M3 Festival 2014 (Part #2)....A Full Schedule on Saturday!

Day two started off bright and sunny and had me feeling great after the dull, damp coolness and rain of yesterday, but the morning was not without a downside.  I had learned that tragedy had struck during last night's events while the rest of us were partying away.  I do not have the full details but it seems that a patron (possibly intoxicated) had lain down behind a vehicle in the parking lot and an unsuspecting, reportedly sober driver had unknowingly backed over him.  I offer my deepest sympathies and my heart goes out to both families.

When the details of M3 had been originally announced one thing that they had said was and I quote "two non-overlapping stages", so of course right away two of the four bands that I wanted to see most had overlapping sets to start the day.  Liars (shakes fist at M3 organizers)!  As you can see by the schedule above Heaven's Edge was to be the first live performance of the day on the "Festival Stage" while a mere 20 minutes into their set Keel would be opening the "Pavilion Stage"!

I had only learned of Heaven's Edge when a friend (Decibel Geek photographer Brian Ronald) gave me the album to listen to a few weeks before as he knew that I would be seeing them here at M3.  He said only, "you have to hear this album" and he was right!  I was loving this 1990 debut Heaven's 

with friends waiting for Heaven's Edge

Edge, was excited when it was revealed aboard 2014's Monsters of Rock Cruise a few weeks ago that they would be joining the ship's registry for 2015 and eager to see them at M3.  I trudged over the hill with my friend Olivier from Sleezeroxx magazine and worked through the milling concert goers fairly close to the stage, preparing for Heaven's Edge.  As coincidences happen we were right next to my friend from Brasil, Newton Santos Junior who owns a cool rock clothing/record store in Curitiba, Brasil (Let's Rock Website).  One day I will visit Let's Rock in person!  We all were treated to a little of Heaven's Edge sound check after which Lorraine Lewis and Janis Tanaka of Femme Fatale surveyed the stage set up and took some photos of the audience building for showtime.

Heaven's Edge opening the "Festival Stage at 2014's M3-photo by The Meister

Opening up with "Play Dirty", they were obviously set to thrill their audience and make an impression, perhaps trying to grasp once again what had essentially eluded them on the first go

Mark Evans-photo by Meister

around.  Reflecting a moment as I watched them on stage, I pondered why and how these guys had not become a household name such as Poison, Def Leppard or others and I quickly put it down to the album's release in 1990, the cusp of the grunge era.  Aside from sounding tight and much like I recalled from my few listens to that awesome debut album, the synchronized and choreographed stage moves of rocking back and forth, swinging arms and unison jumping around had my attention.  The set was filled with energy as they used the full stage space, making fans quickly as I heard the buzz through those around us.  My first thought on seeing drummer David Rath was that he resembled Steve Carrell a little, but these guys were all quite obviously having fun up there, happy to be playing again.  "Skin to Skin" followed the opener and then "Rock Steady Rock", but unfortunately this would be the end of my Heaven's Edge viewing experience, although it was harder than I first imagined to tear myself away for my beloved Keel.
 

Keel performing at 2014's M3 Festival=photo by The Meister

Ron Keel-by The Meister

Keel were one of the main reasons that I was here, having missed their presence on the Monsters of Rock Cruise a few weeks ago.  Ron Keel had sailed solo, but it is with the full electric Keel show that my heart lies.  If you would like to read about my experiences with the guys from Keel, here's a link to my story (Meister's Right to Rock).  The only thing disappointing about Keel's M3 gig was the shitty time slot and therefore the less than jammed attendance.  I know that someone has to open but it just sucks that it was my band...lol.  As the guys ripped through their chosen opener of "Hell or High Water" succeeded by "Somebody's Waiting", it was easy to pick out the "Keelaholics" (aside from my friends standing next to me, the Koehler family of Michelle, Zack and the other guy (inside joke) that is) as they were singing right along, fists raised in the air and dancing away.  The sound was clear and the band tight with Ron's impeccable vocal chords, still strong at this 30 year anniversary of the band, leading the way.  "Speed Demon" literally assaulted the "steadily filling up now that Heaven's Edge

Ron Keel-by The Meister

was ending" Pavilion before the more gentle Patti Smith cover "Because the Night".  Rose Tattoo's "Rock N' Roll Outlaw" took us into my least favorite, but always played Keel track "Tears of Fire" before they shut it down with the smash "The Right to Rock".  Ron noticed the Koehler family and I in the stands and pointed out to us as young Zack hoisted the poster sign he'd crafted for Ron and the band high over his head.  Another awesome, but way too short set from one of my all time favorite bands, can't wait to see you guys on MORC 2015.......in the meantime, ever hear of a little rock club in Toronto called The Rockpile?  One can dream can't one....lol.  Out of the 2014 M3 line we've had John Corabi, LA Guns, Slaughter, Red Dragon Cartel, Jack Russell, Stryper, Queensryche and Autograph all play at the Rockpile.....could Keel be next?

John Corabi-by The Meister

Back over to the general admission area of the "Festival Stage" now to check out some of Corabi's set.  John Corabi has been a staple on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, considered "The Mayor" of the ship and has also appeared for two nights in Toronto, so I've had ample opportunity to catch both his acoustic and electric sets.  Having always enjoyed his performances I knew what to expect here and I was not wrong, but not particularly being a rabid Corabi fan I was late in my arrival after ensuring to refuel on the way over.  I was able to catch "Love (I Don't Need It Anymore)" from his days in Union, Mountain's "Never In My Life", The Scream's "Man In The Moon" which came complete with a cake and the crowd singing happy birthday to John for today was his birthday.  A double shot from his one and only Motley Crue album with "Uncle Jack" and "Hooligan's Holiday" was also included.

After meeting some Canadians at the end of Corabi's set and needing to dispose of the remnants of the refueling process that took place on the way to Corabi, I listened to Jack Russell's Great White's

Jack Russell-by The Meister

opener of "All Over Now" from out side of the "Pavilion Stage".  Jack and company, which seemed to have had some replacements since his appearance last summer at the Rockpile in Toronto, sounded great and I much prefer this version to the Terry Illous fronted version.  No disrespect to Illous and the other members, I just choose the harder edged, less keyboardy, less commercial sounding and more soulful vocals of Jack's version.  Jack does not appear to be in good health after his previous substance addiction and health battles and hobbled around the stage hunched over.  He does however sound, perhaps, stronger than ever vocally and his soulful, bluesy tones carried around the open air amphitheater bringing with it a kind of magic that can't be explained.  "Desert Moon", "Mista Bone", "Save Your Love" (dedicated to the wives of the band), "Lady Red Light", "Rock Me" and "Once Bitten Twice Shy" were all selections that they treated the audience to, but sadly for me there was no inclusion of "On Your Knees" or "Shot In The Dark" two of my top Great White compositions.

