How it happened this year:

[lucretia96]

just curious any idea how big the budget it or what does it cost to bring in any of the bands?

And why is Glenn not willing to reveal the mystery band(s)?

 

[BlackenedDawn]

What a great way to summarize the chain of events that shaped the festival. Seeing the completed lineup, everything worked out for the best. As for the bands that lost their chances at appearing (Masterplan sadly, Angel Dust, *Mystery Band*), It would've been great to see them, but their loss has truly become our gain.

 

[ProgMetalFan]

Psychotic Waltz... good lord... that would've been incredible to have both them and Conception reunite for this fest.

Too bad Sieges Even never stayed in contact... they are one of the finest prog bands.

 

[Sautherom]

Great Job Glenn.. !!
I've begun my travel plans, i will arrive to Atlanta Sept 15th 11 AM, i hope, without hurricane this time.
We will be able to meet the guys of Angra at pre-party?

 

[Ruthven]

Orphaned Land is confirmed. I sleep easier at night. You guys have no idea just how great a guy Kobi really is.

I get the feeling that Kobi is going to be this year's Andy Franck. Yeah, I know Andy Franck is going to be back his ownself, but most of us here already know he is cool. I've only been acquainted with Orphaned Land since last ProgPower (thanks to the guys at the Century Media booth), but they've become one of my favorite bands...as my relentless shilling has shown

 

[Pellaz]

The fact that I'm going to see Orphaned Land blows my mind. So if that was the slot that the loudmouthed guitarist freed up for them, then bravo for loudmouthed guitarists!

LOL, couldn't have said it better m'self....and I -do- like Angel Dust, just not as much as I suspect Orphaned Land will slay me. (Or flood me out, or something...)


Glenn, thanks for posting the outline for the latest chapter in your book. The problem with publishing the book is that when you do publish it, then you'll have great stories from the following ProgPower that won't make it in! :Spin:

As for the Mystery Band, I surmise it might have been Demons & Wizards -- which would have been cool...not really a festival "maker" or "breaker" for me, but kinda in-between.

 

[aztattooedsean]

I agree about the Kobi of orphaned land comments. He is a cool guy it seems plus he gets packages sent to you super fast. I got a XXL long sleeve plus one of their cds which is harddddddddddd to get and it got to New Mexico from Israel in 2 weeks. :Spin:

 

[King Lek]

Was Sonata Arctica ever in the plans??? Just curious as to who the band was that you were referring to when you polled the forum as to whether we would want to see a band that would be doing a full U.S. tour. Could have been Nightwish as well I presume?

If the time line is correct (looks to be) the band he refered to was Therion.....could be wrong though.

 

[Harvester]

interesting. Glenn, as I understand you mostly try to get bands that you really like, but let us say you don't like or even hate a band like Running Wild, Falconer, Grave Digger, etc. does that mean you will never book them on your fest?

Not necessarily, but it does make it harder for them. As for your list, GD and Falconer played Brave Words before. As for Running Wild, I have read and heard several things by them that would seem to make an appearance not worth the effort. They remain on my short list of potential targets.

Glenn H.

 

[Harvester]

Was Sonata Arctica ever in the plans??? Just curious as to who the band was that you were referring to when you polled the forum as to whether we would want to see a band that would be doing a full U.S. tour. Could have been Nightwish as well I presume?

SA was indeed the band I was referring to. I decided against them and Nightwish because of the tour. By the time the original spring tour was canned, I had already offered the slots to others or I would have offered them a slot.

Glenn H.

 

[Harvester]

just curious any idea how big the budget it or what does it cost to bring in any of the bands?

And why is Glenn not willing to reveal the mystery band(s)?

I gather that you have no sense of the business world with both questions.

Glenn H.

 

[ashaman7122]

What a great behind the scenes glimpse...

Answers a lot of questions of stuff that people "knew" or guessed was going on behind the scenes. I appreciate you trying for Masterplan (maybe someday). Angel Dust would have been great as well, but it was not to be, I guess.

I very much like the decision to have Manticora deliver that kick in the balls to start the festival. I also think that your decision to book Circus Maximus "just like that" is part of what makes this festival so original in the first place...looking forward to them.

I would be interested to know who your previous band was that you had pegged for 3rd slot, but they signed a management contract, got put on a September Euro tour, etc....hmm...who could that have been...?

I think it's cool that PC69 and Stride were kinda random last minute revelation-type bookings. Inspiration comes in all shapes and forms...

Even with the "slagging" while you held your tongue (no slagging from me)...you are to be congratulated, commended, and hailed for this year's festival.

Not everyone's gonna like it, but I think it's one of the more well-rounded (eclectic) lineups ever. Some bands I love, some bands I don't know, some band I don't like, but I'm interested in seeing them all perform live.

Rock on!

 

[ashaman7122]

I gather that you have no sense of the business world with both questions.

Glenn H.

Ooo...ouch!

 

[DarkOne]

THANKS GLENN!!!

I love the look "behind-the-scenes". You put on the most professional festival I've seen, and we all appreciate it.

Steve in Philly

 

[Bryan316]

I still wanted to hear the story behind Stride.... prolly not even that impressive! Just a "Hey, you wanna play?" "Sure!" kinda thing! GAWD it's gonna be bitchin to see those guys again. And it'll be GREAT to see them with their singer as a full-blown member of the band! *adrenaline surges*

 

[Landisb]

Psychotic Waltz... wow... I think I need to go smack Norm and say WTF MATE? Norm was the drummer of the Waltz who lives in El Cajon (Where the band is from). He owns a record store called Blue Meanie, which is the only place you can get a lot of these power and prog metal bands stuff in San Diego.

 

[angra150]

I gather that you have no sense of the business world with both questions.

Glenn H.

yeap that must hurt!!

I would die to know that too! but theres something called business ethics and knowhow, which are essential for apromotor like glenn to keep!

to glenn!

 

[guardian26]

Nice break-down...

Too bad about Masterplan... I am curious about no mention of Mercenary...

Angra makes the fest for me, as does Orphaned Land. Both have new releases that were in my top 3 of '04.

 

[MetalRose]

It's amazing how much work goes into a show! I'm exhasted after getting a regional act to my home town... I can't imagine what it's like doing that for an international band!

-Metal

 

[13ShadesofGray]

Psychotic Waltz... wow... I think I need to go smack Norm and say WTF MATE? Norm was the drummer of the Waltz who lives in El Cajon (Where the band is from). He owns a record store called Blue Meanie, which is the only place you can get a lot of these power and prog metal bands stuff in San Diego.

And Agent Steel will be playing there on Sunday! Along with Norm's band Broken Foundation. How 'bout you and I go smack him together?

Actually, from what I understand, there's just too much to overcome for them to be able to do a reunion. I also don't think any of the guys has a real idea as to how much people would love to see that happen. I've been planning on talking to Norm and Brian about just this for quite some time. Sunday just may be an opportune time to talk with Norm after the festivities wind down. We shall see...