Cheers:
* Glenn - I laughed at all of the cancelations this year because I mean at some point it's just that absurd. I, like everyone else, feel for you for everything that'd happened, but you certainly looked more in control and happy this year than I remember ever seeing, and you and your crew just killed it. I told the Anathema folks that we all work so incredibly hard through the year to be able to come to this event and let it all go for a few days. I thanked them for putting such a tremendous amount of effort into their craft, and so I say the same to you. We all know this festival goes beyond just the logistics and the bands on stage, it's not just about the music, but everything else too. It's so tremendously important in so many of our lives. Thank you for gutting it out every year.
* Jen - Really, I know what Glenn's driving factor is and who's really running the show. So basically everything above applies to the true power behind the prog.
You're a doll and I'm sorry we couldn't chat more this year. As always for the two of you, I'm at your disposal for anything you need in my world.
* Milton - You've come so far so fast and your work ethic is tremendous. Your my bother, and there truely is nothing that made me happier this year than seeing you down in front enjoying Angra after this past year of planning and execution on
every tour you managed to put together and find success with leading up to Wednesday night. To Infinity and Beyond. #POWERCHEESE
* Crew - I don't know what most of you do, but that just means your the best damn motherfuckers in this business. Keep being a well oiled machine!
* Douche Crew - Next year, we bring it up. Special mention: Kelly, for making Whiskey Cake! Flying Biscuit for delivering! Douche MVP award this year goes to Tim's robe.
* Amanda, Kris, Greg, and Tim - You guys are everything to me every year. I could not have asked to be part of a better group of friends for this. I felt a bit like a Progpower Racoon this year but hopefully my choice in beer and cupcakes made up for it a little.
* Metal Rose - Cheering you because I know how difficult the past two years have been for you and how very, very happy I am that you've made it back to the family. I know coming this year meant a lot to you, but know seeing you again really makes progpower complete.
* That one guy in the Elvenking vest who gave me his rail spot for Anathama, AND THEN STOOD BEHIND ME AND SUNG EVERY SONG WITH ME THE ENTIRE SET DUDE YOU ARE THE REAL MVP. Seriously this is why I come to this festival. I cannot believe you did that for me and I espoused your awesomeness all weekend to anyone who'd listen.
* Voyager / Anathema - These two bands provided the most insane back to back performances that exhausted me physically and emotionally. Voyager is just the embodiment of fun. I can't wait to see them headline, and have no doubt they will. Seeing Iron Dream and DC Coop doing Fire of the Times, A+ could not have asked for anything more. Anathema was just a different beast all together. I cannot comprehend the level of musicanship and emotion they coax from whatever realm uses them as a conduit.
Vincent playing that drum right in front of me during Distant Satellites will forever be burned into my mind as the single most passionate, emotionally charged, intense thing i will ever experience at a music show. It resonated in my soul. I wish EVERYONE could've been standing where I was for that because oh my god.
*Dynazty crew who made it in for sticking around with us and partying. Until the early hours of Saturday in some cases..
* The Artmore for playing host to us again and dealing with all of our shit. The staff was
unbelievable this year! So friendly and happy. I hope none of you continue to take advantage of that.
** Every year, I'm flabbergasted by how many people come up to me and say "oh hey you're nailz!" .. this year, I've gotten "oh you're the gay one!" and things like that. I know I've probably said it every year, but I can't even begin to mention how great it is to know that you all come in from everywhere in the world, and are so open and accepting of me after having come out. Yes, it's been years, but it's important enough to me to be so thankful that it's a thing, and that it happens every year from someone new. And when you all show that kindness, love, and support for me and others around in the LGBT spectrums in this environment, I can't express to you how far reaching your actions are to others who are in attendance.
Jeers:
I don't have a lot this year. And that's always good. Sure, the courtyard was all sorts of Bullshit on Sunday morning but there's a lot of fresh blood coming through. I asked Jamie and Shaye to take point on cleanup around 4a when I tapped out and they got it done, but it was a long night. Let's chalk it up to an oops and make sure it doesn't happen again, rather than dwelling on it.
I didn't get to see all the bands I wanted who were here because my body just can't hold up. Thus, jeers to myself for missing Helker, and Unleash The Archers, but you gotta do what you gotta do, and I needed a nap.
More importantly, I don't get to see the lot of you enough. There's just not enough time through the weekend to see all of you as much as I'd like, so if I cut our conversations short, or felt like I was distracted, or you thought I was being rude or ignoring you, please know that's not, nor ever has been, my intention. Much love to every one of you.
What the hell is wrong with people? I wasn't staying at the Artmore, but I would volunteer to be on a post-PPUSA cleanup crew in future years. (As long as it didn't start too early. ) We want the local businesses to be HAPPY we are there and to look forward to us coming back.
I think I'm going to try and make this a thing next year.
