It seems almost indecent to be talking about the upcoming Firefest this October, after the sad and untimely loss of Gregg Fulkerson only a matter of weeks ago. The has deeply affected all of us here at Fireworks, who had the pleasure of working with the easy-going and affable Gregg at Firefest 2 when he brought Blue Tears over for the day. Kieran Dargan expresses all our thoughts on the opposite page, but this world is truly a sadder place without Gregg and his music here.

The line-up for Firefest 6 has now been announced - see advert this issue. We’re delighted to have FM back, after their wonderful sell-out performance at Firefest 4, as well as White Sister returning after their triumphant display last year. Both bands intend having new albums out on the day of the show.

One of the enjoyable aspects of Firefest, speaking as a fan, is getting old bands to reform. We’ve done it in the past with House of Lords, Valentine, White Sister, Blue Tears ... and this year is no exception having the wonderful Romeo’s Daughter and Airrace returning to the live scene after many years away. We hope you will enjoy these performances as much as us.

Live music is not a competition. When he thought Firefest 5 was going to be the last, Mark Owen decided to organise a replacement festival, calling it Rockfest. As it turns out, with Firefest 6 returning around it’s usual date, the fans now have two great festivals to attend. As said, it’s not a competition and us AOR fans have never had it so good. I’ll be down there at Rockfest having a great time, as will Mark at Firefest. And I hope, finances allowing, many of our readers will be supporting both events. See you there!!

And if any of you are going to Z Rock at the end of May, hope to see you there too!

Winners of last issue’s Winsterstrain competition: Philip Sokolski, Leslie Wood, John Beckett, Mark Colerain, Michael Williams, Alan Bowers, Steve Hodgkinson, Phil Samuels, Colin Davies & Colin St George.

Okay, I’m off to listen to the new Magnum album again, and hope it grows on me...
Until next time... wishing you a Great Adventure!

-- Bruce Mee