Neal Morse Band and Mike Portnoy to Play IIT Mood Indigo 2013

(from left) Randy George, Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy

If there were any concerns that IIT Bombay’s annual cultural fest Mood Indigo was losing its bite considering pop punk band Simple Plan headlined the fest last year, understandably letting down prog rock fans and festival regulars, all doubts can be laid to rest. The festival will be back in form this year with a stellar lineup that includes progressive rock artist Neal Morse [formerly of Spock’s Beard] taking stage with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy.

Keyboardist and vocalist Morse, who is also part of prog rock supergroups such as Flying Colors and Transatlantic, both of which feature Mike Portnoy on drums, started releasing solo albums in 1999, with Neal Morse. He later turned to Christian progressive rock concept albums like Testimony in 2003 after quitting Transatlantic and Spock’s Beard. While Transatlantic regrouped in 2009, Morse has been since concentrating on his solo work and Flying Colors, the latter of which includes Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse.

Neal Morse’s band also includes sessions musicians such as bassist Randy George, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer on synth and vocals. Ticket details and entry for the gig will be announced soon.

The Neal Morse Band featuring Mike Portnoy will perform at IIT Bombay on December 20th, the first day of the four-day cultural festival Mood Indigo. Ticket and entry TBA.