so who do you want to see play melodicrock fest 3 eric martin solo, john corabi would be a fine acoustic act, maybe hagar as a headliner, since its in chicago maybe andrew con swing a styx reunion haha any thoughtshttp://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924484#msg-924484Sun, 26 May 2013 12:35:53 +1000 Phorum 5.2.16 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924904#msg-924904 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924904#msg-924904 Don Wishon NoticeboardSat, 29 Dec 2012 09:26:41 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924903#msg-924903 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924903#msg-924903 Don Wishon NoticeboardSat, 29 Dec 2012 09:20:02 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924902#msg-924902 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924902#msg-924902 Don Wishon NoticeboardSat, 29 Dec 2012 09:16:58 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924793#msg-924793 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924793#msg-924793 Jodes NoticeboardFri, 28 Dec 2012 06:45:01 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924767#msg-924767 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924767#msg-924767Niv]]> nivjourney NoticeboardFri, 28 Dec 2012 00:56:57 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924729#msg-924729 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924729#msg-924729 Andrew NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 18:32:20 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924728#msg-924728 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924728#msg-924728 Laurent NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 18:00:52 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924715#msg-924715 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924715#msg-924715Frontiers should still take mine and Darren's idea into the studio...
Bet those particular guys would come up with a shit-hot album!
:-)
Niv]]> nivjourney NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 09:53:52 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924703#msg-924703 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924703#msg-924703 Andrew NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 07:31:10 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924699#msg-924699 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924699#msg-924699Would still love to hear Kevin, Josh and Paul Bonrud write some stuff together. Shame Ron wouldn't do it, any idea why?
I know he liked my idea for getting Lou Gramm, Bruce Turgon, Jeff Jacobs, himself and Rocket Ritchotte together in a band. But I hear that Lou and Bruce aren't on good terms anymore... (I say in that case, replace Lou with Chas West! Do some Foreigner, Black Sheep, Shadow King, Places Of Power and with Chas, some Bonham?)
Niv]]> nivjourney NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 03:16:05 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924698#msg-924698 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924698#msg-924698
This said, I also hope you will be proven wrong. Traffic from the US on the site hardly translated into attendence.

Do it at the Baked Potato in LA! LOL The list of guests might be more impressive than the actual line-up :-)]]> Laurent NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 02:25:37 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924697#msg-924697 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924697#msg-924697 Laurent NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 02:22:59 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924693#msg-924693 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924693#msg-924693
Paul]]> PaulBonrud NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 01:51:21 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924691#msg-924691 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924691#msg-924691So if it was held anywhere in Europe, fans can fly, train or boat from most of the rest of Europe and the UK to get there (and affordably).
If it's held in the U.S, most of Europe and the UK would have alot of expense to get there, and even people within the U.S would be paying almost as much to travel from one side of the country to the other.
I think that's why Firefest does so well. Even this year, where the 2 headline acts on Sat and Sunday are basically a tribute act or a tribute show as it were, the advance ticket sales show that fans from the world over will be travelling in to support the show.
However, If I can get out, i'd love to support your show, and I do wish you every success with it!
I'll be more happy if you get my Rollie-less Storm line-up off the ground! ;-)
Niv]]> nivjourney NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 01:28:35 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924690#msg-924690 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924690#msg-924690Win-Win, surely?!
Ha
Niv]]> nivjourney NoticeboardThu, 27 Dec 2012 01:19:30 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924688#msg-924688 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924688#msg-924688
50% of my traffic is USA based - folks just have to get off their asses! This really is the last chance for the USA and an AOR type festival.

In Germany it has been attempted several times all to small audiences and a loss of $.

I hope I'm not proved wrong.]]> Andrew NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 22:40:46 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924687#msg-924687 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924687#msg-924687-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks Laurent :)
>
> Always appreciate your input and advice (and
> support).
>
> Crazy? Absolutely. Stupid? A little :)
> BUT! Third time lucky. I'm still convinced a show
> of this kind could work if enough people support
> it.

Exactly, if enough people would support it. And there lies the problem! I don't think the US is the right place. I am pretty much convinced that you would have a much better chance of being successful at every level, were you to opt for Sweden.

Maybe I am being too negative, but the way I see it, things are not exactly improving in terms of sales and disposable income. The US have forgotten about melodic rock. It is non-existent. There is no scene left at all. So my question is: why do you insist on doing it in the US? That is really the main concern for me. I honestly do not see any reason to do it in the US. The US is a big NO. Sweden or Germany would be supportive of such a festival. Not the US: if you're not in the charts or if you did not have several hits, forget it (again your friend Luke can certainly confirm that. Even as a solo artist he is doing decent business in Europe, admittedly playing to about 500-1000 people but it seems to be viable as he continues to do it. He however could not be arrested in the US). Europe is the place to be for genres that are not in the US charts: look at the amount of blues or jazz artists touring Europe!

You know enough people in Sweden to get the advices and support you would need.]]> Laurent NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 22:28:03 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924683#msg-924683 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924683#msg-924683
Always appreciate your input and advice (and support).

Crazy? Absolutely. Stupid? A little :)
BUT! Third time lucky. I'm still convinced a show of this kind could work if enough people support it.

If this one doesn't make a decent sum of $, then it most definitely will be my last attempt. I'm still paying off MRF2, so it HAS to.

I did the big Theater with small headliner, I did the club with bigger headliner (didn't pay off at all), so this time I'm doing club with smaller names put together to be the most enticing MR package possible.

