ProgPower USA Frequently Asked Questions
Q: You've sold out almost every year. Why not move it to a bigger location?
A: The focus of ProgPower USA will always be quality over quanity. It is very difficult to find a larger venue that accomadates the type of atmosphere that I create at an affordable price. As I have always said, I would rather have a sold-out show in a smaller, first class venue than a half-empty show in an arena. The intimacy of the show on a first class level is what makes it one of the most unique festivals in the world.
Q: You have the most expensive ticket on the festival circuit. How do you justify that?
A: If you want the best, then you have to pay for the best. This is not a cheap show to produce, especially when you consider the quality of the bands to pay for with the small number of tickets sold.
Q: Why Atlanta? That's not a metal city?
A: It's the perfect centralized location for domestic and international travel. It also helps that I live near there.
Q: Why September/October? Wouldn't it be easier to do it in the summer?
A: 1. Airfares are cheaper in the fall. 2. It is impossible to compete with the European festival circuit in the summer.
Q: Are all bands really going to be there? I don't see the date listed on their website.
A: It is the policy of ProgPower USA to not announce the roster until after a written contract is in place. Feel free to check with each band or their management for verification of the confirmation. I do not book via record labels, so there is no point in contacting someone like Century Media as they tend to find things out the same day you do. As for website verification, you have to realize that it does take time for the bands to update their site, some longer than others.
Q: Will there be individual day ticket sales again this year?
A: No.
Q: What is a Gold Badge and how can I get a Gold Badge?
A: Gold Badges are very advanced ticket sales with several "special" perks not available to the regular ticket holder. At the present time, no badges are available to the public. If some do become available, I will post an update to the ticket information section. You can email me at anytime to be placed on the waiting list.
Q: How difficult is travel in Atlanta? Do I need to rent a car?
A: No. You can catch the Marta (public transit) directly from the airport to a station that is less than a block from the venue. The cost per person is $1.75 each way.
Q: How about hotels?
A: There are numerous hotels within a 3 block walking distance of the venue. You can walk everywhere. Check out the travel section of the website for more details.
Q: What time are the doors open?
A: Please check the event section for complete door times and schedules as they are made available/updated.
Q: What are the show times?
A: Please check the event section for complete door times and schedules as they are made available/updated. Please be warned that the Marta System stops running prior to the end of the show. You will need to make arrangements for a car or cab if you are not walking.
Q: How long are the sets?
A: These range from 45 minutes for the opener to 90 minutes for the headliner.
Q: Can we go in/out?
A: Yes. Both the venue and I reserve the right to stop this in the event of any trouble. Please be courteous to the security at the front door if you wish to keep these privileges.
Q: What is the venue smoking policy?
A: Smoking is allowed in the outer lobby only. As a courtesy, it would be nice if you actually went outside.
Q: Will there be vendors again? Do they accept credit cards?
A: Yes. I anticipate all of the vendors to return again and I may add one or two new ones. Credit Cards are an individual vendor decision. You should be prepared to bring cash if possible or to visit a local ATM.
Q: Will the bands be doing any official signings?
A: The bands have the option of doing so. Most bands will remain available to you throughout the event for pictures, autographs, etc. Signings are located in the vendor area/restaurant outside of the lobby.
Q: What about photography?
A: Only flash photography is allowed.
Detailed explanation:
I hope that my actions this year and in the past have proven that the fans are my #1 concern. I want everyone happy. As a promoter, I have hard decisions to make and I cannot worry about ruffling a few feathers for the overall good of the show.
You have no idea how hard it has been to deal with bootleggers behind the scenes over the past few years. That is not something I discuss because all it does is add fuel to the fire and encourage some to "catch me if you can." The demand for this year is now on par with any show in the past (including III). Given the already exclusive nature of the event combined with the once in a lifetime set, I expect bootlegging to go back up.
Last year was very difficult for my staff. The recent advances in technology and my limited resources would make it even more difficult this year. Memory cards, smaller cameras, etc. make it damn near impossible to tell the difference at times between waiting for that perfect shot and recording, especially by an amateur in the dark. I looked out last year and there were a sea of LCD screens. There was no way for me to check what was what.
I have come to the decision that only film photography will be allowed from now on. The only exceptions to the rule are press and sponsors and even they will have to carry a special badge after Todd personally inspects their cameras.
I know some of you are going to be upset and I'm truly sorry. I know your feelings and rationales as I did go back and re-read the threads in the forum from last year. You are welcome to email and tell me your feelings on it. I will attempt to reply to each one in a prompt fashion. However, I will not change my mind regardless.
This is a closed matter. I will also delete any new threads or posts on the subject in the forum as well. It is not open to discussion or debate as I do not want a repeat of the flame wars from last time.
Q: How do I get a photo pass to take pictures in front of the stage barrier?
A: You do not. These are only given to press or personnel that I hire. All others that are in the front of the barrier at anytime are VIPs.
Q: What about food/drinks?
A: Center Stage has several bars and beer gardens to take care of your thirst. Their in-house restaurant is also available. No food or drink may be brought into the venue or taken out.
Q: Parking?
A: There are two parking garages at the venue. They are not operated by the venue. I will attempt to get the actual cost for you closer to the date of the show.
Q: Can I bring in my cd/promo material to distribute?
A: Yes. However, you are not allowed to sell any material for any reason. You may also want to consider getting maximum exposure by booking a track/ad on our promo offerings, details here.
Q: How can I get on the ProgPower USA band roster?
A: It is by invitation only at the present. However, I am always willing to listen to new things. Please email Deron for further details.
Q: Is there a festival t-shirt?
A: Yes. However, please keep in mind that production is limited as I don't want to get stuck with extra inventory after the show. Check out the merchandise section for an update as the event draws closer.
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: No. This is an all-ages event.
Q: Why do you announce things so early?
A: Many bands have their schedules set up to a year in advance. Thus, I have to get started early. Furthermore, I would rather you hear the news come directly from me instead of a rumor spread by someone at one of the record labels or management firms.