Some wonderful comments in this thread. Some perplexing comments in this thread. Some comments come off as totally dickish regardless of intent.
There is no panic button. This is a trend started three years ago and has continued. I just finally admitted that things cannot continue status quo. New fans want the new blood bands. Old fans get pissed at change. It's a struggle to find the right balance. It is a different scene than a decade ago and no amount of promotion will change that.
Glenn (posting under Jen's iPad log-in)
I run the risk of sounding like a trombone blower/sucker, but here goes:
I am a 45 year old professional who had largely given up on live music and such after grunge/kudzu choked the life out of so many bands I enjoyed in the late 80's early 90's. And ticket prices for most shows got stupid insane. I quietly listened to my old Rush, Marillion, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica stuff, and did other things.
Then I randomly heard DragonForce, which led to my discovery of Power and Prog Metal. Holy crap - this is the music that I listened to in the 80's, but somewhat growed up! Then I discovered a festival in my own F'ing backyard, and went.
So far I have had ZERO disappointment with three years of festivals, and it looks like my fourth will be the best yet. Would I personally love to have Orphaned Land, Sabaton, Tyr, Therion, Voyager, Mob Rules, and Blind Guardian on every bill? Sure - but that ain't gonna happen. There have been some bands that didn't do much for me, but that in no way detracted from the festival, it helped me learn better what I like and don't like.
I guess my point is that I don't buy a ticket because of a particular headliner, or if I like all the bands playing on Friday - I buy a ticket because this is OUR Disneyland. This is OUR chance to sit back and let 20+ hours of music wash over us. This is OUR chance to watch professional musicians let their hair down and be fans, too.
I have purchased a ticket by May 1 every year I've attended, and now simply buy it when it becomes available. In addition to the "young" new blood, I have to believe that there are fans of 70-80's hard rock who simply do not know about this festival, and I don't know any way of reaching them other than aggressive word of mouth. While I would gladly pay an extra $50 for my Gold Badge, I think having sellouts by 5/1 every year would mean more... 350 unsold tickets = $40,000+ of unfunded liabilities for the promoter.