Firefest 2011 lineup

[Rockindeano]

Neil Peart, a songwriter?

Neil Peart may not write melodies but he is very probably the best lyricist in the business. Way better than Springsteen in my opinion. Bruce is good but not exceptional.

Really now? Oh please name me Mr Pearts top 5 songs. If you can name one song as good as Thunder Road, Badlands, The Rising, Backstreets or Jungleland, I'd be happy to hear them.

Not exceptional? tell you what MM, go find another artist who not only writes lyrics and melodies, but also the entire music, including piano, guitars, keys and drums. I defy you to.Oh and PS Marty, if one can't write melodies, what good is he as a songwriter?

Prince Rogers Nelson

Writes everything on his albums...and plays ALL the instruments as well. Nice try. Insert another quarter.

Peart has written the lyrics to nearly every rush song since he joined the band in 1974. Just because they haven't had as much success on the charts as Springsteen has, doesn't mean he isn't a better songwriter.

Oh I see now. If you write good songs, and have a shit ton of success, suddenly you are not as good as a guy who has written very few hit songs and has had 1/10th of the success you have? I get it now. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

All three of you just got owned. Now shut the fuck yup.

[Behshad]

Neil Peart, a songwriter?

Neil Peart may not write melodies but he is very probably the best lyricist in the business. Way better than Springsteen in my opinion. Bruce is good but not exceptional.

Really now? Oh please name me Mr Pearts top 5 songs. If you can name one song as good as Thunder Road, Badlands, The Rising, Backstreets or Jungleland, I'd be happy to hear them.

Not exceptional? tell you what MM, go find another artist who not only writes lyrics and melodies, but also the entire music, including piano, guitars, keys and drums. I defy you to.Oh and PS Marty, if one can't write melodies, what good is he as a songwriter?

Prince Rogers Nelson

Writes everything on his albums...and plays ALL the instruments as well. Nice try. Insert another quarter.

Peart has written the lyrics to nearly every rush song since he joined the band in 1974. Just because they haven't had as much success on the charts as Springsteen has, doesn't mean he isn't a better songwriter.

Oh I see now. If you write good songs, and have a shit ton of success, suddenly you are not as good as a guy who has written very few hit songs and has had 1/10th of the success you have? I get it now. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

All three of you just got owned. Now shut the fuck yup.

Actually thats not what Dave said, buddy. YOu chose to twist his words a bit
What he said is absolutely correct though. There are great songwritters out there that dont get any recognition for their songwritting skills ,,, yet there's bunch of CRAP on radio that sells and gets air play , without any talent from who sings it or who wrote it.

[conversationpc]

Oh I see now. If you write good songs, and have a shit ton of success, suddenly you are not as good as a guy who has written very few hit songs and has had 1/10th of the success you have? I get it now. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

All three of you just got owned. Now shut the fuck yup.

Blow me...I've said the same thing ever since I've been on this forum. I'm not a Springsteen hater and, in fact, have quite a few of his songs on my favorites playlist. However, popularity has NEVER been the determining factor on who is or who is not a better musician, songwriter, etc. It just isn't. If it was the determining factor, then people like Celine Dion or Mariah Carey would be considered more successful simply because they've sold more albums than Springsteen has. They're good singers but they're nowhere near the artist that Springsteen is.

[MartyMoffatt]

Why should Augeri be allowed to skate by and make the money he does, with absolutley zero talent

Because he is a super nice guy. He may not be a good singer, he may not have that stage presence, but he is a bloody nice bloke.

Hey, STOP making up comments and putting my name to them

[Saint John]

As for the "intimacy" comment, you raise an extremely important point. I think that music fans in general, but especially the types at these fests, are just hard up to meet band members ... any band members. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I've seen firsthand how someone can watch an entire show with a seemingly indifferent attitude, but when that band's singer/guitarist/drummer becomes available and throws a few words the way of that indifferent fan, 5 minutes later they've purchased said band's t-shirt and suddenly have a new favorite band. I find it incredibly cool to brush elbows with some of the people whose music I have listened to and enjoy, but these second and third tier fests and breeding grounds for the obsessive fan types, and the "intimacy" you referred to just allows the nuts a playground to realize their thigh sweats and bromances on. Take away the intimacy and interaction, and make the music itself sell tickets on merit as a stand alone entity, and you wouldn't have enough people to have a tea party. Because the music simply isn't good enough. But you keep telling yourself it is.

