Video Games Live

Originally Posted by Angel Of Light

I just checked the G4TV website. They've put out 45 more release dates. A lot more Canadian shows this time around . Hey Tommy, come on. You got to come out to the East Coast. I'm sure there are a lot of people in Atlantic Canada would like to see this concert. I'm only kidding; I know you guys have been real busy with the success of the show but I wish nothing but the best for the 2009 year for yourself.

Source

Tommy one other question if you don't mind. Do you still do any work with the electric playground since you've been doing the video games live show since it started. The reason why I was wondering is have you guys ever thought of putting any of your older shows during the playstation or N64 days back, kind of like a retro segment on the web or show.

It probably wouldn't be feasible. I just remember you guys doing a show and you talked about xenogears and I missed it. I never ever had a chance to see it.

Whoops never mind. I just checked the official website and I see Newfoundland representing on the TBA page. Even if it doesn't come to Newfoundland if it comes to any other Atlantic province I'll definitely go see it for sure. Thanks Tommy.

Yo! We'll be announcing 7 or 8 Eastern Canada dates within the next few weeks. Stay tuned and make sure to sign up to our mailing list to get pre-sale info.

Thanks!


Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Moguta

Kaleb: Honestly, after viewing the Taiwan International Music Festival performance video... there really can be no substitute for One-Winged Angel, socially-speaking. I mean... just listen to everyone screaming for it as he announces the company... the name of the game... the number of the game... then finally the song name.

Musically-speaking, there's probably plenty other pieces to play, like our Ace Combat suggestions. But to be honest, none are going to have quite the same impact, I think.

Yeah... I gotta say.. OWA is one of the most highly requested songs at every show. It would be like Led Zepplin not playing Stairway to Heaven at one of their concerts. Some might be totally sick of it... but others would be crushed if they didn't play it.

The other thing to keep in mind is that 40% - 50% of our audiences (in certain places) don't even play video games... so they're hearing OWA for the very first time.

That being said, we've always tried adding some of the less popular and obscure stuff... as long as it has great music (Beyond Good & Evil, Lair, etc.)... Yet, whenever we do that... it seems that some folks will complain about that as well.

If there's one thing we've learned over the past 5 years of touring... it's that it's impossible to please everyone from a setlist standpoint... especially when there is so much amazing music. We've created over 60 segments for VGL but can only play 20 of them a night.


Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood

Just snatched the tickets for me and a handful of friends at the Regina and Saskatoon shows. Looking forward to it.

Cool! Thanks for the support! Can't wait for you to see the show. See ya soon!!!!


Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by lord-of-shadow

Tommy, just wanted to stop in and congratulate you on the Ambassadorial Award you won at the GDC awards. You deserved it. And I also wanted to say that your speech after wards was phenomenal. I don't know that it would work as well for someone watching it in a recording on youtube or whatever, but for those of us who were there it was definitely the strongest speech of the night.

Yo! Thanks so much for the kind words. It really means a lot. I feel so fortunate that I'm able to help spread the word about video games and their music all over the world. It's been a dream come true and something I've wanted to do my entire life.


Tommy

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Basil

I attended the Saskatoon concert tonight, and this is my first time seeing a VGL concert. I used to be a huge fan of video game music, and I even went so far as to tackle ripping the music from one of the largest games in VG history, music-wise - Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It's a shame Nintendo never released a soundtrack, though I can understand why, as to include all that music would mean filling up at least 7-8 CDs. To this day I look back on my gamerip and every time I say to myself, "holy crap, I actually did that?" And it's Nintendo's best musical effort in recent years, too.

However, about a year or two ago I started becoming disattached from VGM and turning instead to music from movies and TV. Not necessarily newer movie music from this generation of movie composers, but I'm talking stuff from the 1980s and older, all the way back to the 50s or even earlier. There's (sadly deceased) composers out there whose music I'm only now discovering (like Jerry Goldsmith, Basil Poledouris, Georges Delerue, Les Baxter, Henry Mancini, Morton Stevens, Alex North, Shirley Walker, etcetera etcetera) and I find it's a lot better thematically than a lot of film music written today. I know, film music is meant to serve the films, but it just seems to me like movie music written from the late 90s and onward has no real memorable value aside from just being there to accompany the movie it was for.

But anyways - I'm certainly motivated to venture back to listening to VGM after seeing Video Games Live. I have not heard much of what either you, Mr. Tallarico, or Mr. Wall have written, though I hope I get to do so someday. I'm actually not much of a video gamer nowadays either - I'm mainly into the retro games up to the Gamecube era; gaming today just doesn't interest me and I'm definitely more of a fan of the music. Actually, I think the last VGM soundtrack I purchased was as order from La-La Land Records - Richard Jacques' Headhunter / Headhunter: Redemption, for $6 (what a deal!).

I do have the VGL Volume 1 soundtrack CD as well, though unfortunately I didn't buy it officially - I received it used from a friend in Ottawa in a CD trade. I have not listened to it, but I certainly want to now.


What did I enjoy about VGL? Pretty much all of it really. I can't think of any games that should be represented in future concert showings, nor suggestions to make the show better. I never knew you nor Jack Wall would actually be there, which was a real nice surprise. Martin Leung deserved all that applause he received, too.

Once again, it was a pleasure to meet, in person, all three of you, and hopefully you remember me, Mr. Tallarico (I was the kid in glasses in a bright orange shirt with the binoculars and a recent haircut). My sister says she took a few pictures of us talking, though I haven't gotten them from her yet.

