Goat Meat (on the bone) (£14.95), the reason why I keep returning to Curry Cottage (91 Cambridge Street, Glasgow G3 6RU). This rarity in Glasgow was suspended over the Festive period at the turn of the year, then through Ramadan. A Curry in May, plenty of time for the normal menu to be restored.
Pratap, Mein Host, was not in the house as I entered at 14.00. Three tables were occupied, two solo diners, the Hector became the third. Chef was doing front of house duties, having served me previously, he duly made me aware of his recognition.
The Curry was duly ordered along with the customary Cumin Rice (£4.50). a glass of Tap Water was secured, no ice.
I watched the other customers food arrive. It would have been too much of a brass neck to strain to see what other peeps had ordered.
Their food, of course, would have tasted so much better if the Hector had photographed it en route.
Pratap came in, acknowledged his other customers, but stopped to address the Hector.
I’m back for the Goat – I announced. A bit predictable, and I shall remind the reader that Curry Cottage always has different Daily Specials on offer.
The Fish Karahi (£18.00) I have mentioned previously. Pratap has assured me that he can withhold the dreaded Capsicum, which he would add otherwise. After Monday’s experience at Mother India’s Cafe, maybe I should have taken the plunge, then also ranted about the price of a Fish Curry. But, I was here for the Goat!
Pratap brought out my meal, including an extra plate. I do not like adding Rice to Curry.
Cumin Rice, a well judged portion, manageable, realistic. With abundant Cumin, I looked forward to playing the – Seed Reappearance Game – later.
Goat Meat (on the bone)
The Topping of fresh Spinach was novel. Cooked, but not cooked-in, there was no sense of a Saag/Palak invasion. I did not count the pieces of Goat as I decanted, however, the Bone count would only reach three, so plenty of Meat. No Sucky Bones, Goat is empirically different.
Hot food, always noted and appreciated. A Bay Leaf was the only solid encountered in the blended Masala. The Meat was – Super-soft – which is to be commended, Goat needs more cooking. Initially, I was not sensing Spice coming back from the Meat, the notes were revised towards the end. This Curry was working.
A good – kick – the Seasoning built steadily as I ate. A highlight was when I did suck the large triangular bone, this had it all, and justified my effort. This was as close to a – Wow! – moment as I reached today. Whilst the Masala had an interesting – tang – it was not full on in terms of Flavour. Fortunately, the added rush of Flavour from the Cumin Seeds proved that this Rice combination was the ideal accompaniment.
Good as this Curry was, next time I should try something else. There are always interesting options at Curry Cottage as the dedicated page confirms.
The Bill
£18.90 A bit knocked off the price of the Cumin Rice. Cheers!
The Aftermath
Pratap asked if I wrote books. Just my two Blogs, though the volume written could make for a bound illustrated tome. Any publishers out there?
Do I make money from my writings was the next questions. A hobby, albeit the Hector is – startlingly committed – as described by Ron MacKenna of the The Herald.
As Pratap escorted me to the door, a chap came in with his elderly mother, regulars, this took Hector back a few years.
Marg has long proclaimed that the Butter Chicken (£8.75) at 
Arriving at 13.40 on this Bank Holiday Monday, around half of the tables were occupied. The waitress led us to a table we had never sat at before, at the wall opposite the window. The 
A 0.75l bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.75) was ordered at once. We then spent quite a few minutes before declaring our second Dish. For Marg: Aloo Gobi & Green Peas (£7.50). For Hector, it was a case of which Lamb option. Alan’s South Indian Ginger Lamb (£9.25) today trumped Roadside Lamb (£9.25) and Lamb on the bone Curry (£9.95). 
During the wait, an alarm sounded, for a full ten minutes. This did drown out the local Curry expert at the adjacent table who was educating his family, and all within hearing distance, i.e. everyone, about the merits and demerits of every conceivable Curry. Cue their Korma. 
Marg had forgotten that the Rice portion is disproportionate to the volume of an individual Tapas. The consequence was a plate which looked like a dog’s breakfast. The Chapatti was close to Hector’s preferred style, little sign of Wholemeal Flour. A second Chapatti was considered, but £3.50 for the pair, no way, Pedro. 
