monster rock cruise 2023

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2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise Lineup: Tesla, Mac Sabbath, Queensrÿche, and More

The post 2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise Lineup: Tesla, Mac Sabbath, Queensrÿche, and More appeared first on Consequence .

The lineup for the 2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise has been announced, featuring ’80s hard rock and metal acts like Tesla , Queensrÿche , Winger, and Extreme, along with newer outfits like Mac Sabbath (the McDonald’s-themed Black Sabbath cover band), Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, and more.

The ship, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, will set sail April 29th from Port Canaveral, Florida, and make stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and the Private Isle of Labadee before returning to the Florida port on May 4th. With a theme of “They Came From Outer Space,” the boat ride will feature performances from more than 35 acts.

Among the other acts on the bill are Michael Schenker, Saxon, Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, DORO, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, JKIX, Loudness, Rose Tattoo, Stryper, John Corabi, and more.

Along with the music, additional activities include Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, Painting With Rock Stars, Rock Stars vs Average Joe’s Basketball, and more. Radio personality Eddie Trunk will serve as the official cruise host.

Booking info can be found at the official Monsters of Rock Cruise website .

Editor's Pick

Mac Sabbath Announce Fall 2022 US Tour

Meanwhile, another event featuring a slew of ’80s metal artists was also recently announced. The 2022 Monsters on the Mountain festival will take place August 19th-21st at The Gatlinburg Convention Center in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Among the acts playing the three-day event are Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Night Ranger, Extreme, Queensrÿche, Quiet Riot, Stryper, Kix, Firehouse, and more. Tickets are available here .

See the lineup posters for both the 2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise and the 2022 Monsters on the Mountain festival below.

2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise Lineup: Tesla, Mac Sabbath, Queensrÿche, and More Spencer Kaufman

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Check out the lineup for the 2023 monsters of rock cruise.

The annual Monsters of Rock Cruise, the world’s premier hard rock and heavy metal experience at sea, is returning for its eleventh year in 2023.

On The Blue Cruises has announced the five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail April 29th – May 4th aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas® and depart out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Dubbed They Came From Outer Space, the voyage will include two days at sea full of music (including performances from over 35 artists) and events, as well as visit two ports: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the Private Isle of Labadee.

The lineup for MORC ’23 includes Tesla, Michael Schenker, Winger, Queensrÿche, Saxon, Extreme, Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, Chez Kane, D-A-D, Dirty Looks, Doro, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, Junkyard, Kix, Lee Aaron, Liliac, Loudness, Mac Sabbath, Nestor, Reckless Love, Rhino Bucket, Rose Tattoo, Shiraz Lane, Stryper, Ted Poley, Tora Tora, Treat, Tyketto, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Vain, Wig Wam, Dueling Pianos, and The Mayor of MORC, John Corabi. Plus, official cruise host Eddie Trunk (VH1, SiriusXM) will be moderating Q&A’s and activities specifically designed to bring the party up a notch.

In addition to performances, MORC ‘23 will host interactive events between artists and cruisers, including: Artist/Cruiser Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, a new cast of Painting With Rock Stars, Rock Stars vs Average Joe’s Basketball, Comedy Punchlines and Backlines, with more to be announced. Furthermore, the cruise will host themed nights, opportunities to dine with selected bands, and artist photo experiences.

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2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise Lineup Revealed

There's nothing like nice tropical weather after a hard winter and there's nothing like hitting the seas with some of your favorite rock and metal bands. So in 2023, why not make plans to hop on board for the Monsters of Rock Cruise , featuring a star-studded group of acts providing entertainment throughout your voyage.

Classic hard rock favorites such as Tesla , Michael Schenker , Winger , Queensryche , Saxon and Extreme will be leading the way for the 2023 edition. You can also catch Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, Chez Kane, D-A-D, Dirty Looks, DORO, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, Junkyard, KIX, Lee Aaron, Liliac, Loudness, Mac Sabbath, Nestor, Reckless Love, Rhino Bucket, Rose Tattoo, Shiraz Lane, Stryper, Ted Poley, Tora Tora, Treat, Tyketto, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Vain, Wig Wam, Dueling Pianos, and The Mayor of MORC, John Corabi, all playing over the course of your cruising journey. Plus, official cruise host Eddie Trunk will be moderating Q&A’s and activities specifically designed to bring the party up a notch.

The Monsters of Rock Cruise will be in its eleventh year, setting sail on April 29 aboard the Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, departing out of Port Canaveral, Florida. The voyage will include two days at sea filled with musical performances along with stops at two ports - Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and the Private Isle of Labadee - before returning to Florida to complete the cruise on May 4.

The general public on-sale for the 2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise starts today, with cabins available for as low at $1,699 per person (double occupancy, not including mandatory taxes and fee supplement).

In addition to all the music-related events, cruise goers can partake in Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, a "So You Think You Can Shred" competition, cooking with the rock stars, Painting with Rock Stars, Rock Stars vs. Average Joe's basketball, comedy sets, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, waterslides, Laser Tag, shopping, visiting the spa, dining experiences and various themed nights. Get a full rundown of what's available to do at this location .

As for the stops, Puerto Plata is nestled by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop. The city offers a lively pier (known as the Malecon), colorful shops and opulent homes from the 1800s. Whether you prefer to spend the day traveling 2,600 feet above sea level in a cable car or hike majestic trails – both options are available if you choose to visit Monte Isabel de Torres. If the ocean is calling your name, visit Sousa Beach where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. For those of you who want to experience the culture of the Dominican Republic, consider staying in town to explore the unique architecture, enjoy delicious Dominican cuisine, or shop for keepsakes to remind you of the amazing experiences you had in Puerto Plata.

