Let's review previous statements...

[lifesadream]

I am thinking of Pain of Salvation. I think they fit some of the criteria's Glenn mentioned. Nevermore does as well but I dont think they will ever play PP, even though I wish they would.

 

[mëtålspëd]

1. Could still be Nocturnal Rites
2. NR could definitely headline on Saturday, I mistakenly thought previously that you had said the Saturday bands were "equal" as in status, which I definitely don't think NR is at the same level as PF.
3. Putting NR would fit
c. Could still be NR
d. Could definitely be NR

So... it's still a possibility at least

 

[TychoCelchu]

Pain of Salvation would guarantee my ticket to a fest I already really want to go to. I don't, however, have my hopes up.

and sign me up for Annihilator! While I wouldn't ever expect to actually see them at a place like ProgPower, I do want to see them sometime soon, like on a tour.

 

[3DimensionalAperture]

You are to be respected as you have put out good shows (basically) in the past. But when you put up a thought like e. you just don't like the band and you wonder why there will be bitching?

I think that you might want to put a little more concern into the fact that maybe people will not like the band (s). Because unless you have a total kickass last spot band in the wings, I really don't think this will sellout. I think that this is a pretty weak lineup and the ticket demand will show it this year. If last year took until the last minute to sell out even with a band like Evergrey on the bill who have been on MTV, then I believe this will be even worse.

I will not be going and I have five guys I know that are much more into the Progpower scene than I will ever be and they have said they won't be going either. No disrespect, just a thought on the lineup. Good luck though.

Unfortunately Glenn, I agree with this dude. I am a huge prog/power fan and I would LOVE to see all these bands, but I feel that this year will do about as well as last year (as far as selling) for one reason and one reason alone:

There are too many bands (Redemption, Threshold, Pagan's Mind) who are way too high on this lineup. I love all 3 of these bands to death (especially Pagan's Mind), but none of these bands has done a US tour in recent years, nor do they sell very well in the States. It seems to me, that you booked the last two fests based on what the forum wanted to see in a Prog Power, which I found suprising because I was pretty sure you didn't like how that worked with PP7.


That being said, just because it doesn't sell out doesn't mean the lineup isn't great. Progpower is about exclusivity- not about bringing progressive/power metal to the masses. In that respect, as usual I applaud you. Again however, I do not expect this to sell out massively like years past (and yes I think that Primal Fear should be headlining, simply because they have played the US before and sell decently compared to other prog/power bands.).

Glenn, I wish you much luck on this amazing lineup and if it does sell out as soon as some people are predicting and I'm wrong, who cares. The important thing is that Prog Power continues, since it's the best fest in the US.

 

[Kathy]

1. Could still be Nocturnal Rites
2. NR could definitely headline on Saturday, I mistakenly thought previously that you had said the Saturday bands were "equal" as in status, which I definitely don't think NR is at the same level as PF.
3. Putting NR would fit
c. Could still be NR
d. Could definitely be NR

So... it's still a possibility at least

I hope so!!!!!!!!!

 

[The Invisible Guest]

Pain of Salvation would guarantee my ticket to a fest I already really want to go to. I don't, however, have my hopes up.

and sign me up for Annihilator! While I wouldn't ever expect to actually see them at a place like ProgPower, I do want to see them sometime soon, like on a tour.

If PoS is named to that last spot I can guarentee that I will get an early start on the after fest party scene. I know a lot of people love them, but an equal or larger amount can't stand them. I think people would leave in droves, but hey, what do I know?

Britt

 

[Metalmilitia2000]

Goddammit DrumRman, don't tease me, Annihilator is my favorite thrash band EVER, and only behind Judas Priest to be my overall 2nd favorite band of all time. I have been screaming for them to be at this fest since before 3 happened. I would even settle for the pre-party, but the scenario is perfect, Glenn is the type of promoter that likes to get someone in the US first, and Annihilator has toured the US before, but not since the Judas Priest Painkiller tour, not even a one off (unless you count Jeff showing up at the Roadrunner Allstars concert in NY recently and doing a rendition of Alice In Hell. So the scenario is perfect, that is if they don't plan their North American tour (that is taking place next year) before October. We shall see. If they show up, I will be the happiest person on the planet, and you all will be Annihilated (pun intended).

Brent

I hate quoting myself, but they could also fill the coveted "Oddball" spot that others have been asking about and it looks like it hasn't been filled yet...

