Photo: Monsterofrock.com screenshot
As always, the Monsters of Rock Cruise organizers put on a fun event that went smoothly, despite Mother Nature’s day and a half long tempest. But not a single person was in any less of a mood for it, the party started happily indoors, and the bands were rescheduled smoothly.
Needless to say I was extremely happy to be back in 2023 to dispense of the gloom that at one point had me wondering if we’d ever be together again…yessssss. I was lucky enough to have been on the 2020 cruise right before the world shut down, as well as the inaugural MORC in 2012 and all of the East coast 2014-2020 MORCs (9 in all, I missed 2013, Monsterwood, and 2022). I also enjoyed Monsters on the Mountain in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 2021 – a nice way to see my MORC people after the insanity of the Covid pandemic.
Photos: My MORC souvenir laminates 2014-2020 and 2023. I seem to be missing 2012…does anyone have an extra to trade?
PreParty and Boarding Day
Photo: Monstersofrockcruise.com screenshot of pre-party schedule
As in the past, MORC welcomed cruisers with a pre-party concert in this year’s port city, Cape Canaveral, Florida. Thanks to a friend who was paying attention, I was lucky enough to book a room at the host hotel, the Radisson Resort at the Port, which features an onsite convention center. The hotel offered free cruise parking and shuttle rides to the port. We’d definitely stay there again.
We boarded Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas easily Saturday morning, as always all happy to be in the company of ‘our people’ in ecstatic vacation mode. Shortly after getting situated on ship, an early Florida summer storm set in to show off her might with crazy winds and lightning, causing the pool deck to be evacuated. The weather moved the unfazed party into the normally quiet casino, which became a busier-than-usual gathering spot between Studio B and the Royal Theatre venues, and the Promenade and Schooner Bar bustled more than usual. It was great for running into friends from over the years.
All was well weather-wise by Sunday afternoon when the pool stage was reopened and the affected shows were rescheduled. I have to say, even as a Florida girl, temperature-wise it was one of the hottest and tropical muggy-est of all of the cruises…in past years it has been nicely breezy in the evenings out on the pool deck. No biggie in the bigger scheme of a fantastic vacation, but whew.
We got off the ship for a short visit to Royal Carribean’s lushly-landscaped and beachy enclave in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and enjoyed a frozen cocktail in the muggy shade with a view. We stayed on ship during our visit to the lovely mountainous island of Labadee, Haiti, having visited and explored it in a previous stop. A frothy cocktail in a comfy cabana overlooking the island was great chill time.
The Band Schedules
One thing I love about the MORC band line-up every year is that it combines the regular royalty like Kix (sob, no more) and Tesla, etc., with a variety of legendary, beloved, and/or obscure bands and artists. I look forward to seeing some of the same bands every year, because, well face it, we’re not getting any younger. A case in point mentioned above is Kix, who retired after their farewell show held on September 17, 2023.
What’s awesome is that every single one of the shows has a decent crowd upfront singing along to every song, whether fans with a hometown connection or just some random album you came across way back when and played over and over \o/.
Then there’s the type like my friend John Snelling of the Tampa band Mobius Loop, who is at every show knowing every band and every word to every song. I finally had to ask about the roots of his vast fandom and learned that as a teenager he hung out at the local record store so much they gave him a job, and he just listened to anything and everything he got his hands on. Gotta love it.
I’ve used various methods to keep track of where and what bands to see over the years, but it always involves me carrying around a daily band schedule for constant consultation (and passing around for discussion). I decided to wing it a bit on the 2020 MORC and won’t make that mistake again. This year I made a point of marking up each day and color coding by stage, with an asterisk next to the ones I planned to go to. I also made notes on venue options and unknown/unseen bands. Some cruisers make complex spreadsheets – whatever works for you to stay on top of it all.
The 48 Bands/Artists – From Where and When
First off, yes, I went way down the rabbit hole here….