As for the Private Isle of Labadee, cruise-goers can partake in its many bars and pristine waters. Vacationers can amp up the adrenaline on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a thrilling 30-mile-per-hour ride with incredible views of the island. For more action, adventurous passengers may choose to strap on a helmet and harness and soar 500-feet down on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water. In addition, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from, including wave jet rides, parasailing, snorkel safaris, kayak tours and much more. Looking for the ultimate way to relax? Consider booking a Barefoot Beach Cabana, which has several types of cabanas with privacy options, or being close to the action, there is sure to be something for everyone.

So start making your arrangements today by checking out all the Monsters of Rock Cruise has to offer and book your stay here .

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The five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail April 29– May 4 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, departing from Port Canaveral, FLA.

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Monsters of Rock Cruise, the world’s premier hard rock and heavy metal experience at sea , has announced the final lineup for 2023: its eleventh annual voyage coming up next month.

The five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail April 29– May 4 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and depart out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Dubbed They Came From Outer Space, this year’s voyage includes two days at sea full of music and events, performances from over 40 artists on multiple stages, stops at two ports (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the Private Isle of Labadee), photo experiences with artists, theme nights, and special events with the world’s best rock community (including a hotel takeover pre-party just for cruisers).

Headlining Monsters Of Rock Cruise 2023 is America’s blue collar rock band and a celebration of one the greatest spirits of rock and roll, Tesla , who will be joined on the lineup by legendary guitarist Michael Schenker, Winger, Queensrÿche , Extreme, Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, Chez Kane, D-A-D, Dirty Looks, DORO, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, Junkyard, KIX, Lee Aaron, Liliac, Loudness, Mac Sabbath, Nestor, Reckless Love, Rhino Bucket, Rose Tattoo, Shiraz Lane, Stryper, Ted Poley, Tora Tora, Treat, Tyketto, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown , Vain, WIG WAM, and Dueling Pianos.

Plus, since going on-sale last March, MORC ‘23’s lineup has added Stephen Pearcy (the voice of Ratt), Sweden’s ECLIPSE, SOTO, former WASP guitar slinger Chris Holmes with his band Mean Man, The Cruel Intentions, Soto / Bieler, Spike (singer and founder of The Quireboys, bringing an acoustic storytellers set to the cruise), and Karaoke Madness with Brian and Izzy.

Now set to join Eddie Trunk (VH1, SiriusXM) with cruise co-hosting duties (including moderating Q&A’s and activities specifically designed to bring the party up a notch) will be comedians Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson (former hosts of VH1 Classic’s hit show That Metal Show), as well as pioneer rock radio DJ Nikki Blakk, veteran rock musician Keith Roth (SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard and Hair Nation co-host), and Metal DJ Will.

In addition to performances, the Monsters Of Rock Cruise 2023 will host interactive events between artists and cruisers, including Artist/Cruiser Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, a new cast of Painting With Rock Stars, Rockers vs Average Joe’s pickup basketball match, and Comedy Punchlines and Backlines.

Listen to the best of Tesla on Apple Music and Spotify .

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• Consequence

2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise Lineup: Tesla, Mac Sabbath, Queensrÿche, and More

The hard-rocking ship sets sail April 29th from Port Canaveral, Florida

The lineup for the 2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise has been announced, featuring ’80s hard rock and metal acts like Tesla , Queensrÿche , Winger, and Extreme, along with newer outfits like Mac Sabbath (the McDonald’s-themed Black Sabbath cover band), Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, and more.

The ship, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, will set sail April 29th from Port Canaveral, Florida, and make stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and the Private Isle of Labadee before returning to the Florida port on May 4th. With a theme of “They Came From Outer Space,” the boat ride will feature performances from more than 35 acts.

Among the other acts on the bill are Michael Schenker, Saxon, Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, DORO, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, JKIX, Loudness, Rose Tattoo, Stryper, John Corabi, and more.

Along with the music, additional activities include Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, Painting With Rock Stars, Rock Stars vs Average Joe’s Basketball, and more. Radio personality Eddie Trunk will serve as the official cruise host.

Booking info can be found at the official Monsters of Rock Cruise website .

Mac Sabbath Announce Fall 2022 US Tour

Meanwhile, another event featuring a slew of ’80s metal artists was also recently announced. The 2022 Monsters on the Mountain festival will take place August 19th-21st at The Gatlinburg Convention Center in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Among the acts playing the three-day event are Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Night Ranger, Extreme, Queensrÿche, Quiet Riot, Stryper, Kix, Firehouse, and more. Tickets are available here .

See the lineup posters for both the 2023 Monsters of Rock Cruise and the 2022 Monsters on the Mountain festival below.

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Monsters of Rock Cruise 2023: Official Artist Lineup Revealed For Epic Musical Adventure At Sea!

The annual Monsters of Rock Cruise , the world’s premier hard rock and heavy metal experience at sea, is returning for its eleventh year in 2023.

On The Blue Cruises has announced the five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail April 29 th – May 4 th aboard Royal Caribbean’s  Mariner of the Seas® and depart out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Dubbed They Came From Outer Space , the voyage will include two days at sea full of music (including performances from over 35 artists) and events, as well as visit two ports: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the Private Isle of Labadee.

