The Big Question

[booB]

What you guys are forgetting is that Nocturnal Rites -- who have tons more drawing power than Mystic Prophecy -- was there last year, and the numbers weren't any better. Do you think the inclusion of one mid-level power metal band is going to make a huge difference in the attendance? I don't.

You're right, though, in that it would make somewhat of a difference. I wasn't disputing that, and obviously CR&J would agree with you -- in fact, MP was supposed to play this year, until they had to cancel. (Have you ever tried getting a replacement band from Europe on such short notice, especially with the new homeland security measures? Difficult? How about impossible.) Still, it's not like they would have doubled or tripled the attendance by being there.

I dont think it is arrogance, I think that people have different taste.

I know people have different tastes... what's arrogant is the idea that "my bands would have drawn better than your bands". If that's true, then I'd say to the person, "Get your own fest, and good luck."

I could care less about the importance of bands and what they have done.

You're missing the point. Woosta (the eternal champion of the band Pretty Maids) said that Atheist and Solitude Aeturnus matter very little. I was merely pointing out that he is wrong. And I don't think that a lack of nostalgic interest in metal is what kept the attendance down.

Still a decent time but if the line up was so stellar....why was the turn out not so great?

Lack of headliners that draw 1000+ attendees (and I'm not talking about MP here; I'm talking about a commercially-successful band like Nile or Dragonforce)... but CPF has never been that kind of a fest. Maybe it will be, but it hasn't in the past. Also, I personally know lots of people who were soured due to their experience last year (hotels far away from the venue, crappy venue, crappy part of town), and/or spooked by the no ins/outs policy at the Pearl Room. Many of those people are former attendees, who didn't think it would be in their interest to go this year -- despite thinking the lineup was pretty good and that CR&J know how to put on a fun event. That said, this year's fest was more specifically marketed to the Chicago area locals, and not as much to out-of-towners, and I've seen the Chicago-area interest in metal shows dwindle since I lived near there; I'm going to suggest that this sort of apathy is another contributor to lower-than-expected turnout.

EDIT: In reference to this paragraph, I think the word of mouth will spread that the Pearl Room experience went much more smoothly than the Chicago Heights experience, and out-of-towners who lost interest this year due to these problems will come back next year. I don't think MP or a comparable band would hurt, either, but I don't think it's any kind of a miracle cure.

 

[Diabolik]

The reason Nocturnal Rites didnt draw last year was the lousy venue and it being way too far and not in the best area. Plus there was way too many local bands on the bill and not much diversity in the line up. we can sit and debate for years on why shows are not as crowded as they should be and why the reason things happen the way they do.

One main issue is that the fest feels like just a regular show. I had fun but there wasnt anything different happening that wouldnt happen at a normal show asides no locals really playing.

To dispute the comment of "get your own fest".... well not every person has the money to do so. But to do a fest and trying to get something like this going...you have to make sure you are getting bands that draw and can get people in the door....not every choice will be a band you like maybe but when starting out...you need to get people there and get the name out there. Once the fest has grown, you can do more personal choices when it comes to band selections.

I thought the fest was run great and not a flaw in set times and everything...people seemed happy. bands all seemed happy to. I just think there needs to be much more diversity and enough for everyone to make it out for the weekend.

 

[Will Bozarth]

Seeing as though I secured a new job yesterday, I'll definitely be able to save up and help sponsor. I'd be willing to help sponsor the cost of the venue and a band.

 

[Vegetaman]

I disagree, Diabolik, on the grounds that at a regular show... I hardly ever get to go up and meet so many people from all the different bands playing. And I thought it was fairly diverse, personally.

 

[Jasonic]

BooB,
I am not going to speak for Diabolik. Just myself here.

My point wasn't at all that power metal would have drawn more than dark/death/doom metal. I am a fan of both genres.

My point was simply that if there was a semi-well known power metal band on Saturday, it would have brought in "possibly" a whole other crowd of people who may have been on the fence.

Plenty of well-known Ultimate Metal posters indicated that the line up this year prevented them from coming (See originator of this post...)

I know Rob and Chris wanted to prove a point that Chicago Powerfest is NOT a power metal festival, but a weekend of powerful metal. (All fine by me as I do not solely listen to power metal).

