Stratovarius actually have some very deep meaning for me in that they were one of the first bands I listened to that got me into the music I love today, along with Lost Horizon. That was in 2003.
Then I found and heard Firewind by fluke in 2004. My boyfriends friend (who lived next door) used to come round and hang out ALL the time and he was always buying random CD's that had cool covers!!! So he'd bought 'Between Heaven & Hell' and hated it! So he gave it to my boyfriend who put it on...he also wasn't keen, but I thought it was beastin'!!! Then I went on a quest to see them live!
I seen them in March 2006 at ProgPowerUK. They were the main factor in my deciding to go to PPUK. Well...them and Freedom Call of course!!!
And I don't think my quest ever stopped...when I found out they were supporting Dragonforce I just had to get to a couple of the gigs...even though Dragonforce were...well...lets just say - not my *favourite* band!!!
Then in April 2007, UK tour (3 dates)! And Bloodstock of course! I also went to Senderos Del Rock in Zaragoza, Spain. This time almost purely for Firewind. Followed by ProgPower Scandinavia the very next weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark.
2008 was kicked off by the show in Thessaloniki in January for the DVD then I went on a crazed trip around Europe and managed to get to 11 of the dates on the 'Rule The World' tour (where I broke my arm in Antwerp, Belgium).
You know...I am still being hounded to this very day to pay my medical bills!!!
I promised to resign myself from touring...obviously I was allowed a festival though...so then there was Graspop!!! But then there was another UK tour...it was fate!!! So I ended up going to 6 of those dates...DOH!
In 2009 Hellfire Festival came!!! Hooray!!! ORANGE!!! What is worse than the truth!? LIES!!!
Anyway here I am again...once more. Another UK tour (damn you!!!) and another 5 dates for me to add to my already stalker-ishly high Firewind-count.
Which (if there are no hitches) will take my total up to...
34.
xx Kirsty