I'm salivating at this thread.....and I can't contain myself anymore.....I apologize in advance if this turns into a truly random stream-of-(un)consciousness)...
Acquiring Fates is a major step in itself, and even Glenn has said himself over the years that it was one of the main items on his much depleted wishlist, but nobody was really holding their breath. The guy that brought POS, Evergrey, BG, Gamma Ray, Edguy (etc., etc.) over and exposed these bands to the fact that they have NA fans, the guy that put together a Conception reunion, the guy that has done various special-guest-appearances and all-star hodgepodges (acoustic jams, clinics, main-stage events, whatever) that just RULE!...even he rolled his eyes in disgust anytime someone mentioned Fates or Shadow Gallery.
I can understand that Fates is no longer interested in slugging it out in the NA club circuit. However, it always astounded me that Fates seems content to hit the Euro tour circuit on occasion and play the music-halls, but they wouldn't give a thought to hitting a stage of honor at Center Stage to be worshipped and adored by their NA fanbase. Like I said...acquiring Matheos and the boys and locking that deal down is a big step...
...but...with that booking...you know the gears will start turning...and the faithful will start gossiping...
I have always speculated that...(when and if Glenn ever booked Fates)...he would try to negotiate some extra special set of some kind. Hell, it's worked with POS, WMD, Evergrey, Jorn, etc. Unless it's like totally pulling teeth to deal with the band and/or management, I don't know why they wouldn't go for it... it's only a one-off for a truly dedicated audience. Could it really be asking too much? Maybe...maybe not...
Obviously, a lot of the ex-members have moved on and found other callings, but maybe Joe could shape up his fingers for a song or two, Frank could rehash a few licks, Steve and Mark might be recruited to bang out a number or two. I don't really know how these "special-guest" things work out, but I'm assuming Glenn picks up their travel, food, rooms, etc. while they hang out, drink with the fans, and spend the whole weekend signing autographs, taking pics, and being gushed over. Doesn't sound like a bad gig. Hell, the Mountain King did it, Midnight did it, Timo did it, along with a few others. Was the cost worth the payoff?
Additionally, I've always wondered about John Arch. I know he has a family, a job, a life... But he did resurface to do that very original EP a few years back that left the fans wanting more. Obviously, the guy still had some chops. I'm sure he practised up some, but I remember reading an interview, and I think, mostly, that voice just comes naturally to him. I don't remember what the incentive was to do it. Was it him?...or Slagel?...or Portnoy?...I don't remember the driving force that brought him briefly back. Evidently, that EP experience was enough for him...cuz he's been out of the scene ever since. (I do hope he managed to make a little $$$ for that EP...dude deserves it). Anyway...I digress...even if no one other band members are pursued, the obvious pick would be for John to make an appearance to belt out a song or two.
Regardless of whether any of this happens, it is universally acknowledged that Fates is basically Ray & Jim now (or maybe just Jim). Hard to accept for the long-time fans, maybe even hard to accept for the band...watching their fanbase dwindle over the years. Kinda like Savatage...at a certain point, the band says, "what's the point?" Nowadays...it's just Fates...what you see is what you get...be happy that we're still around.
That being said, I know we'll see something truly special on stage that night that we would never be able to see otherwise. You can count on that. The extent of it's magnificence...will be up to the eye of the beholder, I imagine.
On a side note, after reading talk about the various members...it reminds me of the day my wife and I had lunch with Damond Jiniya, Joey Vera, and Mark Zonder when we saw the Savatage/Fates tour. Hell, the weirdest thing was that Joey recognized us the minute we walked into the club. We were 200 miles from home and about 8 hours early for the show...and...from that point, we were inner circle...hang out, do lunch, do sound-check, chill out before the show, etc. We'd met Joey a few times over the years, and he (along with all the Armored Saint boys) are the nicest, down-to-earth guys, and very appreciative of their fans. Zonder was a treat to visit with, very pleasant, cordial, and funny, although he seemed totally out-of-place on a rock tour...haha! I have a lot of respect for those guys personally, and professionally as well for their ability to continue to make their living doing what they do...and what they love.
The only one I really haven't had much contact with in Fates is Jim...but he's a quiet mellow guy. Over the years, I've had conversations, sit-downs, and/or beers with Ray, Joe, Frank, and Steve and they were all just happy as hell to get to know their fans.
What's the point to all this diatribe (sheesh...there's a point here?). Well, the point is...knowing these guys (or at least a little about them)...you couldn't ask for a better quality group of people to assemble for a weekend in Atlanta to hang out with the fans and play a set...
But I'll bet Glenn's already thought of that...
Now I've gotta go spin some Fates!
Rock on!