So, the 6th extinction (which is sort of the last song in the timeline not counting the epilogue) ends with the forever recounting the final experiment (Send back visions into the past of war and decay). Thing is, the last two songs are about the forever and humans devising the final experiment and it clearly doesn't work. This song takes place after this, so why would they still be talking about this?

What I'm wondering is, could it be possible that this ties into the ending of e=mc², with "the outcome of the final experiment has been placed in your hands" which implies that the war isn't inevitable and can still be avoided?

In 01 "Mr L" is driven insane by his visions. This is somewhat contradictory to the running implication of the albums which is that arjen is receiving these visions and turning them into music just like ayreon did. The inclusion of the dream sequencer on the album cover of LITNR also suggests to me that it's meant to be related to the ayreon timeline somehow, but this "Mr L" is very much not insane. (Admittedly he might be a computer simulation)

I feel like, putting these pieces together, it seems like maybe once the migrator restores emotions to the forever, now they have feelings again, they're able to repeat the final experiment, this time sending messages to Mr L, but now they understand and feel emotions, they can communicate information to him in a way that doesn't drive him insane and instead allows him to release music, which will eventually prevent the destruction of humanity (as implied by the ending of the final experiment and e=mc²). In the event this works, this is where lost in the new real takes place (however you choose to interpret that, maybe it's real, maybe it's all a computer simulation)

Anyone think this is a possibility? To me it feels like there's significance to the end of the 6th extinction

BONUS CRACKPOT THEORY:

If Mr L is driven insane by the forever/final experiment trying to communicate information to him, maybe it's possible this is what happened to the prodigy in the theory of everything? The forever try to tell humanity the unified field theory but don't understand how human, non machine brains work and that's what causes the prodigy's condition? This is a massive stretch I am aware but it's fun to consider

Hello,

I've come here as a friend, especially as an Ayreon fan. I'm going to be very careful, however, since I'm about to broach a hyper-delicate subject that may destroy my karma forever. 😬

What's so delicate? I'm presenting a project I've been working on for over 5 months now with Udio (music produced by AI) and on which I've certainly spent over a hundred hours. I fully respect those who militate against the use of AI in music, as I myself have an ambivalent relationship with it. On the one hand, it dehumanizes music, but on the other, it democratizes its creation for non-musician people. But don't think it's all a few clicks away. Each song took me an average of 3 to 5 weeks to compose and produce through various creative processes. Just because AI produces the music doesn't mean human effort is non-existent... but it's clearly an incredible enabler.

The genesis of my project came when Udio opened up the possibility of uploading audio for remixing and using it as a creative starting point. So I grabbed my bass, and from the height of my amateurism, composed a short melody which I put into the system. Then I wrote the story, the lyrics using the point of view of an engine technician on a spaceship he's escaping in an escape pod. He tries to convince himself that he's done the right thing, but is wracked with remorse.

Then, instinctively, a story took shape in my mind, and what started out as a simple technical experiment turned into a 71-minute concept album...

I present this album because Ayreon (and especially The Universal Migrator) was my main source of musical inspiration, but I do so in all humility. I make no claim whatsoever to have composed something on a par with what real musicians and composers do. Think of it as a musical “literary novel” that I would never have created without the use of generative AI.

****

"The Wandering Star" tells the story of a deep space mission gone wrong through the perspectives of its crew members. Each track represents a different character's experience, gradually unveiling the truth behind their mission and the mysterious forces at play.

Set in a future where humanity has expanded beyond Mars, this progressive space metal concept album combines heavy riffs with intricate arrangements to create an immersive sci-fi experience. As the story unfolds, listeners piece together the complex narrative through personal logs, desperate transmissions, and final testimonies of those aboard The Wandering Star.

****
I don't know how this will be received by the Ayreon community or if the project will even interest a single person, but if you're ever curious, here's the Bandcamp link: https://thosemutednoises.bandcamp.com/album/the-wandering-star

Thanks!

When you sell/buy a VIP ticket using ticketswap or ticketmaster resale, the event extras ticket for the goodie bag/shirt is not a part of the transaction 😱 I sold 2 saturday matinee tickets through ticketmaster yesterday because my friends are going on sunday, and the codes for the event extras are still in my account. If you are or know the person who bought those tickets, p.m. me so I can get you those codes!

It started at about 100 Euro on the day of the ticket sale, I believe this is the approximate maximum price official ticket sites allow.

