EUROPEAN TOUR FINISHED, DVD COMING UP
Arena have finished their European tour, with a final UK date left the 27th. The gig in Katowice, Poland, has been recorded for a DVD release. Also there are plans for more live dates in the US in 2012. More details to come! For some impressions of the tour, head over to www.arenaband.com.

DPRP RADIO: CLIVE NOLAN AND ARENA SPECIAL
DPRP Radio latest show features an interview with Clive. We hear two tracks from The Seventh Degree of Separation. Clive talks about the concept, how singer Paul Manzi has brought something new to the band and why the album will only initially be available at concerts. Clive selects his favourite Arena song, reveals whether there will be another Shadowland album, plus plans for a Pendragon DVD, the world premiere theater production of his musical She and why he believes the CD album has had its day.

http://podcasts.canstream.co.uk/stroud/index.php?id=183

THE SEVENTH DEGREE OF SEPARATION AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER
At last the new Arena album is finished and will be released on the 28th November 2011. Their seventh album is a concept album, which explores the last hour of life and the first hour beyond. It’s truly dark in the way that only Arena can do! It's available now for pre-order exclusively at Verglas. The tracklist is as follows:

01. The Great Escape
02. Rapture
03. One Last Au Revoir
04. The Ghost Walks
05. Thief Of Souls
06. Close Your Eyes
07. Echoes Of The Fall
08. Bed Of Nails
09. What If?
10. Trebuchet
11. Burning Down
12. Catching The Bullet
13. The Tinder Box

The Seventh Degree Of Separation special edition package is a 56 minute long, 13 track cd in a 3 leafed digibook with a 28 page pullout booklet packed with original artwork + a bonus 50 minute DVD “The making of The Seventh Degree Of Separation”, where each member of the band gives you some insight into the process they go through to make the music. This special edition package is now available for pre-order exclusively at www.verglas.com and you will receive your special edition package before the official release date. Or you can come and buy it at one of the tour dates below.

Clive: “I must say the album is sounding great; very powerful and atmospheric. The music to me is another part of the Arena evolution, although there is still that intrinsic ‘Arena-sound’ pervading the album.”

Please note that you will not be able to buy this in any shop or any online outlet except www.verglas.com before 28th November, or get it at one of the gigs. You can also hear a sample of the album at www.arenaband.com.  

ARENA THE SEVENTH DEGREE OF SEPARATION TOUR NOVEMBER 2011

4th Belgium-Verviers-Spirit of 66 http://www.spiritof66.com/ 

5th Holland-Uden-De Pul http://www.depul-uden.nl/ 

6th Germany-Reichenbach-Bergkeller http://www.bergkeller-reichenbach.de/ 

7th Poland-Wroclaw-Firlej http://www.firlej.wroc.pl/ 

8th Poland-Warsaw-Progresja http://www.progresja.com/ 

9th Poland-Poznan-Blue Note http://www.bluenote.poznan.pl/ 

10th Poland-Katowice-Teatr Slaski http://www.teatrslaski.art.pl/ 

11th Germany-Aschaffenburg-Colos-Saal http://www.colos-saal.de/ 

12th Switzerland-Pratteln-Z7 http://www.z-7.ch/ 

13th Italy-Verona-Club Il Giardino http://www.clubilgiardino.org/ 

14th Germany-Stuttgart-LKA-Longhorn http://www.lka-longhorn.de/ 

15th France-Paris-La Scene http://www.la-scene.com/ 

16th France-Strasbourg-La Laiterie Club http://www.laiterie.artefact.org/ 

17th Germany-Lorsch-Musiktheater-Rex http://www.musiktheater-rex.de/ 

18th Germany-Essen-Zeche Carl http://www.zechecarl.de/ 

19th Holland-Zoetermeer-Boerderij http://www.cultuurpodiumboerderij.nl/ 

27th England-Leamington Spa-The Assembly http://www.leamingtonassembly.com/

ARENA AND MICK POINTER'S SCRIPT AT OHIO PROG 2012
Both Arena and Mick Pointer's Script For A Jester's Tour will play at the OhioProg festival, 7-9 September 2012, Canton Palace Theatre, Canton, Ohio USA.

http://www.ohioprog.com

PROGRESS NEW ALBUM AND LIVE DATES
Things are hotting up nicely with the new Arena album (‘The Seventh Degree of Separation’). The drums have been recorded, and John Jowitt is currently in ‘Nomad Studio’ working on Bass. Clive, John Mitchell and Paul Manzi will soon be back at ‘Thin Ice Studio’ laying down vocal tracks. The album will contain 13 tracks.

