:: The Shattered Room ::

Official ARENA Forum => Talk to the Band => Topic started by: cabo on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:33:48

Title: Is Arena dead?
Post by: cabo on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:33:48
Yeah, serious question but have to be asked! Nothing is happening in this forum, the only new forum posts is what excellent members and IMHO impressing "hardcore forum-members" are listening to. So what is happening to Arena? Is the band dead?

Clive is the only person from Arena in this forum and the last time logged in was : 2008-10-21. Over two months ago!!!!

I check this forum everyday to see what my favourite band is doing, but the only news is what other bands forum-members are listening to. (yeah i'm cutting corners)

So if the band is on leave... then say so!

So if the band is finished... then say so!

So if there are any Arena plans for the future... then say so!

This is really frustrating... whats the point with a fan forum if there isn't any band input?

And please excuse my english...

:(
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:41:21
Quote from: cabo on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:33:48
Nothing is happening in this forum ...

Hey, Cabo, you don't seem to have much sense of timing. Right now there's actually a lot of interesting stuff going on in the Room.

Had you said this a few days ago, I would have agreed a bit.


Quote
And please excuse my English ...

That's ok. I can understand you, and that's what's important. This is an international forum after all  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:47:02
The band is dealive!


Clive is very busy with a lot of things:
- Caamora
- Shadowland
- Pendragon

John Mitchell too:
- It Bites
- Frost*

And Mick Pointer:
- Script Tour

Dunno what the others are up to.


Clive said he was busy writing Arena-stuff again, so don't worry! ;)


-Paco
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:51:58
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:47:02
The band is dealive!


Clive is very busy with a lot of things:
- Caamora
- Shadowland
- Pendragon

John Mitchell too:
- It Bites
- Frost*

And Mick Pointer:
- Script Tour

Dunno what the others are up to.


Clive said he was busy writing Arena-stuff again, so don't worry! ;)


-Paco

I just wanted to click on 'post' with a similar reply but Paco beat me to the punch.

No worries, Cabo.
I don't believe Arena is dead. It's just on hold for the time being.
I do agree that it can be a bit frustrating but there are so many other things they are doing right now individually so that would keep us busy until Arena will step into the eh...Arena again.  ;)
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:59:24
Quote from: maddox on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:51:58
I just wanted to click on 'post' with a similar reply but Paco beat me to the punch.

I'm sorry Maddox! :(
If I had known, I should let you have that honour. ;D

Quote from: maddox on Mon, 2008-12-29, 22:51:58
I do agree that it can be a bit frustrating but there are so many other things they are doing right now individually so that would keep us busy until Arena will step into the eh...Arena again.  ;)

:D :D :D

Indeed! And there are a lot of other bands putting out excellent stuff at the moment!
And of course you are more than welcome to post some more about what you are listening to. ;) And perhaps you can participate in other topics as well while you're at it. A forum is more than just a place to check for news. ;) :)


-Paco
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: cabo on Mon, 2008-12-29, 23:00:02
as i mentioned i visit this forum daily and i know everything about all the other projects...

all these projects i can read about on other forums..

But i love arena and would appreciate some info about what the future brings for this band.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2008-12-29, 23:04:02
Quote from: cabo on Mon, 2008-12-29, 23:00:02
...would appreciate some info about what the future brings for this band.

I agree with you there! It would at least make the waiting for a new album a lot more comforting.

Tom
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: johninblack on Wed, 2008-12-31, 16:44:18
To quote John Mitchell's MySpace page.

Quote from: John Mitchell's Blurbs
About me:
I'm a right moody f**ker who plays guitar/bass/sings in to following bands:- A Arena (whenever we can be ars*d)

Which I guess means not as often as WE would like. At the end of the day it's their band so it's entirely up to them if they pursue Arena or any of the other projects.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Clive on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:46:12
OK... let me explain....

After working hard with Arena for about ten years, both Mick and I felt it was time to take a break. We both had things we wanted to do, and while it was easier for other band members to go off and play with other projects, we were kind of 'strapped to the mast'. So, after 'Pepper's Ghost', it was time to put things on ice for a while.

Naturally, when breaks like this happen, everyone fills the gaps with other things, so it becomes harder to gather everyone together again. However, we are all now ready to move forward with Arena.

So:
Has Arena split up? No, not at all!
Are there plans for Arena to do anything new? Yes
When will there be a new album? That is impossible to answer right now. It depends on how fast we write the album.

Mick and I had a short meeting before he went off on tour with the 'Script', and we agreed that we would meet again (after the Shadowland tour and some Caamora dates..;), and start writing this elusive seventh album!
We do have a few bits of material already, and I have a concept and a title, so things have already started. It's just a matter of regaining the time we need.

I can tell you that the next album will be pretty dark (no surprises there!), and deals with some awkward themes.
You want something exclusive?...ok..... The next Arena album will be called....

