Video Games Live

Tommy, I plan on going to the LA concert next month. Could you give me a summary of what will be new in 2007 (compared to the 2006 LA concert)? Thanks.

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

I'm stoked about the CD release, finally!

Most amazing jew boots

This is coming Oct 14th to Buffalo, which is only like 2 seconds away from me. Haven't decided if I will go yet.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Does anyone knows if the CD of video games live comes out tomorrow?

Thanx

FELIPE NO

According to GmrOnline, the cd is released the 19th of this month.

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

Thanx Josh

Jam it back in, in the dark.

No problem !

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The CD is out ! Anyone have it yet?

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

Is it? I haven't found it anywhere

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

The CD got delayed actually, it's not out yet.

I was speaking idiomatically.

The publisher, IMC, wants to wait until after the holiday season. Hopefully with this CD and the previously announced CD/DVD, we'll have a lot to look forward to at the beginning of the year.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Good to know it isn't completeley canceled. Can't wait!

FELIPE NO

WHAT THE HELL!?!??!?!!!

This board has been up this entire time?!?!?

I thought it had got taken down last spring. Tried going to go on it a bunch of times but it always came up as an error. I guess they changed the URL from a .com to a .org? Easier to get away with some of the things maybe?? hehehehehheee. Who would go after a non-profit? Nice!

Anyway... I feel like a total idiot for not knowing about this. Maybe they e-mailed all of the people signed up and I just missed it??

Well... anyway.... Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do as well as answering a bunch of questions.

Before I do, I'd just like to say THANK-YOU to everyone out there who made Video Games Live the huge success it was in 2007!! This was a big year for us in terms of growth which has really helped to bring us to a whole new level!! In 2007, aside from the U.S. & Canada we also played in Korea, Spain, England, New Zealand and 3 weeks in Brazil! (We freakin' LOVE Brazil!). The word of our tour and success has been traveling rapidly to symphonies and promoters around the world and the things that are happening for us now are really making the 5 years of hard work really worth it.

In 2005 we did 3 shows, 2006 we did 11, this year we ended up doing 29 and in 2008 we're currently scheduling over 50 shows!

Please keep the suggestions of cities and countries coming! It was because of this thread that we ended up looking into and doing some of the cities and countries we did (and are still planning to do). As always, the latest TOUR DATES can always be found here: Video Games Live | www.videogameslive.com

Take a look at Jan., Feb. & March! This is only the beginning... we're scheduled to have every month looking like that over the next month or so. We've even starting booking for 2009! (Seattle).

Please check out the Video Games Live website at: www.videogameslive.com to see all of the amazing announcements we've had... just over the past couple of weeks. And please sign up to the mailing list to get the inside scoop on stuff before anyone.

What an honor it's been to perform and spread the music of my peers all over the world. For as much as I have done in my life and career, this is by far the most fun I've ever had. Thank-you to EVERYONE out there for the support. Spreading the word and explaining exactly what Video Games Live is, has always been our biggest challenge. As more people see it, hear it and experience it... they start spreading the news to others and a snowball effect starts to happen. We were always told from the beginning that because of the uniqueness and cutting-edge nature of the event (and the industry) that this would be slow build and the key was to just keep playing as much as possible in as many different places as possible. We've learned that no marketing or PR in the world is stronger than "word of mouth". So thank-you again to all of the people out there who have been helping to spread Video Games Live. Please continue to do so or if you'd really like to get involved... sign-up for our online Street Team (Video Games Live - Street Team) and really help to make a difference.

Before I get all misty-eyed I better start answering your questions!!




Tommy


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Originally Posted by tetre

As much as I hate to sound lame, I've gotta say it.

You're a fantastic promoter of this event, Tommy. I'm a Classically Trained Violist, and it's interesting to me that occasionally there are debates and discussions around the school of music here about current repertoire, concert etiquette in this day and age, etc. Not to mention the apocalyptical comments that Symphony Orchestras are dying and will become a thing of the past within 30 years because of the "Orchestra audience" dying off. I think what you're doing is fantastic for not only Video Games, but it's fantastic for those who are looking to go into music and Music Education/Performance/Composition (me) that there is something going on right now that can invigorate a love for going to hear some of the world's greatest orchestras, greatest instruments, greatest stages over many of the other possible things -- and not only that, but it's doing it for kids ages 8-18 moreso than those over 50. Countless people will admit to wanting to play the piano because of such tunes as Aerith's Theme or To Zanarkand, and through the Piano lessons or perhaps simply online forums (The Concert Hall, for example), learn to have a love of music and beauty. This is what music is all about, and I thank you for continuing with this project to its fullest extent.