Clive: ‘I’ve finally just about finished writing the lyrics for ‘7th Degree’, so it’s time to integrate them into the music of the album. This is always one of the most stimulating parts of making an album.’

IAN SALMON LEAVES, JOHN JOWITT RETURNS
Arena has issued the following statement:

"We will now be parting ways with bassist Ian Salmon. Many thanks for the last ten years Ian, and good luck for the future.

Returning to the band - we are happy to welcome back Mr John Jowitt on bass. Good luck mate!"

SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TOUR LIVE IN LONDON
Mick Pointer's indefatigable Script For A Jester's Tour will be playing the 19th of February, at the Peel, Kingston upon Thames, London!

For more info: www.houseofprogression.com and http://www.myspace.com/script0

CAAMORA NEW MUSICAL, THEATRE COMPANY, LIVE DATES
Clive has announced he's working on a new musical, to be called 'Alchemy'. It is based on another Victorian adventure story, but very different to 'She'. Clive said: "I hope to have 'Alchemy' ready for production by the start of 2013."

Caamora has now evolved into The Caamora Theatre Company, set up with a view to playing 'She', 'Alchemy' and any other musicals Clive might write.

In February 2012, the first offering will be 'She', performed over four nights in The Playhouse, Cheltenham, England. Other theatres and dates will hopefully follow.

As reported earlier, there will also be a special performance of 'She' at the Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Holland on Saturday 3rd September 2011.

PENDRAGON MEGADAZE, NEW ALBUM PASSION, TOUR
Pendragon will be hosting a two-day Megadaze both in the UK (25-26 March) and Holland (2-3 April) to launch their new album Passion! Subsequently they will be touring all over Europe April-June.



For more info: www.pendragon.mu

SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TOUR RETURNS TO HOLLAND
Mick Pointer's Script For A Jester's Tour returns to Holland in December for two shows. So if you missed out, or if you just can't get enough of this great trip down memory lane and cherish your copy of Recital Of The Script, here's your chance! Performed by a marvellous band, the legendary Script album comes alive again. The setlist will contain the entire Script album, as well as the B-sides from the era, including... Grendel!

Mick Pointer - Drums (ARENA, ex-MARILLION)
Nick Barrett - Guitar (PENDRAGON)
Mike Varty - Keyboards (CREDO)
Ian Salmon - Bass (ARENA)
Brian Cummings - Vocals (CARPET CRAWLERS)

17th December 2010
De Pul, Uden, Holland
http://www.depul-uden.nl

18th December 2010
De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Holland
http://www.cultuurpodiumboerderij.nl/



At http://www.myspace.com/script0 you can find movie clips from the Script performance at the Loreley Night Of The Progs Festival 2009.

SPECIAL CAAMORA - SHE PERFORMANCE IN HOLLAND
There will be a special performance of SHE at the Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Holland on Saturday 3rd September 2011. It will feature 6 musicians and the four lead singers. Chorus and dancing will be provided through interactive video footage. For this show, Clive will be stepping down as 'Leo' and moving back behind the keyboards.



The line up for SHE in Holland will be Agnieszka Swita (Ayesha), David Clifford (Leo), Christina Booth (Ustane), Alan Reed (Holly) Clive Nolan (Keyboards & MD), Mark Westwood (Guitars), Kylan Amos (Bass), Scott Higham (Drums & Perc), Hugh McDowell (Cello-TBC).

http://caamora.net 

PAUL MANZI SHINES, NEW ALBUM AND TOUR IN 2011
At the sold out gig in Holland, Paul Manzi made a big impression and really established himself as Arena's new frontman. His voice perfectly suited the Arena material sung by the three previous vocalists and furthermore brings a new raw, rockier edge that complements Arena's heavier direction. The first track of the gig, the heavy new track The Escape, proved beyond a doubt that Arena are alive and kicking. With not having played for some time and little rehearsal time, the set wasn't without faults, but this was more than compensated by the energetic performance and the great vibe between band and audience.

Clive stated that the new album will be recorded over the summer of 2011 and that the release is slated for late September, followed by a tour in October/November. The working title is still The Tinder Box, but the album will get a different name, not revealed yet. Clive looks further ahead with tentative ideas for a further two albums after album number seven. Keep an eye on this page, interviews with Paul, Clive, John and Mick will be posted soon! For pictures of the gig click here.

