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 (Top to bottom)
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 (Top to Bottom)
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 (Top to Bottom)
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.
I will definitely be there, so many great artists - ofcourse they can't be better than FM but I gotta see them anyway 
Hope to see many of you there also! 
JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WHERE IS FM ??????? 
Yes it was great seeing them back playing at Firefest last year and for that we've got to thanks Kieran and the team but lets see them playing their own shows with a longer set!!!
I hope it´s possible....
. i wanna see FM again this year very sooon
I need FM, I miss my friend....
Well ticket bought.
Look forward to seeing you there.
Mine have arrived about 1-2 weeks ago!