Femme Fatale's Lorraine Lewis on the "Festival Stage" at M3-photo by The Meister

Back over the hill to "Festival Stage", I'm beginning to feel "over the hill" with all this traipsing back and forth, but come on you lazy bastard, you could use the exercise after your ingestion's of the

Nita Strauss-by The Meister

past few weeks!  Femme Fatale was due on there next and were the third of four acts I was really looking forward to here at 2014's M3.  Femme Fatale was a female fronted group issuing only one self-titled album in 1988 and while the album spawned a couple of MTV Video hits, the band would fade away afterwards never releasing the sophomore effort, which had actually been recorded.  Front woman, Lorraine Lewis has resurrected Femme Fatale, this time with an all female band including bassist Janis Tanaka (L7), keyboardist Katt Scarlett, guitarists Nita Strauss and Courtney Cox (both of The Iron Maidens) and drummer Athena Lee (Tommy's sister).  Shortly before the Monsters of Rock Cruise this year Athena seriously injured her shoulder and Linda McDonald (also of The Iron Maidens) sat in and was present behind the kit here as well.  Their performances are energy and fun filled, party sets,

Courtney Cox-by Meister

often including some audience participation ala being invited on stage to sing (I had this experience on 2014's MORC Meister's Final Day of 2014's MORC).  It was exciting news when during the set that usually encompasses the debut album and maybe a cover song, Lorraine Lewis proudly announced that the second Femme Fatale record would finally see the light of day via Nashville's F'n'A Records this summer.  The song following that declaration was "Lady in Waiting", a track from the forthcoming release that sounded much heavier than the selections from the previous offering.  Lewis also shouted out to many of her friends and fans that she saw in the crowd.  The altogether too short (literally at a half hour time limit) drew to a close but not before cans of silly string were emptied into the audience!  Femme Fatale setlist: "Falling In And Out Of Love", "My Baby's Gun", "Back in Your Arms Again", "If", "Rebel", "Lady in Waiting" and "Waiting For The Big One".

Arguably the most commercially successful Christian Rock band, Stryper, commanded the "Pavilion Stage" next starting off with "To Hell With The Devil".  Being a big fan of their latest  

Michael Sweet-by Meister

offering, the No More Hell To Pay album which I put up as their best ever, I was hoping to hear more from it than they played.  Understandable that they focused on the hits in this arena of shortened sets, so we only got "Legacy" and "No More Hell to Pay" from that album.  Stryper are very tight live and I was never really a fan in the past, finding vocalist Michael Sweet's registers too high for my taste, but I've certainly grown accustomed to them, either that or they've mellowed with age.  It disappoints me when I realize that I won't be able to catch their back to back sets at The Rockpile, but then I remember that I'll miss it because I'll be at Sweden Rock Festival and I feel better!  "The Rock That Makes Me Roll", "Calling On You", "Free", "More Than a Man", "Shout It Out Loud" (KISS cover), "The Way" and "Soldiers Under Command" (complete with Bibles tossed into the crowd) all filled out the roster.  When at a metal concert it is common (and an immediate reaction to a song you like) to thrust your hand in the air making the "horns", but I always try to remember not to do that at a Stryper show, it just seems
disrespectful given the messages in their music.

In the stands a few rows behind me I noticed a young lady with a lizard of some kind nestled on her shoulder. Turns out the little metal loving lizard made the trip from London, Ontario for the festival!

Back over the hill for Red Dragon Cartel, arriving a little late after meeting the lizard and coming in for "Deceived", the lead

Jake E. Lee-photo by Meister

track from the self titled album.  The awesome "War Machine" from the same album followed before they paid tribute to the late, great Ray Gillen with the Badlands cover "High Wire".  Two more from the RDC album with "Shout It Out" and "Feeder" closed out the set and I realized that I must have missed the Ozzy cover at the start of the show.  I once again reflected how great it was to have guitar virtuoso Jake E. Lee back on the musical landscape.  The whole band really seemed to bring it today, ramping up the efforts somehow and outdoing the three awesome shows (two on MORC and one in Toronto) that I'd already seen them play.  There was a moment of comedy and "head shaking" during "Feeder" as a gentleman who had quite obviously over indulged already and was be ejected with the assistance of security......Geez dude slow down, it's only 4pm!!

I couldn't help wondering why and how my friend and fellow Decibel Geek writer Kate Campbell was not in attendance at M3 as the next band filled the stands of the Pavilion.  I speak of none other than her "ultimate" favorite, Queensryche.  This is the Todd LaTorre fronted version of the band and

Queensryche-by Meister

they kept their setlist confined to the first five Queensryche releases, which are really the only ones worth having in my opinion, and their latest album with LaTorre on vocals.  Opening with "Nightrider" they quickly moved into "Breaking the Silence" followed by "Walk in the Shadows" and "Warning".  From that self titled album with LaTorre on vocals we received "Where Dreams Go To Die" ahead of "Eyes of a Stranger".  The album that got me into Queensryche, Empire, was represented next by the title track and I noticed my friend Dwain Miller, Keel's drummer, down on the floor area.  I was able to sneak down to say hi and show him the almost completed Keel logo in my tattoo during "Queen of the Reich".  Knowing who was up next on the "Festival Stage" I took my leave early to empty and refuel beverages and pay an outrageous price for a crappy little burger as I listened to "Jet City Woman" and most of "Take Hold of the Flame" before making my way over the hill yet again.