If this doesn't convince readers of this site, then nothing ever will :)

Plus I've had a look at ticket prices and they were too low on both previous occasions (little walk up interest in either show) and I gave several VIP packages for those that want more and can afford more.

And I'm cutting costs or adding value with extra merch wherever possible.

I think I have it all worked out and I'm getting a lot of assistance from Kohn Kivel who put his hand up to help and who has been terrific.

Just have to find the right venue and we'll be away!

I just hope folks like what they see and come along for the ride.]]> Andrew NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 20:16:22 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924682#msg-924682 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924682#msg-924682
One factor that is important to my eyes is that there seems to be culture in the UK supporting club gigs. Furthermore, it is not far from countries that are still fairly large rock markets, with people who are still regular concert goers (Germany, Holland) and for whom it is not too expensive to travel to the UK. The culture and traditional more loyal fan base found in Europe in general vs. the more 'flavour of the month' attitude prevailing in the US, probably also plays a role in your success. In Europe, people would still tend to go see "smaller" bands they remember from their teenage years if they can or support genres mostly played in clubs (blues, jazz).

Trying to do the same in the US is way riskier as I do not believe one could count on the same level of loyalty. Look at Toto: they can hardly book a tour in 2,000 seats venue in the US but they are packing arenas all over Europe!

FF through hard work, and modesty (you never seem to want to chew more than you can eat), have found the right balance. It may be an exception to the rule, but it works. The stars have aligned for you at the level you are working. You need a bit of luck but everything you and your team have achieved is 2000 % deserved.

What I am trying to say is that wanting it and doing it with all your heart is not sufficient to be successful. There are plenty of other factors that need to be managed and assessed, not least the location. For me the US is definitively not the right place to do it.

My take, considering the amount of quality bands coming from that country and the easy access for all European residents, is that a very good location to organize MRF3 would be Sweden.]]> Laurent NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 19:59:25 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924681#msg-924681 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924681#msg-924681
Hi Laurent, your description is pretty accurate , even though we have some of the 'bigger' names in the genre over the years , a full house to us is a HUGE achievement, yet comparatively speaking someone like Shinedown can pull a bigger audience than FF at most venues they play. Kind of sums up exactly where Firefest is on the rock food chain..... but hey ....we do it because we love this type of music. If we wanted to make money we wouldn't be booking bands from the aor/melodic rock genre, we'd be booking One Direction or Rhianna.
K]]> Kieran NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 19:21:50 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924680#msg-924680 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924680#msg-924680
Your committment to the scene is not in question. That you would deserve to have another go and be successful (i.e. at least break-even) is not disputable. Whether the whole thing is realistic? This is where I have serious doubts.

I have never attended Firefest but from what I gather, albeit successful, I would guess that over the 3 days there are not more than 1,500 individuals attending. All things considered this is a rather modest amount of people, even more so when one sees that the bands they book are rather "big" at least in the MR world.

In my views, it is financially suicidal to even consider a MR festival in the US with the bands mentioned in this thread. The bands that do well tour on their own and are expensive. What is the real appeal of Harem Scarem or Velocity or Zebra? These guys never made it big when the genre was popular. What makes someone think they would be a big draw today?

I hate to say this but unless there is a revival on a large scale in the US for this genre, it is pointless to even try as it is a loss-making guaranteed adventure. And even if there was to be a revival, IMHO, only bands with a "hits history" would be able to get a fair share.

With all due respect but even JSS or Glenn Hughes are not selling out 2,000 seaters today.

If you are going ahead, I will assist you financially because your perseverence (craziness? LOL) deserves to be rewarded. But if you were to be 100 % realistic, as of today, you should not even think about it.]]> Laurent NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 17:55:36 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924679#msg-924679 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924679#msg-924679 Andrew NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 15:44:20 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924678#msg-924678 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924678#msg-924678
Ronda]]> Concert Queen NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 15:12:50 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924677#msg-924677 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924677#msg-924677But the investment you are talking about is not possible, nor practice for MelodicRockFest or any other melodic themed event.

They would simply not pay for themselves.

Sambora might have a $50k fee alone, when the whole budget isn't able to be much more than that based on the likely return.

I lost money on both first two shows. A third loss is not possible.

I'm sure the lineup will appeal to the vast majority of fans of this site - I just hope we can get aroubd 1000 folks there each day.]]> Andrew NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 14:26:00 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924676#msg-924676 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924676#msg-924676 Andrew NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 14:21:31 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924675#msg-924675 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924675#msg-924675
Andrew, what about some Canadian acts (relatively cheap) like Honeymoon Suite, Helix, or Lee Aaron?]]> Jodes NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 13:47:36 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924667#msg-924667 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924667#msg-924667For me to travel from the U.K it would have to be a killer bill..... Dan Reed Network original line up, Joey Tempest doing material from his first two solo albums, original WhiteLion, Saraya, TalBachman(what happened to him?)..... etc ..... And if not solely AOR what about Sister Hazel ?
Richie Sambora may sound daft but he can sell very little on his own stateside so may be he his book able if you can get any where near direct contact with management ?
Just my two cents ....
KJ]]> karl NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 10:23:06 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924664#msg-924664 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924664#msg-924664 Snake65 NoticeboardWed, 26 Dec 2012 08:45:24 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924645#msg-924645 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924645#msg-924645k]]> Kieran NoticeboardTue, 25 Dec 2012 20:08:58 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924637#msg-924637 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,924484,924637#msg-924637 Andrew NoticeboardTue, 25 Dec 2012 17:40:15 +1100