The public on-sale kicks off today (6/30) , with cabins starting at $1,699.00 per person (double occupancy, not including mandatory taxes and fee supplement). For more info and booking, visit MonstersOfRockCruise.com and follow @MonstersOfRockCruise on Facebook and Instagram , and @MonstersCruise on Twitter .

  The lineup for MORC ’23 includes TESLA , Michael Schenker , Winger , Queensrÿche , Saxon , Extreme ,  Vandenberg , Autograph , Burning Witches, Chez Kane , D-A-D , Dirty Looks , DORO , Faster Pussycat , Great White , Hardcore Superstar , Joel Hoekstra , Junkyard , KIX , Lee Aaron , Liliac , Loudness , Mac Sabbath , Nestor , Reckless Love , Rhino Bucket , Rose Tattoo , Shiraz Lane , Stryper , Ted Poley , Tora Tora , Treat , Tyketto , Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown , Vain , Wig Wam , Dueling Pianos , and The Mayor of MORC , John Corabi . Plus, official cruise host Eddie Trunk (VH1, SiriusXM) will be moderating Q&A’s and activities specifically designed to bring the party up a notch.

Cruisers will return to the newly amped up Mariner of the Seas ® , providing more ways to play, delicious new dining concepts, and a few surprises to thrill even the boldest cruisers. Spanning the length of Deck 5 and offering quick access to all performance venues, as well as a hot spot for cruisers to connect, the Royal Promenade features restaurants, coffee bars, and shopping. Other activities aboard the ship include boogie boarding or surfing the waves at the FlowRider® surf simulator , challenging yourself on the rock-climbing wall, soaking in one of the many hot tubs and pools, or pampering yourself in the world-class Vitality ? Spa . New attractions to the ship include: Sky Pad®  (a bungee trampoline experience that launches you sky high for gravity-defying fun combined with virtual reality headsets), The Perfect Storm ? waterslides (plunge down three stories of twisting, turning thrills on these dual high-speed race slides until you hit the bottom), Laser Tag (grab a blaster, choose a side and gear up for a stellar glow-in-the-dark time in this bots versus aliens battle for the last planet), and the Escape Room (team up with fellow cruisers to find hidden clues and crack secret codes in your quest to rescue a time-traveling scientist). Plus, Mariner of the Seas ® has not one, but two huge music venues inside the ship. Click here for a full list of things to do on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager -class cruise ship.

The first port stop on MORC ’23 is the breath-taking beauty that is Puerto Plata . Dominican Republic’s oldest city in the north and a tourism pioneer, Puerto Plata is nestled by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop. The city offers a lively pier (known as the Malecon), colorful shops, and opulent homes from the 1800s. Whether you prefer to spend the day traveling 2,600 feet above sea level in a cable car or hike majestic trails – both options are available if you choose to visit Monte Isabel de Torres. If the ocean is calling your name, visit Sousa Beach where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. For those of you who want to experience the culture of the Dominican Republic, consider staying in town to explore the unique architecture, enjoy delicious Dominican cuisine, or shop for keepsakes to remind you of the amazing experiences you had in Puerto Plata. For a full list of shore excursions, click here .

Next up is the Private Isle of Labadee , the ultimate private destination for cruisers, offering adventure, exploration and relaxation amongst its many bars and pristine waters. Vacationers can amp up the adrenaline on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster , a thrilling 30-mile-per-hour ride with incredible views of the island. For more action, adventurous passengers may choose to strap on a helmet and harness and soar 500-feet down on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line , the world’s longest zip line over water. In addition, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from, including wave jet rides, parasailing, snorkel safaris, kayak tours, and much more. Looking for the ultimate way to relax? Consider booking a Barefoot Beach Cabana, which has several types of cabanas with privacy options, or being close to the action, there is sure to be something for everyone.

With a myriad of events, activities, and music to keep fans entertained day and night, MORC ’23 promises to be a fantasy camp, personal paradise, and the vacation of a lifetime for hard-rockin’ music enthusiasts.

About Monsters of Rock Cruise:

A leader in cruise charter innovation, Monsters of Rock Cruise (MORC) has sailed over 30,000 passengers in the last ten years. The principals of MORC have deep roots in the music industry, providing world-class cruise ship production management for celebrities and musical artists for decades. MORC has set the industry standard for themed music cruises and fan experiences and has played a key role in the development of ground-breaking theme cruise concepts.

Click here for exclusive MORC merch, including face masks, T-shirts, hats, neck gaiters, and more. For more info, visit MonstersofRockCruise.com and follow on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

In addition to performances, MORC ‘23 will host interactive events between artists and cruisers, including: Artist/Cruiser Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, a new cast of Painting With Rock Stars, Rock Stars vs Average Joe’s Basketball, Comedy Punchlines and Backlines, with more to be announced. Furthermore, the cruise will host themed nights, opportunities to dine with selected bands, and artist photo experiences.

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About the festival headliner - Extreme

Extreme is an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1985, that reached the height of their popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s with original lineup Gary Cherone (lead vocals), Nuno Bettencourt (guitars and keyboards), Paul Geary (drums and percussion), and Pat Badger (bass guitar). With the exclusion of Geary, the lineup has remained unchanged. Their current drummer is Kevin Figueiredo.

They have released five studio albums, two EPs (in Japan) and two compilation albums since their formation. The band was one of the most successful rock acts of the early 1990s, selling over 10 million albums worldwide. Extreme achieved their greatest success with their 1990 album Pornograffitti, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold in May 1991 and double platinum in October 1992. That album featured the acoustic ballad single "More Than Words", which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Monsters Of Rock Cruise 2023 line-up

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2023 MONSTERS OF ROCK CRUISE – At Sea – 4/29-5/4 2023

2023 Monsters Of Rock Cruise

Coverage/Pics: Will

I’m going to handle this year’s MORC a little differently.  No day by day review for a few reasons.