One thing I didn’t notice right away about the 2023 line-up was the sheer amount of newer (and older for that matter) European rock bands. I’m not really familiar with many of them, although I recall enjoying Hardcore Superstar on a cold, rainy day in Nassau on a previous MORC.
With the variety of venues, genres, eras, legends, originals, stand-ins, and replacement members, we each have to narrow down our preferences and priorities. And you got to mix in time for hanging with friends for food and drinks…it’s a fiesta for sure. You’ll find me at most ’80s band shows, but I enjoy checking out the rare or unknown stuff – it’s a great way to find new (or old) music and check out other genres and generations – and just have a great time on a ship full of like-minded music peeps from all over.
The variety of musicians sent me down the wormhole below with, where I listed the 47 artists on the cruise schedule, along with their home country and date of formation. It got tricky at times so LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS if something is off and I will verify and make updates. The general dates and info I give below come from either the bands’ websites and/or a variety of cool sources I’ve found online (as cited). And I realize that Eddie Trunk and all you music trivia people could probably cite all the stuff I looked up below but I have a hard time remembering what I had for breakfast lol.
1- AJ’s Bravehearts – United States (New York) – Formed around 2015
Photo: Screenshot from artist Facebook page
I did not catch this group, which I just discovered is a ‘charity rock band’ that plays soley for non-profit donations, primarily pets, and tours with national acts such as Queensryche. Cool. Data from http://ajsbravehearts.com.
2- Autograph – United States (Pasadena, CA) – Formed 1983
Great ’80s-era band but I did not catch them this time around. I was never very familiar with them outside of Turn Up the Radio and Blondes in Black Cars and they ended up being a scheduling sacrifice. Data from AutographBand.net and BandsInTown.
3 – Burning Witches – Switzerland – Formed 2015
Photo: Burning Witches by Randy at Hornsraised.com
I listened to but did not see this very heavy all-girl band of hotties in the Star Lounge, the only venue without a raised stage. There was no power pop going on with these European gals, just heavy heavy metal. Data from BurningWitches.ch and BandsInTown.
4 – Chez Kane – United Kingdom – First Kane’d album 2009
Photo: By me…Chez came out into the crowd in Studio B to sing and I actually got a fun pic from this fun show
I first saw this amazing vocalist at Rare Hair Monday night belting out some Lita Ford and loved what I was hearing. I’m happy we decided to drop in to Studio B Wednesday night and catch this young, fun band. Big melodic vocals, big rock-pop songs, big synth, big energy, big jumps and kicks – some stuff I’m not always into but they ended up being my favorite of the newer bunch.
Maybe because they were fun to watch or maybe because they somehow had a more authentic ’80s throwback vibe…for some bizarre reason they reminded me of a young Kix a la Cool Kids (anybody here got a dime?). I would love to hear Chez in a more stripped down raw rock band, maybe down to a simple guitar. I’ll be looking up more of her stuff. I learned that while Chez is in this solo project now, she also has her own band, Kane’d. I had a hard time finding a ‘formation’ date so decided to go with the date of Kane’d’s (grammar?!) first album to give a better idea of her age/era. Data from https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/chez-kane-powerzone/ and https://www.discogs.com/artist/7927724-Kaned.
5 – Chris Holmes – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Joined W.A.S.P. 1983
Photo: Chris Holmes on the pool stage by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Every year it seems I end up missing at least one artist I wanted to see, and this year’s regret is Chris Holmes. I hate missing the ‘legacy artists’ that MORC brings us. I clearly recall the WASP crowd dominating the Rainbow attic area in the ’80s, and of course Chris’ unforgettable scene in The Decline of the Western Civilization (a documentary I did a paper on in college and wish I still had). Data from Blabbermouth.net.