That being said though, there is a whole group of previous Powerfest attendees who have been waiting for this years fest, as it previously hosted well known power metal bands such as Tad Marose, Morgana Lefay, and Nocturnal Rites.

Therefore, you can certainly see why some who would have come to support the fest again opted not to.

Look - We can all piss and moan all day long and say, "No, I know what would have made the fest better" yada yada yada.......

To me, the bottom line is that Rob, Chris, and John promote the fest.
It is ultimately up to them how it all plays out.
( though I assume that next year the sponsorship thing might decide which bands will appear next year )

 

[GateXII]

( though I assume that next year the sponsorship thing might decide which bands will appear next year )

Very true...

This year was intended to be another building year & to prove a point about the meaning of Powerfest...regardless of how it played out. We also finally found a home & I believe that we finally proved that we can organize a kick ass fest not just for the fans, but just as much for the bands themselves.

I strongly disagree with Diabolik that this was no different than any other show!!! I can totally see that if you are simply a concert-goer, you might see it that way...HOWEVER!!! Had you been willing to come & experience the afterparty part of the fest, you would then know what I said before that Powerfest is 50% show & 50% parties/community. The general consensus from all the bands is that they have never been treated this well & they all felt at home during the whole weekend. Typically bands play the show, then either go back to the bus, the hotel room or hit the road...and it feels like a job. Not this weekend, they all had a blast. And this is a philosophy that we've started with from the very first Powerfest back in 2000...it has always been about the fans AND the bands!!

So anyway...we feel that we've succeeded this year in putting the Powerfest on the map & also proving that we organize a fest like no other...which focuses on hospitality as well...and not just the "show" part.

And as Jason mentioned, next year's fest (if there is a next year) will be strongly influenced by sponsorship. It will be like Congress (you guys) & the President (us), who will consider all ideas, but have veto power if we strongly feel that a presented band doesn't really fit the fest...which will probably not happen since everyone here has a good idea of who would fit & who wouldn't.

So for 2008, if anyone wants more power metal bands, that's totally cool...all you have to do is put your money where your mouth is & we'll do all the other work. Think of it as us being brokers for a band you "really, really" want to see.

So Diabolik!!! If you really want Elevenking, you have a job to do besides bitching...get all your legions of Elevenking fans together (since you say there are so many...should be easy, right) & pool all your money together. If you pool enough money to get EK here, you will finally see them in 2008. Although, if you're not willing to make any such sacrifices...even if it's just your time to recruit other EK sponsors...then you are no longer allowed to complain about the lack of enough power metal bands....not on this board. That also goes for anyone else who complains about the lack of any genre. You want them, you pool your money, and we can talk....we'll even do all the work for you.

This fest has always been rooted as a community fest, and now that we've laid the groundwork (more so this year than any other year), we are now prepared to work with a "supporting" community to provide bands that they want to hear. If there aren't enough supporters for 2008, then it's time to retire...sorry. Unfortunately, a handful of people (CRJ & our crew/staff) are just not enough to help a metal "community" survive in the Chicago area. Many have tried, and many have failed after a much shorter time period than us...we no longer can afford to do it all ourselves. And if you think we had money to burn, you can not be more wrong!!

Here's to another fest in 2008 & to those who will fight to keep it alive!!

 

[Will Bozarth]

I really love this idea. For those that help support and do some sponsoring, there will be a feeling of accomplishment if the fest goes over well. A metal fest organized and paid for by metalheads FOR metalheads. A really neat idea. I understand that some people won't be able to afford doing any sponsoring, but for those that CAN, they should definitely try. Like I said, I'm willing to put as much as I can out there.

I had more fun at this fest than any other fest I've been to... hell any other show.

 

[Vegetaman]

So many bands I think would fit and would love to see...

*starts saving money for Candlemass*

I completely agree with Rob, this was no ordinary fest. The afterparty was insanely awesome. I have NEVER been to a show where not only did I get to meet the guys from the bands I just watched, but just hang out with them and enjoy myself. I mean, I spent a good hour talking to Dusty Holt of Shatter Messiah on Friday night, and couldn't have enjoyed myself more!

 

[Diabolik]

I have 3 dollars for Elvenking already.