As yellow-orange and Soupy as ever, this Tapas portion featured two larger pieces of Chicken and one smaller. As curiosity may have seen the Hector have a Soupçon in the past, not today. Marg’s verdict (below) would suffice. 
This has been had as – & Green Beans – previously. Today’s also featured Green Beans. The Dry, Thick, Minimal Masala was topped with slivers of 
At the dawn of 
Again Syboes topped the blended Masala. Five pieces of Meat, the majority were a decent size. Tender Lamb, but the Meat was not giving back any sense of having absorbed Spice, and therefore – Flavour – other than its own meatiness. 
What I took to be strips of cooked Onion were examined more closely, 
Having enjoyed a run of excellent Curry outings in Glasgow in the last few weeks, why let the level of expectation drop? Another visit to 
I glanced at the Curry on display, the reason for my being here was the Lamb Karahi (£11.00), served on-the-bone. The container was full, all was well. Beside it was what I took to be an interesting looking Aloo Gobi, more on that below. 
A small Naan (£2.50) – I put to Arshad. This was repeated to Amjad. I cannot get anywhere near finishing the Naan served here, last time we agreed that that – a half – could be served. Having helped myself to the tap water on the counter, I settled down for the short wait. Salad and Sauce were declined, no mention of a Coriander Topping today. 
The – small – Naan was surprisingly close to, if not the same size as their standard. Wastage guaranteed. 
Yes, technically I had 
And the Aloo Gobi (bottom right)? I saw a hefty bone then a Chicken bone and remained puzzled. I then concluded that the lumps had to be Chicken. Well, my focus was on the adjacent container. The Masala, however was something else. If/when I see this again, temptation may prevail. 
April 30, the Hector knows what he would like for his birthday. The choice of venue for the Birthday Curry has varied over the years. Today a long overdue return to 
Today was different, with breakfast at The Green Hotel, Kinross, where Prog Rock Band – Arena – were also to be found after last night’s gig at the same locus. Curry first.
Aqeel asked for a few minutes to set up, his assistant arrived moments behind us. 
The 
During our wait for the food to be prepared, I took the opperchancity to photograph the new layout. 
Coriander, Ginger Strips and Green Chillies halved lengthways, topped a somewhat – wet – looking Karahi. Brown, with an Oily hue, the Masala was decidedly Shorva-esque, not what was expected. As would become apparent, the Oil content was distinctly minimal. Wot, no Oil? A healthy Karahi. 
On taking our starting portions from the flat karahi, I was confident that we would finish all before us. There was clearly a lot of Bones here, every piece I took was on-the-bone. Marg’s deft ladling had secured pieces which were Meat only. 
Sucky Bones and Ribs, confirmation that the increase in price was justified. Better cuts of Meat, and today, no sign of Offal attachments which had been a feature of 
The Bill
There was discussion with Aqeel about opening times. He did point out that on Saturday and Sunday he opens in the morning for Nashta. 
And so to the previous twenty four hours…
We arrived at The Green Hotel, Kinross, just after 16.00. This would allow time to investigate the Leven Brewery which was directly across from our allocated room window. Not so great.
Catching up once more, and a continuation of our last conversation, having to learn all the Arena material again in such a short time had been a challenge. The band had played last night to a half empty room in these very premises. A show added late to the tour, and with Marg returning from 
The hotel staff advised that the bar in venue, Backstage at The Green, would open at 19.00. Coming down from our room at 18.45, to queue to get in, felt very much like being back on the 
That I saw him at The Marquee was down to The Science of Coincidence, sorry. Pendragon were playing The Marquee, Landmarq supported. It was the same story when I returned a few weeks later to see the recently reformed IQ on the – Ever – tour. Marg knows the music of Landmarq, it is played oft in the car. I also assured her that Damian is one of the finest singers she will ever see/hear live. 
With the setlist to hand, it was very much a case of which songs I would know better than others. The first two albums less so, even allowing for their inclusion on the first live album. There would have been an even greater level of familiarity had Covid not happened. Tickets for the postponed London show in 2020 were valid for the rearranged show in 2021. Sadly, the date didn’t suit. 
Marg and Hector saw Arena perform all of 
Four songs would feature from their 2022, and latest studio album – The Theory of Molecular Inheritance. Marg has played this oft on drives to/from Aberdoom. She knows it well. There is a live album from 2023 – Lifian – which features Damian on vocals. This might appear in someone’s xmas stocking as Live & Life did back in 2004. 