I'm hoping you guys continue to perform in Saskatoon in the future, and I wish you, Jack Wall, Martin Leung and the crew the best of luck for your other concerts. It was fantastic. Thank you.

Yo!,

Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the show. It really means a lot.

Hope to see you again in Saskatoon next year!!!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Elorin

Well, I've already bought tickets to the Singapore show and thanks to Hibino, my friend agreed to tag along.

I think VGL tickets are pricier than the Play! game music concert that played in Singapore in 2007. But there are possible reasons why that's so, starting with the venue and assorted pre- and post-concert activities at VGL.

Nonetheless, I'm hoping VGL will be able to offer a different experience and approach to Play!. For one, I'm hoping we'll get to hear a different treatment of the songs performed, and also tunes composed by Tommy and Jack (eg Myst III by Jack; that and I'm a Myst fanboy who even likes music from Riven). It's somehow more engaging watching and hearing a composer playing/conducting his own music. And it would be great to finally see Tommy and Jack in person (and hopefully meet them) after having read about them for the longest time.

It would also be cool to hear Tristram from Diablo live and some of the Orc themes from WarCraft II, but I guess that's wishful thinking on my part. :P

Hi!,

Thanks so much for the support!! I can't wait for you to see the show. We're having a special guest composer from Japan (and my good friend) Hibino-san (MGS composer) to do a special rendition of his song "Snake Eater" from MGS3!

We offer a much different experience than most of the other game concerts so hopefully you will enjoy ours just as much. Would love to get your feedback after you had a chance to check it out. The reason the ticket prices for this particular show weren't the same price as the others is because they were a part of the Singapore Music Festival which underwrites the budgets and the Singapore government sets the low prices for the festival. The Singapore Government folks will be attending our show this week in hopes of possibly doing something with us in 2010.

See ya in a few days! Make sure to come up and say hi during the meet & greet after the show.

Thanks again... can't wait for you to see the show!!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Bigblah

I'll be going to the Singapore show as well. Just bought my ticket.

Cool! See ya there!!


Tommy

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What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Turbo

Aw hey Tommy, It makes me sad to see you'll be skipping over Montreal this year.

Yeah! We were disappointed as well. Montreal has always been a ROCKIN audience! It was great when the crowd started chanting for the encore last year!! Very enthusiastic!

We just couldn't fit in all of the Eastern Canada stuff within the timeframe we had so it looks like we'll be pushing it to spring of 2010.


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Elix

Man, I wish I could've seen this when I was in Toronto a few years back. The first volume is just amazing, and I can hardly wait for the second.

Thanks! Being worked on now! Probably looking at spring or summer of 2010.


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by NinjaguyDan

I'm so psyched that Video Games Live is coming back to Buffalo again at Art park. I saw it at Kleinhan's and I can't wait to see how it sounds outside. I'm crossing my fingers to hear Diablo or Castlevania, I missed those last year.

Make sure to stay until the end of the show! That's all I'm saying.

See ya in a few weeks! Make sure you come up and say hi at the meet & greet and that we spoke on GamingForce.

T.T.

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Bigblah

Just got back from VGL Singapore. Show started 30 minutes after schedule (since much of the audience arrived fashionably late). However the crowd was really enthusiastic from the get go, which was admittedly a bit unexpected considering this place =]

I've seen some segments on Youtube, but naturally it doesn't compare to seeing the show live. Program wise, it's a pity that we didn't get hear some segments such as Myst, but I guess that's because with Norihiko Hibino making an appearance there was slightly more focus on MGS. Speaking of which, the saxophone was definitely one of the highlights of the show, along with every single time Martin Leung touched the piano and of course, crowd favourites like the Blizzard segment. I don't even need to go into the reaction to OWA. Being seated near the front section has it drawbacks though, I had a slight headache with all those spotlights shining straight into my face.

I went up to say hi to the various composers after the show, and Tommy, I gotta say, what you told me really means a lot personally; thank you so much for the encouragement. So, congratulations to Tommy, Jack, Norihiko Hibino and crew for a very successful show. I'll be looking forward to more.

Yo!

Thanks so much for the kind words!!! So glad that you enjoyed the show. Yeah, the Sinagpore audience was really great! (and loud!!)

Next time we'll play Myst for sure!


Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Zergrinch

I decided to go after reading up on the feedback in this thread, and in my journal. It was certainly an interesting experience, so thanks guys <3. No regrets whatsoever for the SGD66 paid out.

I was seated at the back, so I didn't get the same kind of headache Blah got. I was bummed that although I brought along a big-ass camera, it wasn't good enough to get crystal clear shots of the stage. (That didn't stop me from taking dozens of pictures though!) I'll see about posting more detailed thoughts and some of the more tolerable pics on my journal later.

I was mildly surprised at the 30-minute delay in the show's start - this is supposed to be the very efficient and on-time Singapore :X

Given my username, I was secretly hoping to hear some Starcraft orchestration (particularly the Hyperion Overture arrangement from the Echoes of War arrangement). However, they played music from the other two main Blizzard series (Diablo 3 and World of Warcraft), so I guess that was too much to ask for!

Kudos, Tommy Tallarico, Jack Wall, Norihiko Hibino, Martin Leung, and Cindy Shapiro on a job well done! (I hope you guys weren't too miffed when I was being all harsh at the timing of the NUS orchestra :P)
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Yo!,

Please post some pics or send them to info@videogameslive.com so they'll get to me.

