The organizers of the Bay Area Rock Fest, whick takes place May 4th-5th at The Independent in San Francisco, have issued the following press release:

Bay Area Rock Promotions is pleased to announce the return of CRIMSON GLORY as a co-headliner in the inaugural Bay Area Rock Fest in San Francisco. Crimson Glory marks the return of Astronomica vocalist Wade Black by playing for the first time in 16 years as a US headliner with the original lineup of Jon Drenning, Jeff Lords, Ben Jackson and Dana Burnell as well as Jessie Rojas.

"I am excited to have Crimson Glory mark our 25th anniversary by headlining the Bay Area Rock Fest" comments guitarist/songwriter Jon Drenning "We promise to make our fans attending the show from San Francisco and around the world bleed Crimson Glory!"

Due to visa issues, Angra will not be performing at the festival as previously announced.

UK based BALANCE OF POWERreturns to the United States for the first time in 6 years with new lead vocalist Corey Brown from Magnitude 9 and Section 16. Corey's soulful pipes add a whole new dimension to the strong songwriting and rhythmic foundation anchored by Tony Ritchie, Pete Southern and Lionel Hicks. They will be performing a variety of songs from their 12 year career, plus a few new songs.

MOB RULES from Germany makes their debut appearance in the United States after 5 critically acclaimed albums. After establishing themselves in Europe playing with acts like the Scorpions, Dio, Symphony X, Savatage and Helloween as well as the legendary Wacken Open Air festival, their blend of melodic and progressive metal is destined to make a huge impact in the USA. These elements are featured prominently in the 25 minute opus "Ethnolution" off their new album "Ethnolution AD" available on SPV Records.

"I am excited to add the progressive metal talents of Crimson Glory, Balance of Power and Mob Rules to enhance the existing lineup of the best of worldwide progressive rock and metal." comments David Hatchell, the festival organizer. "We have elevated the Bay Area back to the leading US destination for thought-provoking and hard-charging rock and roll."

Bay Area Rock Fest will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 4th and 5th at The Independent in San Francisco. Other acts on the bill that have been previously announced are JON OLIVA'S PAIN, SPOCK'S BEARD, ENCHANT, ZERO HOUR, EYEFEAR, TIMELINE and ODIN'S COURT. Tickets will go on sale February 18th at the Independent box office and through TicketWeb.com. Only 500 tickets will be made available to the public. Ticket costs will be $85.00 for the festival covering both nights. There will be a limited number of VIP sponsorships available for individual patrons. Additional sponsorships are also available.

For more information visit www.bayarearockfest.com or www.myspace.com/bayarearockfest. The Independent's website is http://www.theindependentsf.com.

Bay Area Rock Fest

www.bayarearockfest.com

www.myspace.com/bayarearockfest

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