The musical treats are not over – Royal Time Machine and Banned From Utopia, starring Frank Zappa’s alumni will soon be here. Technical madness and avant-garde rock, joining forces on one stage.
Royal Time Machine
Yiannis Papadopoulos is a classically trained guitarist with a modern sound, known for his incredible speed and recognized for his collaboration with Scott Stapp of Creed. In his solo works he combines shred metal, fusion, and progressive rock.
Michael Evdemon is a versatile bassist and academic lecturer, with a background in jazz, rock, and experimental music. His sound has both a solid foundation and flexibility, fitting the high intensity of Royal Time Machine.
George Kollias is one of the fastest and most precise metal blast-beat drummers in the world, best known for his work with the band Nile. Through his great technique and amazing control, he has gained a legendary status in the community of extreme metal drummers.
Banned From Utopia
Robert Martin is a skilled multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, who collaborated with Frank Zappa for many years. A virtuoso on both keyboards and saxophone, he is known for his skill and on-stage positivity.
Robbie Mangano is a highly technical and equally as creative guitarist, known for working with a wide range of progressive and experimental rock artists.
Ray White is a charismatic vocalist and guitarist whose soulful voice was a cornerstone of Zappa’s band in the 1970s and 80s. His participation guarantees both energy and authenticity to the original experience.
Chad Wackerman is a remarkable drummer who gained experience alongside class acts like Al Di Meola, Allan Holdsworth, and Zappa. He combines the classic jazz precision with rock power, making him one of the most versatile drummers of his time.
Jamie Kime is a guitarist with an exceptional sense of style, also associated with the Zappa Plays Zappa project. His form of playing connects groove, precision, and psychedelic expression.
Scott Thunes is a bassist whose distinctive bass lines were an integral part of Frank Zappa’s band in the 1980s. Charismatic, controversial, original, unique, unpredictable, fascinating.
The Details
This two-part extravaganza will take place on October 26, 2025, at Stegu Arena Opole (ul. Oleska 70) as part of Drum Fest 2025 – an international percussion festival in Opole, featuring top drummers and the 20th Young Drum Hero competition for emerging talent. Opole, get ready to rock!
Buy tickets here: [Link, Ticketmaster – in English], [LINK, kupbilecik.pl – in Polish], [LINK, biletyna.pl – in Polish]
(photos: provided by Drum Fest)