Not sure what happened with the show time?!!?! It actually started on time, but I think they must have printed the wrong time on the tickets? Very strange!?!?

I'll make sure to include StarCraft in there for ya when we come back in 2010!

Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Elorin

Thanks for the awesome concert in Singapore, Tommy! The orchestra, choir and soloists were great. There were many nice touches that helped to up the experience and energy of the concert, from the quirky videos and the lighting effects to how you and Jack would rouse the crowd. Some of the cosplayers were quite amusing and I even saw a guy with with a green cap and a fairy. Way to go, Link!

I was surprised by how much I liked the Castlevania medley (and I'm not even a fan) but the rocking rendition really won me over. Other things that'll certainly stick in my head are the MGS cameos, Hibino's super spy sax, getting goosebumps from hearing strains of Tristram in the Diablo piece, the Chrono Cross tunes and Martin's incredible performance.

Like Blah, I was hoping for some Myst music but nontheless, it meant a lot to me to finally meet Jack in person and getting my Myst III Exile manual signed. I really love his music from the Myst series and suffice to say, this is one happy Myst fanboy. :P

Here's hoping you guys return for another concert!

Yo!

Thanks for the kind review. We will DEFINITELY put Myst in for next year!

So glad to hear that you had a great time.



Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Zergrinch

They did say they'll be back next year. Think the government will put them in Esplanade, or will this mean cost++ for all of us?

Hearing the Chrono Cross opening song "Time's Scar" brought chills to my spine, and was THE highlight for me (I don't really care too much for hard rock, so OWA and Castlevania didn't do much for me). Chrono Cross is the perfect place to show off acoustic guitar skills, certainly.

Why thank-you! Yeah, me & Jack definitely love playing Chrono together on acoustic and with the orchestra. We're thinking about doing something similar with the Earthworm Jim segment we're working on. Groooovy!



Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Elorin

I think it doesn't necessarily mean increased ticket prices if a performance is at the Esplanade. There are so many other cost, sponsorship and logistics considerations to factor in which might or might not work in the Esplanade's favour from a purely cost perspective.

But I think it's still early days, though. We still don't know for sure if a concert in 2010 is definitely happening. :P

Yes, very good points. There are so many business logistics and considerations to take into account when putting on a show. It gets CRAZY sometimes! Especially when we're doing 60 - 70 shows a year.

WHEW!!


Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by AcerBandit

Okay I just purchased tickets for Wolf Trap tonight (center front orchestra M 45). I guess I will GFF represent since Mo0 can't go.

Anyone else coming that I'm just not aware of?

Additional Spam:
Wow, that was quite the show. Lots of energy and an amazing performance. And I met a whole bunch of OCR people like DJ Pretzel and Larry "Liontamer" Oji thanks to Moguta who was sitting next to me during the concert. We sung One Winged Hut together during OWA. <3<3<3

I tried to name drop GFF to Tommy but the park staff was trying to close up and didn't let anyone really talk with Tommy or anyone else.

I hope that one day Tommy adds Kirby and Mother/Earthbound music to the line-up. That would be awesome.

Yo!,

Thanks! Glad you liked it! Yeah, the park people were rushing people like crazy through the meet & greet line. I hate that, but there was nothing we could really do because it's a National Park and out of our control. If I had my way I'd sit there ALL night and talk video games and music all night long!




Tommy


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FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by youseph

Hey tommy, thanks for contributing to gamingforce! I am in San Diego and Video Games Live is coming during Comic Con. I was wondering if you could give me a sneak peak of which songs are going to be played during the program, if possible! Thanks!

Yo!,

Thanks for the interest and support!

I don't like to release our exact setlists before the show because it takes away from the surprise and anticipation of how we present the show. That being said, you can count on audience favorites such as Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear & Halo. (and of course piano soloist Martin Leung). As for some of the newer surprises? You may just hear stuff from the Chrono series, Castlevania and MegaMan...

I've already said too much.



Oh... and count on a second very special Zelda segment which we've never done before.

Okay... now I've DEFINITELY said too much!




Tommy

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Zergrinch

The best (lol) pictures (which still suck) in my set can be found on my GFF journal entries here and here. I can, of course, e-mail them to you if your account is big enough. I shot in RAW format, so someone with better photo knowhow can possibly improve it a bit.

I guess I should have cranked up the ISO, and damn the noise. Ah well...

---

A silly thought occured to me. Tommy, since the videos are all synced to the performance, have you guys tried to flash the lyrics to "One Winged Angel" so the audience can sing along?

Cool! Thanks for posting the pics.

T.T.

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by youseph

thanks tommy! i'll definitely be there!

Yo!,

Hope you enjoyed the show! We had an awesome time! The Comic Con crowd is always great!!!


Tommy

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Dark Nation

Hey Tommy. I noticed that next year the show is coming to Tuscon, AZ. Any chance of a further showing up in Phoenix? (Apparently there was a show two years ago here, but alas, I didn't even know about it). I imagine there are a good number of VGM Enthusiasts here in the desert =)

Eventually we'll get back to Phoenix, but in 2010 we're probably just doing Tuscon. So far we have 2 shows scheduled with the Tuscon Symphony. I'll probably take a few days off and go to Tombstone. I love that place! Been a few times in my life, but haven't been there in about 10 years.

Hope to see you in March!

Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by NinjaguyDan

Hey did anyone go to the show in Buffalo at Artpark? I decided to not go at the last minute so I was curious how it went and what segments got played.

I was there!