1. I gave myself an easier schedule this year.  I didn’t shoot every single show, which has been a previous goal of mine.  I shot mainly first shows and those bands I missed first go around, I shot their second show. I also didn’t shoot any shows in the Star Lounge .  (*See “Do Better”)  And due to schedules, I simply wasn’t able to shoot every single band.  

2. As far as actual reviews…  Look, no band sucked.  They all came and gave it their all.  Sure, some shows stood out from others.  And I’m sure I could rip on a few bands or people if I wanted to be petty.  But right now, I don’t want to be petty. (Try me in a week or so).

The bands that I shot will have links at the bottom of the post to their full galleries

I’ll throw out some musings from the cruise and you can feel free to concur, disagree with or amend any of my thoughts.  So here we go:

Larry Morand : I’ll admit, this lineup did NOT have me initially excited and was a major part of the reason I didn’t book a cabin right away.  It seemed like most bands were previous year re-treads and there weren’t enough stand out new additions that peaked my interest.  But that all changes when you get on the boat.  Larry has provided us Cruisers with an annual “Family Reunion” which sometimes makes up for what some may consider a more lackluster lineup.  Also, living close to LA it’s easier for me to see a LOT of these bands pass through locally.  I understand that’s not the same everywhere and I can appreciate how others use this as a one-stop shopping opp. to see those acts they usually can’t.  By all means, this was another very successful cruise.

Nuno : Dude is a Rockstar in every sense of the word.  After blowing out his knee in the Rockstars vs Average Joe Basketball game, he gutted out a set in both physical and visibly emotional pain. I watched his IG apology and he did some major damage to his knee which will require a lot of rehab to get it back to a good place.  Well man, no apology needed in my book. *See Highlight shows below.

Metal DJ Will : Another Rockstar in a different way.  One of the kindest people you could meet.  If possible his stock rose when we had the crazy weather event day one that was throwing equipment and trash can lids across the deck like frisbees. Will jumped right in to the fray to help secure gear and make sure people were safe. (I’m guessing that this wasn’t part of his job description)

Chez Kane : I was excited to see this band play, but what gave me more joy was anytime I saw Chez around the boat or on her social media posts.  This was the proverbial kid in a candy store.  She got to hang out with some of her idols and was genuinely as big of a wide-eyed fan on the boat as the rest of us. Her fun was infectious.

Chris Holmes : A delight to meet and so happy he’s healthy after last year’s cancer scare.  Another artist who was everywhere and seemed to be taking in and enjoying the whole experience.  Once you got talking to him, the dude was a fountain of info. and stories.  Some great W.A.S.P. stories that probably shouldn’t be repeated. While I was shooting the Tyler Bryant Photo Op. Chris stopped by and talked to the guys for a while.  A wide eyed and stunned Tyler came up to me to ask without any disrespect “Who IS that guy?!”  I told him who he was, about his amazing legacy with W.A.S.P and then told him to check out Chris ‘ infamous Decline of the Western Civilization scene for clarity.  That should get him up to speed.

Ted Poley : What else can be said.  Captain Ted should be the first name on every cruise list.  And that’s whether he performs or not.  A delight of a human who never seems to be without a smile.

Nuptials : I know of two instances where there were proposals and acceptances.  I believe one proposal was made on stage during Hardcore Superstar’s Theater Show?!  The other was made at one of our ports.  How cool that these Monsters thought of the Cruise as a great destination and lasting memory for such a momentous occasion.  Congrats to both! 

MORC Crew/Security : I can’t say it enough, a chartered rock cruise has to be one of the most daunting experiences to put together (Larry, let’s have a chat sometime) and the cast of characters that are mostly behind the scenes (or right outside the venues) continue to handle their jobs with the utmost of care and due respect.  Many of these faces are familiar to those that are repeat cruisers and I feel great knowing that we’re in such good hands.

Your Photo Op People : From Photo and Band Wrangler, April Lee to all the assistants and the photogs. (and of course the artists themselves) that take their time away from the festivities to get you those “I HAVE A PIC WITH XXXXX!!! shots. We hope you appreciate them as part of your experience, because I personally really enjoy shooting them and getting to see a ton of happy, smiling faces.  

Do Better: (Hate to use the term “losers”)

The Star Lounge : Can we PLEASE retire it as a music venue?  It’s the same story and same complaints every year.  When a band plays here, unless everyone is glued to their seats, it’s basically played for the front two rows.  Yes, there were some seated shows, but when a band wasn’t feeling the energy, they call everyone up to the front and that’s all she wrote.  Burning Witches and Faster Pussycat in the Star Lounge?!  Come on.  Relegate it to Comedy shows, acoustic performances, the photo ops, the Shred Show and anything else that doesn’t require people to stifle their need to ROCK OUT. If it’s a matter of fitting everyone in, how about a few less bands?  People usually have a gripe about the conflicts and if one of those conflicts includes a Star Lounge show, then it’s usually an easy decisions.

Loudness : Speaking of retiring…Maybe it’s time to retire the annual inclusion of Loudness on the “Marquee”.  The Cruisers now see their addition to the lineup as a countdown to their cancellation.  Also initially and yearly one of the bands that I am stoked to see.  Handle their inevitable excuse in person before their name is printed on anything.

