1. There must be five of you: lead vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and drums. It's good, when keyboardist doubles on guitar or guitarists on keys.
2. It's perfect if you have mellotron. If not - samples are right decision. If not, use bass-pedals at least!!!
3. Use jesters, jigsaw puzzles and roundabouts in artwork, lyrics and interviews (good example:"Mr.journalist, you're puzzled jester!" )
4. Do never let your drummer sing. Point. You know what it leads to.
5. Theatrics. Drama. Meningful poses and intense faces. MAKE-UP.
If your lead-vocalist doesn't aware of what I'm talking about, get rid of him.
6. You must have a 20-min long epic, shamelessly ripped from "Supper's Ready". Or at least steal their "Apocalypse in 9/8" beat/solo.
7. That's not enough. Spread allusions everywhere: whisper "A Flower?" between tracks or suddenly burst with "Total Perpetual Exchange!!!" harmonized vocalise in epic's climax. Name your band MASQUERADE OVERTURE finally!
8. Making an epic is simple: quiet intro, a rocky part, a bridge (acoustic or something), climax and ballad-like outro. Don't even dare to step away from the scheme!!!
9. Collaborate with Clive Nolan or John Jowitt. Just call them, and the very next day you'll be recording an album together!!!
10. Respect every musician (even avantgardists and rappers), but bash Phil Collins every moment you have opportunity to do this.
Additions to rules are welcomed!!!
PS: I like Neo, really!