Artpark was an awesome venue and the Buffalo Philharmonic were excellent players. I spent my summers growing up right next door in Niagara Falls, NY so it was a bit of a personal homecoming for me. I think I had around 50 relatives in the audience.

Here were a few reviews of the event:

Artpark gets bleeps and bloops from BPO : Entertainment : The Buffalo News
My Video Games Live Review - POWET.TV
W's Musings: Video games live

And here are some of the newspaper stories & interviews:
‘Pong’ and Wagner are on tap in the BPO's Video Games Live : Entertainment : The Buffalo News
NFP - News: Experience &lsquo;Video Games Live&rsquo;
Niagara Gazette - ARTPARK: The sound of music — video game music

Hope to see you next time!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Rangel

It's funny, I went to Video Games live a few years back. When it was in Toronto for the first time. I think I was the only American in the house...It was kind of cool to go to Toronto's first Video Game concert though. The atmosphere was great and it was just enjoyable to be there. It was the same weekend I went to see Lord of the Rings the musical. I must say, Video Games Live was much more enjoyable.

As for the Artpark show, I WANTED TO GO SO BAD! I've missed you twice in Buffalo now, and that is where I live :-( Oh well, maybe sometime soon I will get to hear my BPO play Video Game classics.

P.S. I still have your signature Tommy, as well as Jack Wall's. I also have pictures with both of you from the Toronto concert. Heh. I only have my Jack Wall one online though. Sorry Tommy. I still love Earth Worm Jim (My favorite part of the entire show was when Martin Leung played the music out of a request.)



On another side note, on that same week I also met someone else...



Okay, I just want to add one more thing...If you ever had anything from the ToeJam and Earl series, I think I would die at the concert.

I'm done I promise.

Yo!,

Thanks for the kind words. Yeah! That first Massey Hall show in Toronto was awesome! That place was loud!! Thanks for the Earthworm Jim props. We're actually working on a fun segment now for EWJ to include in the show.

I see your Mini Me pic...
Tallarico.com Photo Gallery :: Celebrities :: MiniMe

...and raise you a Gary Coleman!
Tallarico.com Photo Gallery :: Celebrities :: coleman





Tommy


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There's nowhere I can't reach.

Yo!,

I know there are a lot of game music fans on here from around the world so I wanted to make sure everyone saw the press release we put out today. Hope to be meeting some of you soon! Let me know if you have any questions or want to request a particular city/country for the future.

Tommy

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VIDEO GAMES LIVE ADDS 30 MORE SHOWS TO THEIR RECORD BREAKING 2009 WORLD TOUR

Countries Include China, Japan, Taiwan, Poland, Brazil, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, England, Wales and the United States



LOS ANGELES, CA – August 27, 2009 - Veteran video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall have performed Video Games Live to over 500,000 people across the world since 2005 and their efforts are only starting to begin. Video Games Live is proud to announce the addition of 30 new performances to their highly acclaimed award-winning world tour. Some highlights include a 2 evening performance in Tokyo at the largest indoor theatre in Japan (taking place during the Tokyo Game Show), an invitation by the Chinese government to perform all across China, the highly anticipated and acclaimed return to Broadway in New York City, and first ever game music performances in locations such as Ireland, Poland, Shanghai, Oregon, Salvador, Barcelona and others.

“Our goal and dream of successfully showcasing the video game industry and video game music to the masses has really taken off.” said prolific game composer and VGL co-creator Tommy Tallarico. “The support and interest from around the world has been absolutely amazing and we’re really looking forward to continuing this for many years to come.”

Co-creator and fellow game composer Jack Wall added, “One of the important things for us is to always change and improve the show. We’ve added so much new material and production elements this year that it’s really exciting to see how it’s evolved and become something that is enjoyed by everyone… whether you play video games or not.”

Tickets for the 2009 World Tour are ON SALE TODAY at videogameslive.com. Over 70 shows are currently being planned for 2010 so please sign up to the Video Games Live Mailing List and request your city to be added.

August 29, 2009 – Taipei, Taiwan
September 5, 2009 – Beijing, China
September 21, 2009 – Tokyo, Japan
September 22, 2009 – Tokyo, Japan
September 25, 2009 – Augusta, Georgia, USA
September 30, 2009 – Belo Horizonte, Brazil
October 1, 2009 – Salvador, Brazil
October 4, 2009 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
October 7, 2009 – Sao Paulo, Brazil
October 11, 2009 – Philadelphia, PA, USA (2 shows)
October 13, 2009 – Shanghai, China
October 17, 2009 – Taipei, Taiwan
October 25, 2009 – New York City, New York, USA
November 7, 2009 – Portland, Oregon, USA
November 8, 2009 – Portland, Oregon, USA
November 16, 2009 – Poland
November 17, 2009 – Poland
November 18, 2009 – Poland
November 21, 2009 – Paris, France
November 25, 2009 – Gateshead, England
November 27, 2009 – Lisbon, Portugal
November 29, 2009 – Dublin, Ireland
December 3, 2009 – Cardiff, Wales, UK
March 13, 2010 – Tuscon, Arizona, USA
March 14, 2010 – Tuscon, Arizona, USA
April 10, 2010 - Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Other places TBA for 2009 include Scotland, more locations in China and Barcelona, Spain.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Big Gay Chulo

Of all the amazing concert venues in the UK, why on Earth did you pick Gateshead?

Hi,

We're actually playing a couple of different places around the UK this year. We think it's really important for VGL to branch out to other places around England since we've been playing London since 2006. We always get tons of e-mails from people wishing we would travel to other places besides London. I think it shows that we're really growing and expanding.. which is a good thing.

