PP USA X: Major roster changes

And if you look at the previous posts both Glenn and bands have suffer from this too, we have to consider we are not the only victims of government bad management. We are all on this together: promoters, bands, fans. If we bail out so easily at the first dissapointment how we can expect to keep this kind of events going on in the future?

It's a large financial commitment to make. Some people justify it by seeing a few bands they really enjoy and can't see otherwise. No one should be judged badly for bailing for their reasons. We don't know their situations, and it's not fair to them to assume things. I couldn't justify going to PP 8 because of the lineup, it didn't make financial sense at the time to travel that far, spend that much on a hotel, food, time off from work, and etc to spend time with people. I just didn't have the money to fork over for a lineup I didn't care for.
 
And as an FYI....you have to do the exact same process for the crew seperately. They cannot be filed with the band. It's quite the moneymaker.

Damn! :rolleyes: I don't know how you put up with it Glenn, just glad you do!!!
 
Government sucks. Thank you for all your hard work though. Having a friend who is the only international member in his band, I have heard this story before. The paperwork and time it takes to bring an international band or member to the States is incredible, plus the interview part that the band member must sit through on their end is amazing and totally unfair too. This just means that we must show our appreciation when international bands are able to make it into the states to perform. Promote them anyway you can, tell everyone about the music and the bands. You never know, that one person you mention a band to, may be in a position to change a situation like this in the future.
 
And this is the government you want to handle your health care? :lol::erk::ill::zombie::cry:o_O

Seriously - though I like Andre Matos - I'm stoked to see Mindflow. These guys from Brazil really play some serious progressive metal!

I'm sorry of all the fucking bullshit you go through, Glenn. I can't spill the beans too far - but I work for the US of A government in some capacity - and if it weren't for the job security, I've leave in a heartbeat! So much red tape for us on the INSIDE, let alone for all of you on the outside trying to get things accomplished. It ain't easy, period!

Hope Shane can find a great replacement - though it is hard to replace such quality metal that Vanden Plas would have provided!
 
After 130 other posts, I'm sure mine doesn't matter, but add me to the list of folks expressing disgust that the guy trying to do it by the books gets screwed for no apparent good reason.

The juggling of the line-up doesn't bother me at all, but the reason for the need to do so is frustrating.

Ken
 
Glenn,

Just when you think you've faced everything that could possibly go wrong, something else comes up to bite you in the ass. I totally sympathize with you regarding this situation. This dilemma certainly adds more "labor" to the "labor of love."

That said, you really stepped up to the plate when it came to getting Crimson Glory and Mindflow. My hat's off to you for taking charge and being as dedicated as you are.


Stay metal. Never rust.
Albert
 
Glenn,

I'm really sorry to hear about all of this. I do want to thank you for being so up front and honest with your festival goers. You run a first class festival and I really enjoy myself everytime I go. And I wll be there this year! Primal Fear, Brainstorm, and Circus Maximus are reason enough to be there...

Keep up the great work!

Steve
 
I'm am beyond upset. I am beyond angry. I feel like I have been stolen from. I bought my concert tickets and my plane tickets about a week ago for one reason, Vanden Plas. I did not want to see any of the other bands, I was only going to the showcase. And now I have wasted $550.

I thought the whole reason for waiting to post the showcase ticket links was to make sure everything was sorted out? The ticket links never should have been posted unless it was finalized. I flew into Atlanta last year for one reason, Vanden Plas. I flew all the way out there only to find out once I was there that they weren't going to be coming. I figured that couldn't happen again. That's why precautions were taken and the link for the tickets weren't going to be posted early. I waited to buy my plane tickets until after that, hell I waited at least another week before I committed.

Now I feel I have been played for a fool, I fell for the same tricks twice. I may be able to get a refund for my concert tickets (I better be able to at least) but the the remaining $450 for the plane tickets is a complete waste. I looked into the airline's policy and you can get a refund if it's been within 7 days since you ordered them, well guess what... it's been 8 days now.

I went to progpower IV to see Nightwish and Vanden Plas. I went last year to try and see Vanden Plas again. But now I don't care if you ever have another progpower, whether you do or not I am never coming again. You will not steal from me a third time.
 
I'm am beyond upset. I am beyond angry. I feel like I have been stolen from. I bought my concert tickets and my plane tickets about a week ago for one reason, Vanden Plas. I did not want to see any of the other bands, I was only going to the showcase. And now I have wasted $550.

I thought the whole reason for waiting to post the showcase ticket links was to make sure everything was sorted out? The ticket links never should have been posted unless it was finalized. I flew into Atlanta last year for one reason, Vanden Plas. I flew all the way out there only to find out once I was there that they weren't going to be coming. I figured that couldn't happen again. That's why precautions were taken and the link for the tickets weren't going to be posted early. I waited to buy my plane tickets until after that, hell I waited at least another week before I committed.

Now I feel I have been played for a fool, I fell for the same tricks twice. I may be able to get a refund for my concert tickets (I better be able to at least) but the the remaining $450 for the plane tickets is a complete waste. I looked into the airline's policy and you can get a refund if it's been within 7 days since you ordered them, well guess what... it's been 8 days now.

