JEERS: most of the bitching in this thread! Lemme explain, before I get bitched at myself.
I totally missed the guys moshing. Didn't even notice it. But if they were moshing next to me, I'd just clothesline the muthafucka. I don't waste time with moshers. If there's room to mosh, fine. But in such a small venue, hellfuck no. Next year, folks, if they're moshing and you don't like it, shuffle over. It's quite easy, AND diplomatic as well. If someone's a drunk and forces his way through the crowd like Burke's example, just tell security to drag his ass outta there, or drag his ass yourself. I'm sure the comraderie is strong enough that if one guy tries to drag his ass away, you'd all help and/or applaud him for it.
I thought the temperature was decent, but it surely depended on where you were. I'd expect it to be hot and sweaty and stinking down in the middle of the floor. You're surrounded by excited energetic people, for crap's sake! So no bitching allowed about that. Suck it up.
A lot of the performers said the air conditioning was really harsh on their voices. Lars from Manticora said it really affected him and he was really worried about his performance. I could believe the cold air was the reason Edu's voice wasn't too smooth. So I can understand wanting to keep the temperature warm in there.
Saved seats - yeah, there were legitimate saved seats, and there were those abusing priviledges. Sucks, but that shit happens. At ANY event.
Granada stolen-room scenario - did you pound the life outta the guy? At least give a fair ass-whupping? And I'd have DEMANED a refund of the cost of my stay there. No excuse. NONE. Especially the possibility of getting shit stolen FROM your room.
Bitching about the sound guy - I think he had one difficult job to keep up with these guys. Every band had different needs and scenarios, and different numbers of people on stage. I saw the keyboardist from, I think Orphaned Land, being very VERY grumpy on stage cuz he couldn't hear himself at all. He was giving some nasty looks at the sound guy on the side of the stage. Once he finally noticed him and turned up his monitors, the keyboardist was ecstatic with joy! In two seconds I saw him go from thoroughly pissed to BANGING his head off! So I'm gonna defend the sound guys, cuz their task is not one I envy. I have a difficult time trying to get a microphone to not feed back when we play. But whenever I noticed a voice not coming through, it was corrected by the next line or two, so it's not that the sound guy wasn't paying attention to his job, it's just DIFFICULT! He doesn't know each of these bands' songs note for note, and you can't expect him to get each guitar solo's volume perfect. Especially when you've got two shredders tag-teaming back and forth like Angra or Manticora. So give the poor guy a break. He had a busy busy job to keep up with incredible levels of talent and reputation.
Conception's bass player - Aww hell! How can ya complain about him? It was awesome! It's good to see bandmates having a genuinely good time on stage! He was active, entertaining, and fun! It's not gay and he wasn't kissing Khan... at the least, he's giving the crowd great photo opportunities! Why have a bunch of photos with only one guy in each picture?
"Too much prog on night one" - Picky picky picky! I didn't see too much prog, I saw too much GREAT music! Prog or power, I don't care, as long as it ROCKS. And besides, one could argue that the name of the event is Prog THEN Power USA. Stop being anal-retentive and enjoy the show.
I'll agree that the grandiose intro music for Angra and Strato were extreme. Have a 1:30 intro, and blast onto that stage. You could play those video screens while they're rocking, and achieve a kickass sensory overload instead of stalling for 10 minutes.
Holy crap.... my anti-bitchfest post turned itself into a bitchfest!!!