ON VOCALS: PAUL MANZI!
Arena has announced that their new vocalist is Paul Manzi. Clives stated: "Meet Arena's new singer, Paul Manzi. Known for his work with 'Raw Glory' and, of course, 'The Oliver Wakeman Band'... and now he has taken up the challenge of being the Arena frontman! Good luck Paul!"



Raw Glory is a British rock band, formed in 2006. Paul's official website www.paulmanzi.co.uk is still under construction, but Oliver Wakeman's website provides further info:

"Paul Manzi was born in 1963, London. He bought his first guitar when he was fifteen (A Flying V copy inspired by KK Downing of Judas Priest) and proceeded to play guitar in his school band. Paul's early influences were Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, Rush, Queen to name but a few.

Paul found his voice and started singing at age 23 (late starter) and 2 years later joined progressive rock band 'Barchetta'. He gained notable recording experience at Abbey Road Studios, (only because Pete the guitarist worked as an accountant there) and equally notable live experience including playing at the Old Marquee supporting progressive rock band 'Pallas'.

Since then Paul has kept busy doing session vocals and working in various successful cover bands/trios/duos/solo as a singer/guitarist (one has to pay the rent). More recently Paul has performed lead vocals on the soundtrack of 2 rock/pop musicals 'Phantasmagoria' and Space Family Robinson, which was in production in 2003. He is also an aspiring actor, and has performed in theatre and on film.

Paul joined Oliver's band in mid 2004 and has proved himself to be a fantastic frontman. He first performed with the band for their concert at the Classic Rock Society on the 18th September 2004. He has continued to perform with both the band and with Oliver as an acoustic duo. In 2007 Paul got to record with Oliver on the Mother's Ruin EP.

Although Paul's versatility as a musician has enabled him to cross musical styles including soul, jazz, latin, pop and musical theatre, he has now come full circle back to his rock roots."

In November we'll get to hear and see him perform live for the first time. The gig in Holland is almost sold out.

ROB SOWDEN LEAVES ARENA...
Arena has issued the following statement:

"We are sad to announce that singer Rob Sowden has decided to part ways with the band. The explanation given so many times at moments like this is ‘musical differences’, usually as a veil for somewhat darker reasons; but actually, in this case, it is precisely the reason. We wish Rob good luck with all his future endeavours.

In the meantime Arena WILL be performing their shows in November where they will be presenting their new vocalist, as well as material from their next album."

The name of the new vocalist has not yet been revealed.

ARENA LIVE SHOWS IN 2010, DATES ADDED
Contrary to the news reported earlier, Arena now have three live dates scheduled in 2010 instead of just the one in Holland. Adding to the excitement, the band has stated that the set list will contain some new material! Don't miss out!

12th November, The Peel, Kingston upon Thames, London, UK
www.houseofprogression.com 

13th November, De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands
www.cultuurpodiumboerderij.nl

14th November, pROCKclub im Seeschloesschen, Spenge, Germany CANCELLED!
www.prockclub.de

IT BITES AND FROST LIVE ALBUMS
It Bites have released the double live album This Is Japan, recorded in Tokyo in July 2009. It contains live versions of tracks on their comeback album The Tall Ships, as well as tracks from the past. The first batch comes with a bonus live cd recorded in Germany straight from the desk. Frost have released the double live CD + DVD The Philadelphia Experiment, recorded at Rosfest. It has a 42 minute documentary and the new 16-minute studio track The Dividing Live as bonus material.

            

CLIVE INTERVIEW AT PROGWERELD
An interesting interview (in Dutch) with Clive about Shadowland and his various other activities can be read at Progwereld. Asked about a new Shadowland album, Clive responds that the habit of (illegal) downloading nowadays doesn't really motivate him to put a lot of effort in the release of a new album. "I think cd's are a thing of the past." He also indicates however that he and Mick are working on Arena's new album Tinder Box, but progress is slow due to their various other involvements. He has also started writing on a new rock opera.

www.progwereld.org

FLASH RANGE FEATURING JOHN MITCHELL
Yet another new progressive project featuring John Mitchell (vocals/guitars): Flash Range. Their febut EP On The Way was already recorded in 2007 and eventually released December 2009. It's available at their website and iTunes. A full studio album is being worked on. The music is composed by Andrey Dudkin (keyboards), Alexey Dudkin (guitars), and Yuri Mamchur. The album also features Andy Edwards (drums) and John Jowitt (bass). Check out previews and the Follow Me Now video at MySpace or the review at DPRP.

www.flashrange.com
www.myspace.com/flashrangeband
www.yuriproductions.com
http://www.dprp.net/reviews/201013.php#flash