I went to progpower IV to see Nightwish and Vanden Plas. I went last year to try and see Vanden Plas again. But now I don't care if you ever have another progpower, whether you do or not I am never coming again. You will not steal from me a third time.

Mate!
You spent $ 550 to see Vanden Plas :loco:

Who's really the fool here????
 
I'm am beyond upset. I am beyond angry. I feel like I have been stolen from. I bought my concert tickets and my plane tickets about a week ago for one reason, Vanden Plas. I did not want to see any of the other bands, I was only going to the showcase. And now I have wasted $550.

I thought the whole reason for waiting to post the showcase ticket links was to make sure everything was sorted out? The ticket links never should have been posted unless it was finalized. I flew into Atlanta last year for one reason, Vanden Plas. I flew all the way out there only to find out once I was there that they weren't going to be coming. I figured that couldn't happen again. That's why precautions were taken and the link for the tickets weren't going to be posted early. I waited to buy my plane tickets until after that, hell I waited at least another week before I committed.

Now I feel I have been played for a fool, I fell for the same tricks twice. I may be able to get a refund for my concert tickets (I better be able to at least) but the the remaining $450 for the plane tickets is a complete waste. I looked into the airline's policy and you can get a refund if it's been within 7 days since you ordered them, well guess what... it's been 8 days now.

I went to progpower IV to see Nightwish and Vanden Plas. I went last year to try and see Vanden Plas again. But now I don't care if you ever have another progpower, whether you do or not I am never coming again. You will not steal from me a third time.

With that attitude, you will not be missed.
 
Mate!
You spent $ 550 to see Vanden Plas :loco:

Who's really the fool here????


Don't miss his point, Johan. It's a valid one -- and one that sucks all the more because a good guy like Glenn gets stuck with this mess.

What promoters worry about all the time is the "Boy Who Cried Wolf" syndrome. Their word has to be their bond. When they announce a line-up, they move heaven and earth to make sure that line-up makes it to the stage.

Why? For two reasons: (1) they love the music, as does Mr. H., and (2) to build and maintain a reputation that they can be trusted.

Shark's observation is the bane of existence for promoters. When forces outside their control screw with their music fest they suffer multiple times. Once, because favorite bands aren't able to make it, and twice because their reputation takes a hit.

Those of us who know PPUSA and have seen Glenn bend over backwards to pull this crazy show off, know he's a man of his word. But newbies, or people like Shark, on the outside looking in are only able to shake their heads and wonder if Glenn can be trusted again -- even though he's not the one who let anyone down.

Glenn's between the proverbial rock and a hard place with this. I feel badly for him.

But instead of pooh-poohing Shark's comments I think they need to be addressed. His point is, indeed, a compelling one. Thankfully, we have a great answer for him: Glenn's the man and ProgPower USA is the metal fest.

If that line of reasons fails, we can always turn to the Buddhist way of looking at things: non-attachment is better than attachment. In other words, don't fix your mind on things as they are or you want them to be. Go with the flow and you'll be happier and healthier.

Bill
 
I spent about a grand (return airfare & hotel) and am not really upset. The best laid plans of mice and men etc.

This is my chance to see a whole bunch of bands at one time. If the roster changes, the substitutes are usually just as good if not better (imho). The spirit of the festival is what really impressed me last year. Which is the main reason I'm attending this year!

I'm am beyond upset. I am beyond angry. I feel like I have been stolen from. I bought my concert tickets and my plane tickets about a week ago for one reason, Vanden Plas. I did not want to see any of the other bands, I was only going to the showcase. And now I have wasted $550.

I thought the whole reason for waiting to post the showcase ticket links was to make sure everything was sorted out? The ticket links never should have been posted unless it was finalized. I flew into Atlanta last year for one reason, Vanden Plas. I flew all the way out there only to find out once I was there that they weren't going to be coming. I figured that couldn't happen again. That's why precautions were taken and the link for the tickets weren't going to be posted early. I waited to buy my plane tickets until after that, hell I waited at least another week before I committed.

Now I feel I have been played for a fool, I fell for the same tricks twice. I may be able to get a refund for my concert tickets (I better be able to at least) but the the remaining $450 for the plane tickets is a complete waste. I looked into the airline's policy and you can get a refund if it's been within 7 days since you ordered them, well guess what... it's been 8 days now.

I went to progpower IV to see Nightwish and Vanden Plas. I went last year to try and see Vanden Plas again. But now I don't care if you ever have another progpower, whether you do or not I am never coming again. You will not steal from me a third time.
 
Now I feel I have been played for a fool, I fell for the same tricks twice, steal from me, etc.


Obviously your anger and frustration have intefered with your ability to be rational in regards to the reasons behind the problem. You have completely ignored the explanation of the timeline involved in the process. This was explained in further detail in the post in regards to the announcement of all international tours and shows in advance of visa approval. That is the norm for specific reasons. Otherwise, we could not promote a show until as late as 30 days in advance. That is why the problem is a national problem and not just an isolated incident. Perhaps you will calm down in a few days and read the link I posted explaining things.

Once again, I apologize for the situation. However, I do not believe that you will ever accept any excuse.

Now that you made your accusations, I would politely ask that you not return to the forum.

Glenn
 
Glen thanks for all that you have done. This festival is my favorite time of the year and you have always done a great job. I am sorry this has happened. Hang in there friend.