AVANTASIA Mainman Discusses Forthcoming Tour

On June 5, EDGUY singer Tobias Sammet's solo project AVANTASIA will kick off its summer tour in Huttwill, Switzerland. Two days later, AVANTASIA will be one of the main acts at Sweden Rock Festival before it makes its way to Russia, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Sammet, who is currently rehearsing with the rest of the group, answered the following questions via his official web site about the upcoming tour.

Q: Tell us a good reason to see AVANTASIA live this summer!

Sammet: "Well, if you wanna see the mother of all so-called metal operas on stage, this is your one and only chance in your life to hear songs like 'Reach Out For The Light' sung by a legion of the best vocalists in the world, played by killer musicians. Wherever we play, we bring the whole production. We have never played live before and this will never happen again, it will be huge and majestic. All those other bands around have played for years and they'll surely come back again, if you miss out on AVANTASIA, you'll regret it even after ten years, 'cause we won't come back!"

Q: So there will be old and new material in the setlist?

Sammet: "Of course! We have released three albums, all of them define AVANTASIA. I don't love everything I have done eight years ago, but the 'Metal Opera' albums are an important part of me. I am looking forward to play many old songs. That's what people wanna hear and honestly: Those songs sound amazingly powerful in the rehearsing room. Wait until you'll hear the choirs and the orchestration live."

Q: You only play 14 shows around the world, a lot of people want to see the project and you could easily play a 100 shows world tour. Why don't you play more shows?

Sammet: "I would love to, but we have a giant show with a giant crew and many musicians involved. You just cannot play everywhere, because we didn't wanna downsize the show. I've been asked for AVANTASIA shows since the first album was released eight years ago. People expect a magical show, and I won't make compromises. AVANTASIA is an epic project, so has to be the show."

Q: You had many musicians on the album, was it difficult to organize the different people and their schedules for the live-mission?

Sammet: "Jesus, yes it was. Not everybody could make a commitment immediately, although everybody would have loved to be involved for the whole tour, because it's not only something special for the audience, but for us musicians as well. It's an exciting constellation and a chance to have an impact on the whole scene. We'll write metal history, haha! It is very important that we have a diversified selection of vocalists to be able to do all the old songs and the new ones as well. That's why there are so many different vocalists in the game: Andre Matos, Jorn Lande, Bob Catley, Amanda Somerville, Olli Hartmann, me, and for a few shows Kai Hansen Popansen. We'll try to include some surprise guests for some shows as well. I don't wanna say too much, let's see."

Q: You will travel around the world to play Moscow, Tokyo, Mexico, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Sao Paulo within two weeks. Has any band done and survived that before?

Sammet: "Not a 15-people heavy metal all-star ensemble, I guess, haha. Seriously, we are professional and we don't wanna waste time on hotel rooms. We wanna go out and play, and the shorter the time frame, the better for the musicians involved. We rather take the time for long rehearsals in advance, 'cause when AVANTASIA comes to Chile we'll better be amazing. There is no second chance, cause we'll never come to Chile again! It's one chance and we'll take it and blow you away!"

Q: Any last words for your fans?

Sammet: "Be there!!! If you don't come and see us you will regret it. If I wouldn't have to be on that stage as well, I'd surely be in the audience! I am looking forward to seeing you all!"