JSS at Firefest V

From Melodicrock.com

It's been another rollercoaster ride of ups and downs but after many weeks of phone calls and e-mails the Firefest line-up for the 2008 show is 100% confirmed. Unfortunately, on the very eve of this announcement the one band that we were waiting to confirm will not now be playing, but a replacement has been found and we can announce the full line-up.
We think it's our strongest bill to date and a conscious effort was made to try to balance the bands that people wanted to see again with some surprises that few could possibly expect. As our core audience seem to be mostly AOR/melodic hard rock fans we've tried to cater specifically for them, and despite some of the bigger names in the genre we approached being out of our price range, we think we've put together a line-up that's strong from top to bottom.
So without further ado, here are the details of the 20 artists appearing…

Venues -
Firefest V will take place in Nottingham on the weekend of Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October. Five bands will play at the Trent University Students Union on Friday 24th, with seven bands in the main room at Rock City on both Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th.

Friday 24th

VALENTINE

One of the stars of last years event, New York AOR heroes Valentine enjoyed it so much that they've asked us if they can play again. Hugo, Adam, Gerard, Craig and Joe will headline the Friday night and promise a different set list to the one they played at Firefest IV. Expect a very large helping of their self-titled debut and another classy performance to go down in Firefest history.

PAUL LAINE

Making his first solo appearance in the UK since The Gods in 1993, Paul will be playing material from his debut album 'Stick It In Your Ear' exclusively, including some of the bonus tracks from the re-issue. The Bruce Fairbairn- produced melodic rock gem has become a cult classic and songs like 'Step Over The Line' and the ultra-catchy 'Dorianna' will surely bring the house down. For his set Vancouver-based Paul will be joined by his Danger Danger buddies Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello.

DAVID READMAN

Better known as the voice of Pink Cream 69, UK-born David Readman will be making his first solo appearance playing songs from last years well received solo album. David will be putting together an all-German band to start rehearsals for the first of his two vocal master classes over the weekend.

BURN

The UK melodic rockers returned to duty last year after too long in the wilderness. Their long-awaited third album, 'Global Warning', has been met with ecstatic reviews the world over and the band should make quite a few converts with their classy material.

DREAMLAND

Probably a new name to some, Dreamland are a Swedish melodic metal band with an E.P. and two great albums to their name. The band have some catchy songs in their repertoire so make sure you get there early and check them out.

CRIMES OF PASSION

The hardest working band in the UK are working even harder this year. With an excellent new album produced by It Bites/Arena guitarist John Mitchell to promote, the Yorkshire lads, complete with a new bass player, will open proceedings in the own inimitable way.


Saturday 25th October

TYKETTO

As most will already know, Tyketto had already decided that last year's Firefest appearance and mini-tour was going to be their last. However, the band enjoyed playing and hanging out together more than they had for many, many years. The reception they got at Rock City reminded them why they got into music in the first place, and after a little bit of arm-twisting from drummer Michael Clayton the original line-up have decided to continue. Not content to do things in a half-assed manner it's hoped that there will be an all new Tykes album to promote by the time Firefest comes around. The band's set will be filmed for a DVD.

PINK CREAM 69

Not really a surprise this one (Thanks David!), but PC 69 caused a major stir with their inaugural Firefest appearance and have appeared on many a message board wanted list. One of the most consistent live and recording bands of the last decade, the multi-national German-based band never fail to deliver. With producer/mixer/bassist extraordinaire Dennis Ward, singer David Readman, guitarists Alfred Koffler & Uwe Reitenauer and drummer Kosta Zafiriou in the ranks, they have all bases covered.

JEFF SCOTT SOTO

Another no-brainer when trying to put together an entertaining line-up is the one and only Mr. Jeff Scott Soto. With his multi-talented band of Howie Simon, Gary Schutt and Dave Dzaliak in tow, the former Malmsteen, Eyes, Talisman and Journey singer is sometimes at his best being the underdog. By the time Firefest comes around Jeff will be another artist with a new album to promote.

TONY HARNELL

The legendary ex-TNT singer makes a welcome return to the UK to play one of his very first solo shows. Tony will be bringing an all Swedish solo band and his set list will contain a mixture of TNT, Westworld, Starbreaker and Morning Wood. The Firefest crew are very happy to add another vocal giant to the line-up and special thanks go out to Tony for making an immediate commitment to the festival and making this announcement possible.