The Tinder Box

I hope that answers a few questions

Clive
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:53:04
Great news, Clive  8)

We wish you guys all the best  :)

Drop a note once in a while  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: mdread666 on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:58:50
Hi Clive,

Good to finally get some Arena news and to know that the beast is still alive !

Hopefully with the 4 year hiatus you and Mick will be in a suitably creative frame of mind when you finally get together to do some writing.

'The Tinder Box'....ohh, you tease !! - You know that the more info you give out the more we want - a vicious circle........... there you go, there's a track title for starters !!
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Mon, 2009-01-19, 18:01:12
Hi Clive!

That answers some questions indeed!
Fantastic news!

Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:46:12
We do have a few bits of material already, and I have a concept and a title, so things have already started.
That's really exciting! ;D

Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:46:12
It's just a matter of regaining the time we need.
Especially JM seems very busy...

Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:46:12
I can tell you that the next album will be pretty dark (no surprises there!), and deals with some awkward themes.
You want something exclusive?...ok..... The next Arena album will be called....

The Tinder Box
That's excellent! ;D
This is the info that a lot of people were waiting for!
I wonder what awkward themes will be dealt with!


And I hope to meet you at a Shadowland gig soon! ;)


-Paco
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: cabo on Mon, 2009-01-19, 18:54:20
oh boy, oh boy, oh boy  good news!

Thanx Clive!
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2009-01-19, 19:07:21
Finally! Great news Clive! I'm excited! :)

Tom
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Draco chimera on Mon, 2009-01-19, 19:08:45
Wow ! Great news indeed ! Thanks Clive ! Good luck for this next album *horns*
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2009-01-19, 20:25:44
Thanks for the Update, Clive.  :)

Muchly appreciated.
Great to hear that everything's okay in the Arena-camp.  *horns*

The Tinder Box...

I like the sound of that.
Needles to say that i'm looking forward to this.  8)
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Teunis on Mon, 2009-01-19, 20:28:53
That makes my day, thanks Clive! Good luck, first with the Shadowland tour, and then with the new album  *horns*. Great!
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Mon, 2009-01-19, 20:31:38
Quote from: maddox on Mon, 2009-01-19, 20:25:44
Needles to say that i'm looking forward to this.  8)

And what about the pins? Do they say something too?
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2009-01-19, 20:35:01
 :P
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2009-01-19, 21:31:00
Needless to say that it needs needles (or noodles) to get Mad to say that he's looking forward to it  ::)

There aint much Amaseffer in Arena  :P

Nicky.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2009-01-19, 21:49:12
Quote from: Nicky007 on Mon, 2009-01-19, 21:31:00

There aint much Amaseffer in Arena  :P

Nicky.

Only when you count to TEN.  :P
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Steve Jones on Mon, 2009-01-19, 22:22:59
Truckin' femendous new! *horns*
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Nicky007 on Mon, 2009-01-19, 22:34:52
Quote from: maddox on Mon, 2009-01-19, 21:49:12
Only when you count to TEN.  :P

Is it the space before or after that makes it ten, Mad ?  ;D

But seriously, that's what has puzzled me all along: That to my mind, if you take Ten today with The Twilight Chronicles, and you take the heavier songs of Arena, that's as close as you get to Arena with any other group; so why is there not more interest in Ten here in the Room ? That really beats me  ::) ::) ::)

That just proves, Tom, that I'm not psychic, cause a psychic would'v figured it out. I'l probably go to my grave with this mystery  ???

Nicky.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: mdread666 on Tue, 2009-01-20, 11:24:34
Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:46:12
We do have a few bits of material already, and I have a concept and a title, so things have already started. It's just a matter of regaining the time we need.

I can tell you that the next album will be pretty dark (no surprises there!), and deals with some awkward themes.
You want something exclusive?...ok..... The next Arena album will be called....

The Tinder Box

Clive

Clive, is 'The Tinder Box' going to be in any way based on the fairytale of the same title by Hans Christian Andersen ?

From Wikipedia................

"The Tinder Box" (Danish: Fyrtøiet) is a fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen about a soldier who acquires a magic tinder box capable of summoning three dogs to do his bidding. When the soldier uses the tinder box to bring a sleeping princess to his chamber, he is arrested, but escapes execution through the intervention of the three dogs. Andersen's tale has its source in folk material, and, for some, his retelling may reflect his desire for social revenge after suffering various humiliations in his youth. "The Tinder Box" was published in 1835, and twice again during Andersen's lifetime. The tale has been adapted to various media including ballet and animated film.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Clive on Tue, 2009-01-20, 15:53:18
No... this is not based on the fairy tale in any way....