B

 

[General Zod]

Goddamn Zod, if you are right, I'll buy you a beer. I want this so bad I can taste it, but I doubt it because of the 2 times before that he has tried to get them, as well as they are going on tour early-mid 07 in the US.

Unfortunately, there's no shot it's Nevermore.

I think people are jumping the gun. If Glenn can get who he wants, it sounds like it's going to be a surprise. However, that's assuming Glenn can get who he wants. The fact that negotiations are still ongoing, means there's at least a fair chance it won't happen and then all bets are off.

Zod

 

[Harvester]

Again however, I do not expect this to sell out massively like years past

(and yes I think that Primal Fear should be headlining, simply because they have played the US before and sell decently compared to other prog/power bands.).

Two things that I note:

1. The days of the fast sell-out may indeed be over. You have to realize that everyone one of those had a big name to debut in the U.S. (BG, Nightwish, Stratovarius or a rare as hell reunion- WoMD, Conception). There isn't truly anyone left on that level that is affordable or desirable, especially that would exclusive. Now, it's more about the overall quality of the lineup and the focus is on the regulars instead of the masses.

2. Your Primal Fear comment combined with your comment on all of the prog bands leads me to believe you are a power fan far more than a progressive metal fan. This festival cannot survive on one type of fan. Thus, there will always be disappointment to one side or the other.

I do believe that this is one of the stronger lineups I have put together from top to bottom in terms of name recognition, tour draw, and album sales. PP III is the only one that surpasses it so far. As I said in my earlier comment, compare the roster this year to the previous rosters with the timeframe in mind and where the bands were at that point. Other than the headliners & certain co-headliners, the lower/middle slots have had either small followings or been relatively unknowns at the time (Dreamscape, Mercenary, Circus Maximus, etc, etc).

 

[General Zod]

There are too many bands (Redemption, Threshold, Pagan's Mind) who are way too high on this lineup.

Perhaps. However, it can be argued that Virgin Steele (could be a #3 or #4), Firewind (could be a #3), Communic (could be a #2) and Primal Fear (could be a #1) are all in bargain spots.

As for Redemption, I think there's two factors to consider. One, Ray. His presence should draw a lot of the Fates Warning faithful. Two, their last disc was phenomenal and I fully expect them to continue to build upon that momentum. It sounds as if Nick has really hit his stride as a songwriter and Redemption may be snowballing into this #3 slot.

Although I'm not a Theshold fan, I don't suspect they're a reach at #3 and I fully expect the crowd reaction to confirm that.

Lastly, when this festival started out, the festival carried the pre-party. Now, the pre-party adds to the allure of the festival. Don't discount the drawing power of Vanden Plas, and to a lesser extant, Freak Kitchen (not to mention whoever else they get).

Zod

 

[3DimensionalAperture]

Two things that I note:

1. The days of the fast sell-out may indeed be over. You have to realize that everyone one of those had a big name to debut in the U.S. (BG, Nightwish, Stratovarius or a rare as hell reunion- WoMD, Conception). There isn't truly anyone left on that level that is affordable or desirable, especially that would exclusive. Now, it's more about the overall quality of the lineup and the focus is on the regulars instead of the masses.

2. Your Primal Fear comment combined with your comment on all of the prog bands leads me to believe you are a power fan far more than a progressive metal fan. This festival cannot survive on one type of fan. Thus, there will always be disappointment to one side or the other.

I do believe that this is one of the stronger lineups I have put together from top to bottom in terms of name recognition, tour draw, and album sales. PP III is the only one that surpasses it so far. As I said in my earlier comment, compare the roster this year to the previous rosters with the timeframe in mind and where the bands were at that point. Other than the headliners & certain co-headliners, the lower/middle slots have had either small followings or been relatively unknowns at the time (Dreamscape, Mercenary, Circus Maximus, etc, etc).

Actually I'm more of a prog fan than a power fan, but the fact of the matter is that power metal is bigger in the states than prog. Pagan's Mind and Threshold (Nuclear Blast signee or not) have very little drawing power amongst casual prog/power fans. Firewind for instance, might have worked better as a 3rd or 4th slot band just because they are growing in popularity all over the world (Gus G's name in the States especially is growing considering the addition of a USA signature guitar line). Like I said, I am NOT dissapointed but I am merely stating my belief relating to ticket sales. I'm not trying to detract or to put you down. You do amazing work, and it is VERY much appreciated. This lineup rules.