FROST* NEWS
Frost* have released a live cd FrostFest Live, with seven live tracks and a bonus studio track (The Forget You Song). There are plans for a more extensive live CD/DVD entitled The Philadelphia Experiment. Also, a new 16-minute epic has been written (The Dividing Line). Meanwhile, John Jowitt has left Frost* and Frost* have parted with Inside Out Music.

www.myspace.com/planetfrost

IT BITES LIVE DATES
It Bites have several live dates scheduled in March in the U.K. as well as two in Japan. Also, It Bites teamed up with Francis Dunnery, Steve Hogarth & Pete Trewavas of Marillion, John Wetton & Geoff Downes, Jason Perry from 'A', and Jem Godfrey (Frost*) to re-record their top 10 hit from 1986 Calling All The Heroes, in order to raise money for the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund. It is available for download from iTunes or from Amazon. Work on a new studio album has begun.

www.itbites.com/

SHADOWLAND 2010 LURV AMBASSADORS TOUR (THE RETURN)
Shadowland will be on tour in February 2010, promoting their DVD ('Edge of Night') and their box set ('Cautionary Tales'). Having been away for 13 years, they are now keen to keep up their live profile, with a fresh set list and some new surprises. This time they will be on the road with their old friends Jadis, with both bands eager to re-capture the magic of their renowned 'Lurv Ambassadors Tour' from the nineties.

Scheduled dates:

20.02 De Boerderij - Netherlands
21.02 Spirit of 66 - Belgium
22.02 Bergkeller - Germany
27.02 The Peel - UK
28.02 Mr Kyps - UK
06.03 CRS Wesley Centre - UK

Shadowland are: Clive Nolan - vocals, Karl Groom - guitar, Mark Westwood - bass, Nick Harradence - drums and Mike Varty - keyboards.

IT BITES "ONCE MORE AROUND THE WORLD" TOUR
It Bites will be touring in the UK in September. The gigs will feature all the tracks from their 1988 album Once Around The World. It Bites will also play a gig in the USA in October.

http://www.itbites.com

CAAMORA - SHE IN SOUTH AMERICA
In 2010 Caamora will perform the rock opera She in South America! Dates have been set for two shows in Santa Cruz, Bolivia: 21st and 22nd of January 2010. Negotiations are already underway to take the show to other South American countries after Bolivia.

SCRIPT FOR X-MAS
Several new dates have been added to the Mick Pointer and friends Christmas tour. Check out WiV Entertainment for details.

ARENA PAYS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON
Having shown before they can handle a cover song well outside the prog genre (Duran Duran's Ordinary World), during their gig at the Night Of The Prog festival July 1st Arena performed Michael Jackson's song Billy Jean. Footage of the performance can be found at YouTube.

Furthermore, word has it that album number seven, The Tinder Box, should be released in 2010!

SHADOWLAND BOX SET AND NEW TOUR
The Shadowland box set Cautionary Tales will be released August 3rd in Europe and August 11th in the USA. Furthermore, Shadowland will hit the road again in support of this release. Dates to follow.

SHADOWLAND BOX SET CAUTIONARY TALES
Metal Mind Productions will release an ultimate 6-disc Shadowland box set, containing all three studio albums as well as the upcoming live DVD and CD Edge Of Night, plus various bonus tracks (B-sides, rarities and demos). The box set, entitled Cautionary Tales, is a limited edition of 1000 copies and will be released July 6 (Europe) and August 11 (USA).

Disc 1: Ring Of Roses (bonus tracks)
Disc 2: Through The Looking Glass (bonus tracks)
Disc 3: Mad As A Hatter (bonus tracks)
Disc 4: Edge Of Night (live cd 1)
Disc 5: Edge Of Night (live cd 2)
Disc 6: Edge Of Night (DVD)

The full track list can be found here.

BLIND EGO ON TOUR
Blind Ego, RPWL guitarist Kalle Wallners project, will be touring the material from their new album Numb. The album has been described as “Arena meets Queensrÿche”. The line up features ex-Arena vocalist Paul Wrightson. The rest of the live line up is: Kalle Wallner - guitar, Jochen Goricnik - guitar, Sebastian Harnack - bass, Michael Schwager - drums.