Autograph at M3 Festival-photo by The Meister

The fourth of the top four bands that coerced me into my first M3 festival, Autograph, was next on the "Festival Stage".  Having seen Autograph at the MORC Pre-party and again aboard ship,

Steve Lynch-by Meister

something I'd been waiting all my life to see, I was not disappointed and had an even higher bar of expectation here at M3.  After a few sound check issues they were ready to go about five minutes late, blasting into "Deep End".  For this 2014 reincarnation of Autograph, Simon Daniels (Jailhouse) steps in to shoes left vacant by Steve Plunkett and handles the material with ease.  The omission of the keyboards and the addition of Simon's guitar results in a heavier, thicker sound on these tunes I've waited a long time to hear in a live setting.  Aside from Daniels the 2014 Autograph consists of Marc Wieland on drums and original members Steve Lynch on guitar and Randy Rand on bass.  "Dance All Night" followed and I had to ask (to myself) "is there anyone cooler than Randy Rand" as he danced around the stage decked out in black with dark sunglasses and a bright ear to ear smile.  "Loud and Clear" was delivered before "Bad Boy" which became dedicated to a few members of the band "who got sent to the back of the plane last night".  For the third time straight I was mesmerized by Lynch's playing prowess, while Autograph is not necessarily known for guitar shredding, Steve Lynch is drastically and criminally underrated.  During "Blondes in Black Cars", Femme Fatale bassist Janis Tanaka, who I saw at every show on MORC and even joked that she was stalking me,

Randy Rand-by Meister

 wormed her way through the crowd right past me, recognizing me and saying "hi".  After "Send Her to Me" it was time for the two songs that vocalist Simon Daniels claims are about the same guy, a loser, with "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend Isn't Me" and "She Never Looked That Good For Me".  "Crazy World" and of course the hit and best known song, "Turn Up The Radio", brought the curtain down on another awe inspiring although, once again too short, Autograph set.  I chuckled to myself as I reflected back to the Rockerz Gone Wild Pool Party II in Miami a few days before the Monsters of Rock Cruise where I witnessed a group of people (mostly ladies) clamoring for a photo with Simon Daniels while Steve Lynch stood right next to him!  As I proclaimed this to my friend at the time Steve quickly brought a finger up to his lips in the universal sign for "shhhh" as he enjoyed his drink and watched the spectacle.

While it is extremely rare that I say anything overly negative about a band's performance or recording, I have to be completely honest with my comments on the next band.  I was looking forward to the Sebastian Bach live set as it's something I'd not yet experienced.  I'll never make that mistake again!  Arriving during "Slave to the Grind" I was surprised to hear that the volume for this

Sebastian Bach-by Meister

performance was at a very minimum at least twice as loud as the other sets previous to them.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the loud volume and (perhaps stupidly) do not even use earplugs, but this just did not sound good to me at all.  I was unfamiliar with the second song played, probably from his latest offering that I have yet to pick up and am certainly not in a rush to do so after this set.  The arrogance that he displayed through every action and word was a disgusting display and a real turn off which included, but not limited to berating the audience during the start of Skid Row's "Big Guns" for being asleep.  The whole escapade was delivered against a backdrop to Sebastian Bach's Angel Down album cover....wait a minute didn't that get released in like 2007?  You would think he'd have something a little more current given that there was at least one other album after Angel Down as well as the new offering.  "18 and Life", "American Metalhead", "Monkey Business" and "All My Friends Are Dead" helped to fill the setlist.  After "I Remember You" I could no longer take the attitude from Bach and took my leave to head to L.A. Guns, hearing "Youth Gone Wild" as I made my escape.  Needless to say I much preferred the Johnny Solinger fronted version of Skid Row that I saw at Sweden Rock last year to this fiasco.  You should be happy that we're out there buying your music....oh that's right I recall your recent rant on the lacklustre first day sales of Give 'Em Hell....wonder why that is Sebastian?  Maybe we don't like being abused, it sure didn't entice me to ever give you a cent of my hard earned money!!

I had had the chance to see Phil Lewis and L.A. Guns on a few occasions through the Monsters of Rock Cruises and thought them to be an excellent live band.  Unfortunately on the 2013 Cruise guitarist Michael Grant had forgotten his passport and was denied embarkation, but the band

Phil Lewis-photo by Meister

soldiered on without him.  For 2014 he had his passport and was aboard, so I knew what to expect with the full band here a few weeks later at M3.  Wasting no time they fired off with "No Mercy" followed by "Sex Action" and "Never Enough".  "I Wanna Be Your Man" and "Over the Edge" came next as did the beginnings of raindrops.  Instantly recalling my ridiculous soaking from yesterday I was weary of the rain, but held my ground.  "Revolution", "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and the awesome "Eel Pie" from the latest release, Hollywood Forever, were all delivered flawlessly as the rain thickened.  Thinking the end was near (as every other set had been about 7-10 songs) I listened to "One More Reason" and "Electric Gypsy" during my retreat back over the hill in search of more over-priced and not very satisfying food and shelter from the rain.  I later found out that the Guns had squeezed twelve tracks into their set and I had missed "The Ballad of Jayne" and "Rip & Tear".

Seeing Night Ranger on the initial MOR Cruise is what made me take notice of them, previously not taking to their more poppy and commercial sounds (albeit I'd only heard a couple of radio hits).

Brad Gillis-photo by Meister

Brad Gillis seriously impressed me with his playing there and I was surprised to learn of his time in Ozzy's band in the past.  During that show, aside from "Crazy Train", they had also broken out some Damn Yankees material given that Jack Blades had been an integral component of that "supergroup".  "Touch of Madness" began the M3 show with "Sing Me Away" close behind.  I was not familiar with much of the set, but Night Ranger certainly displayed their ability to wield the instruments and much of the crowd was right along with them.  They Included "Coming of Age" and "High Enough" from the Damn Yankees catalog in the set as well as debuting a new track, "High Road", from an album to be issued on June 10, 2014.  Their best known work with "Sister Christian" and "(You Can Still) Rock in America" wrapped things up on a show that I'll be looking out for once again on MORC 2015.

I took this time to finally check out the VIP bar area that I had only briefly made my way into for beverage purchase until now.  By doing this I was missing Slaughter, which did not upset me in the least after their shows in Toronto in early April.  It is common knowledge that Mark Slaughter's voice is not what it used to be but that is not even my issue if he sings in a lower register.  At a $40 ticket price tag they played only an hour long set of 6 songs all of which were drawn out with lengthy instrument solos in the middle that in most cases did not even fit with the songs, creating a horrible snoozefest!

Jeff Keith-photo by Meister

Tesla was the final event of the 2014 M3, introduced by Eddie Trunk who declared that they would indeed be back for a fourth consecutive voyage on the Monsters of Rock Cruise in 2015.  In keeping with what seemed to be an M3 trend with many artists doing just this Tesla also debuted a new track from their forthcoming album.  On the cruise they had debuted "Ricochet", but here for the M3 crowd it was "MP3 (Too Much Technology)", another song that doesn't seem to deviate from their trademark formula, but that's not a bad thing by any means.  Tesla is somewhat of a miracle to see live, sounding bang on to the recordings in every time I've experienced the phenomenon.  The rest of the set filled around this new track included "I Wanna Live", "Hang Tough", "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)", "Mama's Fool", "Into the Now", "The Way It Is", "What You Give", "Love Song", "Signs", "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi".