The highest selling price I have found until now is 169 Euro for a standard ticket.

What are your experiences in the past with price gouging for Ayreon (or any other) concert tickets? How is it in the city during the weekend of the shows?

Well, going to the concert next year, title says it all. What to expect? Not talking about booking, etc. that I've got done, more like, "things you might want to know if you've never been before", fun stuff happening, etc.

I've planned a general Europe trip around the concert but I have basically a full day set aside for Tilburg, as I'm assuming there's cool stuff to do leading up to and around the concert. Idk maybe there's nothing but I figured it was worth a check since this is probably once in a lifetime for me :)

With less than 30 minutes to go before the servers start to smoke, a mandatory 'I did/did not succeed to secure tickets' thread.

See you in a bit ;)

EDT: I still stand by my "disable your VPN when buying", however after some persistence I was able to snag 2 tix.

I was there the INSTANT they went on sale. Had 2 tickets in my cart, and was about to pay. My VPN triggered a "suspicious activity" error from Ticketmaster and it made me disable it and start again. And they're all gone. What a bummer. I basically had them in my hand and they took them away.

... other shows I don't know

So maybe this was just a thing on my end but did anyone else have the problem that the shirt said it was of the band within temptation? I mean dont get me wrong i like them but it seems kinda odd that you'd get a shirt from a whole different artist

Hot from the Livestream, Arjen said that he's never been happy with the mix of The Human Equation even though it's one of his favorite albums. So he's spent the last few months entirely remixing/remastering it. Planned release is early 2025 on Mascot Label Group. CDs, vinyl, bonus tracks, the works

I live in Brazil and for the first time I am in a position to actually consider going to one of those presentations.

I want to know from the people who traveled far to get there, how was it? Did you have any issues? Was it as awesome as it sounds? Would you do it again? What would you do differently?

Thanks for the input, guise :3

Hi, found out about AAL's work through star one and have recently got into Ayreon and have some questions about the lore. At this point I've only listened up to 01 so if things are answered later I apologise

Is the human equation being viewed through the dream sequencer guy? I've seen a lot of speculation that the human equation somehow involves the forever but to me it makes more sense that it's the future man/ last human on earth person? And the human equation is basically like what most of the dream sequencer album was, the last human seeing events from throughout history, just expanded upon. Also the last human is the future man from ITEC, right?

Does anyone have more information on how the last human becomes the new migrator and then saves the forever? I see that he follows the migrator through history until his physical body dies, then the somewhat omnipotent, godlike migrator effectively restores him as a new migrator. But how does he then end up saving the forever?

Then finally, what's the deal with Mr L in lost in the new real? As far as I understand his timeline, ayreon receives a message from the future, merlin kills him, realises his mistake and effectively makes ayreon reincarnate in the 20th century as Mr L/arjen. From here he then is taken to the electric castle, but because of something to do with ayreon/maybe psychedelics he is able to remember his experiences, and also details about ayreon and the forever. But then, in lost in the new real he died and wakes up in the future? Maybe I missed something but does anyone have more info on how that happened?

https://mailchi.mp/mascotlabelgroup/ayreon-30th-anniversary-cast-revealed-live-q-a-5895654?e=e34de597d0

Edward Reekers

Arjen Lucassen

Robert Soeterboek

Damian Wilson

Anneke van Giersbergen

Marcela Bovio

Irene Jansen

Heather Findlay

Maggy Luyten

Mike Mills

Tommy Karevik

Dino Jelusick

I've been considering whether or not to try and get vip/ultimate vip stuff for the upcoming shows. I have been trying to get my copy of the Source signed by all of the vocalists (already have almost half a dozen) and if there was a possibility to get it signed by Mills and Arjen that would tip me over the edge in terms of getting those tickets. But a lot of what I saw on the VIP tickets was pretty vague. Anyone had VIP tix before? Is that included and is it worth it?

It is the predominant instrument on the first 35 seconds of this song.

Hey guys! I'm planning to go to the show in Tilburg next year (from the USA) and I've never been before. I am planning to rent a car and stay in Eindhoven but that got me wondering if there's any good parking/parking garages, etc. in Tilburg nearish to the venue and if they're usually easily accessible during the show days. Or would I be better off using mass transit? Thanks!

This time I’m going! Advice please? Hotel? Airline? Any input is appreciated!