Clearly I need a little Dan-O app for my iPhone so I can take you along and have you screen my music experiences for whether or not the performers are legitimately talented enough for me to be having a blast or not.

When my thighs start to tingle, I can press the app ... it will listen for a little while (like Shazam) ... and if the band doesn't have the proper numer of gold records, or if their attendance figures aren't over a certain threshold without support bands, or if the singer doesn't hit high enough notes without using falsetto, then I should head out to the beer tent and start bitching about how sucky it all is.

You trying to tell me something?

[Rocker Chic]

Apparently, many think otherwise. From one of the organizers of the event:

we have seen the HIGHEST ticket sales EVER for any Firefest in the first 24 hours (beating our previous best by 40%)

Just because others don't find it appealing, doesn't mean that the majority won't. I don't know many of the names on the bill either, but many others do. This event has sold out once or twice in the past and has been able to apparently be cost-effective enough the last few years for them to be able to keep doing it. I don't see that as failure by a long shot. More power to them!

This event will fold up pretty soon with bills like that. I can't imagine there being much of a following for anyone other than Jamison, Augeri and Warrant. But Augeri is seemingly sounding atrocious these days, I think Warrant is still without Lane (which is probably a good thing), leaving Jamison the show's lone true talent and recognized name. But, Euros, just like Japs, seem to have a penchant for shitty music, so this fest of mediocre talent might just hold interest. Though, I must say, Farcry was pretty fucking awesome at MR Fest II.

[S2M]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaoP9J7kBWU

Hush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7cO_Y5ldMw

[Melissa]

I'd go see this if it were here in the U.S. Would love to see Warrant live again, loved Talon's performance at MRF2, and have never seen Unruly Child or Mitch Malloy live, would love to. Those who are going, have fun!

[Melissa]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Yeah that would be pretty awesome.

[MartyMoffatt]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaoP9J7kBWU

Actually that very nearly happened at the last Firefest. A special tribute was planned but had to be scrapped at the last minute when the mixing desk blew up early in the day set everything back two hours while they installed a new one, meaning some sets and setup times had to be compressed.

[kgdjpubs]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Yeah that would be pretty awesome.

I'm actually surprised this wasn't done, especially considering the reception Gotthard received when they played the festival a few years ago.

btw, for what it's worth, it appears the rest of the band have decided to carry on and find a new singer. Honestly, I could have seen this going either way, but here's hoping they get someone who can do justice to the band and move forward at the same time. You can't replace Steve Lee, but you can move forward, and it's safe to say they will get some massive publicity in Switzerland after all the outpouring of support they have received.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaoP9J7kBWU

Actually that very nearly happened at the last Firefest. A special tribute was planned but had to be scrapped at the last minute when the mixing desk blew up early in the day set everything back two hours while they installed a new one, meaning some sets and setup times had to be compressed.

There were a couple of good tributes on the day to Steve ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFR_Paph50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twqWkC8n ... re=related

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Yeah that would be pretty awesome.

I'm actually surprised this wasn't done, especially considering the reception Gotthard received when they played the festival a few years ago.

btw, for what it's worth, it appears the rest of the band have decided to carry on and find a new singer. Honestly, I could have seen this going either way, but here's hoping they get someone who can do justice to the band and move forward at the same time. You can't replace Steve Lee, but you can move forward, and it's safe to say they will get some massive publicity in Switzerland after all the outpouring of support they have received.

tough guy to replace , who would even come close? Was just watching the Live in ZUrich dvd earlier today. No one can come close to the way that Steve Lee could front a band in term of stage presence and vocal quality.

[DrFU]

Clearly I need a little Dan-O app for my iPhone so I can take you along and have you screen my music experiences for whether or not the performers are legitimately talented enough for me to be having a blast or not.

