MelodicRockFest 2 - Lineup Revealed

[Andrew]

Andrew you coming to the area a couple weeks early?

Monday 26th.

Buy some tickets folks. Really need to sell a bunch load more still.

[rwhit12]

The FarCry cd is one of the best CD's I have heard all year. I never would have bought the cd,if it weren't for this site and the fact that they are playing at MRF2.

[S2M]

The FarCry cd is one of the best CD's I have heard all year. I never would have bought the cd,if it weren't for this site and the fact that they are playing at MRF2.

Make sure you chat with Pete and his Blue Charvel....

[mrsromek]

Anyone recently ordered discs from Kivel Records? I did, and paid on 3/30 and have yet to receive anything. I received an email from John stating they'd be mailed to me on 3/31. I'm just wondering what the delay has been?

[LtVanish]

Anyone recently ordered discs from Kivel Records? I did, and paid on 3/30 and have yet to receive anything. I received an email from John stating they'd be mailed to me on 3/31. I'm just wondering what the delay has been?

I ordered from them it took 7-10 days I think, I remember it taking a little longer than I expected. Nothing like as fast as NEH records it takes like 2 days from them.

[Saint John]

Buy some tickets folks. Really need to sell a bunch load more still.

You mean Far Cry and Talon aren't selling tickets like hotcakes? If it makes you feel any better I have yet to buy my VIP ticket so you can factor in 1 more sale. Cha-ching!

[Ehwmatt]

Buy some tickets folks. Really need to sell a bunch load more still.

You mean Far Cry and Talon aren't selling tickets like hotcakes? If it makes you feel any better I have yet to buy my VIP ticket so you can factor in 1 more sale. Cha-ching!

Sounds like the title of a 1980s cartoon and said cartoon's villain, respectively.

[Saint John]

Buy some tickets folks. Really need to sell a bunch load more still.

You mean Far Cry and Talon aren't selling tickets like hotcakes? If it makes you feel any better I have yet to buy my VIP ticket so you can factor in 1 more sale. Cha-ching!

Sounds like the title of a 1980s cartoon and said cartoon's villain, respectively.

I'm guessing that word hasn't hit the street yet that Strike Force is going to be there. Once that happens look for tickets to start selling like sand in the desert. Funny thing is ... I'm looking forward to seeing them!

[sniper16]

y&t sold out in chicago ,maybe you need to buy some add time on the loop, if you do i might be able to turn it into some interviews

[Andrew]

y&t sold out in chicago ,maybe you need to buy some add time on the loop, if you do i might be able to turn it into some interviews

Loop already ran a week of ads and took $2500 of my money. Full colour add also in Illinois Entertainer. If that doesn't help sell, nothing will.

[LtVanish]

y&t sold out in chicago ,maybe you need to buy some add time on the loop, if you do i might be able to turn it into some interviews

Loop already ran a week of ads and took $2500 of my money. Full colour add also in Illinois Entertainer. If that doesn't help sell, nothing will.

Will there be tickets sold at the door the night of the shows? I imagine that you would pick up quite a bit that way. I'm asking everyone I know if they want to go to this show.

[Andrew]

y&t sold out in chicago ,maybe you need to buy some add time on the loop, if you do i might be able to turn it into some interviews

Loop already ran a week of ads and took $2500 of my money. Full colour add also in Illinois Entertainer. If that doesn't help sell, nothing will.

Will there be tickets sold at the door the night of the shows? I imagine that you would pick up quite a bit that way. I'm asking everyone I know if they want to go to this show.

Yep...tickets at the door...tell the world!

[S2M]

y&t sold out in chicago ,maybe you need to buy some add time on the loop, if you do i might be able to turn it into some interviews

Loop already ran a week of ads and took $2500 of my money. Full colour add also in Illinois Entertainer. If that doesn't help sell, nothing will.

Will there be tickets sold at the door the night of the shows? I imagine that you would pick up quite a bit that way. I'm asking everyone I know if they want to go to this show.

Yep...tickets at the door...tell the world!

The World would rather listen to Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Coldplay, T-Pain, Justin Bieber, and Vampire Weekend....unfortunately. WHAT is wrong with these people?!?!?!?

