Hello Power Metallers,

We have some sad, but important news for you:

We are very sad to announce that Alessio Garavello will be leaving Power Quest after the festival shows in September. Alessio has been the voice of Power Quest ever since the “Wings of Forever” album back in 2002, and has also had two stints of playing rhythm guitar in the band as well. In that time he has established himself as one of the top power metal vocalists in the business.

Founding member Steve Williams commented: “I have to say I was surprised when I got the call from Alessio telling me the news. I can hardly believe it is 7 years since a fresh faced, 21 year old Italian came over to record for the first time. We didn’t know it then but it was the start of a great friendship, which will transcend band membership and all that. We always say in PQ that you only get one life and you have to make the absolute most of it. Sometimes that involved difficult decisions such as the one Alessio has made. I fully respect and support his decision and wish him all the best in his future musical endeavours. I’d like to thank Al for all his hard work and commitment to the cause over the years and, following the departure of Steve Scott earlier this year, it is truly the end of an era.”

Here’s what Alessio himself had to say: "Hey PQ fans, after a long journey together with my band mates in PQ I've decided to choose a different musical path. We've passed through so many experiences and good/bad moments together that will always be part of me and of my life, and this has created a really strong friendship between us. It’s been some awesome years of recording and touring and it is sad to write these lines, but it's for a good cause: PQ needs to be fronted by someone that really deserves to be in the first row singing those great songs. It was me for 7 years, now its time to pass the torch. I just want to thank from the bottom of my heart Steve, Andrea, Francesco and Oliver, all the great musicians that has been part of PQ and E.V.E.R.Y. FAN that loved what we've created playing together!! A big thanks to our great manager Manuela and our road crew Simon and Paul. You simply rock! It's time for me to face different musical challenges and to see where I'll head with my new rock band in London!”

Power Quest are starting the search to find a world class vocalist to front the band and to jump straight in to working on the 5th Power Quest record.

If you think you have what it takes then please contact Steve Williams at SteveW@power-quest.co.uk and include a photo, biography and both audio and video examples of your work. Applicants must be willing to tour and rehearse as required.

Of course the band is also now looking for a rhythm guitarist too, so get in touch!
Cheers





--
Manuela Fröhlich
Management for POWER QUEST

ROCK 4 SUCCESS
Artist & Band Management
Phone:  +44 788 5502725 
Email: Power-Quest-Headquarters@gmx.com

......for a new melodic hard rock band.

Think Whitesnake/Dokken/Kiss/Ten/Saigon Kick and you'll be in the right ball park area!!

The main criteria for this is that all band members must be UK based and able and willing to play live on a regular basis.

Any interested parties can contact me via SteveKeys@power-quest.co.uk

Cheers!

..



..

.. .. POWER QUEST Parts Ways With Guitarist BILL HUDSON

.. .. Multi-national melodic power metal band POWER QUEST has issued the following update: "We are sorry to announce that after 10 months, Bill Hudson and POWER QUEST have parted ways. The split was extremely amicable and was down to the fact that both parties were struggling with the logistics of Bill being based in L.A. and the rest of the band being in Europe." POWER QUEST keyboardist and founder Steve Williams commented: "Unfortunately, the timescales and costs involved were too great for us to be able to manage in the current climate. We remain the very best of friends and certainly do not rule out collaboration between myself and Bill in the not-too-distant future. We all wish him the very best for the future with CIRCLE II CIRCLE and his other projects and we look forward to him joining us on stage at ProgPower USA in Atlanta in September!" Hudson added: "Yeah, it's true. I'm no longer in POWER QUEST and that pretty much sucks. Unfortunately, having to fly back and forth between Europe and the U.S. became a hassle, and I was even having to NOT be present at some shows, such as Hammerfest in Wales. That situation wasn't good for either of us. HOWEVER, you can expect to see me on stage with them at ProgPower USA this year, as well as some other surprises that might just appear here and there! Just to make it clear: I still love those dudes and we're still the best of friends! I wanna thank all of our amazing fans (some of the most hardcore I've ever seen) as well as Manuela, Simon and Paul, who work their asses off to make POWER QUEST's life easier on the road!" Following the departure of long-standing bassist Steve Scott in early January, POWER QUEST announced the addition of Oliver Holzwarth, who has been a touring member of the legendary German power metal band BLIND GUARDIAN since 1997. He has also worked with Tarja Turunen (formerly of NIGHTWISH), PARADOX, DEMONS & WIZARDS and his own band, SIEGES EVEN. POWER QUEST's latest album, "Master of Illusion", was released last spring via Napalm Records/Avalon Marquee (Japan). Guest musicians on the CD include keyboardist Richard West from the U.K. progressive metal band THRESHOLD, Jorn Viggo Lofstad from the Norwegian power metal act PAGAN'S MIND and FOURWAYKILL singer Chris Neighbour.