Having played the part of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Damian is stage experienced and can hold an audience. With a longer mike lead, he was able to pace up and down the central isle. He sang to us all, and to each of us individually, captivating.
Kylan Amos remains on Bass and still looks like John Jowitt, his predecessor, albeit, with hair. Behind the drum-kit, and obscured from my camera all night, remains Mick Pointer, founding member of Marillion. Whatever happened to them? 
There had to be a photo with Damian, and indeed, so familiar were we becoming, he came over at breakfast this morning to bid us farewell. 
Earlier in the year, Curryspondent John, suggested I should introduce myself to the young waitress at 
Today is the Monday between two Bank Holidays, it was quite a surprise to see 
The 
Extra Desi, on-the-bone – was clarified, plus tap water. Spicy – was agreed. Still a risk, last year, Chef truly tested the Blogger.
Copious Ginger Strips topped the distinctive Masala. The Coriander may well have been cooked as it was stirred in. A heater was also provided, dining a la carte merited this. This meant I did not arrange all of the Meat on the Masala at the beginning. 
Two whole, probably – dried – Chillies had been added. These were carefully set aside, the Hector was not falling for this. Yoghurt Flecks were visible in the Herb-strewn Masala, the study period was over, time to eat.
The Spice Level was a bit testing, but nothing like the aforementioned. The Seasoning may have been a tad below the Hector idyll, but not so much to impinge on the overall enjoyment. 
The Bill
This year, instead of the annual pukka dinner for the Glasgow members of her alma mater, Marg and her committee came up with the idea of a trip to the Burrell Collection, with lunch thereafter. Hector was willing to forego the customary Aberdeen Angus, soup and sandwiches were promised. Hector has been known to devour a sandwich or ten.
For years I have been asking why UK restaurants charge so much for Fish Curry, whilst in Europe, Meat Curry costs more. For the price of 1kg of Lamb on-the-bone, today I could have purchased 4kg of Tilapia. One 2kg pack of frozen Fish sufficed. Watch out for Fish Curry appearing in the near future. 
No such issues at 
Unbelievably, Samosas have not appeared in these pages before, nor has a Chapli Sandwich. Reheated in the air fryer, the Texture of the pastry was maintained. The Spice Level surprised. Meat, Potato, Peas, two is definitely better than one. 
The air fryer was also used to reheat the Fish Pakora, again, the batter survived. The Chilli Sauce was microwaved, such a treat to have this Hot Sauce with Fish Pakora. 
Last month, Zahir, Mein Host at 
Today, a holiday Monday, the Hector set out to verify. 
The phone-call continued, this gave me time to consider a Bread accompaniment. Why have a Roti (£1.00) when one can have a Nan (£1.25) for a few pennies more? The Glasgow Southside Curry Cafes, the land of affordability and sensibility, as the Hector looks back two Blog entries to 
The splendidly huge Naan, served whole, was approaching – Rogni – in style. With multiple perforations to prevent it rising, well fired, burnt blisters just about forming. 
Two – Birds – sat in the steaming hot Shorva. Coriander Leaves and Stems would add that bit extra. What I had seen in the original plastic container appeared to have swelled in portion size.
Always a Shorva, so the spoon would be put to good use. Prior to this, a dipping fest. Pieces of Naan were duly immersed, the Spice Level of the Shorva took me a bit by surprise. The Seasoning was a la Hector. This was quite a Shorva. 
So taken was I with the Shorva, Naan and Bateera Legs, the torsos almost became an afterthought. The spoon halved the Bird, the carcass soon revealed. Not a lot of eating here, a fraction of what one would have in a Chicken Curry. However, this was not Chicken Curry. Bateera absorbs, the Meat is way more porous than its larger counterpart. Gamey in Flavour, and dipped back in the Shorva, even more flavoursome.
The Lassi turned out to be Sweeter than anticipated, but still close to drinking Yoghurt. As much as I love Mango Lassi, having it with or after Curry surely counters the Flavours of the Spice? Relief for those who may require it, unnecessary otherwise, Plain Lassi may actually complement Spice. 
Today’s visit to 
We watched the remaining staff arrive, it is a long time since Chef Arshad has been seen, Naveed too. We were waiting for The Good Doctor, drinks were sorted, Mango Rubicon for all, the first of two rounds. 