When my thighs start to tingle, I can press the app ... it will listen for a little while (like Shazam) ... and if the band doesn't have the proper numer of gold records, or if their attendance figures aren't over a certain threshold without support bands, or if the singer doesn't hit high enough notes without using falsetto, then I should head out to the beer tent and start bitching about how sucky it all is.

You trying to tell me something?

Fuc ... oh, never MIND!

[S2M]

Nothing Left At All
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ-NudvUCZw&feature=channel

[chynablue]

I love Marty! I love his pics and he is a real gentleman. My only issue with Marty is that after 10,000 pictures from Firefest 2009, I appear in just two of them! We're gonna rectify that this year, right pal? : )

[MartyMoffatt]

I love Marty! I love his pics and he is a real gentleman. My only issue with Marty is that after 10,000 pictures from Firefest 2009, I appear in just two of them! We're gonna rectify that this year, right pal? : )

Hey Eric, absolutely. I will make a special point of it.

[Rocker Chic]

I love Marty! I love his pics and he is a real gentleman. My only issue with Marty is that after 10,000 pictures from Firefest 2009, I appear in just two of them! We're gonna rectify that this year, right pal? : )

Dude, you're going to be there playing? How the hell did I miss that???

If things don't change for me quickly, I won't be able to go again this year, Eric. Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack', to paraphrase Kieran. I hope to finally get the opportunity to see many of these people again and finally shake hands/hug others that I haven't met yet, however, I feel like I've known them for at least a decade... Oh, wait... I do!

Debbie

[chynablue]

Dude, you're going to be there playing? How the hell did I miss that???

If things don't change for me quickly, I won't be able to go again this year, Eric. Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack', to paraphrase Kieran. I hope to finally get the opportunity to see many of these people again and finally shake hands/hug others that I haven't met yet, however, I feel like I've known them for at least a decade... Oh, wait... I do!

Debbie

Debbie! You should come, you're really missing out! Kieran & company do an AMAZING job of assembling a live soundtrack to such a killer rock & roll party! And Marty, I will hold you to that! You may get more than one opportunity this time too. I will be performing Talon, along with......

[S2M]

I find it absolutely disgusting how Sandi Saraya is holding Firefest hostage by not attending unless she can bring her whole fucking family....

Back to the Bullet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BZ7BEWDCvM

[Saint John]

Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack

This is a spot on assertion and the reason why I went to both MR Fests. I have no regrets and couldn't put a $ amount on the fun I had (but, if I had to, it would easily be in the 4 digits range.). Just to be clear, my argument(s) presented are solely from an "outsider's" perspective, meaning someone that stumbles upon the bill and is trying to justify the price. Because if it's anything like either MR fest or any one of our other get togethers, $180 is a bargain. Safe travels to those attending, and have a good time.

[Rocker Chic]

Dude, you're going to be there playing? How the hell did I miss that???

If things don't change for me quickly, I won't be able to go again this year, Eric. Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack', to paraphrase Kieran. I hope to finally get the opportunity to see many of these people again and finally shake hands/hug others that I haven't met yet, however, I feel like I've known them for at least a decade... Oh, wait... I do!

Debbie

Debbie! You should come, you're really missing out! Kieran & company do an AMAZING job of assembling a live soundtrack to such a killer rock & roll party!

Not for the lack of trying every year though, Eric. Hubby is still unemployed, so funds are far lower than usual. I've been told in the past by a few people that if I can manage to get flights, I'd be covered, but even that is outside of my reach right now. I'm praying that things improve drastically, but am encouraged that I'll at least get another year to try to get my ass there. This year seemed to have gotten a great jump in proceeds, so I'm very hopeful!

I haven't seen you in so long (2 years now?) and I miss you, damn it!

Debbie

[kgdjpubs]

What the organizers should do is have a Steve Lee tribute thing going. taking bands that are performing and have them sing some Gotthard songs. THAT would be classy.

Yeah that would be pretty awesome.