MITCH MALLOY

No stranger to UK stages, US singer songwriter Mitch Malloy is a proven talent. On this occasion Mitch will play a full electric set with a UK based band that will include former Dare/Asia/Ten guitarist Vinny Burns and Danger Danger bassist Bruno Ravel. With a set that features his classic debut album in it's entirety, this is another performance not to be missed.

LOUD & CLEAR

One of our biggest surprises, L.A. rockers Loud & Clear were one of Kieran Dargan's pie-in-the-sky fanboy choices that we never expected to get. Somehow he pulled it off and original members Jess Harnell (vocals), Chuck Duran (guitars) and Mark Allardyce (bass) will take the stage with latter-day drummer Alex Track to play songs from their amazing self-titled demo release and the 2002 comeback album 'Disc-Connected'.

TALON

Talon are back in business with a new deal with Kivel Records and will have a new album to promote by October. Featuring the same line-up that recorded their much underrated debut back in 2002, Firefest are proud to host the UK relaunch of an L.A. band that we think deserve another shot at success.


Sunday 26th October

FIREHOUSE

A perennial favourite, US rockers Firehouse will return to the Firefest stage for a timely reminder of their show-stopping set at the first Firefest in Bradford. C.J. Snare, Bill Leverty, Michael Foster and Allen McKenzie are certified crowd pleasers and their brand of catchy multi-platinum selling pop-metal also has many fans in Europe. The Firefest team look forward to working again with one of the nicest and most professional outfits around.

DANGER DANGER

In terms of sheer enjoyment and melody Danger Danger are the perfect soundtrack to any melodic rock festival. As much as they've been no strangers to the UK in the last few years, this will be their first show in many years to showcase songs from a brand new D2 album. Ted, Bruno, Steve and Rob are another proven party on eight legs and always a highlight wherever they appear.

TALL STORIES

The surprises just keep on coming, none more than Tall Stories – the legendary US troupe that marked the recording debut of ex-Journey singer Steve Augeri. Steve will be joined by fellow founder members Jack Morer (guitars) and Kevin Totoian (bass) to play songs from their superb 1991 debut as well as new songs from their soon to be released second album.

PRETTY MAIDS

When putting together a wants list for the festival, Denmark's premier hard rockers Pretty Maids have always secured a few votes. A much travelled band with an impressive back catalogue and a reputation for being a tight and powerful live act, the Maids haven't played in the UK for quite some time. Ronnie Atkins, Ken Hammer and company intend to put that right and show everyone just what they've been missing.

WHITE SISTER

Pulling off one of our biggest coups, convincing White Sister to come over and play is a dream come true for all fans of pompy hard rock. Despite the tragic death recently of drummer Richard Wright, bandmates Rick Chaddock (guitars) and Dennis Churchill-Dries (vocals/bass) have re-united with original keyboard player and vocalist Garri Brandon, and intend to deliver an hours worth of material from their two classic albums. The trio are currently looking for a new drummer and maybe a second guitarist and also plan to record a new album.

ROX DIAMOND

Rox Diamond's self-titled debut album is a bit of a closet classic in the AOR world. Interest in the band was renewed by a re-issue of the album and a second album of outtakes and live tracks. Anyone who's seen their 'Live In Japan' laserdisc can attest to their abilities as a live band, and the Firefest team are proud to welcome the original line up of Paul Danniels (vocals/keys), Kevin Bach (guitars), Ricky Falco (bass) and ex-Keel drummer Dwain Miller. We think Rox Diamond will be a band not to be missed.

EDEN'S CURSE

While many complain about the lack of quality melodic rock in the current scene, Eden's Curse bucked the trend with a classy and powerful album that was one of the success stories of 2007. Another multi-national act brought together by the internet, EC are one band that everybody is curious to see.


Tickets & Prices

We've tried to keep ticket prices as low as we can but a show which is made up almost completely of international bands isn't cheap to put on. The ticket prices are as follows:
Friday 24th - £25
Saturday 25th - £49
Saturday 26th - £49

Because we're using two different venues the Friday is a stand alone show with no special price, however if you attend both Saturday and Sunday you get a saving of £4 per day and get both for £90. Tickets will be available direct from Monday 3rd March.
Payments Accepted: Cash (at sender's risk), postal order, or bank draft in Pounds Sterling made payable to: Bruce Mee c/o Fireworks Magazine, 10 Dunnock Close, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5XD, England.
Payment can also be made through Paypal to fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com. Please be sure to include your name and address in the message box.

A full list of other tickets agents will be made available shortly.