Chana, closer to Masala than Chat, was next to arrive. Warm rather than hot, this was the Starter least enthused over. The lack of Seasoning was its limitation. Even after the five had taken a Soupçon, an appreciable quantity remained after the real stuff had been taken care of. The chaps eventually scooped up the remnants. It quickly became apparent that Dr. Stan, in juggernaut mode, would handle every scrap. 
The well-Seasoned, well-Spiced Chapli was as good as it gets, stunning in fact. OK, it is, in effect, a Chicken Burger, but let’s not go there. Chapli is why the Hector tends to come to 
The Fish Pakora was as delightful as ever. Quality Haddock in a Spicy batter. More-ish. Had we asked for more, more would have arrived. We had to manage all we had.
The plate of Seekh Kebab had a lighter one on top. This was definitely Chicken leaving one to conclude the darker ones could have been Lamb. No prizes for guessing which version arrived on Hector’s plate. Dr. Stan’s go-to Starter, enjoyed by all, though not as Spicy as the Chapli. 
Jim mentioned a friend, not present, who would love this. David reckoned the Oil might be an issue. The separating Oil is all part of the experience. With minimal Masala, this takes – Curry – to a different dimension. We took it as read that the Meat would be giving back way more Flavour than a Mainstream Curry House. 
I noted the presence of Tomato Skins in the Masala Mash, so much for the online recipes which have one spend time trying to remove them. 
Our karahi had a mix Lamb Chops and boneless Lamb. The Sucky Bones were along the table. Lamb Chops, not the Tandoori version, cooked for Curry, a treat. Soft, succulent Meat, yet chewing required. The pleasure I had missed having had Vegetable Curry, various, for four consecutive days on 
Five substantial Chapattis had been served. I took but a scrap being here for Curry, not Bread. 
Aubergine and Potato in a Masala Mash, here the mandatory Oil was also separating. I’ll keep the Potato review for a moment, the mushy Eggplant was the focal point of this Dish. I was certain that I was getting Citrus from this, but on consulting my fellow diners, there was no – harrumph. So it goes.
The Potato defied belief. Totally saturated. Whilst the Goshat Karahi had the unique – 
Apart from Dr. Stan who was still ploughing his way, we were replete. In time, what looked as though it could become Takeaway, was divvied out. Once upon a time, the Order would have been three kilos between six, two between five, ample. 
Dr. Stan – Excellent meal with tasty kebab and (fish) pakora starters followed by juicy lamb chops cooked with a sublime blend of spices.
comprising cauliflower and potatoes and an aubergine dish. Chapattis completed the meal. The lamb was full of flavour something other places can’t do. The oil at the bottom was just as special and only my heart stopped me having more. And as Hector has said before the vegetable dishes had the special 
Coconut Grove is closed for renovation, please use the free shuttle from Douglas Road – has been announced on every train leaving every Metro station during our days in Miami FL, regardless of direction of travel. It was somewhat ironic therefore when two major sources claimed that Bombay Darbar (2901 Florida Ave., Miami, FL 33133, USA) in Coconut Grove was the outstanding place in Miami for Curry. 
Arriving at Bombay Darbar, in this pleasant Miami suburb, at 13.00, we were offered a table in the covered terrace where most diners were sat, or inside. After the walk, cooling down was necessary. 
The Thali lunch menu was quickly dismissed, if I’m going to review a Curry, let’s have the full Bhuna. 
Other than Lamb Chops Masala ($34.95), there was no sign of Meat served on-the-bone. No Goat Curry either which tends to be served this way across the 
Two halves of a Poppadom, the preferrred type with embedded Cumin Seeds, a Salsa, and what I took to be the standard 
What a bowlful! Marg’s intended snack was way more than she had imagined. We are in – America! – where people often – box – their leftovers for Takeaway. 
A large piece of salmon was the highlight of the dish. Had a small piece of cold Naan bread with garlic. Plenty of different green leaves made up the salad with flakes of almonds, cranberries, crumbled goats cheese on the top. Plenty of cucumber with chopped, small tomatoes. A big chew, but very enjoyable. 
The standard sized handi had Meat protruding through the blended, Shorva-esque, Masala. A Soupy Curry with Ginger Strips atop, and no sign of Fresh Herbs.