Thanks,


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by -=SeRaPH=-

Hey Tommy, you should play at the Saitan Arena which is Japan's largest indoor venue which holds 25,000 people.

I went to some Anime concert there and it was friggin Massive.

Wow! Sounds cool!

We'll eventually work our way up to that one someday I suppose. hehehehee

The place we're at is pretty awesome. It's the biggest indoor theatre in Japan and holds 5,000 people. We'll be doing 2 performances and have an amazing list of special guests for that one. More details and exact names will be coming soon.


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Prime Blue

Quoted for curiosity.

The Cologne GamesCon folks wanted us to perform during their conference this year but unfortunately our crazy schedule didn't allow for it. We're definitely planning on going to Germany in 2010 (a couple of different cities) and are already making some really big plans that I think will surprise a lot of people in a very positive way.


Tommy

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I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by ashaman

Any chance you will be back in the SF Bay Area in '10? I know, I know, you need to spread the love to the other cities/countries who haven't had access to the concert numerous times already. But I am going threw withdrawals here, it has been since February!
Either that or a Volume 2 release date

Oh yea, I must add the obligatory " 'Destinationz Unknown' needs to be the encore in the concert" comment since I mention every time we've talked since 2001. (and mentioned in this thread over the past few years)

Yep! We'll be back in the SF area. We've played in either San Jose, SF and/or Oakland for the past 4 years. Looking to make it number 5!



And thanks for the Destinationz Unknown props! It was one of my favorite songs from The Terminator. I have a version with lyrics that my old band used to play back in the 80's! If you're really interested in a good laugh, you can check it out here: Diamondz In The Rough on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Love my awesome 80's hair and keyboard tie eh?



And here's a YouTube video of us playing the song live back in 1987 when I was 18 years old. SCARY!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4encR4JvIc


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Basil

Tommy,

Just curious to know if VGL is planning to return to Saskatoon, SK, in Canada for the 2010 Tour? It was an excellent show and I'd love to see it again.

Yeah! We had a really good run in western Canada and hope to return sometime in 2010 along with an entire eastern Canada tour as well.

Tommy

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I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by ashaman

Oh man, that Destinationz Unknown video was awesome! The 80's styles and equipment brought back memories. I find the random shirtless guy chilling in the background humorous, I always thought that was a cliche found only in 80's John Hughes' movies but it turns out they really did exist. Thanks for sharing the vids!

Hahahaha! Yeah, gotta love the homemade torn jean shorts as well!

Good times.




Tommy

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Revoc

I noticed that in the last Oregon show the “Classic Arcade Medley” was changed, with some titles excluded and new titles added, like Contra. Does someone know if this is the first time that the new version was performed? Is Richard Jacques responsible for this new arrangement too?

YouTube - Video Games Live - "The Firsts" and More (Live @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR)

I was looking to make the overall arrangement a little shorter and I took out a few of the lesser known games such as Space Ace, Elevator Action & Rastan (sadly... cause it was a bit long). I've wanted to put Contra in from the beginning but wasn't able to get the rights from Konami 8 years ago when we started this. It was a lot easier now that the tour has had a lot of success.

I also snuck in Battlezone instead of Front Line.

The other change I made is that I've started replacing all the older video which I initally grabbed over 7 years ago before HD. I've gotten up to Punch-Out with new 1080 captures. The Classic Arcade has been changing for the last few months so it's hard to put an exact time or show date. In fact, we're still changing it as we speak.

Because of Richard's crazy schedule (he's working on some amazing games right now!) he wasn't able to make the changes, although most of the orchestration he did is still present (about 90%).

Now I just gotta figure out how to get Jungle Hunt/King in there!

Anyone else have any other Classic Arcade games they think would be cool?

Spy Hunter is tough because it's licensed music (Peter Gunn Theme) so I stayed away from that one. Was considering Time Pilot (very short music at the beginning) and Moon Patrol. Bump & Jump is another one of my favorites but kinda obscure.

I'm doing an entire Namco bit so Pac-Man/Ms. Pac-man, Galaga, Galaxian, Dig-Dug, etc. will be covered in that.

Suggestions????


Tommy

FELIPE NO

Thanks for posting the press release.

As I mentioned in the release, I think this is going to be a very positive thing for the entire game industry and of course game music.

For those not living in the U.S. or familiar with the station, PBS is a highly respected public nationwide network that features performances from some of the greatest and prestigeous artists of our time. Great Performances | PBS

Hope everyone will be able to check it out. For those not living in the U.S., the DVD/Blu-Ray will bascially be the PBS special plus a bunch of other segments and extras.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!


Tommy

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

We're looking to perform in a few different cities in Florida in 2010 so hopefully you'll be able to check us out live as well.

Tommy

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by camman007

Hey Tommy I think it's really awesome you've been replying to all the fans questions and comments.

Now do you think there's any chance you'll return to Cincinnati? I went last year and told all my friends of the epicness and they'll be sure to come again.

Also will the Smash Bros. and Pokemon segments be ready this year? And any news on a Banjo-Kazooie or Phoenix Wright segment?

Thanks!

(Btw I'm an aspiring game composer as well if ya wanna check out some of my stuff here's a link Welcome to Facebook | Facebook)

Yo!,

Yeah, Cincy & Cleveland are both on our list for 2010/2011. We're working on a Smash Bros., Street Fighter II, Pokemon & Phoenix Wright segments! Not sure when they'll be done though. Sometime this year I would imagine.