Scheduled dates:
24.04.2009 D Freising
25.04.2009 D Reichenbach
26.04.2009 PL Poznan
30.04.2009 UK Swindon
01.05.2009 UK Birmingham
02.05.2009 UK London
04.05.2009 D Bremen
05.05.2009 D Hamburg
06.05.2009 D Rüsselsheim
07.05.2009 D Dortmund
08.05.2009 NL Uden
09.05.2009 NL Zoetermeer
10.05.2009 NL Kerkrade



Support act at the gigs in Holland are neo-prog band Credo, featuring Mike Varty (Shadowland).

www.blind-ego.com

MICK POINTER & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR
Mick Pointer and friends return to the stage in December for a Christmas Tour! Scheduled dates so far are:

15.12.09 CH Pratteln, Z 7
16.12.09 GER Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal
17.12.09 GER Cologne, Live Music Hall
18.12.09 NL Uden, De Pul
19.12.09 NL Zoetermeer, Boerderij

SHADOWLAND DVD EDGE OF NIGHT
Metal Mind Productions plans to release Edge of Night in July. The DVD, recorded in Poland during the recent Shadowland comeback tour, will be available in 3 different formats: DVD, limited DVD+2CD edition, including 2 bonus audio CDs with songs recorded during the gig at the theatre, and 2CD digipak (limited to 1000 copies).

ARENA LIVE AT NIGHT OF THE PROG FESTIVAL
Arena will be performing at the fourth edition of the Night of the Prog Festival in Loreley, Germany! Arena will be on stage at the first day of the festival, July 10. The second day brings more Arena-related performances to enjoy: Pendragon and Mick Pointer & Friends! Tickets can be purchased through the Verglas website.

SHADOWLAND ARE BACK!
Shadowland (Clive Nolan, Karl Groom, Mark Westwood, Nick Harradence and Mike Varty) have just finished their long awaited new European tour and the gig in Poland has been filmed for a DVD release! They have released a compilation album called A Matter Of Perspective, a selection of tracks from their three albums Ring Of Roses, Through The Looking Glass and Mad As A Hatter, that are out of print now. The album also contains a brand new track, Edge Of Night.

www.shadowlanduk.com 
http://www.myspace.com/shadowlanduk

CAAMORA NEWS
Caamora (Clive Nolan and Agnieszka Swita) have released a live double CD reflecting the 2-man shows recorded in South America and Europe during their 2006-2007 tours. Journey’s End – An Acoustic Anthology features over 130 minutes of acoustic live performances, as well as a selection of never before heard demos, bonus tracks and interview footage.

Furthermore, Caamora will be performing She right across South America in July/August 2009. These shows will be performed by a few of the original UK line up in combination with South American musicians and singers.

Caamora are also in preliminary talks with a production company about a possible film version of She. And word has it that Clive has found the next story for a rock opera and is in talks with various performers, although he is playing this rumour down at the moment…

http://caamora.net 
http://www.myspace.com/caamorauk 

NEW CLIVE NOLAN WEBSITE
Having a hard time keeping track of all Clive’s projects and activities? Check out his new official new website that provides an excellent overview and all the latest news!

http://www.clivenolan.net/ 

PENDRAGON LIVE DATES AND DVD
Pendragon (Nick Barrett, Clive Nolan, Peter Gee and Scott Higham) have several live dates scheduled in 2009 and are releasing a live DVD, entitled Concerto Maximo, including tracks from their latest album Pure!

http://www.pendragon.mu/ 
http://www.myspace.com/toffrecords 

IT BITES ON TOUR
It Bites (John Mitchell, John Beck, Bob Dalton and Lee Pomeroy) has several live dates scheduled in the UK in March, as well as a European tour together with Saga in April/May. Catch them live and check out their great new album The Tall Ships!

http://www.itbites.com 
http://www.myspace.com/itbites 

FROST* AT ROSFEST
Frost* (Jem Godfrey, John Mitchell, John Jowitt, Declan Burke, Nick D'Virgilio) will play their first American appearance at RoSFest on May 2nd 2009. Check their latest album Experiments In Mass Appeal!

http://www.frostmusic.net/ 

FORUM THE SHATTERED ROOM
Meet Arena fans from all over the world at the official Arena forum, The Shattered Room! You may also catch some of the elusive band members there…

http://www.shattered-room.net

SCRIPT FOR A JESTER'S TOUR 2009/2010
2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the classic Marillion debut Script For A Jester’s Tear. Founding member Mick Pointer will celebrate the occasion with a live performance of the entire album. Besides Mick, the band consists of Nick Barrett (Pendragon) on guitars, Mike Varty (Credo/Shadowland) on keyboards, Ian Salmon on bass and Brian Cummins (Genesis tribute band The Carpet Crawlers) on vocals. In addition to the entire Script album, the set list will contain the songs Charting The Single, Three Boats Down From The Candy, Market Square Heroes, Grendel and Margaret.