The Stephen Pearcy Meet N Greet?! : Did it even happen? I do know it caused quite a bit of controversy for Stephen to advertise a $100 Meet N Greet on the boat.  I mean these Cruisers forked out THOUSANDS of dollars for this adventure that already comes with an included Photo Opportunity for most bands.  So the talk prior to even getting on the boat that this was a bit of a slap in the face. Of Note…  I was the photographer that shot Stephen’s photo op. in the Star Lounge and he was a complete gentleman, was great with the fans and was a lot of fun to be around for those couple of hours.

The Weather : Yes, I’m calling out the Weather which led to postponements and cancellations of a number of shows. I can’t tell you how much I was looking forward to Hardcore Superstar on the Pool stage.  The show ended up as a day late 12 pm reschedule (which turned into a closer to 1am start) that completely derailed Autograph’s show in the Royal Theater (Unfortunately approximately 40 people showed up to see Autograph still rock the Theater).  Unfair and probably not a lot could be done. And what a bummer for Treat , who’s Pool Stage show on the final day was canceled altogether.

Highlight Shows

Hardcore Superstar : Show 1 – Studio B (Rescheduled due to weather)

As soon as Jocke hit the stage with stomping feet, pumping fists and a snarl fit for an insane asylum, it was on! A sleepy crowd that had waited “mostly” patiently for this late starting show were immediately shocked back into life. What a voice this dude has, hitting every ridiculous, sleaze-laden screech. The set didn’t let up at all and culminated in a finale that had a ton of cruisers joining the band on stage to slug down some Jaeger. Hardcore indeed.

Extreme : Pool Stage and Royal Theater

Show 1 : These 4 dudes can not put on a bad show.  Period.  Gary Cherone is one of the greatest frontmen of all time and just watching him is enough to exhaust me.  He doesn’t stop. Add on the world class musicianship of Nuno , Pat and K-Fig and you have one of the premier live acts around. Show 1 we were blessed with the live premier of the killer new song, “ Rise ” and seeing Nuno blast out THAT solo live gave shivers.  Show one also included the live debut of, “ Banshee “. 

Show 2 : The “ Nuno ” Show.  Appearing on crutches backstage after his accident he handed them off, took to the stage and almost immediately, his knee popped..  twice. He returned shortly to perform seated for the rest of the show in visible pain and wiping away tears. Why was this a great show?  Because this muther fukker gutted it out like a pro and yet kept apologizing to the fans.  Musically, he gave all.  Physically, I don’t know how he did it.  Gary, Pat and K-Fig all showed him love throughout the set and not a song was skipped.

Major Props Bro…

Queensryche : Show 2 – Royal Theater

Even though their first show also kicked ass, and I was so happy to hear some of the songs from their great, new “ Digital Noise Alliance ” album, their second legacy setlist show was a Ryche’s fan wet dream. 

Winger : Pool Stage

I was never a huge Winger fan.  Haven’t even bought a Winger album and may not do so.  However… I LOVE this band live. This is the second year in a row that I took the time to catch the entirety of their Pool Stage show.  Maybe it’s the combination of throwing down a cold beer on a hot, bright day with friends while watching them rock out, or maybe I’m a closet fan and I just haven’t come out yet. Either way, for me, they’re outdoor show is a can’t miss. 

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown : Studio B

A band that I fear a lot of people missed due to conflicts, but (like LIT last year) a band I wasn’t too familiar with pre-cruise and came away with a great appreciation for them. An electric performance, especially Tyler who is a whirlwind around the stage with his guitar that immediately made me a fan.

Quick Hits 

• My calm-down-on the-late-night pizza-rule went to shit immediately.
• Had pictures of Lee Aaron and Doro torn from the pages of Kerrrang on my bedroom wall as a teenager.  They’re still both beautiful and sound amazing. If it were acceptable now, I’d have them both back on my wall.

• George Lynch , would it hurt to pretend that you’re playing for people?  At least you were at the front of the stage this time.  Trust me..  we’re smiling at you.  Jimmy D !  It took me a hot minute to recognize you with the hair cut.  You’re still beautiful!  🙂

• Vain , Tyketto , Tora   Tora  and Junkyard .  4 bands on my list that I was hoping to see if schedule permitted.  4 bands that I walked away noting to make them priority shows next time.

• Autograph . Band on my list that was a must see and ended up not catching at all due to conflicts/change in schedules  Bummed as hell, but I’m determined! 
• Tesla : As solid and steady a Rock N Roll Band as you’ll ever see or hear (Although, I’m still mad at them for the Schlock that was “Shock”)

• Was happy that Tyson Leslie’s Rare Hare Jam was rightfully moved to a bigger venue and loved the pairings and song choices.  Shout out to 2 of my friends, Gabbie Rae who always amazes me and Shannon Wilk who was recruited last minute to play bass on “ Kiss Me Deadly “.  She MAY or MAY NOT have had to learn the song within an hour and absolutely slayed it.

Also… seeing this sight at the start of the Jam warmed my heart to no end.  Welcome back behind the kit to KIX’ Jimmy Chalfant

• Sam “Bam” Koltun ( Faster Pussycat ) is right up there with DJ Will as coolest all-around dudes. (Yes, Chad’s aight too)

• I’m not sure everyone is fully aware what a legend they’re seeing in Angry Anderson and Rose Tattoo .  Back in their homeland, the band is as important as AC/DC, they just didn’t have the worldwide appeal to make them a household name. They are full blooded rock n roll.

• Burning Witches brought a welcome dose of thrash to the boat this year. More like this!