Hope to see you soon!

T.T.

=========================================

Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by ruchiicoool

Anyway Tommy, this is great to hear about this whole Video Games Live thing and it's definitely a good idea. I'm sure alot of time and money went into all of this to make it happen, so best of luck to you and everyone involved.

Thanks for the kind words!

Tommy

=====================================

Yo!,

If anyone is in the New Orleans area, please come and check out our show next week on April 1st. It's going to be the biggest show we've ever done in terms of production. We're filming the entire thing for PBS and our DVD/Blu-Ray and 2nd CD all being released on July 31, 2010.

Over 55 million people in the U.S. are predicted by PBS to view the special this year. 75% of which are not the gaming demographic so we're really excited about bringing game music to the masses of people who have never been exposed to our industry as a true artform of culture significance.

Here's a press release we put out yesterday about some of the special guests... but there will be a lot more surprises as well. Especially from our friends in the East!



http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?story=242

Hope to see some of you there.

Thanks!


Tommy

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Hi Everyone...

Check out the new joystick podium we just had designed for the big PBS special we're filming next week. We'll be taking this on tour as well.

There's even a VGL logo cut into the floor that lights up!



http://www.videogameslive.com/images...ick_Podium.jpg


Tommy

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Kaleb.G

Hey Tommy, some friends and I are going to VGL in LA next month. Can you tell me what kind of music you have lined up for the event? Also, will you be doing a meet-and-greet this time?

Thanks!

Yo!

We have a TON of surprises and special guests lined up. Here are just a few of the segments we'll be presenting... Akira-san performing Silent Hill 2, Hibino-san performing Metal Gear Solid 3, World premiere of Uncharted II (with the composer conducting), World premiere of the main title from Afrika (Wataru-san conducting), Megaman, Castlevania, Shadow of the Colossus, Assassin's Creed II and a VERY special version of our Chrono segment and FF segment with a TON of special guest musicians. And of course the standards like Mario, Zelda & Halo.

Tommy

Additional Spam:
We just released this info (and trailer) today...

T.T.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE™ ANNOUNCES UNPRECEDENTED LINE UP FOR PBS SPECIAL, DVD/BLU-RAY & CD, INCLUDING MARIO™, ZELDA®, SONIC™, HALO®, WARCRAFT®, CHRONO CROSS®, CASTLEVANIA®, GUITAR HERO®, MEGAMAN®, FINAL FANTASY® AND MORE!!

PBS RELEASES 4-MINUTE TRAILER FOR JULY AND AUGUST NATIONAL BROADCAST

Bay Area to Receive Special Sneak Peek on June 7th

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 4, 2010 – Video Games Live is proud to announce an absolutely unprecedented line-up of the world’s most beloved video game franchises coming together for the first time in history to celebrate gaming culture and the incredible music surrounding it. A 90-minute Video Games Live special, consisting of never before televised live musical performances from the Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, God of War, Civilization, Chrono Cross, StarCraft and Guitar Hero franchises, including a musical journey through Classic Gaming, will make its national premiere on July 31 and air throughout August 2010 on PBS stations (check local listings). The CD and DVD/Blu-Ray release will coincide with the nationally televised special and will be available in North America exclusively through PBS until November 1, 2010. The CD features 16 musical performances and the DVD/Blu-Ray includes over three hours of bonus material, including additional and extended music segments, composer and game developer interviews, exclusive game trailers, “making the game” documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage and composer commentary.

“I’m hoping that this project will have a very positive impact on the perception of video games by the non-gaming world,” said veteran video game composer and Video Games Live CEO/Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico. “The reason we created Video Games Live over eight years ago was to prove to the world how culturally significant and artistic video games have become. The goal was to create a show for everyone whether they play games or not. The fact that all of the game publishers have come on board with this project to help our mission says a lot about the future of gaming and how much they believe in Video Games Live.”

Today PBS released a four-minute promotional trailer featuring nine brief segments from the upcoming special. The trailer can be viewed here: YouTube - VIDEO GAMES LIVE | Trailer | PBS

As an exclusive sneak peek, viewers in the Bay Area and Northern California will be able to experience the Video Games Live PBS Special almost two full months in advance. PBS station KQED Public Television 9 will be debuting the Video Games Live special in its entirety on Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 7:30pm and Tuesday, June 8th at 1:30am. Video Games Live encourages people to e-mail, call or write their local PBS stations to ensure the broadcast will be available in your market.

More information can be found on the KQED website which includes a function to set up an e-mail reminder about the show. Video Games Live | KQED Public Media for Northern CA

Please share this information on your websites, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, message boards and MySpace pages. The heart and soul of Video Games Live and the entire video game industry is fueled by you and we all need your continued passion and support.


Press images available here: Video Games live | http://www.videogameslive.com

How ya doing, buddy?

Yo!,

Haven't been on here in awhile and decided to check in. Please feel free to ask any questions about the show and I'll make sure to check it over the next few weeks.

We just got back from Brazil and the audiences were AMAZING as always. Brazil is one of our most favorite places to perform (5th year in-a-row) and they are some of the most passionate game music fans.

Our DVD/Blu-Ray & CD came out in the U.S. & Canada this week and the International versions will be coming out at the beginning of 2011.

Here's a really nice review from one of the biggest Blu-Ray sites on the internet:
Video Games Live: Level 2 Blu-ray

For anyone interested, I just completed a YouTube page (please subscribe):
YouTube - VidGamesLive's Channel

and our Facebook group:
Video Games Live | Facebook

Thanks!

