Florida-based melodic metal legends CRIMSON GLORY have announced that original bassist and founding member Jeff Lords will join the band for their headlining performance at the ProgPower USA X festival on September 11th at the Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.

Commented Lords: "After trouble-shooting some issues, both on a personal level, and on a business level, it seems as though things have fallen into place regarding this upcoming show. Nolen [Strong] was gracious enough to step up to the plate, and although he's not doing the show now, he supported the rest of the guys for the rehearsals, and for that, I/we thank him."

Bassist Nolen Strong had been brought in originally to take Jeff's place for the concert, which will feature multiple guest vocalists and an extensive setlist.

Added guitarist Jon Drenning: "Nolen is a great bass player and has become a good friend. We were very fortunate to have someone of his talent and calibre over these past few weeks while preparing for ProgPower, but having Jeff available to perform at this show with his brothers is a dream come true, and we are all extremely happy about his decision. He is our rock and our foundation upon which all Crimson Glory music is based, and it simply wouldn't be Crimson Glory without him. I'm going to enjoy this show immensely...this is how it should be."

Crimson Glory has announced that they have confirmed the following special guest vocalists to perform with them during their headlining set at ProgPowerUSA X:

Wade Black (Crimson Glory/LEATHERWOLF)

Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE/CIRCLE II CIRCLE)

Lance King (PYRAMAZE/BALANCE OF POWER)

Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND)

Chris Salinas (ZERO HOUR/POWER OF OMENS)

Ronny Monroe (METAL CURCH)

Andy Franck (BRAINSTORM/SYMPHORCE/IVANHOE)

Sean Peck (CAGE)

Danilo Herbert (MINDFLOW)

Joakim Brodén (SABATON)

Michael Eriksen (CIRCUS MAXIMUS)

David Vanlanding (Crimson Glory/MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP)

Additional guest singers will be announced as they are confirmed. Also performing alongside the band will be guitarist Matt LaPorte (JON OLIVA'S PAIN/Circle II Circle/MIDNIGHT) and keyboardist John Zahner (Crimson Glory/Savatage/Circle II Circle/Jon Oliva's Pain), as well as bassist Nolen Strong and vocalist Danaë Saree.

Crimson Glory's Jon Drenning (guitar), Ben Jackson (guitar), Dana Burnell (drums) and Wade Black (vocals) add:

"The response of singers wanting to be a part of this has been nothing short of overwhelming, and we are very pleased with the lineup thus far. Indeed, we are both excited and honored to be sharing the stage with such incredibly talented people; each have made a name for themselves with their individual vocal stylings and we look forward to having them alongside us as we showcase Midnight's extraordinary career with Crimson Glory. As this is our only US show date scheduled for 2009, this promises to be a truly memorable show for long-time fans as well as the "new blood" with something for everybody, and we feel that Midnight would be very pleasantly surprised to know that so many gifted singers have stepped up to lend their unique voices to his tribute.

We realize that many ProgPower USA attendees were coming to this year's fest to see specific bands, the absence of whom have allowed us this great opportunity to perform. It is our sincere hope that the varied lineup of guest performers we have selected will ensure that all who attend this year get something truly personal and special from our show. Crimson Glory wishes to again extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to founder/promotor Glenn Harveston for offering this great opportunity to celebrate Midnight's legendary legacy with our band, as well as for working so hard to keep this incredible festival going for ten years strong. We are proud to be a part of ProgPower USA, and we aim to help make this the most memorable and truly special ProgPower event since its inception.

Lastly, to all of our fans both diehard and new, we thank you for your amazing support: it is YOU who make Crimson Glory's music truly eternal. We're looking forward to meeting those of you coming to the fest; we'll see you in September!"

Midnight (real name John Patrick McDonald Jr.) passed away on Wednesday, July 8th at 3:30am EST due to kidney and liver failure. He was 47 years old. Midnight is featured on Crimson Glory's first three albums: Crimson Glory (1986), Transcendence (1988) and Strange And Beautiful (1991).