6 – The Cruel Intentions – Sweden – Formed 2015
Photo: The Cruel Intentions in Studio B, photo by me or Grant
It’s the eyes that steal the show, reminiscent of Susannah Hoff in The Bangles’ Walk Like An Egyptian video. So this band gives me hope for the future of rock-n-roll’s sleaze side as they bring me back to those guys of yore we loved for and despite their smudged eyeliner…the singer looks like it’s 1987 and he’s doing the walk of shame after a heavy night of partying at the Cathouse. As their label indierecordings states: “The Cruel Intentions present a unique take on sleaze rock in a modern Guns n’ Roses meets Sex Pistols meets Buckcherry style.” Accurate summary. More data at last.fm.
7 – D-A-D – Denmark – Formed 1982
I’m not real familiar with this band and wasn’t able to catch them this time around, although I did check them out on the pool deck on a past MORC and recall their hit, Sleeping the Day Away. They happen to have one of the most informative websites so far and good read. Check out D-A-D.com and https://www.nordicmetal.net/band/d-a-d/.
8 – Dirty Looks – Germany – Formed 1984
Photo: Our view of Dirty Looks on the pool stage by me
Wow, thanks MORC and thanks Dirty Looks surviving members and Dangerous Toys singer Jason McMaster for this gem of a surprise show. Jason filled in for the gone-but-never-forgotten singer Henrik Ostergaard, who passed away in 2001.
The members all paid tribute to Henrik and his music, and Jason sang the songs with Henrik’s perfect blend of style and emotion. On a personal note, I know that many people reading this know what I’m talking about when I ask if you ever over-listened to an album during a particularly tough time in your life, and nowadays when you hear it you are beamed back to the emotions of that time…? So yea, I seriously thought I might have a nervous breakdown during this show. But you know what? Re-listening really only made me appreciate that everything is always working out, and gotta love that a performance by an obscure European band named ‘dirty looks’ served to psychoanalyze and cure old traumas from 35 years ago. Ha. Data from https://dirtylooksmusic.com/bio/.
9 – Doro – Germany – First Warlock Album 1983
Photo: Doro on a windy pool stage by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Doro’s been on MORC a few times. I remember the first time I saw her in a hotel convention area at Concrete Foundations Forum in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, and
she’s still the same strong singer and performer. I wandered out to the pool stage and caught a few songs, including All We Are. Data from Doromusic.de.
10 – Dueling Pianos with Tyson and Will – U.S. (Nashville, TN) – Tyson started 2012
I was familiar with uber-talented Tyson Leslie because my bff Blackie Rie in Nashville (formerly of the Tampa Bay Area) sings at his Rare Hare events, and I had been able to catch one of his awesome jam fests. And of course I hope to go to more. It kills me to stay up until midnight for a show, but thanks to perseverance and Starbucks, I did it to see the first hour of Tyson’s Rare Hare on the cruise. It was also cool to see Tyson on the dueling pianos as you passed through the Schooner Bar, and at one point I was lucky enough to walk by when Michael Sweet from Stryper was singing with them. Data from https://nashvillevoyager.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-tyson-leslie-of-nashville-and-murfreesboro/.
11 – Eclipse – Sweden – Formed 1999
Lots of people wanting to see this band and we went by and saw some of their pool stage show…big, tight sound. I didn’t realize they’d been around this long. Data from various places including discogs.com.
12 – Extreme – U.S. (Boston, MA) – Formed 1985
Photo : Extreme on stage by me in sailaway show happiness, with a pretty storm off in the distance
Always a good high energy show and a pool stage favorite. Unfortunately Nuno injured his foot playing basketball and spent the rest of the cruise apologizing for it but still playing brilliantly….I hope it’s healed well for him. Data from various places included LastFM.com.
13 – Faster Pussycat – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Formed 1985
Photo: Taime Downe of Faster Pussycat by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Always a fun band to see with its excellent mix of old and new members, including the bonus of Sam Bam Kolton’s energy. I recall meeting Taime Downe in the Rainbow’s party in the parking lot back in the ’80s. He was one of the nicer guys who knew how to schmooze, always seen introducing himself and chatting up his band. Data from fasterpussycat.com and discog.com.