And there we have my first (but definitely not last) M3 Festival of events with great friends from around the world and the music that we love.  Out of all 19 bands appearing at the festival I only missed two sets completely (Bad Seed Rising/Slaughter) and only one I didn't enjoy (Sebastian Bach).  For me as I had expected and looked forward to Keel, Heaven's Edge, Femme Fatale and Autograph were the stand out faves for me, but every band seemed to just have that little more kick in their step at this event......and now it's off to Sweden Rock in June, stay tuned!

Cheers,
The Meister

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Conversation with Mike Tramp - Episode 136

It's been 27 years since White Lion broke through into the public consciousness with 1987's 'Pride' album. Featuring a solid rhythm section of bassist James Lomenzo and drummer Greg D'Angelo joining virtuoso guitarist Vito Bratta, the band was fronted by a platinum blonde singer that not only had the right look for the era but also had a damn good singing voice that would reverberate through arenas across the world during the late 80's glam rock takeover. That singer is Mike Tramp.

The Danish-born front man fronted White Lion through a very successful run of albums from the previously-mentioned 'Pride' album through 1991's 'Mane Attraction.' The Seattle grunge movement eventually commanded a bigger spotlight and bands of White Lion's ilk were pushed aside; but Mike Tramp perservered, going on to form Freak of Nature and then release eight solo albums with 2013's 'Cobblestone Street ' being his most recent.

Mike Tramp has been on a US tour in 2014. Aided by only his guitar and a son he's been reconnecting with, Tramp is bringing an intimate experience for fans that includes White Lion classics and solo selections. Mike was nice enough to spend some time during his stop at the Rutledge in Nashville, TN talking to Aaron Camaro about the tour, the old days, and what it was like to be a part of the shifting sands of the early 1990's. Also included is a chat with two Mike Tramp die-hard fans about their expectations for the show as well as some of their favorite tracks from Tramp and White Lion.

The Decibel Geek podcast would like to thank The Rutledge LMV for their help in facilitating this interview.

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M3 Festival 2014 (Part #1).....Wonder if One of Those M's Stands For Meister?

 For a few years, basically since my first excursion on the high seas aboard The Monsters of Rock Cruise I had been hearing chatter about M3.  Just what the hell is M3 I wondered and took to a little
internet searching for my answers.  Why M3 is a wonderous little two day concert in Baltimore Maryland with some of my all time favorite and bucket list bands having appeared there over the past years.  At the urging of some of my cruise friends who also attend M3 I threw caution to the wind and made the call to go.  The morning that tickets went on sale I secured myself a single "best available" VIP ticket.  My confirmation, emailed to me, showed what row and seat I was in.  Hold on.....row and seat numbers?...isn't this a festival??  I was a little surprised and maybe weirded out by the seating at first but it all worked out very well once I was there.  The second stage was general admission (as I would expect based on my previous festival experiences) and the main stage was similar to, for those of you here in Toronto, The Molson Ampitheatre only on a little smaller scale.  This meant that I could get to the second (Festival) stage early for the chosen band I wanted to see and didn't have to leave the set early to rush for a close pole position on the main (Pavilion) stage which was nice.  The second stage is situated over the hill at the back of the uncovered general admission lawn section.

DAY #1-Thursday April 24, 2014

My first M3 event was the pre-party on the Thursday night at Sonoma's Bar & Grill presented by D-Toxin Productions.  Awesome local Toronto band Diemonds played this event last year and it's too bad that they weren't on the bill again, but Black Tora were listed and something that I was highly anticipating.  I'm not sure where or how I ended up with the 2009 Black Tora album Rise of the Tora way up here north of Toronto, but it is a revered particle of my vast music library.  Rounding out the five bands on the itinerary for the evening were Saints of Rebellion, Nasty Habit, Wicked and Station.    Saints of Rebellion I had seen at the Rockerz Gone Wild Pool Party II in Miami a few days before the Monsters of Rock Cruise, the rest I was unfamiliar with.  The bar was smaller than I had expected, to put it perspective again for those from Toronto, smaller than Rockpile West.  There was some merch for the bands set along the back wall next to the guy (Dave's Metal Magic Records) who was selling used CD's at a price of 5 for $20....better take a look see at his stock! Unfortunately my camera was not working and so I'm left with no photos for this occasion aside from a couple that were sent to me by friends.

Saints of Rebellion were great at the Rockerz Gone Wild Pool Party II and were again here although from the section of the bar that I was in, off to the right side, the sound was a little muffled and dull as we were sort of hidden around a corner.  The sound was much better as you moved in front of the stage more in line with the PA speakers.  Never the less they were enjoyable and I look forward to some recorded material from them.

Wicked graced the stage next  from New York, New York.  All sporting bleach blonde hair and a hugely glammy look, very Motley Crue somehow, they were also very good and had me hooked by the third and fourth song.  Wicked's sound was a little more my traditional style as compared to the more modern sound of Saints of Rebellion and I hope there's some of Wicked's recorded material out there for purchase.

The main event for me was on deck and I deserted my friends and our table in favor of a spot directly in front of the stage for Black Tora's set.  Earlier while dropping my purchased CD's (thanks Dave!) in my friend's car I noticed a band unloading equipment from a van in the parking lot that possessed Texas license plates.  Turns out that Black Tora DROVE to the gig here!  Over 2000 miles, now that's dedication!  They played "Never Enough", "Wild Child", "Stealing

Artwork for Black Tora's new album

 Thunder" and "Hearts On Fire" from that Rise of the Tora album along with "Raise Your Fists" and "Shadows of the Night" from the Raise Your Fists EP that proudly made its way home to Toronto with me.  The EP also contains "Never Enough" and "Wild Child", but there is a new album on the way and you can hear the debut single "Fuel My Hunger" here and to check out what I'm buzzing about here's the official HD video for "Never Enough".  They did not disappoint, I can't wait for the new album and I wish that I had more opportunity to see them live again.....Toronto boys? (hey I can hope can't I?)

