Who is *NOT* available in 2008.....

I've long wanted to see Tarot, so this news disappoints. However, I recall Glenn's words on the Forum not that long ago in response to queries about Nevermore. He wrote, simply, "Neveragain." I think that pretty much sums up Nevermore's chances to be booked at any future PPUSAs.

There are so many very, very cool bands I'd love to see all under one roof, for example:

Darkwater
Everwood
Vanishing Point
Black Majesty
Circus Maximus (Isolate rocks my world)
Into Eternity
Venturia
Watchmen
Manticora

The really cool thing about Glenn is that even if I haven't heard of, or am not that familiar with, a band he's booked I get so excited about the line-up and the bands that I'm usually a raving fan boy by the time the fest draws near. He just has a knack for picking interesting bands.

Bottom line: It doesn't really matter who's not available from this fan's perspective. I think whomever Glenn books will be a lot of fun to experience next year.
 
Even if Beyond Twilight DID play live shows, I don't think their sound would translate very well live... just wayy too much going on.
 
As far as I know, Beyond Twilight has only played live once, and it was in support of the first album.


Actually, they NEVER played live. The 2 announced gigs in support of the debut was cancelled coz' of Jorn backing out of them. And the gig announced in support of the 3rd album was cancelled for some other reason.

c.
 
I have a feeling that whatever Raintime does with their 45 minutes will turn heads, whether it be from people who know them now from the forum, or just random spectators who get there early.

For those who like Tales From Sadness and haven't given Flies and Lies a chance, you are being unfair to yourself. That album kicks some serious ass. The title track, Rolling Chances, and Tears of Sorrow alone are worth watching for, among others. I wish I could pick which TFS songs they play, though as I have my favorites there too ("Chains of Sadness" please, what an awesome ballad).
 
Actually, they NEVER played live. The 2 announced gigs in support of the debut was cancelled coz' of Jorn backing out of them. And the gig announced in support of the 3rd album was cancelled for some other reason.

c.

Ah, okay, I remember seeing the show announcement, but not the cancellation. Hopefully it will work out for them someday, but it seems that the stuff off the last album would be difficult to translate into a live setting.
 
As far as who is unavailable, I recall Glenn saying that no bands from Asia or Australia are available for Progpower due to cost.

So no Vanishing Point. Which sucks big time.
 
I've learned to give every PP band a chance, so I plan to be there for every band. I may lose interest in one or two, but there have been too many surprises over the years for me to skip a band entirely.

Rather than list which bands I like, here's how I see the fest going.

Raintime: A few years ago I said that Manticora was the heaviest fest opener. From the sound of this band, that title may pass over to RT. I suspect they will get people revved up for the show.

Communic: Keep failing to get Nevermore? Book a stunt double :heh: With slight apologies to Zod, I like Communic more than Nevermore. I expect them to slow the pace down a bit, but draw a few more people in.

Virgin Steele: Anyone stating that they weren't thrilled with the band in the 80's is missing the point of this band. I admit to being a huge fan, but I think this is a band that took some time to really find themselves. Check out 94's Marriage of Heaven & Hell, 98's Invictus, and 2000's Atreus Part II, and then tell me what you think of this band. If given a chance, I expect this band to take over the way Edguy did way back when.

Redemption: The room is filled for this one. Alder legitimizes this band, and the last two albums were killer. The pace slows from VS, but the crowd is happy.

Pagan's Mind: I like them more now than when they appeared for PPIV. They've been getting a lot of requests on the boards in the four years since they were here, and I believe they'll bridge the gap between Redemption and the headliner.

Sonata Arctica: Never saw them live. With their catalog of hits they are sure to please, but I bet some people trickle away to the bar for this one.

Overall, this will turn out to be a great Friday night.

Saturday:
Firewind: A great opener for the 'adjusted' Sat lineup. They should make sure the place is pretty crowded to start out.

Threshold: The room is filled. They already have the rep of an amazing effort at PPIII. Now they get even more people due to the singer change. Mac fans will want to hear how Wilson does the Mac songs. Mac detractors will be happy Wilson is back. They have a chance to win everyone over and bring down the house.

Primal Fear: Hard to tell if they get the Rage reaction and lose people before they begin. I think most people give them a chance. I personally like their music but am not a major fan. I may leave to grab dinner, but I'll definitely give them a long time to impress.

After Forever: Another band that has been long requested. I didn't hear anything by them until they were announced, but I like what I've heard. I think 85% attendance for this one.

All Star Jam: I'm not sure how anyone can skip this. It's like metal karaoke, and who knows what will happen. Last year's "Stars" was great in concept and pretty funny in execution (mic issues and everyone milling around on stage). Jorn's cover set was pretty good and very polished. This should fall somewhere in between, and should really emphasize the spirit of PP, which is an intimate show that goes beyond a standard festival.

All in all, I don't see how I'm going to get much time to eat, but hopefully I'll be having too great of a time to let it matter!

Steve in Philly