2024 Monsters Of Rock Cruise: Day 5
Nassau, Bahamas – 3/6/24
Coverage/Pics: Will
How on earth did the time go by so quickly?! Woke up in Nassau, Bahamas (Didn’t get off the boat) and came to the sad realization that this was it. This was the last day. The last time I’d be seeing a ton of my friends for an entire year, the last time I’d be able to wake up and go from stage to stage to stage and band to band to band. I had to pack and I had to say goodbyes and I didn’t like any of it.
I did think about heading into Nassau for a bit, but I looked..and man..it was all the way over there. And “there” seemed too far. So I packed as much as I could to get that out of the way and then headed to Studio B to check out…
Firehouse
Firehouse had their first show moved to the last day (again, due to the lack of a stage on Day 1). Even though lead vocalist, CJ Snare isn’t currently touring with them (due to medical issues) they kept their spot on the boat and had American Idol, S.21 alumni, Nate Peck singing for them. Nate’s voice is very similar to CJ’s. He was able to hit those high pitch notes and did very well in general. He looked a bit awkward on stage at times, but did a decent job helping the band out.
I will say that I’m not a fan of replacement vocalists and the show just seemed a little off. I felt the same way when Kingdom Come had Keith St. John singing with them. Nothing against Keith or Nate (both incredible talents), but when a singer is replaced, it’s just not the same.
Bill Leverty – lead guitar, backing vocals
Michael Foster – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Allen McKenzie – bass guitar, backing vocals
Nate Peck – lead vocals
Bad Marriage
Boston’s, Bad Marriage made their second appearance on the Monsters of Rock Cruise (first time being ’22). This time the band appeared as a 6 piece with the recent addition of ex-Tesla guitarist, Tommy Skeoch.
I am a huge fan of 3 guitar bands, just gives that sound and extra oomph.
Jonny Paquin – vocals,
Mike Fitz – lead guitar,
Tommy Skeoch – lead, rhythm guitar,
Ian Haggerty – rhythm guitar,
Todd Boisvert – bass, and
Michael Delaney – drums
Treat
In my opinion one of the most underrated acts on the boat. For those that remember last year’s cruise, Treat’s second set scheduled for the last day on the pool stage was canceled due to some insane weather. (Does that sounds familiar, Armored Saint?!). And it was quickly announced that they’d be appearing on MORC ’24.
Anders “Gary” Wikström – guitars, backing vocals
Robert Ernlund – lead vocals
Jamie Borger – drums, backing vocals
Patrick “Green” Appelgren – keyboards, synthesizer, backing vocals
Nalle Påhlsson – bass guitar, backing vocals
Treat (yes, another Swedish band) have been around since the early 80’s and have amassed quite a catalog of catchy, sing-along songs. I picked up a few of their albums since last year’s show and couldn’t have been more happy that I was able to sing along this time.
Treat, come back soon!
Me and all these dudes agree!
Winger
Winger on the pool stage is one of my must-see, favorite shows on the boat each year. If you remember all the way back to last year’s Winger/Pool Stage show review, I had mentioned that I’ve come to appreciate Winger WAY more in recent years. They create a party atmosphere and live, their songs just kick!
One of the few bands around that are still sporting their original lineup; their chemistry and camaraderie is front and center on stage.
Kip Winger – lead vocals, bass
Reb Beach – guitar, backing vocals, harmonica
Rod Morgenstein – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Paul Taylor – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals
John Roth – guitar, backing vocals, bass, keyboards
Glenn Hughes
Be still my beating heart. I’ve seen Glenn Hughes in concert, first as a guest with Whitesnake and more recently with The Dead Daisies and nothing can really prepare you for hearing that voice of his in-person.
Glenn is 72 years young and puts 90% of rock singers to shame. During his Deep Purple focused set, he showcased every aspect of his vocal prowess that left a theater full of people in awe.
In those songs where he let his voice carry through the air without the aid of music, you could hear a pin drop as the crowd hung on every note.
Glenn has a phenomenal band around him and their shows on the boat were a couple of the must-see, most-talked about sets this year.
Glenn Hughes – vocals, bass
Soren Andersen – guitar
Ash Sheehan – drums
Bob Fridzema – keyboards
Slaughter
Up All Night Sleep Until about 10am was my routine on the boat for the most part. So it seemed apt that the final band I saw was Slaughter. I didn’t bring my Canon for this show as I ended up just hanging with my friends and enjoying the last few moments together. I did snap some cell pics, so that’s what you get.
I want to point out that I’ve been crazy critical of Mark the past few times I’ve seen the band play. His voice was off and it really took me out of the moment. Not this time. Mark sounded better than I can remember. He also looked a little more in shape than the last few times, so kudos to whatever routine he’s now following. I thoroughly enjoyed the band this time around.
Mark Slaughter – lead vocals, rhythm, lead guitar
Dana Strum – bass guitar, backing vocals
Jordan Cannata – drums, percussion
Jeff “Blando” Bland – lead, rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Dana and Blando (as always) were phenomenal and left it all on the stage. A special “Holy shit” shout out to Jordan Cannata. Mark certainly has a knack for continually finding these incredibly talented and visually stunning drummers that are able to provide circus like performances. From Blas to Zoltan to Will and now Jordan. Bravo!
*******
I wrapped up the last evening with a ton of others in the Viking Lounge for Karaoke taking a chance to say goodbye to my MORC family.
My cruise experience over the years has evolved from SHOOT EVERY BAND! EVERY SHOW!, to shoot as many bands as I can while spending quality time with the people that have become some of my best friends. And because of that, my list grows every year.
This was the last pic I took while leaving the boat (VERY early) this year. It was a rare, quiet moment of calm, that allowed me to briefly reflect on the previous week.
Yep. That Rocked.
And.. like everyone else, I’ve got my Wish List for 2025
In no particular order:
Them Damn Crows Richie Sambora Ayron Jones Little Angels (Reunion)
The Pretty Reckless Bad English (Reunion). Mammoth WVH American Jetset
Dirty Honey Poison Dorothy Edge Of Paradise Dan Reed Network The Struts
Yes, a boy can dream…
Shout again to the photog. team (again, most volunteer their own time and equipment for free…) as well as the hosts for making sure we know who the hell we’re about to see!
Until Next Year, Monsters!
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