[Saint John]

In the end, the show has everything possible going against it. Out-of-towners have been turned off by the fest encompassing the entire weekend. Who wants to travel to Chicago(land area) for the weekend and have no time to see the city? Hell, it may as well have been in Muscatine, Iowa. Then there's the venue. 20+ hours over 2 days and nary a seat to sit in. That's a lot to ask of some people. I know Peterik consistently has a 5-6 hundred person crowd almost entirely 50 and over at his annual World Stage, and they've basically all been forced out. Though I'm betting some will appear in the form of "walk-ups" the night of the show. There's no big name act that'll draw fans with the exception of Winger ... and they're not really a big draw. My guess is that the show averages 3-4 people per day, at best ... and that's really all it should. The bill simply isn't a people drawing bill. I'm just explaining what I believe to be the reasons for sluggish ticket sales.

PS I can guarantee that a cover band like Frontiers would have drawn just as many people as any act on this bill. They would have been a great addition to the bill. People want to sing along. What the hell are Talon, Far Cry, Eden's Curse, Strike Force, Rob Lamothe or Ted Poley gonna sing that the masses know?

[mrsromek]

Interesting points, St. John. I agree with you to some degree, and sure, time to see the great city would be a plus if there were time. Then again, this is about the music. I can say that there are seats upstairs and when I saw Tantric at the RH, there were tables with seats on the floor. So, there are spots for people to sit if they want. All of us? Heck no. Now, if 1000 people are in there, there is no room for the tables on the floor.

I liked the first MR fest because we had a seat to sit in, but I'll be honest...when we stood or sat, I couldn't see shit anyway. I like the upstairs idea here for that reason. I also like this place because the stage, bars, and "hanging out" areas are all in one place. At the theater in South Bend, you actually left the music area and then were in the lobby. There's also a lobby area of sorts here, but it's small.

Hey Andrew...when will show times be finalized, and I am also wondering when the list for the VIP night will be finalized? Just asking so I know what crap I have to lug with me to get signed by all the bands there! Thanks!

[Saint John]

Interesting points, St. John. I agree with you to some degree, and sure, time to see the great city would be a plus if there were time. Then again, this is about the music. I can say that there are seats upstairs and when I saw Tantric at the RH, there were tables with seats on the floor. So, there are spots for people to sit if they want. All of us? Heck no. Now, if 1000 people are in there, there is no room for the tables on the floor.

I liked the first MR fest because we had a seat to sit in, but I'll be honest...when we stood or sat, I couldn't see shit anyway. I like the upstairs idea here for that reason. I also like this place because the stage, bars, and "hanging out" areas are all in one place. At the theater in South Bend, you actually left the music area and then were in the lobby. There's also a lobby area of sorts here, but it's small.

Hey Andrew...when will show times be finalized, and I am also wondering when the list for the VIP night will be finalized? Just asking so I know what crap I have to lug with me to get signed by all the bands there! Thanks!

I've thrown around a few ideas with others and we're pretty unified in our thinking that this is a case where less would have been more. I'm thinking that Andrew could have eliminated all of the travel expenses for the numerous bands/acts, paid Loverboy the $20k instead and trimmed the show down to a one-day affair that yielded:


Loverboy (main headliner)
Winger (co-headliner)
Y&T
Danger Danger
Pride Of Lions
Jimi Jamison/Kevin Chalfant
7th Heaven

7 acts and about 10 hours of music from 2 to midnight. You charge $50 and sell the place out. 50k + swag=nice little profit. Just my .02.

[Everett]

My vote for mr fest III bradley center in milwaukee styx,reo,journey, foreigner & van halen

[Andrew]

In the end, the show has everything possible going against it. Out-of-towners have been turned off by the fest encompassing the entire weekend. Who wants to travel to Chicago(land area) for the weekend and have no time to see the city? Hell, it may as well have been in Muscatine, Iowa. Then there's the venue. 20+ hours over 2 days and nary a seat to sit in. That's a lot to ask of some people. I know Peterik consistently has a 5-6 hundred person crowd almost entirely 50 and over at his annual World Stage, and they've basically all been forced out. Though I'm betting some will appear in the form of "walk-ups" the night of the show. There's no big name act that'll draw fans with the exception of Winger ... and they're not really a big draw. My guess is that the show averages 3-4 people per day, at best ... and that's really all it should. The bill simply isn't a people drawing bill. I'm just explaining what I believe to be the reasons for sluggish ticket sales.

PS I can guarantee that a cover band like Frontiers would have drawn just as many people as any act on this bill. They would have been a great addition to the bill. People want to sing along. What the hell are Talon, Far Cry, Eden's Curse, Strike Force, Rob Lamothe or Ted Poley gonna sing that the masses know?

I look forward to critiquing your next festival you spend 6 months putting together. When are you set to announce? I can't wait to see your bill also. Should be enlightening to say the least.

