Back Stage Pass

December '08/ January '09

Harder Beat Magazine Online

Kamelot
Iced Earth
DragonForce

Story and photo by Andy Laudano

Dragonforce’s Herman Li

After another great show at the Ridglea, Kamelot’s Thomas Youngblood (guitar), Casey Grillo (drums), Oliver Palotai (keyboards) and Sean Tibbetts (bass) all signed autographs and posed for pictures with their fans. In a funny case of history repeating itself, just as singer Roy Khan stepped off the bus, the lights in the back parking lot (which are on a timer) went out — again! The exact same thing happened the last time Kamelot played at the Ridglea. This night, one of the security guards gave us a heads up saying, “You guys can stay as long as you like, but in two minutes the light’s are gonna go out.” Those of us that were there last time couldn’t help but laugh, as Khan stepped out and the parking lot went black — again. Luckily there was a roadie nearby with a handy flashlight.

Iced Earth also put on a great concert at the Ridglea. Jon Schaffer (guitar), Matt Barlow (vocals) and the rest of the band were happy to meet with their “Minions” (Iced Earth fans) after the show.

Following a thrilling performance at the Dallas House of Blues, DragonForce hung out with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos. Guitarist Sam Totman had his own camera and also had fans pose for photos with him. Herman Li (guitar), ZP Theart (vocals), Vadim Pruzhanov (keyboards), Dave Mackintosh (drums) and Frederic Leclercq (bass) signed everything from CD booklets and photos to guitars and video games.

As the holidays approach, I’d like to wish everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for reading this column, and I’ll have more Backstage Pass for you next year! (Andy Laudano)