MONSTERS OF ROCK CRUISE
Day 1 - USA
April 18th 2015
Who would have thought twenty years ago that one day rock bands would play
cruise liners? It's a notion that seems to be the antithesis of the very
notion of rock and roll itself but boy let me tell you it's an experience
like no other.
The Monsters Of Rock Cruise 2015 may have its detractors complaining that
lineups are very similar to previous years but to veterans and newcomers
alike the experience couldn't be bigger, better or more in your face.
Imagine seeing your favourite bands on stage and then later on sharing a
lift with them, asking them questions at a Q&A session or better still,
having them join you at breakfast?
As an experience it's hard to imagine anything better than sharing a beer
with a legend then seeing them jamming onstage - pure magic...
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Musically things don't get much better than kicking off with Tesla who
take to the main pool stage a little late which does cause a little
confusion as people are unsure if the other stages will be similarly
delayed. It matters not though as we are underway with a set that entitled
'simplicity at sea' which takes the best of the new album and adds a few
classics like "Love Song" and set closer "Little Suzy". For a huge fan of the
band over the years there's no better way to start as the ship pulls away
from shore.
With five places to play on board the first night is a mixture of relation
and decisions. Planning your shows takes a careful amount of planning but
the days are so well structured it does actually allow you to see almost
everyone on board. After Tesla we opt for what proves to both be one of
the most fascinating / inane features of the cruise - the scheduled Q&As
which are a cross section of fans really wanting to know interesting takes
on events or rehash stories from a personal band point of view to quite
frankly, people who just want to hold the microphone to ask why the band
hasn't visited their small town in the last year or to simply thank them
for being here. As I said it can be one of the most fascinating things
about the cruise or the most frustrating. Thankfully Lillian Axe, one of
the bands we've really enjoyed over the years, field some great questions.
Outside again on the pool stage, Black Star Riders are stunningly good
mixing the best moments from their two albums with Thin Lizzy classics.
It's a set that sets the bar almost impossibly high and one that will be
etched in a lot of people's memories. Faced with that dreaded 'clash' of
bands we try to grab a slice of John Corabi's set in the Atrium as well as
dashing between the Cathouse takeover featuring Bang Tango, Faster
Pussycat and Rhino Bucket all on the one stage causing maximum mayhem.
The night is rounded off by one of the most impressive bands of the whole
cruise who also round out the final night - Y&T are simply amazing - tight
as a drum and so slick. Meniketti is in stunning form and as we find out
over the next few days, is also a very gracious and humble man with all
the time in the world for fans. The night though is all about the music
and the set really highlights what a stunningly great catalogue the band
has. And though that of course may be the end of the night for some, for
others the bars are still open and the night is young...
Read our review of day 2 of the Monsters Of Rock Cruise HERE
Read our review of day 3 of the Monsters Of Rock Cruise HERE
Read our review of day 4 of the Monsters Of Rock Cruise HERE
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Review & Photos by The Rockpit