For the record, I do not think PP VI sold out because of Stato. I think it was Orphaned Land. Everyone I know who went to that show said a nice chunk of the attendees were OL fans. They did not headline, and they are not a legendary band. They just recieved a pleasant amount of buzz due to their Mabool relase. Not that you should give a shit about what I say, or even think of taking my thoughts into consideration, but I think that odd balls like those can have just as much drawing power as a legendary band like Nightwish or Weapons Of Mass Destruction.

 

[Harvester]

Pagan's Mind and Threshold (Nuclear Blast signee or not) have very little drawing power amongst casual prog/power fans.

This where you and I disagree completely. I'm not going to argue "popularity" but were you at III or IV and witness the crowd reactions to either band?

Your philosophy of running the festival mirrors mine from PP III & IV. However, while I believe I perfected that formula (do you really need to lecture me on the popularity of power vs prog in the States?) I do not believe it can be brought back for reasons I previously mentioned. A successful promoter has to role with the changes and adapt. There will be hits and misses along the way, but such is life. If you don't mix up the prog and the power, then you run the risk of alienating a percentage of your regular attendees. You can't book the same headline power acts (and there aren't that many that I haven't had already in that specific genre) year after year (especially with touring now as compared to then) or you will stagnate and wither away. That's why I ready to start creating headliners instead of booking them.

 

[raising_iron]

If PoS is named to that last spot I can guarentee that I will get an early start on the after fest party scene. I know a lot of people love them, but an equal or larger amount can't stand them. I think people would leave in droves, but hey, what do I know?

Britt

I tried hard to like PoS for the PPIII show they played and I just could not get into 'em. Talented? Yes. Just too avant garde for my tastes. Me and some friends did leave after their 3rd song during PPIII when they played.

 

[BenMech]

There is a lot here to consider.

I'm not fond of certain kinds of bands. Fine. I'll not be in the auditorium then. More props to Glenn for making other folks happy.

I'll be disappointed if the Saturday headliner is less earth-shattering and death-inducing than Dethklok

Somethings just ain't feasible.

Better luck next year then, right?

 

[nightwish58]

An Orphaned Land possibility is quite intriguing.

I couldn't agree more. They impressed the shit out of me. I can't wait for them to come out with some new material. I think there would be more of a possibilty for them if they were about to release a new album. With no new material since their last appearance, I don't think it is likely they would be back, especially in a headlining spot, closing the show. With that said, bring them back as is and let them play the same exact show and just add a few more tunes! They were fuckin bad ass!!!

 

[raising_iron]

^^Yes they were!

 

[nightwish58]

Wow, looks like Glenn will be creating Eternity X "From The Ashes"!!!

Or he can just steal Vanden Plas from the Showcase. Makes sense to me. LOL

 

[Greykiller]

You are to be respected as you have put out good shows (basically) in the past. But when you put up a thought like e. you just don't like the band and you wonder why there will be bitching?

I think that you might want to put a little more concern into the fact that maybe people will not like the band (s). Because unless you have a total kickass last spot band in the wings, I really don't think this will sellout. I think that this is a pretty weak lineup and the ticket demand will show it this year. If last year took until the last minute to sell out even with a band like Evergrey on the bill who have been on MTV, then I believe this will be even worse.

I will not be going and I have five guys I know that are much more into the Progpower scene than I will ever be and they have said they won't be going either. No disrespect, just a thought on the lineup. Good luck though.

I really respect the fact that you are voting with your pocketbook. Please make sure everyone who thinks like you also stays away from Atl next October. I happen to love the lineup, and am happy that at least six jerks will not be there who think that the lineup sucks.

Oh and please let us know if you have made hotel reservations so true fans can get the rooms.

 

[KaptainKrude]

You are to be respected as you have put out good shows (basically) in the past. But when you put up a thought like e. you just don't like the band and you wonder why there will be bitching?

You seem to be under the impression that the 'closer' absolutely must be a band that is universally adored. File that under 'Impossible' and get over it.

I will not be going and I have five guys I know that are much more into the Progpower scene than I will ever be and they have said they won't be going either.

I can't help but believe that your half dozen tickets will be snapped up by others and that your absence alone won't detract from anything that goes on during the festival.

 

[Magius]

You seem to be under the impression that the 'closer' absolutely must be a band that is universally adored. File that under 'Impossible' and get over it.

I can't help but believe that your half dozen tickets will be snapped up by others and that your absence alone won't detract from anything that goes on during the festival.

Can the man not state his dissatisfaction with the line up without getting his head bitten off? I happen to disagree with him, but he's entitled to his opinion.