
From the start, the band envisioned the song as an album opener that, according to Petrucci, would make their fans "feel at home". In composing "On the Backs of Angels", on the advice from one of their fans and co-writers, Dream Theater tried to illustrate their signature sound.


The song was nominated for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards, eventually losing to " White Limo" by Foo Fighters. A music video for the song was released on September 14, 2011. "On the Backs of Angels" was released as A Dramatic Turn of Events' lead single via YouTube on June 29, 2011. The song was written by the band's guitarist and producer John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. " On the Backs of Angels" is a song by American progressive metal/ rock band Dream Theater, featured on their 11th studio album A Dramatic Turn of Events.

2011 single by Dream Theater "On the Backs of Angels"