Tommy

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by The GreyFox

Hey Tommy,

Just got four tickets to the Ottawa concert! Me, my brother, and our girlfriends. Looking foward to it! Just to refresh your memory I was one of the people who suggested Ottawa a long while back on this forum. My brother is really looking foward to meeting you at the Ottawa concert because he loved you on Electronic Playground... he keeps saying "Where's Tommy? He was the most honest reviewer of them all" and I had to tell him this concert is taking up your time now hah.

Do you plan on having more special guests for this show? Would love for Frank Klepacki, Akira Yamaoka or Koji Kondo to be there but hey that's probably asking alot. Akira is one of the main inspirations for a music project I've been co-owner/composer of for the last eight years called "Broken Notes" (Broken Notes Music Productions) so it would be pretty cool to meet him. Frank because his C&C work is what really got me interested in videogame music more along with Koji Kondo's work for Mario and Zelda.

Yo! Thanks for the kind words. Not sure who we'll have as special guests at that particular show. Make sure to sign up to the VGL mailing list so that you'll get the info first.

Frank is a good friend of mine. He may be performing with us in Russia next month! He's played with us a few times in the past. Check YouTube for some of his performances with us.

See ya in Ottawa!! (Finally!!!!!)

Tommy

================================

Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by taptamvong

I really am surprised Tommy Tallarico joined this forum ! Coming close to the fans is a great thing, really appreciated !
I'm from France, and a friend of mine got me into seeing VGL last year in Paris; i was so amazed i decided i would go every year if possible. I'm coming this year again in December 17th, i'm so looking forward to it !!!

I read this thread rather quickly but i saw Akira Yamaoka was one of special guest for LA, i hope we'll have good surprises too in Paris ! I checked the VGL website but i couldn't find info on who's going to come in Paris, and what will the line up be. Do you have some infos to pass on, or will it remain a surprise ?

Also, if i can suggest something... Please, no more "One Wing Angel". I was happy to hear it last year, but the song was also on the two cd's you released. The song sure is great, but there are so many many other great (known or unknown) video game songs that deserve to be played !

So looking forward to meet you (i'd rather say "see" you, can't really reach you in that crowd) in Paris !!!

Yo!,

Glad you enjoyed the show last year in Paris. We have a really new line-up planned this year with lots of cool surprises.

One Winged Angel was actually only released on our current CD and although I know a lot of the hardcore fans may be sick of it... it's still one of the most requested songs we do.



See ya next month!

Tommy

=========================================

Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Revoc

Hey Tommy,

I would like to add more detailed information of Video Games Live: Level 2 entry on VGMdb. If you don’t mind, could you provide the full arranger credits of the album (including digital download bonus tracks Myst and Mass Effect)? I know that Richard Jacques is the arranger of Sonic and Nic Raine of Mario and Zelda, and others.

Also, what is the name of the choir that performed on the PBS show? This information is missing on Fred Meyer’s website, the source of information about the performers that I used.

Thanks in advance.

Yo!,

There are many different arrangers for each song and sometimes the composers would prefer us not to give out that info. All the other credits appear on the liner notes of the CD.

Thanks! VGMdb is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tommy

==========================================

Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Turbo

Hey Tommy! Nice to see you frequent the establishment again. I've picked up a pair of tickets for when you come back to Montreal in April and I can't wait. It'll be a blast again, and I hope to get another t-shirt all autographed up.

It's also good to see you've moved into a larger hall that can hold more people. The Place des Arts is a great venue for the show, guaranteed you'll have a full house.


See you in April!

Cool. Thanks! See you in April!!!!!!!

Lots of new material planned!

Tommy

==========================================

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Whoo. Mad hype. Will be at the show in Newark this Wednesday. Second time going, so excited is me.

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the show.

Not sure if you heard or not, but the original Castlevania and Mega Man X2 composer (Kinuyo Yamashita) will be performing with us and meeting folks at the meet & greet. We also have a special performance from BrentalFloss (check out his hilarious YouTube videos).

All the info is here: Video Games live | http://www.videogameslive.com

See ya tonight!

Tommy

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Kaleb.G

Mega Man X3 you mean. ;} Yeah, I heard she lives in New Jersey now. Pretty random. Wish I could be there to check it out! Currently I'm going to college to try and learn a familiar skill. =}

Whoops! Yeah... sorry... meant X3!



T.T.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Another great show, Tommy. Definitely enjoyed myself all over again.

I pretty much lost it when you guys performed the Street Fighter II segment. Proof Guile's Theme does go with everything. Also, the Chrono Trigger/Cross segment was amazing as well.

Thanks Chaotic! Glad you enjoyed the show!!! We had so much fun, we're doing it again tonight.



Tommy

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by SuperSonic

My bro and I recently bought some tickets for the Huntington, WV show on February 3rd. It'll be the first concert I've been to in a long time, not to mention my first VGL concert.

Cool! Looks like you're a Sonic fan. I'll make sure we play it for that show.

See ya in a few weeks!

Tommy

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Yo! Thanks for the comments! Glad you enjoyed the show!!

Tommy

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I thought the folks here would be interested in checking out our press release about our LA show. Lots of special guests from Japan that I'm sure have a lot of fans here. For those who live in the LA area... hope to see ya there.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE™ CELEBRATES ITS 200TH SHOW IN LOS ANGELES DURING E3!