 

[GateXII]

I really love this idea. For those that help support and do some sponsoring, there will be a feeling of accomplishment if the fest goes over well. A metal fest organized and paid for by metalheads FOR metalheads. A really neat idea. I understand that some people won't be able to afford doing any sponsoring, but for those that CAN, they should definitely try. Like I said, I'm willing to put as much as I can out there.

I had more fun at this fest than any other fest I've been to... hell any other show.

Yes, EXACTLY!! Something unprecedented I think...never done before....a true metal community fest...where the fans actually have part ownership in the fest.

No other metal fest has ever done this & we are finally at that point to allow this to happen in 2008. We've brainstormed this idea in the past, but didn't want to do it until we felt that we had to...and definitely not until we set up all the groundwork, found a permanent home, & established the fest.

Well, we have to for it to survive...so the time is NOW!!

 

[Diabolik]

I strongly disagree with Diabolik that this was no different than any other show!!! I can totally see that if you are simply a concert-goer, you might see it that way...HOWEVER!!! Had you been willing to come & experience the afterparty part of the fest, you would then know what I said before that Powerfest is 50% show & 50% parties/community. The general consensus from all the bands is that they have never been treated this well & they all felt at home during the whole weekend. Typically bands play the show, then either go back to the bus, the hotel room or hit the road...and it feels like a job. Not this weekend, they all had a blast. And this is a philosophy that we've started with from the very first Powerfest back in 2000...it has always been about the fans AND the bands!!

:

I agree about th afterparties making it a bit different, but in case of the show. It is still a bunch of bands playing. Sure the bands are better caliber,like I said, than a local show, but there isnt anything like some peoplw would like to get photo ops with bands or even autographs. There could have been tables and time set up's for "meet and greets" or something.
Just my 2 cents. I am not trying to give the fest any bad press or slam it, I have fun going and hanging out and meeting people. I am very jaded. I have been to many shows and it takes alot to get me excited.

I could care less about the fat security guard or the pens getting taken. I can see why. I am not an autograph person so it didnt bother me. All I am looking for is good bands and a good time. Sorry if I come across like a complainer. it is how I am.

 

[Jasonic]

The sponsorship thing is a unique idea.
I am very curious to see how it pans out.
(IE - Will it be, "Hey guys, who would be interested in sponsoring BAND X" or will it be "Everyone send me a list of 5 bands you WOULD sponsor", and then you tally up the 10 bands that got the most votes and seek sponsorship from there).

Rob - I do have to ask you to clarify your point about the fest being 50% bands, and the other 50% socializing. The one problem I see is that the 50% of the fest being a social event appeals to people who are already 99% committed to going to the fest. Keep in mind, only about 10% of the paying attendees post here on the forum (and would be in the pool of people who know about the sponsorship). Therefore, wouldn't you risk alienating the people you are trying to get to come to the show? The metal community who hasn't been to the fest previously are not going to come simply because they heard there was a raging after party.

Anyhow, just wanted to throw out my initial thoughts on reading your post.
The fest is indeed making a name for itself.
I just don't want to see it turn into an elitist "us VS them" type of thing, where fans who don't sponsor, post here, or socialize are considered the enemy whose opinion doesn't matter (As I said, since the goal is to increase the attendance).

 

[Jasonic]

*starts saving money for Candlemass*

I would go in with a group of people to get Candlemass here!
This band is obviously on everyone's mind, given that Robert Lowe was just here. They certainly would be a great addition to the fest!!!!

*Going through Rob's head* "Will you shut the f*ck up about Candlemass already??!!!???"

 

[Diabolik]

I agree Jason...well worded. It seems it is turning into a Us vs Them thing right now. Which is lame since we all supported the fest.

 

[Vegetaman]

I would go in with a group of people to get Candlemass here!
This band is obviously on everyone's mind, given that Robert Lowe was just here. They certainly would be a great addition to the fest!!!!

*Going through Rob's head* "Will you shut the f*ck up about Candlemass already??!!!???"

I would be up for that, most definitely.

 

[Diabolik]

Anyone want to add to my Elvenking collection. Jason just added 350 and Pate is giving me 250. Looks like Elvenking may be in chicago or Mokena before I die.