Geno Arce with The Meister and some cruise friends

Having come fully awake and once again feeling alive thanks to Black Tora's awesome set I was pumped for the next band, Nasty Habit.  Shortly after I returned to the table Geno Arce, bassist for Keel, arrived with some friends.  Having met Geno previously he shook my hand and checked out the tattoo progress (my full sleeve depicting a guitar case with the logos of about 30 of my favorite bands "stickered" on it, in which Keel does appear).  Unfortunately my stupid camera was malfunctioning and so the photo of Geno pointing at the Keel name in my tattoo was lost, but I do have this group shot with some other friends.  My friends and hotel mates were feeling the effects of the travel and decided to depart, but I elected to stay and cab it home later on. 

Nasty Habit took the stage and sounded good also possessing an 80's style.  The drummer was sporting a Black Tora shirt which I though was rather cool and he was putting on a bit of a show, standing on his drums cheering on the crowd.  Not to be outdone the vocalist spent some time in the crowd and on top of the bar at the back during one song.  Definitely another band to search out and keep an eye on once I return home, but right now with my energy suddenly awash, I had trouble focusing on their full set and thought that I should have bailed with the rest of the gang.

Trying to push through I lasted about two songs into Station's set before I threw in the towel and had to grab a cab back to the hotel, calling it a night.  All in all a very successful event presented by D-Toxin Productions (D-Toxin Website)

DAY #2-Friday April 25, 2014

Just what I was looking forward to seeing for the afternoon of the big event...torrential downpours of rain!!  After a morning spent on breakfast and lounging at the hotel it was off to Red Lobster for dinner before heading over to the park for the evenings festivities.  The schedule released a few days prior to departure showed the events getting under way at 5:10pm with Bad Seed Rising, a

band I was totally unfamiliar with.  Unfortunately I was to remain unfamiliar as by the time we completed the feed bag excursion, ran a couple of errands, parked and got into the park we completely missed them.  The biggest issue now however was the steadily growing harder rain falling as we collected will call tickets and entered the gates.  Amongst the food/beer stands and Merchandise booth that we passed heading towards the covered pavilion was, stretching up the hill a long line of soggy rockers.  That's the VIP package pick up line I was told, which was split into three sections by thirds of the alphabet.  Of course A-H was at least twice as long as the other two and where I needed to be, just my luck sometimes.  However it turned out that my camera condescended to work today, but complained about the formatting of the card!  At least I was able to capture a few photos.

Winger took stage while I became more and more drenched in the line and I could view them on the large television screen high on the side of the pavilion's roof while I continued to get waterlogged shuffling closer and closer to my goal.  After being unable to catch a complete Winger set aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise it seemed that I still wouldn't fully enjoy their live experience as I listened

Winger-photo by The Meister

to "Pull Me Under", "Blind Revolution Mad", "Easy Come, Easy Go", "Rat Race", "Headed for a Heartbreak", "Can't Get Enough" and "Down Incognito".  Yes that's how long I stood there with lukewarm rain pelting me and running down into my underwear, methinks a better system next year or had I known better I just would have picked up my package after the rain ceased!  After braving the downpour I made it under the shelter of the pavilion in time for "Madeline" and "Seventeen", my two favorite Winger songs next to "Junkyard Dog".  They had sounded decent out there, but even better in here and judging by the reactions of the crowd it was a great set.

Lita Ford was our next performer, opening with a cover of Elton John's "The Bitch is Back".  Some sound issues hampered the song as although Lita was obviously singing the lyrics no sound emanated from the speakers.  Quickly rectified a few moments into the song, the show kept rolling forward with "Hungry" and "Relentless" before Lita announced that she had a surprise coming up for us and launched into "Gotta Let Go".  I didn't think that was much of a surprise as she had also

Lita Ford, Cherie Currie & Mitch Perry-photo by The Meister

played the song when I saw her on 2013's Monsters of Rock Cruise.  What did surprise me was that her vocals seemed a little "off" to me, like she was always struggling to catch up with the music.  The actual surprise was revealed during the next selection of "Living Like a Runaway" when Runaways lead vocalist Cherie Currie joined the stage about half way through the song.  Three Runaways songs came next with Cherie and Lita singing together for "Queens of Noise", "American Nights" and the sing along "Cherry Bomb" which had everyone in the crowd doing just that.  During the whole Runaways segment I kept watching and waiting to see Joan Jett next on the heels of the photo of the three of them that was circulating social media just a couple of days ago, but it wasn't to be.  The special guests were however not quite over for Lita's set, but before that we were all singing along to the hit duet originally recorded with Ozzy Osbourne, "Close My Eyes Forever".  "Kiss Me Deadly" shut things down complete with Robert Mason, vocalist for Warrant entering about a minute into the song, hanging his jacket on a mike stand.  I got the impression that it was not a planned/rehearsed event as Mason looked a little awkward and confused even erroneously dropping the mike at one point.

Spotting a cruise friend, of which there are many here, I joined him and his wife in their box not far away from my stadium seat.  I'm rather surprised at just how many people I know here at M3 and it's nice to see that I belong in this community.  We enjoyed some beverages and caught up a little waiting for Extreme.  I was looking forward to this set as I was a huge Extreme fan when they first issued the debut followed by Pornograffitti, but don't have much time for their subsequent efforts.  I first became introduced to Extreme through the film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure when I purchased the soundtrack containing "Play With Me".  Opening with "Decadence Dance"

Extreme-photo by The Meister

directly followed by "Kid Ego", the whole band was sounding great.  By "It ('s a Monster)" the memories were flooding back as I enjoyed a moment of reliving my youth in my head with all the Extreme concerts, getting them to autograph my vinyl copy of Extreme and the Pornograffitti VHS tape that I played so much I wore a hole through it.  "Rest in Peace" was next and really isn't a bad song, however I began to lose interest during "Am I Ever Gonna Change", as I said I'm not a fan of the III Sides to Every Story album.  My attention was instantly recaptured with the surprise that they were playing "Play With Me" next, I hadn't expected to hear it!  Awesome song and they executed it really well although my neck would be rather sore for days to come afterwards.  The stools were brought out now, signalling that it was time for "More Than Words" which was trailed by "Cupid's Dead" and the short instrumental "Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee".  "Get the Funk Out" came next, but I could no longer wait and had some business to attend to so I listened as I headed out for the washrooms.  Along the way I ran into a cruise friend from Brasil!  Surprised at seeing each other we exchanged quick greetings and moved forward, I was back in position for the completion of "Get the Funk Out" and in time for the finale of "Hole Hearted" which had absolutely everyone on their feet singing along. 