Hi tetre,

Thanks so much for your kind words! It's letters/statements/e-mails like this that make all the crazy hours and weekends of working worth it!!


Tommy


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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by José

Well, I see that the listing for "NYC" has been moved up
from the bottom of the "TBA" list to the top of "TBA." I'm
now confident I won't qualify for AARP membership before
the show comes here. My compliments.


Big fat j/k.

Hi Jose!,

After having it as a TBA or COMING SOON on our website for over a year we are FINALLY proud to announce that our NEW YORK CITY date (and first vg concert ever in NYC!) will be announced within the next week or so! NYC is a VERY expensive place to perform with a big symphony... we were waiting for the right partners and sponsors to help us out. We didn't want to go in half-assed and make the same mistakes we did 3 years ago when we tried to just play a bunch of cities at once. NYC is a VERY important market and one that needs to be handled with a lot of understanding and care. The right partners are KEY in getting out the marketing and PR and we waited so that we had the opportunity to work with the biggest and best that New York City has to offer!!

We're really excited about this particular show and will be pulling out all the stops! We'll be in NYC in April, 2008! Just in time to catch a Yankees games!




Tommy

Additional Spam:
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Originally Posted by Stabby

Tommy, please do Belgium, you know you want to!

Yes! You are correct! We do want to!

I'll send an e-mail to our European agents right now requesting an update on Belgium. I know we've talked about it in the past. We'll get there eventually!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by watkinzez

https://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?story=91
It's not dates, but it's a start. Europe/Asia/Australia tour for 2007/2008.
Play! might have beaten it here, but I'm still looking forward to it. The other guys don't have Beyond Good and Evil, do they?

Yep! We're the only ones that play Beyond Good & Evil however we don't play it every show. What country are you in? I'll try to make sure we get it in if at all possible. It's sometimes so hard to pick the 20 segments of our show each night... especially when we now have over 40 different segments! The good news is that we're always adding to our show and each time we play a new area the show will always have new segments.


Tommy

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

Originally Posted by Tommy Tallarico

WHAT THE HELL!?!??!?!!!

This board has been up this entire time?!?!?

Yes it has. Ownership and control of Gamingforce has shifted to its users. We're now a messageboard overseen by its own people, not an absentee creator. In the switch, we were forced to adopt a dot-org domain, however.

It's good that you found us again, though. We couldn't possibly send messages to everyone, so word of mouth was our strongest asset. Accounts remained active; members just needed to learn of the change.

On a different note: "Destinationz Unknown" from "The Terminator" was recently nominated in our "Song of the Week" contest. Though it didn't win (it was competing in a week chock-full of awesome) I enjoyed it quite a bit and it's been high on my playlist since. Thought you might appreciate the praise. I'd love to hear more work in that vein.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by shinryu

Super ultra cool Man Brazil again!!!
ill do my best to stay there
Tommy!!!!!

Brazil was once again... UN-FREAKIN-BELIEVABLE!!!

Did you happen to go to any of the shows??

Just last week I just finished working on 2 new video trailers from our 3 weeks in Brazil this year.

Please check out:

Video Games Live | www.videogameslive.com


Let me know what you think.


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Arcubalis

On the topic of Metroid (an important one), there was a performance of some Metroid music on the Orchestral Game Concert CDs, so there is an arrangement out there, Tommy! GET IT!

Yo Jayson!,

Didn't know you were on here! Cool!

In regards to Metroid... We'll have some exciting news for you and all Metroid fans in January.




Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Strahd

Great news I hope that this DVD and CD will be released in Europe too

Yep! That is definitely the plan.


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Josh_1

Tommy,

Is Video Games Live coming to GenCon again this year? Can't wait for the DVD and CD as I'll buy them both!