• The So You Think You Can Shred Contest is one of the can’t miss shows on the boat.  This year, Kip Winger took a break from judging (For the most part) and hosted the event that saw Brent Woods , Don Jamieson , Frank Hannon , Courtney “Eye Fuck Me” Cox , Michael “Whip” Wilton , last years shred contest winner Derek Thomas and Courtney Cronin Dold . The comments are as funny and brutal as you could imagine but that didn’t deter all the brave souls who gave it a shot. Congrats to winner, “ Bob ” who ended up harshly beating up on last years “Master of Shred” and judge, Derek .

• Band I hadn’t intended to see but “accidentally” did and loved “ Dirty Looks ” with Dangerous Toys’ , Jason McMaster on vocals.

• People, we got to see two of KIX ‘ last shows! 🙁
• Bands I missed: Autograph , The Cruel Intentions , D.A.D , Liliac , Mac Sabbath , Reckless Love , Shiraz Lane (Although heard their show from my room), Stryper , Ted Poley and Wig Wam .

Finally, as most of us end up posting their 2024 wish list.  I’d love to see some of these bands added to what is already turning out to be a great looking (And dare I say heavier) lineup next year?  For your consideration and in no particular order: 

Plush , Dan Reed Network , Little Angels (Reunion) or Wayward Sons or Toby Jepson solo , Magnum , Those Damn Crows , Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts , The Pat McManus Band (Former Mama’s Boys guitarist) , The Struts, Metal Church   and bring back Thunder .  As for the probably no chance in hell bands…  How about Halestorm , Alter Bridge and The Pretty Reckless .

Band Gallery Links (By Day)

Vain     Queensryche     Tora Tora     Vandenberg     Tyketto    Rose Tattoo    

Michael Schenker Group     Junkyard     Stephen Pearcy     SOTO     Lee Aaron           Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown     Lynch Mob     Hardcore Superstar   

Chris Holmes     Tesla     The Hosts & the Sail Away Shot     Extreme     Eclipse     Doro       Faster Pussycat     Rare Hare

Treat     Winger     GabrieLa and Friends     Nestor

Chez Kane     Burning Witches  

Related Links: 

Monsters of Rock Cruise 2024 Site

Monsters of Rock Cruise: 2022 Coverage

Monsters of Rock Cruise: 2020 Coverage

Monsters Of Rock Cruise: 2019 Coverage

MegaCruise: 2019 Coverage

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Soundcheck live w/ veronica swift, members of rival sons, dirty honey + more – lucky strike live – hollywood, ca 3/27/2024, monsters of rock cruise day 5: glenn hughes, winger, firehouse, treat +… 3/6/24, monsters of rock cruise day 4: the darkness, kk’s priest, h.e.a.t & shredders +… 3/5/24.

Eight people taken to hospital as waves up to 30ft high pound California coast

Six million people under high surf warning as powerful storms sweep through California and Oregon

Giant waves as tall as 30ft crashing on to California’s coast have caused injuries and property damage, prompting evacuation warnings.

At least eight people needed hospital treatment after towering waves crashed over seawalls in southern California on Thursday, engulfing seaside neighborhoods. On Friday, more than 6 million people remained under a high surf warning across California and Oregon . The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted waves up to 40ft, warning: “Stay away from rocks, jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Never turn your back to the ocean!”

The season’s first huge swell, propelled by gale-force winds across the Pacific Ocean, and a swath of low pressure off the west coast, combined with strong rains along parts of California, have created treacherous conditions. Evacuation orders were issued for Stinson beach in Marin county, north of San Francisco, and for parts of Santa Cruz along the central coast.

The Los Angeles-area weather office wrote that powerful cyclones over northern Pacific waters were sending 12-17ft (3.6-5-meter) swells, creating “tremendous wave energy across coastal waters”.

At some points along California, breaking waves were predicted to reach 25ft (7.6 meters). Astronomical high tides were adding to a significant risk of more coastal flooding, forecasters said.

“Overall, this is expected to be an exceptional high-surf and coastal flooding event that has not occurred in many years,” the weather service said. “Take caution and heed the direction of local authorities and lifeguards. Never ever turn your back to the water as damaging and life-threatening sneaker waves are likely to occur.”

In the Bay Area region, there is a chance of thunderstorms into Saturday morning, according to the NWS. The weather service office in Medford, Oregon, also expected hazardous beach conditions and gusty winds of 30-50mph on Friday, warning of possible infrastructure damage.

Surfers and beachgoers in Los Angeles and much of southern California are being warned that the risk of drowning is high, and several beaches and state parks across the state have been closed due to the weather.

High surf is often a hazard of California winters. During the winter of 2020-2021, several people, including young children, died in the Bay Area after being swept out to sea by unexpectedly strong waves. Officials worry that risks are heightened this holiday weekend, when families often flock to the beach.

A study this year found that California’s winter waves have gotten taller, and big waves have become more frequent since the 1970s, due to climate change.

On Thursday, a monstrous rogue wave sent people fleeing the beach in Ventura, north of Los Angeles. In a video taken on Thursday morning by Ventura native Colin Hogue, people are seen fleeing Pierpont beach as a monstrous rogue wave engulfs the area.

This video is a prime example of why we urge people to stay AWAY from the water! Waves can EASILY knock people down and sweep them away. Use extreme caution! These waves are breaking at 28-33' and can easily breach the tops of low cliffs or seawalls like those seen here. #CAwx https://t.co/iN2dzUfaoX — NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 28, 2023

Hogue called the scene “horrific”.