Other quick mentions -
Firefest V is an age 14 and over show.
A press and guest list accreditation system will be implemented soon at our website – www.thefirefest.com – could anyone wishing to apply please refrain from contacting any member of the Firefest team about accreditation at this time. Instructions will be given in a future update.
All that's left to say is that we'd like to see as many of you there as possible and we hope that you're looking forward to seeing this great line-up as much as we are.
See you all in October – Kieran, Bruce and the Firefest team.

JSS is one of those great acts who will perform on LAST FF in England, Nottingham. The day will be on october 25th

Here's the full lineup:

Fri - Oct 24 (Nottingham Trent Uni)
-------------------------------------------

Valentine
Paul Laine
David Readman
Burn
Dreamland
Crimes of Passion

Sat - Oct 25 (Rock City)
-----------------------------

Tyketto
Pink Cream 69
Jeff Scott Soto
Tony Harnell
Mitch Malloy
Loud & Clear
Talon

Sun - Oct 26 (Rock City)
------------------------------

Firehouse
Danger Danger
Tall Stories
Pretty Maids
White Sister
Rox Diamond
Eden's Curse

Ticket Prices: Fri - £25, Sat - £49, Sun - £49 (Sat/Sun combined ticket £90)

www.thefirefest.com

I know Nath is coming (come on, you have to, I wanna see you ) but who else!?

Naah, You were faster

So will you be there?

Hey Eden!

Of course I'm going!!! Can't miss the JSS band + all the others fabulous bands like Tyketto, Pink Cream 69, Firehouse, Tall Stories, Pretty Maids....

We'll definitely meet there!

Nath wrote:

Hey Eden!

Of course I'm going!!! Can't miss the JSS band + all the others fabulous bands like Tyketto, Pink Cream 69, Firehouse, Tall Stories, Pretty Maids....

We'll definitely meet there!

Hey Nath! I'll be there too! We might get to meet properly finally!

Lea wrote:

Hey Nath! I'll be there too! We might get to meet properly finally!

Finally!

I was there last year and I'll be there again this year for sure!!
Can't wait to see all the acts and I'm especially looking forward to seeing JSS again!

My tickets has arrived!! Now I'm just wondering will I use the same hostel than last year - it was cheap but gosh!! (And saving money on these things is quite important cause I haven't got it much to spend )

All of you have a great time, show Jeff some love from me too

How's everybody's travelplanning is going? I'm having a problem booking my flight tickets but everything else is in order

...but I'll be off in Curacao diving - I know you'll all have a blast for me, though!!

Suzanne

Well, Firefest has come and gone and I am sure that Jeff has left an indelible message imprinted on the minds of everyone who attended.

Here is the set:
21ST CENTURY
SOUL DIVINE
OUR SONG
DROWNING
MOUNTAIN
EYES OF LOVE
TESTIFY
BROKEN MAN
HEY/CRAZY
PIANO MEDLEY: IF THIS IS THE END /HOLDING ON/NOBODY SAID/4U/ GIN & TONIC SKY
I’LL BE WAITING

ENCORE: FUNKY Medley

Despite having flown in at 06:30 Saturday and then having a marathon 4 hour car journey, an hour's rehearsal and then playing at 18:10, Jeff's voice was wonderful and for me the highlights were 'Mountain' and 'Testify'.

It was like 'old times' having the JSSB together.

Jeff is now off the circuit for a couple of months as he tours with the West Coast production of Trans Siberian Orchestra, but we are well into planning for a Spring Tour of Europe and anywhere else that will have us.

TTFN
Uncle H

Thanks for the report Uncle!
For those, like me, who were not there, here's a video of "I'll be waiting"

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=x3U1-q_fxIs

Hope there will be more to come...

Another one :
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=CCUWPnpwyYg

Mick has posted a few pics on his myspace page. Here's the link:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=31844321&albumId=2427256

Some pics available here:
http://www.ritespr.fr/phpwebgallery/picture.php?/1469/category/86

Thanks to Ritespr!

Nice pics

Here's my pics from Firefest...

http://www.martymoffatt.com/ff5-jss

There are 122 images in the slideshow. For once, Jeff was on a stage with his own backdrop that was well lit, and I'm quite pleased with the way some of these came out.

Marty

Fabulous pics Marty, thanks for sharing them!
Makes me regret even more to have not been able to attend the show...

Another pic of Jeff in white.

http://heavysoundsystem.over-blog.net/pages/FIREFEST_V-936380.html