MEGA SHOW TO INCLUDE ALL NEW MATERIAL, SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, AMAZING MEET & GREET, AND 1ST TIME WORLD PREMIERS!

LOS ANGELES, CA - May 27th, 2011 - Since 2005, Video Games Live has been touring to sold out audiences around the globe and accomplishing goals that no one thought possible; while helping to change how the world views and appreciates the art, culture and community of video games. Six years, two hundred shows and one million people later, Video Games Live continues to draw new and larger audiences, performing 50 – 60 shows a year on almost every continent and country in the world. And to celebrate its 200th performance, Video Games Live is pulling out all the stops and continuing on its upward path to provide the finest in live entertainment in honor of the video game industry and culture surrounding it.

Video Games Live has once again partnered with E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) and the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) to perform its 200th show on Wednesday, June 8th during E3 (and right across the street) at the 7,000 seat Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live with the Golden State Pops Orchestra and over 50 members of the Southern California Master Chorale. Video Games Live is open to the general public and tickets start for under $25. Tickets can be purchased online at: Tickets | Video Games Live - Los Angeles CA at Ticketmaster

“Our historic groundbreaking first show ever was at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles back in 2005 so it’s pretty cool that this milestone is taking place in the same city where it all started,” said Video Games Live creator, host and executive producer Tommy Tallarico. “Having so many talented game composers coming out to support us and to be a part of this special show not only means a lot to me, but to the fans as well. It’s going to be an incredible night to remember.”

The show in Los Angeles will include the following performances…

The live music World Premiere of the award winning song “Invincible” from Warcraft®: Cataclysm™ with Blizzard composer and audio director Russell Brower conducting.

The World Premiere of the music from Resident Evil® 5 conducted and orchestrated by Award Winning composer Wataru Hokoyama.

The Grammy Award Winning Civilization IV conducted live for the first time by composer Christopher Tin and featuring PBS Special vocalist Kendrew Heriveaux.

The World Premiere of the Award Winning music from Red Dead Redemption™ featuring composer Bill Elm on guitar.

Street Fighter® II featuring Video Games Live creator and world renowned game composer Tommy Tallarico on guitar.

New Guitar Hero™ competition featuring the Foo Fighters Grammy Award winning song “The Pretender”. Pre-show festival winner to appear and perform on stage with the symphony.

The music of Castlevania® featuring original Castlevania composer Kinuyo Yamashita on organ.

The music of Chrono Trigger™ and Chrono Cross™ with composer Yasunori Mitsuda in attendance, on stage and taking part in the post show meet & greet.

Heroes of Might & Magic® segment with composer Rob King including music from the yet-to-be-released Might & Magic® Heroes® VI.

The L.A. Premiere of Halo®: Reach by Award Winning franchise composers Marty O’Donnell and Mike Salvatori.

The “Video Game Pianist” Martin Leung performing brand new solo piano arrangements from Final Fantasy® and Mario™ including the World Premiere of a brand new internationally published Zelda™ segment.

The video game rock band “The Megas” performing their popular hits from Mega Man® 2 & 3.

Award winning and renowned film composer John Debney (The Passion of the Christ, Sin City, Iron Man 2, Spider-Man 2 & 3) conducting his music from Sony Computer Entertainments’ Lair video game.

Metal Gear Solid® 3: Snake Eater featuring vocalist Laura “Flute Link” Intravia.

Music from the yet to be released MMORTS End of Nations™ featuring industry veteran composer Frank Klepecki (Command & Conquer) on guitar.

The L.A. Premiere of the Tetris® Opera featuring award winning international vocal soloists.

Jonathan Coultons’ Award Winning “Still Alive” from Portal™.


…and many other surprises!


Post Show Meet & Greet (FREE to all ticket holders) includes…

Tommy Tallarico (Earthworm Jim, Metroid Prime, Advent Rising)
Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Xenogears)
Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill)
Hirokazu “Hip” Tanaka (Metroid, Duck Hunt, Tetris, Pokemon)
Russell Brower (World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, Diablo III)
Kinuyo Yamashita (Castlevania, Mega Man X3, Power Blade)
Marty O'Donnell (Halo series)
Wataru Hokoyama (Resident Evil 5, Ace Combat X2, Afrika)
Christopher Tin (Civilization IV, 1st video game Grammy Award Winner)
Frank Klepecki (Command & Conquer series, End of Nations)
John Debney (The Passion of the Crist, Sin City, Lair)
Gerard Marino (God of War series)
Christopher Lennertz (Warhawk, Medal of Honor, The Simpsons)
Joe Trapanese (Tron Legacy – Film Arranger/Orchestrator)
Bill Elm (Red Dead Redemption)
Neal Acre (World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, Stargate Atlantis)
Rob King (Heroes of Might & Magic series, Fable II)
Jon Van Canegham (game designer/creator/director Heroes of Might & Magic series)
Laura Karpman (Everquest II, Kung Fu Panda 2)
Sean Murray (Call of Duty: Black-Ops, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Penka Kouneva (Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands)
Tim Wynn (Warhawk, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, Red Faction)
Arthur Inasi (Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Dance Central)
Mike Rubino (Pac-Man World Rally, Jaws Unleashed, Line Rider)
Martin Leung (The Video Game Pianist)
Laura Intravia (Flute Link)
Kendrew Heriveaux (PBS Special vocalist)

…and MORE SECRET SURPRISE GUESTS TO BE REVEALED AT THE PERFORMANCE!

For more information or TOUR DATES in your area please visit www.videogameslive.com.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?