“There was a lot of screaming, a lot of yelling, a lot of cussing. I didn’t know how far this was going to go,” Hogue said. “I thought to myself, ‘This is a tsunami.’”

The Ventura county fire department (VCFD) reported that eight people were transported to local hospitals after coming in close contact with the giant wave.

Andy Vansciver, a VCFD firefighter, told KTLA5: “I think a lot of lessons were learned today when you look at that video of the importance of heeding on to the warnings of giving the ocean some respect.”

Widespread precipitation will spread across the region today through Saturday, with the heaviest expected tonight. Be prepared for slick roads and a longer than normal commute. Slow down on wet roads! #cawx pic.twitter.com/D1dMkMu6ra — NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 29, 2023

Evacuation warnings were also issued in counties along the coast of the state, including Santa Cruz, Marin and Ventura.

In Santa Cruz, the local news station KSBW Action News 8 captured a powerful wave that flung two nearby children into a bush.

The Associated Press contributed reporting

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UW Film Club

The Hub for Film Culture at the University of Washington

Martin Du’s Top 10 Favorite Films of 2023

10. the marvels dir. nia dacosta.

When the credits of Marvel Studios’ The Marvels started rolling, I sat there in a stunned silence at what I just witnessed. Then, my silence transformed into a thunderous applause. The Marvels is a train wreck of a film, and I love every minute of it. There are some genuine good elements with surprisingly decent action and the infectious chemistry between the trio. Carol in particular is a compelling character that exudes chaotic girl fail energy. But the film never does anything with it, compounded with the many fumbles that are executed in the most spectacularly unhinged way possible. It is a film that spends two minutes on an empty field resolving every character conflict, and fifteen minutes on cat vore. This is the pattern The Marvels follows, prioritizing its breezy runtime on random comedy set pieces rather than crafting a narrative with any amount of substance or cohesion. In a way I sort of respect how hard the movie commits to its formula. The film feels as it’s inviting the viewer to laugh at it with a loving wink and smile. It is antithetical to how to tell a compelling story, and the confidence the film exudes to sticking to the bits had me swept up by the glorious insanity of it all. The Marvels is one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen, and the sheer joy and entertainment it gives me makes it one of my favorite movies from 2023.

9. Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken dir. Kirk Demicco

Continuing the trend of not great movies that I love is Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken . This was my Anton Ego Ratatouille flashback moment for bi panic media, bringing me back to a time where I would eagerly wait for new episodes of cartoons with chaotic gay energy. If I saw this film when I was younger, this would have been my queer awakening. While Dreamworks’s latest is nowhere near the quality of 2022’s Puss and Boots, there is an infectious charm between the quirky cast of characters the drives the film’s coming of age romcom premise forward. I would love a spin off show to get to know more of the world and cast, because unfortunately the back half of the film does lose steam once the kraken part of the movie is introduced. Despite this, there is still excellent squash and stretch animation to enjoy and an antagonist that can only be described as a fusion between Frieza from Dragon ball and Makima from Chainsaw Man. Who is also gay. This movie is very gay. Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken may have floundered at the box office, but it went swimmingly in my heart.

8. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One dir. Christopher McQuarrie

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is two hours and 45 minutes of nonstop nail biting. There are the usual MI thrills, a super shady organization, Tom Cruise and his gang going rouge, and of course increasingly more outrageous death-defying stunts. It is a blast of a formula that I find difficult to get sick of. Dead Reckoning particularly feels fresh thanks to AI as the main threat. Having an invisible, yet ever present enemy adds a layer of sci-fi mystery and suspense to the film. This paranoia of not being able to trust what you see or hear spices up the already sky-high stakes, and only adds to the stress of the series’ staple action set pieces. If they can keep up this level of quality for Part Two , then I can’t wait to see how this wild ride ends.

7. Suzume dir. Makoto Shinkai

My expectations for Suzume were at rock bottom heading into the theater. Despite being visually and auditorily dazzling, I’m not the biggest fan of Makoto Shinkai’s previous two works, Your Name and Weathering with You . However, Suzume left me enthralled upon its conclusion. The film still contains wonderful animation and Shinkai’s signature supernatural tropes, but the focus of the story is always centered on the emotional journey Suzume undergoes. The fantastical elements never overshadow that narrative core beyond being a vehicle to push her growth. It circumvents my most critical issue of Shinkai’s previous two films where the characters took a backseat to fantasy. There are powerful themes at play regarding past verses future, and how the film’s title character serves as both a foil and a reflection to the characters and world is stellar. This is what makes Suzume so special. There are still plenty of issues to criticize, but the execution of Suzume’s emotional character arc and powerful thematic elements is what resonated with me long after the credits rolled.

6. Oppenheimer dir. Christopher Nolan 

One of my many cardinal sins as a film student is never watching a Christopher Nolan film outside The Dark Knight trilogy. On top of not being a history buff, Oppenheimer’s three-hour runtime should have been a recipe for boredom. I hadn’t even heard of the man before seeing the first trailer of this film. Yet despite all my trepidations, I was left stunned. It’s a movie of people talking to each other for three hours, but it was so absorbing that the immense runtime flew by. The film’s complex portrayal of a controversial figure in history is endlessly compelling. Each scene expertly utilizes its dialogue and visual language to dive deep into inferring Oppenheimer’s psyche about the creation and ramifications of the atom bomb. The performances from the star-studded cast are easily some of the best from a film last year, with even the actors in minor roles giving exceptional performances. Ludwig Göransson’s score possesses incredible range, encapsulating the grandiose awe of scientific discovery and the haunting horrors of the toppling dominos set in motion. And of course, Christopher Nolan’s directing brings all the written and unwritten elements together. Oppenheimer’s final scene stuck long with me after I left the theater, serving as an unsettling reminder of how because of one man, we live in a world one button press away from mutual destruction.

