Episode 88 - Monsters of Rock Cruise Memories

Back in March of 2013, Decibel Geek writer Rich "Meister" Dillon attended the Monsters of Rock Cruise. But, his reporting on the events and artists of this tour-de-rock on the seas goes back further than that. Remembering how great a time he had on the 2012 Cruise, Meister started his "Views of the Cruise" series in advance, interviewing artists that would be aboard as well as giving previews of the bands playing. Of course, while on the cruise, Meister kept a diary and reported back to us at DBG headquarters. In all, the Views of the Cruise series swelled to 19 volumes!  Aaron and Chris were so impressed with Rich's amazing documentation of the MOR Cruise that we wanted to give our listeners a first-hand account from Meister himself. So, Rich sent us his Monsters of Rock Cruise Top 20 Memories and we got him on the horn (ie. Skype) from Canada to recount his days of debauchery on the high seas. Below you will see the actual Top 20 that Meister sent us so you can read along with us as we recount his Monsters of Rock Cruise Memories.   20-The whole damn thing!   19-JSRG(Vixen)-The biggest pleasant surprise of the cruise. They were astoundingly awesome at the pre party show. I did not expect them to rock like that! Gina is an excellent guitar player and there was a decided absence of the keyboards that make the records kind of flaccid. Their pool stage set was the same although you could see they were tired (it was a 1am show). These girls kicked my ass!   18-The guy at the pool party who started at a $20 offer for my 20 year old Four Horsemen t-shirt and was up to $115 when his wife dragged him away. Talking to same guy at Saxon pool deck show, laughing about shirt I pass him a card and he stops and looks at me and says "are you The Meister? I've been following your blog!" Holy crap....lol   17-Helix-my fellow countrymen always put on a great show and they rocked the Zebra Lounge Set on the last day.   16-Keel-both of their shows aboard ship in the Theatre and Zebra Lounge. Awesome band live. Other performers often join the stage for Right to Rock-Zebra was Steve Riley and Lita Ford, theatre was Oz Fox, Brian Vollmer, Ted Poley and Jason McMaster. Many pics from all players too and autographed set list.   15-Making tons of new friends in the rock & roll party environment and meeting and chatting however briefly with performers like Jason McMaster, Share Ross, Nikki Blakk, Russ Dwarf, Brian, Kaleb and Fritz of Helix, Lorraine Lewis, Courtney Cox, Graham Bonnet, Nigel, Biff, Doug and Paul of Saxon, Dave Meniketti, Gina Stile, Georg and Brian of Rhino Bucket, Maz Mazza, Pat Fontaine and of course Ron, Dwain, Geno, Brian and Marc of Keel.   14-Alcatrazz-also a surprise. They were quite good both shows in the theatre and the Zebra. I would certainly go see them again if I had the opportunity.   13-TNT-their show in the theatre was surprisingly awesome. I was not sure what to expect and they were great. I caught a bit of their second set another day in the Zebra Lounge and they were not as good. Singer Tony Mills looked angry or drunk not sure.   12-My "in progress" sleeve tattoo-a guitar case with all my favourite band logos. Keel, Saxon, Russ Dwarf and Helix all took pictures of their logo and asked for pics when it's finished. Dave Meniketti looked unimpressed, but he was extremely drunk at the time.   11-Having the pleasure of introducing Dwain Miller (Keel drummer) to his hero, Nigel Glockler (Saxon drummer). A fun night drinking with Nigel and Biff and Doug of Saxon, Dave Meniketti, Ron, Geno and Dwain of Keel. Watching the two drummers chat and also watching Ron Keel interview Biff Byford for his radio show.   10-DangerousToys-closing the pool stage. Many are putting them up as the best show on the boat, incredible, yes but I think Saxon was better. I was distracted by beers and a young lady during this set however, so I may not have been paying full attention.   9-The Mojito Bar-on the top deck this is the spot to be late at night after all the performances as cruisers and performers alike drink until the wee hours, especially on the last night aboard ship.   8-Loudness-I only caught half to 3/4 of this show on the pool deck and I'm not a huge fan of their newer material, but they were unbelievably tight and Akira Takasaki's solos were blistering. They sounded awesome. Also a highlight-Akira Takasaki's hair!   7-Breasts-A young lady asking me to autograph her breasts before the first Saxon show. I don't know if she thought I was someone important, but I happily obliged. Also another young lady in a teal blue bathing suit exposing her magnificent breasts to a crowd of male onlookers during Cinderella and friends!   6-Y&T-their show the first night on the pool deck is something I have long looked forward to, tragically missing them last year. They were blistering and as their latest album says, Facemelting. Also leaning on front of stage for this show.   5-The AC/DC Beer Can Guy-this is a bit of nonsense, but still fun and a cool idea. AC/DC marketed a beer and this guy has started a FB page and is taking the empty AC/DC brand beer can to see the world. I met the can and had my pic with it. It has been as far as the south pole to date.   4-RhinoBucket-both of their shows in the small Zebra and Pigalle Lounges were flawless. Straight ahead rock, no gimmicks, call themselves "The last real rock & roll band". Got Forsythe pics and drumstick at Zebra show.   3-The island of Coco Cay-I'm not an overly "beach type" of guy, but this place was beautiful and quiet, private for our cruise ship. It was great to see stars like members of Helix, Keel, Queensryche, Wendy Dio, Loudness, Femme Fatale and others enjoying themselves on the beach.   2-Keel-riding in a limo with 3 of them to watch their rehearsal prior to cruising and singing a line of Speed Demon with Ron and later Right to Rock with Brian Jay. Totally incredible day!   1-Saxon-their show on the pool deck on Sunday-I was front row, leaning on the stage and lost my voice after that show. They were awesome, borderline erotic! If you've been won over, book your spot on the 2014 Monsters of Rock Cruse HERE! Monsters of Rock Cruise Official Facebook Page Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351