14- Gabriela – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Started 2006
The exact date was hard to pin down for Gabriela Rae, but she started singing rock classics with some well-known guitar players as a teenager, and is always a pleasing listen on past MORCs. I didnt get to catch her this time around. Data from https://en. everybodywiki.com/Gabbie_Rae
15- Gardner & James – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Vixen Album 1987
Missed them but really enjoyed hearing from Janet in the Paramount Plus documentary I Wanna Rock: The 80s Metal Dream. Hope I get a chance to see them again. Data from vixenofficial.com.
16 – Great White – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Formed 1982
Photo: Great White with singer Brett Carlisle by by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Saw the pool stage show and the super young rollerskating shoed replacement singer Brett Carlisle has incredibly amazing vocal chops.
Saw him sing with his band AON and George Lynch a few months later and wow can he do the big voice hits. Always fun songs that bring back some fun memories, particularly one fun evening at Joshua’s Parlor in Orange County in 1986, a place I only ever went once, darn good times ;o). Data from officialgreatwhite.net.
17 – Hardscore Superstar – Sweden – Formed 1997
Missed these guys but always a big crowd pleaser every year. Data from goldenrobotrecords.com.
18 – Joel Hoekstra – U.S. (New York) – Joined ’80s bands 2008
Joel has been the long time host of one of my favorite cruise events, The Bloody Mary Jam. Morning Bloody Marys on a lovely sun-drenched cruise deck with a parade of your favorite musicians coming up to jam is a slice of heaven as far as I’m concerned. This year was no less fun even though it took place in Studio B instead of on the Pool Deck due to weather. As far as Joel’s generation, the date on this one is tricky because Joel started playing for 80s bands, most notably Night Ranger and Whitesnake, in the 2000s, but I may be wrong. Data from https://www.aslightningstrikes.com/joel-hoekstra-from-whitesnake-to-cher-a-sit-down-with-one-of-the-busiest-guitarists-in-the-business/.
19 – Junkyard – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Formed 1987
Thoroughly enjoyed their show in Studio B. I remember this LA band was a part of the punk scene rather than the rock scene, where my friend in the band The Peckinpahs played and hung. Data from junkyardblooze.com.
20 – Lee Aaron – Canada – First release 1982
Caught a bit of Lee on the pool deck but not really familiar with her music – one to check out in the future. Data from leeaaron.com.
21 – Kix – U.S. (Baltimore, Maryland) – First Release 1981
Photo: The Kix Band in the Theater by by Randy at Hornsraised.com
A MORC staple as is their royal right, so as to allow their happy subjects to enjoy the regenerating exuberance of life that is a Kix show . I will miss them and wish them well in retirement. Data from kixband.com.
22 – Liliac – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – First release 2019
Photo: Liliac (peek over the heads) from our relaxing spot in the Star Lounge, by me or Grant
We wandered into the mellow Star Lounge and found a nice comfy seat off to the side to watch (yes, actually watch) Liliac at the normally hear-only venue (because of it’s non-raised stage).
Young people doing a somewhat Las Vegas like version of deep track metal hits, doing it well. I looked them up and learned they are were America’s Got Talent contestants. I’ll just say that I’m happy this music lives on in all its various formats and frequencies. Data from https://www.liliacband.com/copy-of-biography-1.
23 – Lynch Mob – U.S. – Formed after Dokken 1989
Photo: Lynch Mob by by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Kinda weird show early in the day but kinda worked, and always good to see Jimmy D’Anda on drums in his ‘drawers” (as John from Boston calls them).
I learned the current singer is Gabriel Colon, from here in the Tampa Bay area. Data from https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/lynch-mob.
24 – Mac Sabbath – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Formed 2014
Photo: Mac Sabbath by by Randy at Hornsraised.com
This is a good Black Sabbath tribute band that wears McDonald’s character costumes (i.e., Ronald, Burgler, et al). You’ve got to go see it once. Data From https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mac-sabbath.
