Seems pretty clear sentiments are overall - Repeats are a-okay. I would have to agree.
1. Do you want a completely new roster?
Absolutly not! The cream of the crop in the genre has for the most part played the festival before. While its nice to experience new/obscure/unfamiliar prog/power bands, that should be left to the opening slots because a concert is really never as good when you are not familiar with the material and have not had time to absorb and appreciate it. Also, there are many bands who have proven they can put on a show worthy of headlining at previous PPs, and I'd rather see them than some new group whose ability to kick ass at a show is in question. (somtimes reunions end up sucking).
2. Do you want repeat headliners if there aren't other new headliners available?
YES. Infact, I would prefer repeat headliners, or bands in the 3rd and 4th slots who really kicked ass to headline. The bands I can think of who CLEARLY have the headlining talent are:
Gamma Ray
Angra
Blind Guardian
Symphony X
The overriding principals on these guys are
1. They command the stage
2. They put on a coherent, energetic, and FUN show
3. You can sing along and interact with the music
4. They aren't depressing, experimental, overly proggy stuff which really would not bring a night to a CLIMAX! Those bands should be early slots so there is a progression in energy.
Bands that have headlined or been in high slots that really should not be:
Evergrey: Too bland, straightfoward metal, doesn't have the energy and kick a headliner should.
Edguy: I remember liking this band back when they were called Iron Maiden. Too many similar songs, not enough stage presence and chemistry.
The overriding principals on these guys:
1. Headliners should have an original and distinct sound
2. Headliners should be energetic and fun
3. Headliners should be able to engage the crowd in a real interactive experience.
3. Do you want repeat lower bands moved up into higher slots?
Yes, but not just on principal. Just because a band was in a low slot one year does not mean they should automatically have to be in a higher slot the next. Those who earned it with their show should move up. The best example I can think of would be Silent Force at PPIII. They massivly stood out from the other low slot bands as kicking way more ass in their show, songs, and sound. Groups like that should move into the mid-range slots.
4. Do you want lower slot repeats knowing there is no way they will move up in the overall roster?
No, those lower slots should be your opportunity to give new guys a shot to prove they are worthy to move up. There are a limited number of slots, so if a band played a lower slot and didn't prove they deserve to move up, adios, someone else gets a turn.
