Saw Fates last year, great set, maybe 300 folks there (500 cap club). Going to see Armored Saint later this summer.
Caught The Iron Maidens a few months ago, only caught half their set due to a clusterfuck getting back to our vehicle after a US-Germany rugby match (US won). Great show, love that Iron Maiden is cool with them and most of the band have seen them play and Nicko has jammed with them.
The Michael Schenker Fest is a great concept. Starts off with an instrumental then each of the singers come out in chronological order to do a few songs then a solo before the next singer comes out. Barden sounds good and is a good frontman. Was really cool to see Bonnet do his MSG songs with Michael as he never toured with MSG after his album was done. Then McCauley killed it, always liked his voice. Then they trade off vocals for the last set song and the two encores. Ted McKenna was amazing on drums and I cant say enough good things about Chris Glen. And Steve Mann filled in the sound as well as Paul Raymond on guitars keys and backing vocals. Everyone was laughing and smiling on stage. Great vibe. I think Doogie White will be on the US leg this year along with the other three so try to catch it if you can.
Upcoming shows this year for me:
Saxon
Myrath (great prog metal band Tunisian some great Arab melodies in their music)
Pretty Maids/Pink Cream 69
Brian Downey's Alive and Dangerous
Magnum
Martin Barre (former Jethro Tull guitarist)
Skid Row
Judas Priest
Ramblin Man Fair (Maidstone UK) featuring Sons Of Apollo, Halestorm, The Cult, Fish, Steel Panther, Steve Earle, Gov't Mule
Armored Saint
Mr Big/Fozzy
Nightwish