My name is Steve Williams and I am a 38 year old professional musician. Currently I am the keyboard player and main songwriter for multi-national melodic metal band Power Quest. Before this, I was one of the founding members of power metal band Dragonforce.
I am currently offering tuition in the following areas, with face to face lessons for the Southampton (UK) area scheduled to begin on May 9th
Lessons and learning are fully personalised with the aim being that students can achieve their goals, rather than follow a set curiculum.
1. Practical Keyboard Skills
All ability levels - from those just starting out to those who already have some experience.
2. Music Theory
All ability levels - covering scales, keys, harmony and much more. This is ideally studied in tandem with practical keyboard skills.
3. Composition/Songwriting
Song structures, melodies, orchestration, lyrics. Analysis of songwriting by well known artists.
Some theory and practical knowledge required for this
4. Keyboard technology
Patches, programming, sequencing, sound design. This course depends heavily on what equipment each student has. I currently specialise in Korg and Nord keyboards.
5. Business for bands
All aspects of forming a band. Demo recordings,publishing deals, record deals, promotion, merchandise etc
6. Session Work
In addition to teaching, I am also available for live and studio work.
Please drop me an email at either SteveKeys@symphonyproductions.co.uk or SteveKeys@power-quest.co.uk for further information
Steve Williams
www.power-quest.co.uk
www.symphonyproductions.co.uk
www.myspace.com/powerquest
www.myspace.com/pqkeys
www.napalmrecords.com

Power Quest announces new bassist!
Following the departure of long standing bassist Steve Scott
in early January 2009, the band are pleased to announce that the search for a replacement is now over.
A large number of applications were received from all over the world. Thanks to everyone who expressed an interest.
The new Power Quest bassist is Oliver Holzwarth!
Oliver is well known in the metal scene as he has been the bassist in German power metal legends Blind Guardian since 1997.
In addition to this he has also worked with Tarja Turunen (formerly of Nightwish), Paradox, Demons & Wizards and his own band Sieges Even.
 
 

Power Quest keyboardist and founder member Steve Williams commented on the news;
“We are absolutely thrilled to have recruited a musician of Oliver’s calibre into the band. His combination of musicianship and experience will be a fantastic addition to Power Quest, as we head forward into 2009.  Welcome aboard mate!”
Oliver commented; “When I got in contact with Steve for the first time, it instantly became quite clear that we share the same ideas and visions. Consequently, I joined  Power Quest .  Quite a musical challenge that I am looking forward to mastering with dedication and inspiration.  Great to play with you guys!”
Catch the new Power Quest lineup at Progpower USA  on September 11th 2009 and at Metalfest UK on September 26tth 2009.

 

Hi guys!

 

Happy New Year to you all! Hope everyone had a great holiday!

 

The reason for this message is I'm considering some new things for 2009.

Firstly, I'm considering returning to the teaching arena to offer keyboard lessons, theory lessons, composition lessons to anyone who may be interested. Pricing and technical requirements will come a bit later once I have got some idea of interest levels. At this stage the idea is to be able to offer "face to face" lessons in the traditional manner and also to be able to offer "online" lessons for those who may prefer that or for those who that may be the only option.

 

Secondly, I'm thinking about setting up a small "Online Keyboard Academy". I'm thinking that this could also incorporate other elements such as assistance for bands starting out...ie advice/help with planning demo recordings, putting together UK tours on a budget and much more. The idea is that some general information would be available for everyone and then there would be a members section which, for a one/off fee, would enable students to get access to midi files/sequences, video lessons amongst other things.

As I mentioned, at this stage I'm just trying to get an idea of interest levels. Lessons would be the first thing to instigate, with the "Academy" following later, as this will take a lot of work to get up and running

 

If anyone is interested, or knows of someone who may be interested or just has some questions to ask me please drop me an email at Stevekeys@power-quest.co.uk

Cheers!

__________________

Steve Williams - Keyboardist for Power Quest

www.power-quest.co.uk

www.myspace.com/powerquest

www.napalmrecords.com

www.myspace.com/pqkeys