[Andrew]

Interesting points, St. John. I agree with you to some degree, and sure, time to see the great city would be a plus if there were time. Then again, this is about the music. I can say that there are seats upstairs and when I saw Tantric at the RH, there were tables with seats on the floor. So, there are spots for people to sit if they want. All of us? Heck no. Now, if 1000 people are in there, there is no room for the tables on the floor.

I liked the first MR fest because we had a seat to sit in, but I'll be honest...when we stood or sat, I couldn't see shit anyway. I like the upstairs idea here for that reason. I also like this place because the stage, bars, and "hanging out" areas are all in one place. At the theater in South Bend, you actually left the music area and then were in the lobby. There's also a lobby area of sorts here, but it's small.

Hey Andrew...when will show times be finalized, and I am also wondering when the list for the VIP night will be finalized? Just asking so I know what crap I have to lug with me to get signed by all the bands there! Thanks!

I've thrown around a few ideas with others and we're pretty unified in our thinking that this is a case where less would have been more. I'm thinking that Andrew could have eliminated all of the travel expenses for the numerous bands/acts, paid Loverboy the $20k instead and trimmed the show down to a one-day affair that yielded:


Loverboy (main headliner)
Winger (co-headliner)
Y&T
Danger Danger
Pride Of Lions
Jimi Jamison/Kevin Chalfant
7th Heaven

7 acts and about 10 hours of music from 2 to midnight. You charge $50 and sell the place out. 50k + swag=nice little profit. Just my .02.

Not even sure why I am bothering to reply to ammeteur hour, but band costs for this line-up alone total US$76,000 - if you get decent rates from them. Fortunately I am able to obtain mates rates.

Then you add venue fee, extra backline, audio and lights needed to satisfy band rider requirements, plus air and ground transport, hotel costs and catering on the day, advertising costs, ticket manufacturing costs and a few extra bits and pieces for good measure.
Oh, and don't forget you have a full time job to keep up with while organizing this.

By my estimation, your costs are about $110,000 here. 1000 folks at $50 a head doesn't quite ad up chum.

So....let's hope I DO get that walk up on the day or you won't have a forum left to complain in.

[Behshad]

I do see Saint Johns point in regards to standing on concrete for hours. I'm bringing couple of lawn chairs with me l Hell, maybe a dozen of them. That way I can create my own VIP zone with designated beerbitches

[Saint John]

In the end, the show has everything possible going against it. Out-of-towners have been turned off by the fest encompassing the entire weekend. Who wants to travel to Chicago(land area) for the weekend and have no time to see the city? Hell, it may as well have been in Muscatine, Iowa. Then there's the venue. 20+ hours over 2 days and nary a seat to sit in. That's a lot to ask of some people. I know Peterik consistently has a 5-6 hundred person crowd almost entirely 50 and over at his annual World Stage, and they've basically all been forced out. Though I'm betting some will appear in the form of "walk-ups" the night of the show. There's no big name act that'll draw fans with the exception of Winger ... and they're not really a big draw. My guess is that the show averages 3-4 people per day, at best ... and that's really all it should. The bill simply isn't a people drawing bill. I'm just explaining what I believe to be the reasons for sluggish ticket sales.

PS I can guarantee that a cover band like Frontiers would have drawn just as many people as any act on this bill. They would have been a great addition to the bill. People want to sing along. What the hell are Talon, Far Cry, Eden's Curse, Strike Force, Rob Lamothe or Ted Poley gonna sing that the masses know?

I look forward to critiquing your next festival you spend 6 months putting together. When are you set to announce? I can't wait to see your bill also. Should be enlightening to say the least.

lol ... I meant to say 3-4 hundred people per day. Apologies. Aside from that, I stand by everything else. And while I certainly commend your efforts, I'm not sure why over half of these bands were even invited. They could be more talented than Journey and The Beatles combined, but the fact remains that they're a non-draw ... and this show is about making money. Or at least I thought it was. Just like Neal Schon and Steve Lukather, you don't get it. People want to hear songs they know and can sing along to. Frontiers would sell just as many tickets as your entire bill ... perhaps more. Give me 6 months and I'd triple your attendance with half the cost incurred. But you guys don't seem to get that. Move your pride and personal preference to the side and you'd see that this is basically an unmarketable bill. Hey, man, I wish you the best and I'll be there. One of us is gonna be right and the other is gonna be wrong. I like my chances.