Clive
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: bellanova on Wed, 2009-01-21, 13:10:15
This is the best news ive had all year! Best of luck with the writing boys. Cant wait!!
All the best with the Shadowland tou rtoo Clive. I wish i could afford to get to Swindon but hotels cost a fortune! Does anyone know of any cheap ones there?
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: johninblack on Wed, 2009-01-21, 15:04:00
Quote from: bellanova on Wed, 2009-01-21, 13:10:15
This is the best news ive had all year! Best of luck with the writing boys. Cant wait!!
All the best with the Shadowland tou rtoo Clive. I wish i could afford to get to Swindon but hotels cost a fortune! Does anyone know of any cheap ones there?

I'm rather surprised there's not a Peel gig there (yet?) Mick, get it sorted.....please.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: mdread666 on Fri, 2009-01-23, 10:53:56
Quote from: Clive on Mon, 2009-01-19, 17:46:12

I can tell you that the next album will be pretty dark (no surprises there!), and deals with some awkward themes.
You want something exclusive?...ok..... The next Arena album will be called....

The Tinder Box

I hope that answers a few questions

Clive

Clive,

It's amazing how an album's title can conjure up pictures in one's head, and I find myself exploring those images and have come up with a track listing for 'The Tinder Box' !!

In My head
Tremors

Crying For Help (MMIX)
Outcast
Under The Cloak Of Darkness (Instrumental)
Live My Dream
Deus Deceptor

Believe In Me
Erebus

Your Every Last Breath
Outside The Box
Understand?

For the cover I can see a smallish metal box (a tinder box obviously !) a container for our memories and darkest thoughts, embossed with symbols, signs and insignia, viewed through our eyes with a hand (our hand) bandagged at the wrist, holding the half opened lid, and inside within the swirling mist we can see images from our past (the cyclist from The Visitor, the TV from Immortal, butterfly with burning wings, the figure (Noah isn't it?) from Contagion walking away into the distance, etc) and glimpses from our future (a lighter, a knife, a crucifix, lyrical links etc..).

So do other's here get their own picture of the next album from the title or is it just me and the drugs I'm on !!!!!!!
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Nicky007 on Fri, 2009-01-23, 12:09:04
Nice, md  8)

OK, I'l let my imagination wander too .....

Nicky.
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Fri, 2009-01-23, 18:11:55
Phew... Mdread... that's pretty dark stuff you're coming up with.
I hope it won't be THAT dark though. ;)
A bit more of "hope" would be nice too. :)

;)

-Paco
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: mdread666 on Sat, 2009-01-24, 18:56:27
Quote from: PH on Fri, 2009-01-23, 18:11:55
Phew... Mdread... that's pretty dark stuff you're coming up with.
I hope it won't be THAT dark though. ;)
A bit more of "hope" would be nice too. :)

;)

-Paco

It is dark stuff but Clive did say it will be 'pretty dark with awkward themes' and this would seem to tick both boxes   ;) -  makes it all the more of a contrast to what I see as the 8th Arena album, the second of The Darkness And Light albums, namely....

A Vicious Circle

Hear Me
Out Of The Shadows Of Fate (a slightly reworked version of the Nolan/Wakeman number from Hounds...)
Path I Choose
Entity

I
Sacrifice

Relight The Flame
Eternity
Becoming One
Only A Memory Now
Resurrection
New Life

So that's the next 2 albums sorted Clive, you better start thinking about that 9th album........
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Sat, 2009-01-24, 20:24:28
:D Haha! Very good!


-Paco
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: keyboardistmatt on Sat, 2009-02-14, 23:26:44
To answer the original question, I think Clive would tell us if Arena were dead. ;)  So in that respect, no news is good news!

I'm looking foward to the new Arena album now. :)
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Cat on Sat, 2009-02-21, 17:41:16
Can't wait - I've only just discovered Arena (through Frost* and John Mitchell's stunning guitar work).

Lots more, please!
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Steve Jones on Sat, 2009-02-21, 17:58:04
Quote from: Cat on Sat, 2009-02-21, 17:41:16
Can't wait - I've only just discovered Arena (through Frost* and John Mitchell's stunning guitar work).

Welcome to the Shattered Room, Cat 8)  Theres's certainly a lot of excellent guitar work from JM in the Arena back-catalogue.  A personal favourite is the 'Serenity' solo on the 'Breakfast in Biarritz' live CD - awesome!
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: PH on Sat, 2009-02-21, 19:36:35
Yeah, or check out the amazing guitar parts in Moviedrome!


-Paco
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: kmorse on Sun, 2009-02-22, 19:02:50
I guess this means the Christmas album is still on hold then.  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: Draco chimera on Tue, 2009-02-24, 18:07:23
Welcome to the Room, Cat !  *horns*
Title: Re: Is Arena dead?
Post by: keyboardistmatt on Sun, 2009-03-15, 17:03:07
Quote from: kmorse on Sun, 2009-02-22, 19:02:50
I guess this means the Christmas album is still on hold then.  :'( :'(

Please.

Don't mention christmas albums. ::)