Yes, Randy Hanson was there, and as you say, he was as close as you can get. Had to do both shows outside, as it was as loud as a departing jet. Would definitely use ear plugs next time, as there were some hot spots on the deck that would crack glass. Although I didn’t elaborate, some of the lesser known acts were hugely entertaining. Another trio called Heavy Mellow play 80s heavy metal to Spanish flamenco guitars. Sounds weird at first, but they not only pulled it off, but it didn’t get repetitious. Two other acts I forgot about – Mostly ELO, and Lighthouse. Both great performances.
From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of JAMES STRAUSS
Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2014 6:37 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Prog Cruise
I picked up the advertisement/card for this cruise when I saw the MB here in my town recently.
Did Randy Hansen perform?
What I have seen on Youtube has been astounding....he even osunds like Jimi Hendrix when he is talking....
Reporting back from ‘Moody Blues Cruise’, in case anyone interested. Overall, a nice experience, although without the other acts, I would have been very disappointed as MB did not seem up for the event excepting for the talking sessions. Not the best I have seen them. The Zombies were great, Daltry’s voice is shot, but the show was excellent nevertheless. Little River Band – excellent, Strawbs – dull, IMHO, but never much of a fan, and Carl Palmer, who basically played ELP stuff (notable KE9, and Knife Edge with electric guitar and bass. The guitarist actually played Keith solos on guitar as fast and actually quite well, but the bass blew me away. Somehow he managed to make the thing sound like B3, chords and all. The stuff got a little disjointed to the exuberance all, but it was still amazing. The ship was MSC Divina, and the day we docked (Monday), it was being turned around for the ‘Cruise to the Edge’. Rumor has it that MB cruise was 75% booked (2600) and some were offered the Yes cruise for only another $250, as bookings were down. Would I do this again? Only if the backup acts were like these. MB displayed ‘airs’ about them not seen by any other act, Daltry included and it was a turnoff.
Sorry for the tome….cheers.
I'd rather go see 'The Edge On Ice'. I don't like those cruise boats.
On Dec 2, 2013, at 10:18 PM, Tony Moffett wrote:
Indeed Fritz and they ARE very talented!
jeez! They're not THAT old!! :>)
fritz
Sounds like a possibility. I did a cruise to Newport Jazz Festival years back on QE2 and that was a blast. This looks like a good opportunity to see some of these people before they ‘cruise’ to the great beyond. Thanks for the heads up.