Suggestions for your LIVE Shows

I can agree that it would be nice to have some more fancy shit for the shows that end up on the DVD they will eventually make, but it isn't really necessary for regular gigs.
 
Put whatever money you can raise into great audio/video production and hiring some orchestral players instead of stupid laser tricks.

If after that you still have money left, get more orchestral players. Theatrics will be forgotten, an epic MUSICAL performance won't.

(talking about the dvd here)
 
Everything. It's simple. If they did it, don't do it. They've not been a relevant band for over 10 years. Back on topic, SX's live shows could use some help from more stage presence. But in the genre they perform in, a lot of bands are known for just standing in place and shoe-gazing.
 
Symphony X have always had this issue (if you think it is one).

They are blue collar dudes. Yeah, they play prog (sometimes). Yeah, they like classical music (some of them). Yeah, they are in a grandiose metal band (kind of). But they do not subscribe to the "spectacle" of the stage show. They care about the music and the immediateness of the sound and performance. They aren't natural performers (other than Russell). They play music and have fun doing it.

I understand both modes of thought. There are artists like Iron Maiden, Dio, or Kamelot who fully believe in the spectacle, the show; metal as entertainment and larger-than-life production, videos, and sets. However, many artists do not care about this. Sure, a Symphony X show could have a dungeon set, laser lights battling over the heads of the musicians, and life-size Gregorian monks in full suits of armor. And Opeth shows could have constant swirling mist, holograms of ghosts, and a video screen with a slide show of cemeteries, highland moors, and rainy alcoves. But they don't.

Neither view is good or bad, they're just different. Other artists are all about the mystique of the genre; giving the impression that they walk off stage and drink from a chalice of mead and proceed to pillage the nearest village. Symphony X are all about playing music and having fun; giving the impression that they walk off stage and chug some Jack while barbecuing for their friends (who probably drive motorcycles and pickup trucks).