Brian Forsythe of KIX-photo by The Meister

The headliner KIX delivered a set to this "hometown" crowd that had them all on their feet, hanging on vocalist Steve Whiteman's every word.  "Can't Stop the Show" started the event which saw KIX classics and staples such as "No Ring Around Rosie", "The Itch", "Girl Money", "Don't Close Your Eyes", "Rock & Roll Overdose", "Cold Blood" and "Blow My Fuse" all delight the audience.  We also got a surprise, at least for me that I'd not heard in a live KIX show previously with "Body Talk" from the Cool Kids release.  The awesome new track "Love Me With Your Top Down" from the forthcoming album , their first in something like nineteen years is an excellent composition holding true to the trademark KIX sound.  KIX has never disappointed me in the times that I have seen them, in fact it was their infectious live performance that elevated me from "casual two album owning fan" to "rabid entire discography owning fan" on the inaugural Monsters of Rock Cruise in 2012.  My hotel mates and I decided to take our leave after "Blow My Fuse" foregoing the encores to get a good spot at Clyde's, the bar that I'm told you HAVE to be at after the show.

Making friends with Steve Whiteman on the screen behind us

Clyde's was a great experience as well, totally packed with concert goers and artists all mingling together.  I enjoyed some dinner while meeting new friends and chatting with old for a couple of hours after the day's events, but again the waves of exhaustion began to set in.  I collected my belongings from the hotel room and moved residence to stay with my friend from Toronto who had just arrived today.  Finally warm and dried out I was asleep quickly, knowing that tomorrow was another long, rock filled day.

Cheers,
The Meister

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Vinnie Vincent Special part 5 with Andre Labelle (135)

Sometimes going back on your word can be a good thing......

This week we present you with the 5th installment of our Vinnie Vincent Special. Joining us for this discussion is drummer Andre Labelle of The Sky. Andre was tapped by Vinnie to drum on the still-not-officially released album Guitars from Hell that was recorded over a period of 1989 through 1992. In this discussion you'll hear the whole story of how the project was started, the interesting ways that Vinnie would decide on equipment,recording techniques, and the circumstances that led to the album being shelved.

During this discussion Andre also shares some interesting insight into Vinnie's brief reconciliation with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and his work with them on the then-in-production 'Revenge' album as well as Vinnie's influence going beyond the songwriting for the album.

Guitars from Hell has leaked in-part online over the past few years in the form of rough demos; many of which feature Vincent re-recording all the tracks using a drum machine in Labelle's place. In this discussion, Andre shares his feelings about this and confirms that more than the 8 leaked songs do exist.

Fan-created artwork

Along with Andre, the Guitars from Hell album featured the return of original Vinnie Vincent Invasion vocalist  and current Sky front man Robert Fleischman. During this talk, Andre shares the working dynamic between the vocalist and guitarist and how things didn't always go very smoothly yet still yielded an incredible technical performance out of all parties.

The Sky recently released their second full-length album, 'Majestic.' The band is rounded out by bassist Steve Barber and guitarist Ryan Lake.

As we did in part 3 of the Vinnie Vincent Special with Robert Fleischman, all music clips in the epiosde come from the 'Majestic' album. We encourage you to support this band by purchasing the album HERE.

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Meister's Monsters of Rock Cruise 2014 #17-Tuesday (The Final Hurrah, A Full Day At Sea)

*****Wow, these daily diaries take a ton of work especially trying to hold down a bill paying job!  I once again apologize for the lateness of this post, the events of which actually occurred on April 1, 2014.*****

And here we go, finally, with the last day of the 2014 Monsters of Rock Cruise: Escape to Monster Island which consisted of a full day of rocking out in the open waters.

After breakfast in the buffet I enjoyed the brilliant sunshine on the pool deck and some breakfast beverages with friends new and old.  Everything today was thrown to the wind.  The schedule was once again jam packed with rock concerts and special events but for me, aside from my main goal of catching the final Tyketto performance, the idea was just to go with the flow (and burn through the rather massive amount of drink tickets that I had remaining).  As my drinking vessel for the day I broke out my 1983 Metal Health Rock Cup.  A convenience store in Canada had produced this collector cup, provided with the purchase of a slushie beverage, your choice of Quiet Riot, Huey Lewis, Men At Work and more.  This thin plastic cup had survived since then in my collection of junk and was perfect for today's second Quiet Riot show on the boat.  Two friends from the "EH" Team approached as I sampled from my QR cup and enjoying the sun with some fellow cruisers, thrusting a book in front of me and asking if that was me as they pointed to a spot in the photo.  The book that they held was the cruise memory book from 2013's voyage containing photos from that cruise and yes, it was indeed me they were pointing out.  At the sail away concert held by Tesla everyone is to wear a black t-shirt and the cruise takes a "blackout" photo looking out from the stage.  I guess I hadn't had time to return to my cabin to change and therefore caused a little inadvertent Decibel Geek promo....lol.  Well now I have to buy the damn book don't I and I even autographed someone's!

Meister & Minoru Niihara of Loudness

It seemed that many artists were out enjoying the day as well and I secured some photos with some great artists like Brad Lang (Y&T

Meister with Roxy & Janet of Vixen

bassist), Minoru Niihara (Loudness vocalist), Roxy Petrucci and Janet Gardner (Vixen drums and vocalist) and Nick Douglas (Doro bassist).  When I told Janet that I was looking forward to seeing them in Toronto she immediately replied "At The Rockpile right?", impressing me that she remembered the name of our beloved little Toronto rock club.

Great White had been due on the pool deck at 11:45am and was a bit late getting going as a friend approached announcing that there had been a water pipe burst and The Charm City Devils show also at 11:45am in the Pantheon Theatre had been cancelled due to flooding.  As he ventured off to investigate the situation it seemed to me that something did not sit quite right with that story, but no matter, back to my Quiet Riot cup (who had already been drained and replenished on

Terry Illous-photo by Brian Ronald

several occasions).  Great White got under way and we rocked out in the sunshine near the back of the pool deck chatting and spotting more artists.  Front man Terry Illous came on stage decked out in a red Canada t-shirt as they opened with "Shot in the Dark".  "Lady Red Light", "(I've Got) Something For You", "House of Broken Love", "Desert Moon", "Can't Shake It", "Rock Me" and "Once Bitten Twice Shy" all graced the set list along with "Save Your Love" for which they were joined on stage by Gabbie Rae.  Just 15 years of age Gabbie Rae was added to the cruise roster late in the game and had many cruisers talking about her fantastic voice.  I had not been able to catch her performances yet aside from this one, but I would suspect from her popularity that she will be returning next year and she's certainly on my "hit list" so to speak.  My friend returned to the group from his exploratory mission into the burst water pipe looking a little forlorn.  Yes that's right, today is April first and he'd been had in an April Fool's joke, chin up my friend we've a full day of rockin' ahead of us!