25- Marbin – U.S. (based in Chicago, Illinois)- Formed 2007
A self-described “progressive jazz rock band,” they were seen performing on the people-watching Promenade or the pass-through Schooner Bar doing their talented jam band thing. They kept the music going at all times in a variety of places and are obviously a talented bunch. I swear I heard them doing prog jam versions of rock standards at some point so their description is apt.
26 – Micheal Schenker – Germany – UFO 1974 and MSG 1980
Photo: Micheal Schenker in the Theater from our comfortable spot by me or Grant
One of my favorite MORC shows. That guitar sound and UFO songs and that singer, Ronnie Romero. Seeing these legendary artists are one of my favorite things about MORC every year…seeing who they will dig up and bring us.
To me this is one of those European bands that is more on the rawer rock roots. Definitely a highlight of the cruise to hear these songs. Schenker has a very long and informational bio at https://michaelschenkerhimself.com/band/michael-schenker/ and check out https://bravewords.com/news/ronnie-romero-confirms-he-is-no-longer-michael-schenker-s-vocalist-i-don-t-have-any-bad-feelings-audio#.
27 – Nestor – Sweden – Formed 1989
Photo: Facebook screenshot of a Nestor article on The Offering Magazine page, a good read
I had no idea this band has been around quite so long. We checked out their amazingly big vocals and big melodic hard rock and keytar sound in the Theater with big crowds. Data from https://www.instagram.com/nestor_theband/?hl=en and https://offeringwebzine.com/2022/09/14/nestor-interview/.
28 – Queensryche – U.S. (Seattle, WA) – Formed 1982
Photo: Queensryche in the Theater from a good singing & emoting spot in the back up top, by me or grant. Sounded good up there.
I love how this configuration of band members so obviously enjoy playing together. And I don’t say that just because singer Todd La Torre is from my hometown. They have the vibe, they keep the music alive and well, and I love to hear him sing those incredible tunes in that big Queesnryche sort of way. Data from http://www.queensrycheofficial.com/band/.
29 – Reckless Love – Finland – Formed 2001
I’m sorry I missed this band, who I had hoped to see at their weather-cancelled pool stage show. “Finnish sleaze rockers” according to their label site at https://www.afm-records.de/en/r/1737-reckless-love.html.
30 – Rhino Bucket – U.S. – Formed 1988
I’ve seen them a few times on the cruise in the past but not this time around. What I recall is very AC/DC-ish. Data from https://www.rhinobucket.rocks/bio.
31 – Rose Tattoo – Australia – Formed 1976
I had never heard of these guys before MORC, but I learned over the years that this band and, particularly the singer, has a huge adoring following of headbangers. We listened to this band a ways from the pool stage chilling in a breezy cabana overlooking Labadee, Haiti, frothy cocktail in hand. Data from http://www.rosetattoo.com.au/biography.
32 – Shiraz Lane – Finland – Formed 2011
I may have wandered in on this band at one point but need to check them out again in the future. Data from http://shirazlane.com/band/
33 – Simon Daniels – U.S. (Pasadena, CA) – Autograph formed 1983
Apparently this singer and rhythm guitarist from the band Autograph is doing some solo stuff. Data from http://autographband.net/bio.htm.
34 – Soto – Jeff Scott Soto – U.S. – With Yngvie Malmsteen 1984
Somehow I missed this one too. I became a big Jeff Scott Soto fan when I saw him sing with the band Soul SirkUS with Neal Schon in Lake Tahoe around 2005. Love that album, which is a lot more melodic than his band Soto. Data from http://jeffscottsoto.com/retribution/biography/index.html.
35- Soto-Bieler – U.S. (California & Florida) – Soto 1984 /Saigon Kick formed 1988
We stopped in for this show and lucked into great seats and enjoyed the humorous banter immensely. I’d go see them again. Data from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/saigon-kick-mn0000289058/biography and ThrustMagazine.
