PAIN OF SALVATION Ends North American Tour Early, Tonight's St. Paul Concert Canceled

This crushing news was posted within the last hour on the Facebook page of SwordLord Productions, promoter for tonight's concert at Station 4 in St. Paul with Pain Of Salvation, Kingcrow, Imminent Sonic Destruction, Violent Fade, and Redshift. If you saw my review of the new album from Kingcrow, In Crescendo (10/10), you'll understand how deeply disappointing this news is. The SwordLord (Nathan Block) writes on his Facebook page:

"I found out early this morning that Daniel Gildenlöw, lead singer for Pain of Salvation, has developed pneumonia and will be flying home to recover. Obviously the band could no longer perform under such circumstances.

I then tried to negotiate a free show with KINGCROW, IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION and my outstanding local acts in order to salvage the evening. Unfortunately, due to a breakdown in communication, the other bands on the tour package had already started heading home and were now not in a position to make the show on time.

This is the first time in my entire 10 year career of producing Minnesota concerts that I have completely lost a show. I am extremely sorry for the gross inconvenience. Unfortunately these circumstances were far beyond my control.

Advance ticket holders, please return your tickets to your place of purchase for a full refund."

This is the second show cancelled on this brief tour (Quebec City was the other) that only had about eight shows scheduled. In the case of Kingcrow it's curious that they would be "now not in a position to make the show on time." St. Paul was the last stop on the tour, and one would think their returning flight to Italy wouldn't be until at least tomorrow and would depart from Minneapolis. You'd think they would be spending tonight in the Twin Cities regardless of the status of the show, but I'm sure it must be more complicated than this. In any event, we can only hope that Pain Of Salvation and Kingcrow can make it back to the Twin Cities later this year.

JAMES LABRIE St. Paul VIP Tickets Available

I usually don't mention the availability of VIP tickets for shows, but the benefits of the VIP ticket for the James LaBrie show in St. Paul go beyond the typical early entry privileges and band meet and greet. In addition to these things, it will also include seating in a "special front row VIP section" with tables and waitress service. I've never seen this type of setup at Station 4 before, but this sounds like VIP ticket holders will have seats and tables in a special section set up between the stage and barricade and general ticket holders will be several feet away from the stage. If you're a huge Dream Theater fan there's not going to be a better way to experience the show than this!

A limited number of VIP tickets for James LaBrie on Wednesday, December 8 at Station 4 in St. Paul are available now at Enter The Vault for $60. There will be one local support band that will be determined by a series of battle of the band events taking place through SwordLord Productions.

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JAMES LABRIE Battle Of The Bands Details

Following up on the earlier post about the battle of the bands to determine the opener for legendary Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie on Wednesday, December 8 at Station 4 in St. Paul, the promoter, SwordLord Productions, checked in with additional details.

There will be three battles to select one band to open the show. The battles will be held on October 20, November 17, and December 1. Interested bands need to contact Nathan at SwordLord Productions ASAFP by email (plazaguy6ft5@aol.com) for details and a fantastic opportunity to share the stage with James LaBrie.

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Battle Of The Bands To Determine Openers For JAMES LABRIE In St. Paul

SwordLord Productions has announced its Myspace page that a battle of the bands will take place to determine the openers for Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie when he plays Station 4 in St. Paul on Wednesday, December 8. No further information is available at this time. The SwordLord is asking that all interested bands contact him through his Facebook page for additional details.

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SwordLord Announcements And Promotions

Some changes to SwordLord-promoted shows have recently been made, along with some ticket promotions.
First, the complete support bill for Primal Fear on Sunday, May 30 at Station 4 in St. Paul has been finalized in light of Luna Mortis's cancellation due to breaking up. Support acts are now Avian, Havok, and Dawn Of Valor.
Next, Avian has announced that they have been forced to drop off the bill with Cage on Wednesday, June 23 at The Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. Thanks to individual that posted a comment below that brought this to my attention! Replacing Avian is Dawn Of Valor, The Angle Obscure, and Avalon. Bring your ticket stub from the April 12 Sonata Arctica or May 30 Primal Fear show and admission is free! Otherwise, tickets for Cage are $8 in advance or at the door.
Lastly, head on over to SwordLord's Twitter page to get discounts on upcoming shows. Print out the appropriate tweet to get $5 off admission to Overkill/Vader/God Dethroned/Warbringer/Evile/Woe Of Tyrants on Sunday, April 11 at Station 4 in St. Paul, $3 off Sonata Arctica/Mutiny Within/Powerglove on Monday, April 12 at Station 4 in St. Paul, and $3 off Finntroll/Moonsorrow/Swallow The Sun/Survivors Zero on Saturday, April 17 at Station 4 in St. Paul.

SwordLord Productions on Twitter - Save on Shows!

Local promoter SwordLord Productions is now offering discounts to concerts to followers on Twitter. The first Twitter promotion is $5 off of the $25 admission price at the door for Stryper on Wednesday, October 7 at Epic in Minneapolis. Visit http://twitter.com/TheSwordLord for more details and to become a follower.