Tyketto's Danny Vaughn-photo by Brian Ronald

Getting carried away with my Quiet Riot cup I was already "off to the races" as they say and I chatted with some friends, posed for pictures and therefore did exactly what I did not want to do!  I was late for Tyketto!  Missing only the first song I breezed into the Black & White Lounge and wormed my way up front near keyboardist Ged Rylands.  "Rescue Me", "Faithless", "Seasons" and the appropriate "Sail Away" all had me dancing and singing along word for word.  Trouble was that in my haste I had failed to make the all important pit stop on the way down here!  With the pressure already mounting to the unbearable level I relinquished my spot during "Catch My Fall" to take care of business.  Feeling relieved and stopping to pose for a quick photo with some "EH" Team friends in the hallway, I was back inside in time for the start of "Dig In Deep".  Content to hang near the back of the audience with fellow Decibel Geek Kate

Meister talking with Danny Vaughn

Campbell on my return, "Lay Your Body Down", "Standing Alone", "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Forever Young" wrapped up another wicked show from Tyketto.  For this show the crowd seemed thicker no doubt due in part to the buzz created after their first stellar performance.  The crowd was also peppered with several of Tyketto's peer artists wanting to witness the phenomenon I imagine.  When I saw their first performance it was only the third live act that I'd seen aboard 2014's Monsters of Rock Cruise at the time and I then and there called it "The Best Show on the Boat" and I hold true to that statement on this last day of our voyage.  Realizing that the band were coming out to greet the fans and sign merchandise I rushed back up to my cabin to retrieve the Tyketto DVD that I'd purchased on board immediately after the first show.  I was able to have keyboardist Ged Rylands, bassist Jimi Kennedy and vocalist Danny Vaughn autograph my DVD, a photo with Danny and a chance to tell them all that they were the best show on the boat.  I seriously look forward to the next opportunity to see the live Tyketto experience!

Being "Forever Young" with a Toronto friend and Tyketto

Still reeling from Tyketto's show, I lingered a few minutes while other friends spoke to Danny and a

Meister, Frankie Banali & the QR cup

large group shot of some of the audience took place.  I noticed Frankie Banali entering the lounge and I approached him displaying my choice of drinking vessel for the day.  He responded with a rather surprised "What the hell is that?" as I explained the cup's original purpose and history.  A convenience store in Canada had offered a selection of "Rock Cups" with the purchase of a large slushie drink back in 1983.  The choices of cups were Men At Work's Business As Usual, Huey Lewis' Sports and Quiet Riot's Metal Health among others.  On the back side of the cups were the band members and their birthdays along with a short blurb on the band or album.  Saying he'd never seen anything like that before he happily posed for a shot of him and I with the cup.

Meister and Ron Keel

After dropping the DVD back in the cabin I made my way up the stairs on a trail to the buffet and some sustenance to soak up the already over indulged evils of the Quiet Riot cup.  On the very first cruise in 2012 I had abandoned waiting for the elevators as they are often slow to arrive and crowded, plus I could use the workout that the stairs offered and it's quicker to get from place to place.  On this occasion I'm sure glad that I did!  As I emerged onto the pool deck/buffet level I was greeted by Ron Keel with an acoustic guitar surrounded by cruisers in the small lobby space between the elevators and the stairs.  My memory is a little fuzzy but I'm pretty sure that he was playing KISS' "Hard Luck Woman" as I crested the stairs and onto the scene.  A gentleman with Ron explained to me that he had wanted to do elevator karaoke and just ride up and down singing for the patrons using the elevator, but it had gotten too hot in there.  I'm glad that it did or I might have missed this truly unique experience that could only take place on MORC!  After "Because the Night" Ron graciously posed for a photo with my damn near completed Keel portion of my tattoo that he saw in it's infancy at last year's awesome day with Keel (The Meister's "Right to Rock" with Keel).

Meister with Terry Illous

Before I got to the buffet it was again time to refuel the Quiet Riot cup and a chance meeting with Terry Illous.  I asked Terry why the Canada shirt and he explained that he loved Canada and had many friends there, a very pleasant person to talk to I wished him well and thanked him for his music.  Arriving in the buffet I joined some other "EH" Teamers and wolfed down some of the better than past cruises lunch fare.  Our conversation, as always aboard ship, consisted mostly of what shows we had seen, experiences we had had and what we were planning for later in the day.  Some good laughs with new friends and I'm looking forward to making The "EH" Team bigger and better for 2015!

Time now to join the huge cattle herding line for the meet & greet.  I don't usually attend these events as I prefer the impromptu encounters around the ship where you have more of a chance to chat and offer to purchase a drink even, but the one person that I had wanted to meet more than any other aboard this year was Doro Pesch.  Although I had seen Nick Douglas and Johnny Dee I had not seen her around and was therefore forced into the meet & greet session.  There were six bands grouped into this event with Dangerous Toys, Vixen, KIX, Winger and Dio Disciples joining Doro.  While a friend and I waited in line under the scorching rays of the caribean sun chatting with fellow cruisers, he deemed it time to replenish our fluid supply.  Right then and there my heart sank!  I had left my Quiet Riot cup in the buffet during the lunch experience!  The thing had survived in my possession since 1983, but now has become a casualty of the Monsters of Rock Cruise and I only hope that some fellow cruiser found it and can enjoy the cup rather than it going into the garbage by a buffet worker.  At least it was showcased in a photo with Frankie Banali, its purpose served I shed no tears for my cup.

