also offered some comments about the cruise and why he decided to launch it. Progressive Nation lineup will include Transatlantic, Portnoy Sheehan Macalpine Sherinian, Jon Anderson, Adrian Belew's Power Trio, Devin Townsend, King's X, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings, Pain Of Salvation, Riverside, Animals As Leaders, The Safety Fire, Tony Harnell & Bumblefoot, Bigelf, Beardfish, The Dear Hunter, Haken, Jolly and Next To None.

Here is what Portnoy had to say about the cruise: "In 2008 & 2009, I created a touring package called Progressive Nation and with Dream Theater headlining, we did three full tours (two in North America and one in Europe) that showcased a variety of bands that embraced the spirit and musicality of progressive music.

"Well after a 5 year hiatus, I have decided to resurrect Progressive Nation and this time we are taking it to the seas! But rather than a 4 band bill like previous Progressive Nation tours, we have expanded the bill to OVER A DOZEN of today's greatest progressive bands, musicians and artists! (and there may be one or two more still to be confirmed)

"Myself and my former DT bandmate Derek Sherinian have teamed up with Sixthman (who have done incredibly successful cruises with Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the annual Kiss Cruise to name a few) as well as our friends at InsideOut Music and look forward to a very successful inaugural launch of Progressive Nation At SEA Feb 18th thru 22nd 2014

"We are so excited to take part in this historic maiden voyage and look forward to sharing this one of a kind event with fans from all around the world!" More details here.