The death of Samantha Leone Cattaneo plunged DREAM THEATER’s drummer, Mike Portnoy, into mourning, as his sister lost her battle with cancer on October 29, 2024. The renowned musician shared his sorrow publicly, stating that the concert in Zagreb was one of the most difficult of his career. With tears in his eyes, he dedicated the song “The Spirit Carries On” to her memory, noting that Samantha is now watching over him from everywhere.

The 57-year-old musician, currently on tour in Europe with DREAM THEATER, shared the news of his sister’s deathin a social media post late on Tuesday night, October 29, 2024.

He wrote a few words about her death as follows:

“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 Leone Cattaneo had just passed away. My sister had been battling cancer all year and the last few days she took a turn for the worse… It’s been a devastating couple of days for me and my family knowing the inevitable was coming…

As hard as it was, tonights show went on and James dedicated “The Spirit Carries On” to her…

Those lights in the air were for Sam… I wept like a baby the entire time. John even came and sat beside me at my kit for the ending solo which meant so much to me…

My sister was always one of DT’s biggest fans & supporters and us reuniting meant sooooooo 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.

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.

I love you Sis”