Meister with Dangerous Toys

My buddy and I each posed for shots with the bands, offering only a quick hello as we were fast onto the next.  While I posed for the Dangerous Toys photo I jokingly commented "I hope no-one's Sport'n A Woody now!" eliciting a laugh from all.  As we were walking away I told the Scott Dallover borrowing my sunglasses story to my friend and Scott overheard me.  Waving me back he said "Thanks for being so cool about that" and passed me a guitar pic, telling me to hunt him down later and he'd autograph them for me.  I took a few extra seconds with Doro whether I was supposed to or not I didn't much care!  Johnny Dee recognized me and welcomed me as I displayed

Meister with Doro and the band

the Doro and Warlock names appearing in my tattoo, let her know that I had been waiting since 1986 to meet her and thanked her for playing on the cruise.  After asking where I was from she said that they hoped to be back in Toronto soon.  The Vixen ladies were also very friendly and once again I can't wait for their Toronto show and hopefully a chance to sit down with one or more of them for an interview even.  KIX, Winger and Dio Disciples looked less into it which I can certainly understand after they'd been standing there for a long time already, but they were all smiles when the flash went off.  For all my moaning and groaning, these meet & greets are actually pretty fun.

Billy Sheehan & Meister

Losing my friend as he went another direction, I was off to Femme Fatale's set in the Black & White Lounge, pausing on the way for a selfie photo with the great bassist Billy Sheehan.  A ton of folks are touting the virtues of the Winery Dogs album, but I personally can't grasp it.  With the star power in that outfit this record should surely be the greatest thing that I've ever heard, but it just isn't in my mind, although I'd certainly never tell the artists that.  All three in the band Richie Kotzen, Mike Portnoy and Billy Sheehan have been involved in some of the best albums in my collection and my respect for each goes without saying.  I'll keep trying to get into the record when I return home, but I make no promises.

Lorraine Lewis & Katt Scarlett-photo by Meister

Disappointingly arriving on the late side for Femme Fatale, I came in and once again weasled my way near the front as they were playing "Back in Your Arms Again".  This is one of my favorite bands on the cruise to see live.  It doesn't hurt that Femme Fatale consists of five gorgeous ladies, but the songs from the one and only (released) Femme Fatale album are catchy and these ladies exude an energy on stage that affects the whole audience.  They all obviously love doing this, especially front woman and only original member Lorraine Lewis who has certainly taken care of herself over the years.  From my experiences in seeing Femme Fatale they are a great fun party band and their set should have you up and dancing!  The ladies burned through the

Nita Strauss-photo by Meister

remainder of that Femme Fatale record with "Touch & Go", "Cradle's Rockin'", "Rebel", "If", "Heat The Fire", "Fortune & Fame" (my personal favorite Femme track, that they only played live for the first time at the other show two nights ago) and "Waiting For the Big One".  The final song of their set was a cover of KISS" "Lick It Up", meaning that I had missed the songs "Falling In & Out Of Love" and "My Baby's Gun".  During "Lick It Up" keyboardist Katt Scarlett waved me to join her on stage to sing with the band as the rest of the members had done with other crowd members.  I politely (maybe drunkenly) waved no thanks (I thought I was just doing everyone a service as I'm rather tone deaf and therefore nobody wants to hear me sing), but she insisted and so I relented.  It was seriously a lot of fun up there singing one of my favorite 80's era KISS songs and I offer a special thanks to Katt and Femme Fatale for making my cruise all that much more special (hopefully I didn't damage anyone's ear drums).  I haven't had the time as of yet to search, but I'm hoping that there may even be some You-tube footage of the event.

Rockin' on stage with Katt Scarlett and Femme Fatale for KISS' "Lick It Up"

Chuck Wright & Meister

My attempt to make it back up to the pool deck to try and catch the end of Quiet Riot's second show was thwarted as I stopped to grab some drinks and photos with friends.  I also ran into Loudness drummer Masayuki Suzuki, who I'm not sure understood a word as I tried to say awesome shows and looking forward to the new album.  He definitely got the gist when I held up the camera though!  I did however manage to secure bass maestro Chuck Wright for a photo of him pointing at the Quiet Riot portion of my tattoo!  After some laughs there and loosely listening to the raffle draw for the Harley Davidson Motorcycle, which I didn't win, it was down into the depths once more for the KiLLeR DWaRfS third event of the cruise.

Kate & Meister

I planted myself up front for the show next to fellow Decibel Geek and first time cruiser Kate Campbell near bassist Johnny DWaRf, who was sporting his "EH" Team shirt for the occasion.  The DWaRfS rocked the place with songs like "Comin' Through", "Hard Luck Town", "Last Laugh", "Driftin' Back", "Union of Pride", "Start @ One", "Stand Tall" and "Keep the Spirit Alive" among others.  Not one to be contained on this tiny little stage in the Black & White Lounge, at one point Russ had entered the crowd, singing as he circulated the entire place.

Russ "DWaRf" Graham

Looking around at that point I also noticed once again Janis Tanaka, bassist for Femme Fatale, in the audience.  Seems that she's at every show that I am, maybe she's stalking me...lol.  How it transpired I'm not exactly sure but a full tray of tequila shots purchased by a friend of Kate and I's made it's way to the stage for the band at another point in the show, but one of the highlights for Kate and I was the team Canada shirt.  Today aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise was themed "Sports Night" where cruisers are encouraged to support their favorite sports team with shirts, hats and so forth.  Kate had worn her Team Canada hockey jersey and brought a second one which made it's way onto the stage for Russ to don during the final songs of the set.

No lies be told, the beverage intake was taking it's toll on my memory by this point as I hit up the Golden Acoustic Lounge for a little of Vixen's set.  Not being a particular fan of acoustical performances personally, I lingered for only "Edge of a Broken Heart" and "Cryin'" before moseying forward and back to the fresh sea air offered by the pool deck.

Randy Rand & Meister

I vaguely remember being back in the Black & White Lounge for a little of Red Dragon Cartel's second show and other than that bits and pieces of partying on the pool deck with fellow cruisers and artists until the wee hours of the morning.  I do remember talking to Autograph's Randy Rand and I really look forward to seeing them again in Toronto May 10, 2014.

Well, that basically ends the 2014 Monsters of Rock Cruise: Escape to Monster Island for The Meister.  Once again, for the third year in a row, surpassing my expectations and creating lifetime memories.  The folks at MORC and On The Blue presented another awesome experience and I take this moment to thank them, from creator Larry Morand, to Mery and Susan in the office, to all the crew involved in this massive project.  All of the bands that I saw brought their performances to another level and I can't wait to see what 2015's cruise holds in store for The Meister.  Will I see you there?

Cheers,
The Meister (MORC'er for life!)

(The Meister on Facebook) (Meister on Twitter)

 *****Once again extreme thanks to my friend Brian Ronald for the use of his awesome photography.  From now on Brian you MUST attend only the shows that I do so I don't have to use my own photos which quite obviously pale in comparison to your work, Cheers!*****