I'm actually surprised this wasn't done, especially considering the reception Gotthard received when they played the festival a few years ago.

btw, for what it's worth, it appears the rest of the band have decided to carry on and find a new singer. Honestly, I could have seen this going either way, but here's hoping they get someone who can do justice to the band and move forward at the same time. You can't replace Steve Lee, but you can move forward, and it's safe to say they will get some massive publicity in Switzerland after all the outpouring of support they have received.

tough guy to replace , who would even come close? Was just watching the Live in ZUrich dvd earlier today. No one can come close to the way that Steve Lee could front a band in term of stage presence and vocal quality.

I have no idea. I'd be tempted to find someone who has done some stuff around the Europe, but never really broken out into popularity. It will be very difficult, considering how good and unique of a voice that Steve had....not to mention his stage presence.

[Rocker Chic]

I find it absolutely disgusting how Sandi Saraya is holding Firefest hostage by not attending unless she can bring her whole fucking family....

Not really, because they declined her "offer" last year. The organizers may be the nicest and most professional promoters around, but they're not stupid!

Debbie

[Deb]

Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack

This is a spot on assertion and the reason why I went to both MR Fests. I have no regrets and couldn't put a $ amount on the fun I had (but, if I had to, it would easily be in the 4 digits range.). Just to be clear, my argument(s) presented are solely from an "outsider's" perspective, meaning someone that stumbles upon the bill and is trying to justify the price. Because if it's anything like either MR fest or any one of our other get togethers, $180 is a bargain. Safe travels to those attending, and have a good time.

MRF1 + seeing 2 of my faves on the same stage for the first time = priceless for this fan!

[Behshad]

Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack

This is a spot on assertion and the reason why I went to both MR Fests. I have no regrets and couldn't put a $ amount on the fun I had (but, if I had to, it would easily be in the 4 digits range.). Just to be clear, my argument(s) presented are solely from an "outsider's" perspective, meaning someone that stumbles upon the bill and is trying to justify the price. Because if it's anything like either MR fest or any one of our other get togethers, $180 is a bargain. Safe travels to those attending, and have a good time.

MRF1 + seeing 2 of my faves on the same stage for the first time = priceless for this fan!

Fuck you! You bailed out on us (MRFII) cause YOUR FAVES were more important than your friends,,,, When MRFIII is announed and Mr Big is playin, we know for sure you will show up, but youre not gettin to hang out with us, have your lunch with Andrew or Martin !

[Deb]

Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack

This is a spot on assertion and the reason why I went to both MR Fests. I have no regrets and couldn't put a $ amount on the fun I had (but, if I had to, it would easily be in the 4 digits range.). Just to be clear, my argument(s) presented are solely from an "outsider's" perspective, meaning someone that stumbles upon the bill and is trying to justify the price. Because if it's anything like either MR fest or any one of our other get togethers, $180 is a bargain. Safe travels to those attending, and have a good time.

MRF1 + seeing 2 of my faves on the same stage for the first time = priceless for this fan!

Fuck you! You bailed out on us (MRFII) cause YOUR FAVES were more important than your friends,,,, When MRFIII is announed and Mr Big is playin, we know for sure you will show up, but youre not gettin to hang out with us, have your lunch with Andrew or Martin !

[Behshad]

Since so many of the attendees know each other, part of it's draw is the annual party-like atmosphere of 'hanging with friends to a great soundtrack

This is a spot on assertion and the reason why I went to both MR Fests. I have no regrets and couldn't put a $ amount on the fun I had (but, if I had to, it would easily be in the 4 digits range.). Just to be clear, my argument(s) presented are solely from an "outsider's" perspective, meaning someone that stumbles upon the bill and is trying to justify the price. Because if it's anything like either MR fest or any one of our other get togethers, $180 is a bargain. Safe travels to those attending, and have a good time.

MRF1 + seeing 2 of my faves on the same stage for the first time = priceless for this fan!

Fuck you! You bailed out on us (MRFII) cause YOUR FAVES were more important than your friends,,,, When MRFIII is announed and Mr Big is playin, we know for sure you will show up, but youre not gettin to hang out with us, have your lunch with Andrew or Martin !

Laugh it up now cause You wont be laughing then !