It's a sad day for Dream Theater. Former vocalist Charlie Dominici, who sang on the the prog-metal band's 1989 debut album, has died at age 72.
The singer's passing was revealed in a memorial post by his former bandmates, who revealed they were "devastated" by the "unexpected" news, and warmly toasted Dominici's contributions to the Dream Theater legacy.
"We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of former Dream Theater singer, Charlie Dominici," the band wrote on Instagram.
"Charlie was the voice of DT on our debut album, When Dream And Day Unite, recorded back in 1988. Beyond being a great singer, he was an incredibly talented songwriter, a well-rounded musician on both guitar and keyboards, and a long-time friend even after his departure from the band.
"Charlie's unexpected passing is a tremendous loss to everyone in the Dream Theater family, and we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Dominici family during this immensely difficult time."
Drummer Mike Portnoy, who just reunited with Dream Theater after a 13-year split from the band, also shared his own heartfelt tribute to his old bandmate.
"While we parted ways with him in late 1989," Portnoy wrote, "he always remained a friend. Fronting the band that played at mine and [my wife] Marlene's wedding in 1994, reuniting with Dream Theater for When Dream and Day Unite's 15th anniversary show in 2004, opening for Dream Theater in Europe with his solo band in 2007 and coming to see myself and John Petrucci on our tour together in 2022.
"I was texting with him as recently as a few weeks ago when he texted me to congratulate me on my return to Dream Theater on the day of the announcement. He was so happy and excited for us all."
See Portnoy and Dream Theater's full posts below.
Dominici was Dream Theater's second singer, joining in 1987 in place of original vocalist Chris Collins. The same year 1989's When Dream and Day Unite was released, Dominici departed the band and was soon replaced by current vocalist James LaBrie.
In the 2000s, he released three albums with his own band Dominici. May he rest in peace.