Due to a scheduling conflict we couldn't make it out there in 2007... but look for an exciting announcement in Jan. about Gen Con & VGL for 2008!




Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Arcubalis

On the topic of Metroid (an important one), there was a performance of some Metroid music on the Orchestral Game Concert CDs, so there is an arrangement out there, Tommy! GET IT!

I has been gotten!!!




T.T.

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Moguta

I have to agree with this whole-heartedly. The Super Metroid arrangement is one of the very best pieces of the Orchestral Game Concert series (and Video Games Live performs the exact Mario Bros. & Legend of Zelda orchestrations made for that series). It's the 4th track of the 4th Orchestral Game Concert album, which can be sampled here: Viewing file list of Orchestral Game Concert 4

I attended the Washington performance, which was an awesome experience. Especially neat was hearing Overclocked Remixes piped over the loudspeakers before the show even began! My only wish was for increased variety (like a Super Metroid piece, hint hint ), since the orchestra played almost the exact same set I heard in Philly last year. But, Medal of Honor and Kingdom Hearts still really got to me just like before.

Glad you enjoyed the D.C. performance. Expect your "wish" to come true in 2008.




Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by datschge

T.T. likely doesn't know GF's new URL yet.

Ain't dat da truth!








Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by xMxEdGaRx

I'm glad you're coming back here to Brazil in September for another awesome performance Tallarico! I'm looking forward to this and I've already bought my ticket!

Will the DVD/CD be on sale during the show here in Sao Paulo - SP?

What did you think of the show? Which city did you go to?

We tried our hardest to get the CD & DVD available for those performances but didn't want to rush it. 2008 for sure!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Hamu-Sumo

Argh, can't wait to the Germany date(s)!

We're announcing one of our German dates next week. It's going to be a very big announcement!!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

Game | Life - Wired Blogs

Video Games Live CD Releases October 15

Tommy Tallarico's Video Games Live concert series has been traveling all over the world as of late. But if you still haven't gotten the chance to check it out (or want to relive your memories of the show), you can buy a CD of the performances on October 15.

The CD will feature medleys from games like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Halo, Warcraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tron, Myst, Civ IV, and Final Fantasy. Performers include the Slovak National Orchestra, the Crouch End Chorus, and pianist Martin Leung.

You know, Martin Leung: the guy who did that Castlevania medley on the pipe organ in New Haven earlier this year. Can we get that on the CD if we ask nicely enough?

You'll be able to buy the album, on the EMI Classics label, at the VGL concert in Los Angeles on October 19 during the E For All expo.

Thanks so much for posting that Kairi! You've really helped us out over the years!!! Where are you living these days? Japan wasn't it?


Here's the up-to-the-minute update on the VGL EMI album. The original release date was set for October 15th. The album is completely done (including artwork, mastering, etc.). As VGL started to take off for 2008 the record company EMI (who is the biggest record company in the world!) decided that they were REALLY going to put a BIG push behind the album on a worldwide basis and spend a lot of money marketing it around the world. Our 2008 World Tour is going to be reaching a lot more people so we all thought it would make more sense to wait and do it right instead of rushing just to get it out for Christmas. Expect the CD to be released around March of 2008 when our tour will be in full swing.

The goal of EMI Classics is to make this album #1 on the Classical Charts around the world. It's a big goal... but then again... so wasn't this whole concert from the start.



We're really excited about the album and working with such a big label. We're really happy with the way the recording turned out! Some nice surprises on there as well.

Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

Well I doubt Martin Leung is fully trained on Organ arrangements and playing, seeing as he IS a piano player. I think they used the Organ for sake of effects.

And when you play for a huge audience, you always pick the popular famous ones, its like going to a concert and the biggest cheers always come from the Hit singles or famous songs. Its just the nature of things unfortunatly.

Oh well, I think Martin did a good job for what its worth, and I am still excited for the CD.

Kairi,

You are 100% correct in all your comments. It is not a proper Pipe Organ arrangement. We didn't even find out about the pipe organ until shortly before the show. I asked if we could use it and they said "sure!"

You're again correct about picking the popular games/songs. As you're aware, our show appeals to everyone... including... the mainstream audience who may be hearing game music for the very first time. That being said, we always try to get in 2 or 3 off-the-wall selections that the hardcores may truly appreciate such as Beyond Good & Evil, Contra, StarCraft, Chrono Cross, BioShock, Monkey Island, Headhunter, Advent Rising, etc.

Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

Well I doubt Martin Leung is fully trained on Organ arrangements and playing, seeing as he IS a piano player. I think they used the Organ for sake of effects.

And when you play for a huge audience, you always pick the popular famous ones, its like going to a concert and the biggest cheers always come from the Hit singles or famous songs. Its just the nature of things unfortunatly.

Oh well, I think Martin did a good job for what its worth, and I am still excited for the CD.

Kairi,

You are 100% correct in all your comments! (as always!)

It is not a proper Pipe Organ arrangement. We didn't even find out about the pipe organ until shortly before the show. I asked if we could use it and they said "sure!"

You're again correct about picking the popular games/songs. As you're aware, our show appeals to everyone... including... the mainstream audience who may be hearing game music for the very first time. That being said, we always try to get in 2 or 3 off-the-wall selections that the hardcores may truly appreciate such as Beyond Good & Evil, Contra, StarCraft, Chrono Cross, BioShock, Monkey Island, Headhunter, Advent Rising, etc.

As you know, the goal for us from the beginning as video game composers was to appeal to everyone in the world. Not just the hardcore gamers. Which is why it's so important for us to have the synchronized video, automated lights, special fx, interactivity with the crowd, pre-show festival, etc. (aside from being super cool. ) It's one of the things that really makes us completely different from the other touring game concerts out there and so far it's worked out great for us.


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by José

It's been a while since I've run through this thread, and I thought to myself that I don't recall giving thanks for everything that went on at the DC shows during our OCReMix meetup that weekend. So...
Thanks to you guys for the great performance and the great musicians we got to meet, thanks to Tommy and Mike for graciously providing us with a little backstage and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and personal thanks from me to you, Tommy, for putting up with all my crap about having to wait so long for a New York show. The page says, "Coming Soon..." I can't wait. I'm wanna organize a big, honking OCR meetup soon as we get a definite date!

Yo Jose!,

Thanks so much for being a part of that "crew" and helping to spread the word. I really enjoyed hanging out with you guys and only wish I could have hung out more. Unfortunately (as you know) it gets a little crazy the day or so leading up to the shows.

Hope to see you in NYC!!!!!


Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by niki

My brother told me he saw an announcement in some paper for a concert in Paris sometime in spring 2008 ... I sure hope this actually happens.

Hmmm???



Announcement coming soon.


T.T.

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Kaleb.G

Tommy, I plan on going to the LA concert next month. Could you give me a summary of what will be new in 2007 (compared to the 2006 LA concert)? Thanks.

Hi Kaleb,

I know it's a little too late now... but here was the info we put up on our website. We had an AMAZING post-show meet & greet! Check out some of the names on that list! Video Games Live | www.videogameslive.com

And unlike 'some' game concerts out there it was FREE to all ticket holders!



Here was a list of the new material: Video Games Live | www.videogameslive.com



Tommy

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Additional Spam:

Originally Posted by Crash Landon

Yes it has. Ownership and control of Gamingforce has shifted to its users. We're now a messageboard overseen by its own people, not an absentee creator. In the switch, we were forced to adopt a dot-org domain, however.

It's good that you found us again, though. We couldn't possibly send messages to everyone, so word of mouth was our strongest asset. Accounts remained active; members just needed to learn of the change.

On a different note: "Destinationz Unknown" from "The Terminator" was recently nominated in our "Song of the Week" contest. Though it didn't win (it was competing in a week chock-full of awesome) I enjoyed it quite a bit and it's been high on my playlist since. Thought you might appreciate the praise. I'd love to hear more work in that vein.

"Word of mouth was your strongest asset"... I do know about that!!

Wow! That is so cool that Destinationz Unknown was considered! That was originally from The Terminator Sega-CD as you mentioned. And was also on my first album. Tommy Tallarico - Virgin Games Greatest Hits Vol. I

That album was the very first video game album released worldwide and by a major label. I also believe it was the first album that a composer released? But I'm not sure. I'm sure somebody in here would know the answer better than me.

