JosephAcevedo said:It also sucked that Rhapsody never came to the west coast. West Coast from my experience has a bigger metal scene then the east (no disrespect). I'm also saying this based on shows i personally attented in the FL, NY, and NJ areas. I see way better turn outs for Santa Ana and Los Angeles for metal shows so Sonata Arctica will no doubt be very packed!
Well according to Fabio & Patrice, and Holyhell's Tom Hess, they have all told me that they will be returning to the United States. In the begining, I was told it would be February, but then I found out it would be January, and now it seems I haven't heard any word yet, and "nothing has been confirmed yet" according to one of the guys. So! I guess we'll have to wait and see, but I guess that is either still in the works, or something they do plan to do early next year, since they are doing the World Tour and German dates are already announced.
Anyway, as far as L.A., I'm sure that places like that and NY have the best scenes in all of the United States, they're so big and that's the place everyone wants to move in to or go to. Florida and other states have a different atmosphere, so it's rare to see packed venues, though Power Metal really does that job well. Not to huge, giant venues. I heard that the Hammerfall/Edguy show in LA was pretty empty, and everyone was in the front, but it was not full, you guys probably have bigger venues, I don't know. But anyway, a couple of years ago you couldn't even move an inch in the Blind Guardian show (which I missed ) and Manowar and Rhapsody was packed, and King Diamond was too, and Dio and bla bla bla..
However, I went to see Rata Blanca Sunday night and it was so empty (in an arena, how sad), it was a disaster show due to the circumstances.. but I hung out with the band till 6 am!! So this was cool.. mm... Trans-Siberian Orchestra did very well, the hard rock casino live in Hollywood was pretty well suited with many people!!
Anyway Kev, that's a HORRIBLE news!!!!!! So many I have known have said they had no idea Rhapsody was playing!! Man, they were soooo much better than Manowar!! Totally stole the show, in my opinion.
By the way, I might be able to help you with the road trip if you agree to stay Friday and Saturday up there, we have two hotels but you'll probably (and should) ride with some people cause we're trying to save gas, don't know how you'd feel driving with people you don't know or in the same hotel with some you don't know, but I can't make promises, I will let you know soon!! =)
I shouldn't type anymore..