5. Bottoms dir. Emma Seligman

You’re probably noticing a trend here. Chaotic gay energy fuels my soul, and Bottoms fits that bill to a T while also being a gut busting coming of age, queer comedy. Balance is the film’s greatest strength, blending contrasting tones within its comedy and characters. It’s loud, it’s proud, yet so earnest with everything it wants to say. The unhinged humor perfectly blends being vile but filled with so much youthful charm. Watching this ragtag group of girls bumble and stumble their way through their fight against the popular football jocks was nothing short of delightful. Each member of the group is filled with flaws and personal problems that lead to hilarious gags and heartwarming growth. And without delving into specifics, Bottoms contains one of the most insane finales from a film last year, filled with audible gasps from the audience before transforming to roaring laughter. Bottoms is a blast from start to finish, and the first thing I thought of when it finished was when I could rewatch it to experience the madness all over again.

4. Lonely Castle in the Mirror dir. Keiichi Hara

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a film adaptation of the novel with the same name. After watching the film, I am keen on picking it up to spend more time immersing myself with this world and characters. The structure of a slow burn is a narrative risk I adore, and the movie expertly utilizes it to flesh out the tone and its characters. As the title of the film implies, loneliness is a big thematic element for the characters, and each one has some reason as to why they are terrified of reaching out towards others. There were scenes that were incredibly challenging to sit through with how intense certain characters’ pasts were, but it was effective at making me sympathize and root for every single one of them. It’s adorable seeing these characters awkwardly push past their comfort zones to befriend one another, and euphoric when they stand together. The last revelation in particular had me ugly crying in the theater. The animation is also fantastic, with the art direction of the castle being the standout. It perfectly captures the fantastical awe of its supernatural existence, while also being a place for these kids to escape from their turbulent lives. Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a beautiful tale about the power people have to emotionally support one another and is one of the most underrated films of 2023.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 dir. James Gunn

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 delivers one last encore for the MCU’s band of intergalactic misfits, and what an incredibly stunning finale. To me, the most important part of any story is character. Ideally a film should have both good narrative beats and character arcs, but ultimately each plot point serves as a vehicle to push characters into new emotional territories. These latter two Guardians films may be narratively messy, but James Gunn is masterful at crafting endearingly flawed characters. While the focus on the film is on Rocket Racoon’s tragic storyline, each Guardian receives a fulfilling conclusion to their arcs, beautifully putting an emotional ribbon on their growth throughout all the MCU films. Every actor puts in the work to give this dysfunctional found family the send-off they deserve. Chris Pratt in particular dials back the carefree, swashbuckler personality that defines plenty of his roles, delivering a genuinely rage filled, and haunting performance through the film. The final shot of was one of the most euphoric moments in any film that came out last year. A tearful, but bittersweet goodbye to the Guardians of the Galaxy, and James Gunn’s exceptional run at Marvel.

2. Godzilla Minus One dir. Takashi Yamazaki 

Godzilla Minus One was my first Godzilla film, and what an introduction it was. There is an immaculate balance between its devastating kaiju action and character driven narrative. The focus of the film centers around the emotional story of a kamikaze pilot suffering with survivor’s guilt. We get to watch him, and the human characters try to pick themselves up after the end of World War II, to find a purpose within their lives. The most powerful moments of the film are witnessing a group of friends smiling together at the dinner table, or a wife holding onto her grieving husband. These moments are beautiful demonstrations of humanity that gives Minus One its staying power beyond the destructive set pieces. That’s not to say the action is anything to scoff at either. Building up these characters made each encounter with the king of the monsters horrifyingly tense, an overwhelming force of death challenging our heroes’ desire to live. I was clutching my seat hoping everyone would make it out alive. Godzilla Minus One is a triumph in character driven storytelling and raises the emotional bar for what spectacle monster films can be.

You can read Martin’s full review of Godzilla Minus One here. 

1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse dir. Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson

When Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse released in 2018, I remember thinking “this is my favorite film of all time, there is no way they can top this”… Into the Spider-Verse WAS my favorite film of all time. It’s hard to boil down Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to just one thing. It is a multiversal adventure though dazzling worlds. It is a personal coming of age tale about yearning for a family to be accepted in. It is a defiant metacommentary on the creative stagnation of art. Across the Spider-Verse is a jack of all trades, master of all. The film successfully juggles a dizzying amount of colorful and eccentric characters but also grounds them with personal conflicts that celebrate and deconstruct the entire concept of the Spider-Man mythos. Sony Pictures Animation not only captures lightning in a bottle with the visual style it pioneered back in 2018’s Spider-Verse , but completely blows it out of the stratosphere. It’s been said time and time again, but every frame of this film could be framed as its own painting. Every masterful shot blends both style and emotional substance. The score goes above and beyond conveying the emotions of the scene but cultivates its own story thanks to exceptional musical storytelling. As a lifelong Spider-Man fan, this film is a dream come true for me. I cried fourteen times through its runtime, and the “To Be Continued” at the end left me in an awe, tearstained mess. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is not only my favorite movie from 2023, but one of my favorite pieces of fiction ever created.

You can read Abbey’s review of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse here. 

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