36 – Spike – United Kingdom (London) – Quireboys Formed 1984
Photo: Monster of Rock social media post
I somehow missed this one: An acoustic storyteller show with the Quireboys’ Spike. Always enjoy the bluesy soul of Spike’s vocals. Data from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/quireboys-mn0000081768/biography.
37 – Stephen Pearcy – U.S. (Los Angeles, CA) – Ratt Formed 1983
Photo: Stephen Pearcy of Ratt by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Ratt’s pool show was one of my favorite shows – Theater Show, not so much. Ratt songs are the most underrated ’80s songs in my opinion. There are no deep cuts, all the songs are great. Data from https://www.last.fm/music/Ratt/+wiki.
38 – Stryper – U.S. (Orange County, CA) – Formed 1983
Always good to pop in and enjoy a few songs sung. I saw the bibles being tossed in Studio B. Data from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/stryper-mn0000531660/biography.
39 – Ted Poley – U.S. (New Jersey) – Joined Danger Danger 1987
I caught Ted’s awesome set at the preshow. Love his animal activism. Data from https://ted-poley.com/about.
40 – Tesla – U.S. (Sacramento, CA) – Formed 1984
Photo: Frank Hannon of Tesla by by Randy at Hornsraised.com
As always a lovely show that produces those concert endorphin highs we are all seeking…some deep tracks were played to the delight of many. Data from https://teslatheband.com/band/biography/.
41 – Tora Tora – U.S. (Memphis, TN) – Formed 1985
Photo: Tora Tora from the back of Studio B, when you just want to drop in and check things out overall, by me or Grant.
Tora Tora’s Studio B show was a favorite for me and, in one of those wonderful surprise MORC happenings, I’ve suddenly become a huge Anthony Corder (singer) fan. a/+wiki.
While a fair-weather fan of their hits, I never realized the extent of their bluesy side and those vocals, wow, I’ve been missing out. I’ve already downloaded a few songs. Data from https://www.toratoramusic.com and https://www.last.fm/music/Tora+Tor
42 – Treat -Sweden – Formed 1981
I believe they cancelled but I’ve kept them in the count from the original line-up. Data from https://www.discogs.com/artist/849889-Treat-2.
43 – Tyketto – U.S. (New York) – Formed 1987
Photo: Tyketto in Studio B by Randy at Hornsraised.com
Happy sigh to two great shows. I discovered this band on MORC in 2014 and have been obsessed with their songs and Danny Vaughn’s vocals ever since. I went to both Studio B shows.
I’m going to gush now: Danny Vaughn can pretty much sing better than anyone on the cruise, and there were a LOT of good singers. I’m a sucker for a big vocal and let’s face it, just like all of us who are physically falling apart in various ways as we age, some singers still got the vocal chops and and some don’t. This dude has lost not one cell of his vocal abilities. This is the ultimate basic rock outfit with a voluminous soul. I had a hard time holding back the tears when Vaughn announced it was their last show together as the original guitar player and drummer were retiring from touring, but I was happy to hear they gave their blessings for replacement musicians so we fans will still get to hear these songs. I would love to see one of Danny’s solo shows in Spain. Data from https://www.bandsintown.com/a/60897-tyketto and https://www.discogs.com/artist/1177262-Tyketto.
44 – Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown – U.S. (Nashville, TN) – Formed 2009
Photo: Tyler Bryant & the Shakedownby me in Studio B
Love these guys! Just a good jam session. New music found. Data from https://jbonamassa.com/tyler-bryant-and-the-shakedown/https://jbonamassa.com/tyler-bryant-and-the-shakedown/.
45 – Vain – U.S. (San Francisco, CA) – Formed 1986
Photo: Vain in Studio B by me in my happy spot
Vain was a fantastic opening band for the cruise and a new addition to my Apple playlists. After boarding and feeding and getting booted off the pool deck, I was happily introduced to this [other] Bay Area (sorry, it’s Tampa Bay thing lol) band in Studio B, and instantly, joyously felt right back at home on MORC.