[Andrew]

In the end, the show has everything possible going against it. Out-of-towners have been turned off by the fest encompassing the entire weekend. Who wants to travel to Chicago(land area) for the weekend and have no time to see the city? Hell, it may as well have been in Muscatine, Iowa. Then there's the venue. 20+ hours over 2 days and nary a seat to sit in. That's a lot to ask of some people. I know Peterik consistently has a 5-6 hundred person crowd almost entirely 50 and over at his annual World Stage, and they've basically all been forced out. Though I'm betting some will appear in the form of "walk-ups" the night of the show. There's no big name act that'll draw fans with the exception of Winger ... and they're not really a big draw. My guess is that the show averages 3-4 people per day, at best ... and that's really all it should. The bill simply isn't a people drawing bill. I'm just explaining what I believe to be the reasons for sluggish ticket sales.

PS I can guarantee that a cover band like Frontiers would have drawn just as many people as any act on this bill. They would have been a great addition to the bill. People want to sing along. What the hell are Talon, Far Cry, Eden's Curse, Strike Force, Rob Lamothe or Ted Poley gonna sing that the masses know?

I look forward to critiquing your next festival you spend 6 months putting together. When are you set to announce? I can't wait to see your bill also. Should be enlightening to say the least.

lol ... I meant to say 3-4 hundred people per day. Apologies. Aside from that, I stand by everything else. And while I certainly commend your efforts, I'm not sure why over half of these bands were even invited. They could be more talented than Journey and The Beatles combined, but the fact remains that they're a non-draw ... and this show is about making money. Or at least I thought it was. Just like Neal Schon and Steve Lukather, you don't get it. People want to hear songs they know and can sing along to.

Perhaps the rest of the audience aen't as musically ignorant as yourself?

[Andrew]

Give me 6 months and I'd triple your attendance with half the cost incurred.

Ok, go. The clock is ticking. You can sticky a new thread with progress updates.

[Saint John]

Perhaps the rest of the audience aen't as musically ignorant as yourself?

Then why are you whining about ticket sales?

[Andrew]

Perhaps the rest of the audience aen't as musically ignorant as yourself?

Then why are you whining about ticket sales?

You put your ass on the line and then we can talk.

[Saint John]

Perhaps the rest of the audience aen't as musically ignorant as yourself?

Then why are you whining about ticket sales?

You put your ass on the line and then we can talk.

This has nothing to do with me or my ass. Why not just answer the question and refute my claim that said acts aren't moving tickets. Hey, maybe they are and I'm wrong. I have no idea. But I suspect they aren't. But the music pulse around here, from having lived my entire life here, tells me that they're not. This isn't a shot at any band ot their talent, more so about their popularity and drawing ability. I've asked scores of people to go and they just have no clue who half of these bands are. And I suspect that is also true of the general public around here as well.

[Andrew]

I have no idea.

I thought you knew how to do this right? I really am awaiting news of your festival.

This site caters for more than just what is discussed here on this board or what is a known name band to the general public.
That's why you have HEADLINERS - to draw in the casual fans.

The rest of the line-up is for the die-hards and the true fans of this genre of music and I believe there will be plenty of those present. if this show does not work, then it won't be because of a shitty line-up, lack of advertising or anything else I have done wrong.

It will be due to a shitty economy or people that simply can't be assed anymore. And if that's the case, I'm done.

[G.I.Jim]

While I won't be able to attend due to work, I do wish you the best of luck with this endeavor Andrew. I do agree about a lot of the bands, and I do agree that Frontiers would have pulled a bigger draw than most. I think the seating situation sounds like a bad idea, but who knows? I do love this site (even though it's been pretty stale in the forums lately), and I hope you pull this off.

I'm sure the forum is just slow right now due to a lack of any great releases coming out right now, and I'm sure it'll pick back up soon.

Just my 2 cents...

[Saint John]

I have no idea.

I thought you knew how to do this right? I really am awaiting news of your festival.

This site caters for more than just what is discussed here on this board or what is a known name band to the general public.
That's why you have HEADLINERS - to draw in the casual fans.

The rest of the line-up is for the die-hards and the true fans of this genre of music and I believe there will be plenty of those present. if this show does not work, then it won't be because of a shitty line-up, lack of advertising or anything else I have done wrong.

It will be due to a shitty economy or people that simply can't be assed anymore. And if that's the case, I'm done.

Fair enough, sir. We just differ in our opinions. Nothing more.

[Andrew]

I think the seating situation sounds like a bad idea, but who knows?

A seated theater would have added $30k to costs.