Gamma Ray - Heading for America?

[TheGraveDigger]

On the eve of the Majestic world tour (beginning September 25th, in Plzen, CZ), mainman/guitarist Kai Hansen confirmed to BW&BK that serious negotiations are underway to bring GAMMA RAY to North America for their first proper tour. To date, the only shows the Germans have played in North America were ProgPower 2002 and a triumphant show in Montreal on November 17th, 2002.



"The first part (of tour) is in Europe, for four weeks," Hansen says. "Then a break of about three weeks, before we go to South America, Japan, Korea and Indonesia.

Another break, for Christmas, then January we'll start again, Greece, everything that's left, including the US, in late January or February. We're still not sure. It's not easy for a German heavy metal band to walk over to the States. Normally, under the conditions given, it costs a ton of money. Even though we sell a nice amount of records, we can't afford that. We're not platinum sellers. We're waiting for the right opportunity. We had a chance to see how the HAMMERFALL/EDGUY thing worked out and get some experiences from them. They are working with the same (agent), so they can give us advise on what to do and what not to do. I really want to do it!"

(BWBK)

 

[AngraRULES]

While they're not my favorite band, I would love to see them again!

 

[Nightmare1z]

I just hope they have some more South-East dates verse the Edguy/Hammerfall tour. That's why I couldn't go to their show was cause they didn't come that close...

 

[enki3600]

That'd be outrightly kick@$$ if they came. It's really such a shame that bands that can command awe and respect in europe are completely drowned out by crap like jessica simpson and american idol, and thus can't afford to get here.

I'd blame it on cultural differences, but other than Germans eating their fries with mayo instead of ketchup, I don't think it's that significant. Most likely just the marketing and promotional companies trying to sway the profits to their pockets. But then again, maybe that is the cultural difference?

Anyway, GAMMA RAY kicks ass! New album out next week!!!

 

[booB]

if they came... it would be messy, and difficult to clean up.

okay, bad joke.

if they came (for their first NA tour)... it would be awesome... and loooong overdue.

 

[mëtålspëd]

Id definately be down for a US Gamma Ray tour.

 

[TheGraveDigger]

They need to hook up with someone. Maybe Kamelot since they are doing select US dates in November. Maybe Primal Fear. Maybe Helloween (yeah right).

 

[Dolamite S. Biffle]

It would fucking awesome if they did some kind of NA tour!! Kai is like the god-father of Power Metal!! UP THE FUCKING RAYS!!

 

[YtseJammer]

Would absolutely love to see them again.

Perhaps the most enjoyable Progpower set to date!

 

[nightwish58]

Glenn, bring them back please!!!! They were great when they played PP3.

 

[TBJ]

That'd be outrightly kick@$$ if they came. It's really such a shame that bands that can command awe and respect in europe are completely drowned out by crap like jessica simpson and american idol, and thus can't afford to get here.

I'd blame it on cultural differences, but other than Germans eating their fries with mayo instead of ketchup, I don't think it's that significant. Most likely just the marketing and promotional companies trying to sway the profits to their pockets. But then again, maybe that is the cultural difference?

Anyway, GAMMA RAY kicks ass! New album out next week!!!

American Culture = Shop,Shop, Shop, Buy, Buy, Buy.

that is why we don't see metal bands on TV, it's easier to sell sneakers when a rapper wears them, it's easier to sell perfume when supposedly good looking women like Jessica Simpson "supposedly" wear that perfume, it's easier to sell make up that makes you beautiful and young when someone like Beyonce wears it, it's easier to sell shit at hot topic and Spencers when faux-rebels like Avril Lavigne wear that shit..it's just the nature of the beast here in the good ol USA..all these "artists" are just spokepersons and models, whether they know it or not, as soon as they are out of style, they are gone(but this is an altogether different rant!)

to be honest, what type of product could a band like Pain of Salvation(just as an example) sell? hair products??


and mind you, I am american, but the truth is the truth.

 

[TBJ]

They need to hook up with someone. Maybe Kamelot since they are doing select US dates in November. Maybe Primal Fear. Maybe Helloween (yeah right).

noo not kamelot...

Well, Helloween is going to have a new album out too, hell, money talks..bullshit walks, imagine a concert, Helloween and Gamma ray? I know some people who'll die if something like this takes place!!

 

[AngraRULES]

Nothing wrong with Fries with Mayo... LOL

 

[yardleybates]

Hell yeah, love fries with mayo - or malt vinegar

 

[Bryan316]

I HEREBY SWEAR TO ATTEND THIS TOUR!!!


There. One ticket sold, thousands more to go!

 

[J-Man]

Two tickets sold no matter how far i have to go to see them. Maybe four more tickets sold if i can convince my G/F to go, she is not a big Gamma Ray fan but likes Kai's voice. Okay she will go, plus my daughters so that is 4 more tickets.

 

[Hajeka]

Helloween and Gamma Ray would be fine, but I am just hoping we get Helloween and Primal Fear here in South Florida. I really would love to see Gamma Ray, I'm sure if they got another Power Metal band to go on tour with, they would be as successful as Hammerfall, it's just hard to tell because sometimes Americans that actually do buy albums, rather than rip them through their computers sometimes have to order them through Europe and the sales don't count here. That and since in the US not many Power Metal comes around, there's not much to be compared to, so some bands are afraid of running risks. Of course they won't sell half as they do in Brazil/South America or in parts of Europe, but atleast hopefully to a full house for a decent sized venue.

 

[Ballstorm]

I will find a way to travel where ever to see Gamma Ray again. As far as who to bring with them, I think they should bring Dream Evil. Dream Evil is gaining popularity here in the States and would help sell tickets really well. Not to mention Peter and Niklas have wisely changed their minds about leaving the band.

If either of these bands find themselves on the ProgPower bill I will be there come hell or high water.

 

[Purveyor Of Evil]

Let's hope so! They've been getting our dicks hard about coming to the states since "Powerplant".

 

[junnie from the east]

they are bringing Storm Warrior to Japan in the end of Nov., we are totally excited about it, but i'm afraid SW might not attract lots Americans... Helloween will be touring till Feb, how do you guys like Fragonforce? they are a good live band. Dream Evil won't be bad if Gus G comes back to the band too! i love Snowy's drumming! i wish your good luck with seeing the killer combo