As many cruisers would agree, it’s the best venue – the sound was consistently great and it just feels like your local beloved rock club when you’re on the floor. I was surprised but not surprised I’m not familiar with this band, but loved them! Good clean but dirty pure ’80s rock. I wanted to buy a shirt but they were sold out when I finally went back to get one. As always, I loved the large crowd singing along every word to every song. What a great trip back in time it must have been for the peeps who saw them in the local San Francisco scene way back when. There’s a decent history of Vain and its band members on https://www.bandsintown.com/a/41685-vain.
46 – Vandenburg – The Netherlands – Formed 1981
Photo: Adrian Vandenburg in the Theater, photo by me or Grant
Another favorite show. They brought in an amazing singer, Mats Leven, for this tour – my third favorite new singer of the cruise. Already downloaded some of their stuff. As I shared in my previous post Adrian’s Autographs 1989-1993, I became aware of this band in 1983 when I walked in my house during my senior year of high school and saw a taking head on MTV with the name ‘Adrian Vandenburg’ under it, fell in love with the name Adrian on the spot (not the dude himself, just his name lol), announced there and then that I was going to name my son Adrian, and six years later, I did.
47 – Wig Wam – Norway – Formed 2001
Photo: A giving-it-to-you-real photo of WigWam in Studio B by me….that couple in front of us loved every minute of the show
Checked out WigWam in Studio B. Loved their fan energy. Crisp big vocal sound. Data from wigwam official.com.
48 – Winger – U.S. (New York) – Formed 1987
Photo: Winger on the pool stage by Randy at Hornsraised.com
I thoroughly enjoyed Winger from the top deck of the ship…these talents always put on a great show . Data from https://www.last.fm/music/Winger/+wiki.
Other Things To Do and See On MORC
Per the picture collage below, aside from attending the plethora of concerts on a MORC, you can also:
- Sit out your balcony with an early morning coffee delivery
- Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a view of sea waters and rockstars
- Lounge about the pool deck
- Visit one of several bars
- Walk or kick back in the Promenade to people watch while jamming to the fabulous playlists of Metal DJ Will (aka favorite DJ of Rainbow girls)
- See and hear amazing jam sessions of odd combinations of your favorite musicians
- Go to Karaoke Madness with Brian & Izzy late at night and watch your friend sing with a rockstar
- Attend photo experiences and Q&A sessions
- Participate in the Cooking or Basketball or Painting with Rockstars events
- Enter cocktail, costume, and win-a-cabin contests
- Try daily specialty drinks
- Play ‘finish the lyrics’
- Get Mark Weiss’ photography book autographed
- Check out fine art by rockstars
- See comedy events
- Watch Eddie Trunk live on air
- and a few more things, as you can see in the photos below…
Also…per the photo collage below, you’ll see that you can also check out the fun MORC branding, feed your caffeine addiction so that you can stay up much later and push yourself much farther than you usually do, shop for cool Strung bracelets and band merchandise, and collect and trade fellow MORC giveaway items.
Shout out to the peeps shown in the fun bracelets and pics above; Will To Rock, a great site where you can find more photos and in-depth show reviews; Growin’ Up Rock, a cool podcast; KIS Photography, where you can find some more amazing photos; the Sacramento band Restrayned, who I met in the elevator twice lol; the Quad Cities band St. October, who I also met in the elevator; Pic Guy Guitar Picks, who makes many of the pics you see around the ship, including mine; and a special congrats to Eddie Trunk for his 40 years in music milestone…thanks for keeping it alive, Eddie. Also shout out to Joe Schaeffer Photography and Randy Cook at Horns Raised Photography for letting me use their amazing MORC photos in my posts.
All in all it was another great Monsters of Rock Cruise, and I’m looking forward to the sold-out, amazing 2024 line-up shown below ;o).
Copyright 2023 Rocksandy.com. All rights reserved.
rocksandy.rocks 