Here are some of the other songs from that album which are in the same style as Destinationz Unknown: www.tallarico.com - Albums

Yes... yes... I know... I looked like a complete DORK!!

But wait.... Here's something else that you may find interesting about that particular song.

I actually wrote it in the mid 80's with my cheeseball band Diamondz in the Rough.

The original song had lyrics and everything! Want to hear it? Our bass player Joe actually put up a MySpace page and put up the tune!
MySpace.com - Diamondz In The Rough - Springfield, Massachusetts - Pop / Rock / Powerpop - www.myspace.com/diamondzintherough

Prepare to wet yourself in laughter... at both the song and my choice of clothing and hair style!!



Hey... c'mon... leave me alone it was over 20 years ago!!


Rock On!




Tommy

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There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by datschge

T.T. likely doesn't know GF's new URL yet.

I guess someone finally told you now?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by datschge

I guess someone finally told you now?

hehehehehhee.. yeah!

Someone actually sent me a MySpace message asking me why I haven't posted on here in awhile.


Tommy

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

Originally Posted by Tommy Tallarico

[...]
We're announcing one of our German dates next week. It's going to be a very big announcement!!
[...]

Yeah, finally! Great news. giev Munich plx

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Originally Posted by Tommy Tallarico

hehehehehhee.. yeah!

Someone actually sent me a MySpace message asking me why I haven't posted on here in awhile.


Tommy

I emailed you a month ago, too, but you spam filtered me! (Most likely)

Glad to see you back. I was living in Orlando and just moved back, I really want to be back there for the show coming up, great venue! WTB Disney job back

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Diversion

I emailed you a month ago, too, but you spam filtered me! (Most likely)

Glad to see you back. I was living in Orlando and just moved back, I really want to be back there for the show coming up, great venue! WTB Disney job back

Yeah! We're REALLY looking forward to playing the Hard Rock Live! It's such an amazing looking venue. Never been inside... but have seen it from the outside a bunch of times. Reminds of the Colesseum in Rome!

http://www.videogameslive.com/files/...drockvenue.jpg

T.T.

FELIPE NO

All I have to say is thanks for finally taking VGL to Montreal. I just noticed the addition of Montreal the other day and I'll be getting tickets as soon as I can confirm with some friends.

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

Originally Posted by horseman85

All I have to say is thanks for finally taking VGL to Montreal. I just noticed the addition of Montreal the other day and I'll be getting tickets as soon as I can confirm with some friends.

Cool. Thanks!

Yeah... we would get TONS of e-mails and letters from people wanting us to go to Montreal. We were finally able to put something together that made sense for everyone. So far the tickets for the show are over 50% gone and there hasn't really been any marketing done at all. The promoter told us that if this keeps up they're going to add a 2nd Montreal show the day before! (We're playing Toronto the day after).

See ya in Feb!


Tommy

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Tommy Tallarico

Yep! We're the only ones that play Beyond Good & Evil however we don't play it every show. What country are you in? I'll try to make sure we get it in if at all possible. It's sometimes so hard to pick the 20 segments of our show each night... especially when we now have over 40 different segments! The good news is that we're always adding to our show and each time we play a new area the show will always have new segments.

Aussie here. Can't wait for the eventual show, then.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Damn, if you'd just had the Montreal how this past week it would have coincided with the Montreal Games Summit and I would have been able to attend. Alas, I am too broke to go up to Montreal again in just a few short months.

Hmm. I'll be trying to find a way to sneak up there in the meantime, at least. Maybe someone I know will be attending...

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

Originally Posted by lord-of-shadow

Damn, if you'd just had the Montreal how this past week it would have coincided with the Montreal Games Summit and I would have been able to attend. Alas, I am too broke to go up to Montreal again in just a few short months.

Hmm. I'll be trying to find a way to sneak up there in the meantime, at least. Maybe someone I know will be attending...

Yeah... we tried to coordinate but couldn't find an available venue. We had flyers in the bags though! Did you get one?

We're playing Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver & Edmonton in 2008. We'll probably do Calgary again also (2 sold out shows last month!). We're also trying to put together shows in Winnipeg & Ottowa.

We've always had amazing turn outs for our Canadian shows and are right about to announce a big partnership with FutureShop!


Tommy

How ya doing, buddy?