 

[Jasonic]

Anyone want to add to my Elvenking collection. Jason just added 350 and Pate is giving me 250. Looks like Elvenking may be in chicago or Mokena before I die.

Keep in mind, when I said 350 Bob, I meant $3.50.

And to your other post about my Us VS Them comment, I didn't mean that any of us here are the THEM.

I really didn't want to mention any other festival, but I think we can all think of one specific fest that operates with that attitude.

 

[GateXII]

The sponsorship thing is a unique idea.
I am very curious to see how it pans out.
(IE - Will it be, "Hey guys, who would be interested in sponsoring BAND X" or will it be "Everyone send me a list of 5 bands you WOULD sponsor", and then you tally up the 10 bands that got the most votes and seek sponsorship from there).

No, the first part would not be unique...as that is what ProgPower does...Glenn picks the bands first & then asks if anyone is interested in sponsoring any of them.

What we're going to do is just what I said...YOU tell us which band or bands you want, you pool your money together & we get them. Now of course if that band is unavailable or is out of your price range, then either you choose a back-up band or bands you want to sponsor, or you can pull out entirely. Of course, you can always still sponsor the event & rely on us to to make the right choices for bands.

Rob - I do have to ask you to clarify your point about the fest being 50% bands, and the other 50% socializing. The one problem I see is that the 50% of the fest being a social event appeals to people who are already 99% committed to going to the fest. Keep in mind, only about 10% of the paying attendees post here on the forum (and would be in the pool of people who know about the sponsorship). Therefore, wouldn't you risk alienating the people you are trying to get to come to the show? The metal community who hasn't been to the fest previously are not going to come simply because they heard there was a raging after party.

Anyhow, just wanted to throw out my initial thoughts on reading your post.
The fest is indeed making a name for itself.
I just don't want to see it turn into an elitist "us VS them" type of thing, where fans who don't sponsor, post here, or socialize are considered the enemy whose opinion doesn't matter (As I said, since the goal is to increase the attendance).

That just means that there are two equal parts to our purpose behind the fest & we devote 100% of our energy to both as a whole.

No one will be alienated because we will still have final say as to which bands fit the Powerfest & the goal is still to provide the best possible lineup in our eyes. It's just fortunate for the fest & this "community" that we are fans of all genres of metal & know there are bands who excel in each genre. Drawing potential will of course NOT be ignored. For example, if someone approaches us wanting to sponsor a friend's band who we feel isn't good enough, they will not play. We will not sacrifice the integrity of the Powerfest for "buy ins". We are NOT a whorefest like Milwaukee Metalfest & so many others....FAHK THAT!!!

Also, our criteria hasn't changed...all Powerfest bands must at least be signed to a reputable record label & have at least one album released through a reputable distro company. If not, then don't even bother.

And like I mentioned in my post...not "us VS them", but rather like Congress & the President (with veto power)...checks & balances so to speak...working TOGETHER!!

Make sense?

 

[Jasonic]

Rob - yes, indeed makes sense.

I really like the idea of us coming to you with band ideas.
Though, I am sure everyone has different financial situations and obligations which would impact their ability to contribute.

While I know it is too early to talk about the details of the 2008 sponsorship, I did come up with an idea:
Have three different levels of Sponsors (IE - Level 1 - 3, Bronze through Gold, etc).
Therefore, let's say 10 people who want Band X could only afford a nominal amount to sponsor. They could be Level I sponsors, whose benefit might be just admission and a shirt. Level 2 would be obviously a higher sponsorship with increased perks. Then Level 3 would get the max perks (whatever, tshirt, backstage, catering, VIP, etc).
This would allow more people to be sponsors, while still rewarding those who are the BIG sponsors.
(And will obviously generate more funding for guarantees and overhead).

That's totally cool that you want to make it more than just the live show for all those involved. It sounds like all the bands and hotel guests had a blast.

 

[GateXII]

*Going through Rob's head* "Will you shut the f*ck up about Candlemass already??!!!???"

Not true...haha...I'm all about getting Candlemass for 2008...but you gotta show how bad you want them...$$$.

Well Jason...looks like you have a job to do this year.

Best of luck & we hope you succeed!