The large pieces of Lamb reached a count of double figures. A knife would have to be employed to manage these, a worthy portion of Meat. 
The Spice Level impressed, a decent kick, never going to test, but as asked for. The Seasoning stood out by its absence. This was not going to be a – Karrah! – experience. 
The Flavour from the Masala was oh-so familiar. My suspicions at 
The Aftermath
Today is the fifteenth anniversary of the launch of Curry-Heute, Marg had a card commissioned to commemorate the date. I don’t know who the freeloaders are. 
David Cross, violinist, was once a member of King Crimson (UK).
The headline act – Neal Morse & The Resonance (USA) – was more than worth the very modest admission price. Hector had breakfast adjacent to Neal Morse in Rotherham back in the late 1990s when Spock’s Beard (USA) played their first ever UK gig at the Classic Rock Society. Howard, Marg and Hector saw the current line-up of Spock’s Beard last year in Glasgow, one Morse brother maintains. 
Boarding a cruise liner turned out to be no different than the typical airport experience, and people slag off budget airlines when they feel as if they are treated like cattle. 
As The Friends of Hector are well aware, boats are not my thing. Once upon a time, the first wave outside of Port Ellen (Islay) harbour had me leaning over the side. How much I would eat in the coming days was therefore an unknown. With a doom laden attitude, the Buffet was approached. A Burger, well why not, I’m in – America (sic). Then I spotted the – Asian Section. The Paneer was way too risky, even on dry land. For Hector, Cheese and heat is not a good combination. Daal and Gajar Mutter would do nicely. 
The Daal confirmed the efficacy of Chef’s skills, the Peas and Carrots blew me away. The latter had a kick and an impressive depth of Flavour. I knew already that this trip belonged in 
Having checked-in at our muster point we continued our tour of the ship. Magic Pie (Norge) had kicked off the music in the main Stardust Theatre on Decks 6/7. We stood with a group on one of the two viewing platforms at the upper rear of the theatre. The SLR was not coping at this distance. I have one Magic Pie album – The Suffering Joy – played oft, yet today I had totally forgotten this. Today’s music, too fast and unemotional for the Hector. Back to Deck 11 then up the outside stairs to Deck 12. From here, we had an excellent view of the Pool Stage on Deck 11. 
The long established Saga (Canada) by whom the Hector had some albums on tape before a recent clear out, would be the – sail away – band. Tales were told of founding member Jim Crichton being wheeled on to the ship. This was hard to believe given his jumping around the stage, but we too would later see him wheeled from the dining room. 
Rick Wakeman, former member of The Strawbs (UK) and Yes (UK) at 18.00, was our first big act. He came on stage promptly. Our seats were second row balcony, stage left, no complaints here. One could have paid less for a restricted view, no way, Pedro.
Adam Wakeman, yes, son of Rick, aka Milton Keanes, keep up, presented this evening as a trad jazz trio playing – the original – versions of early Black Sabbath songs. Milton claims to have written the music in the late 1960s, went into a coma, and on recovering, discovered that – they – had stolen his material and made £millions. 
Today, every act was allocated an hour in which to perform their set, no more. At 23.00, back down on Deck 8 in the bar overlooking the Atrium stage, it was declared to be – Bier o’clock. A long day.
Marg did not recognise that the Neal Morse on stage today was the same chap she had seen two nights previously. Ross Jennings is the lead vocalist in Haken (UK), not a band that floats my boat, but yes, he can sing. 
Rajma 
forgiven.
No bass player, Jon Courtney, the lead vocalist and second guitar, was taking care of this via the keyboard he otherwise barely touched. Chlo
Beardfish (Sverige) had started their set at the Spinnaker at 15.45. Located on – 12 forward, we managed to take in the final minutes. Such was their popularity, it was standing room only at the back. Restricted view, I could only see two members. Song For Beating Hearts – had been purchased as a taster, a fine album. The sounds being created on stage did not match this, too harsh again, not enough – space. 
Dum Aloo and Bhindi Masala, more vegetables. Vegetable Rice with the Flavours of east of 
Dum Aloo
Arriving at the Pool Stage a good half hour early, there were no empty seats. We found a space on what would otherwise be the actual pool edge. IQ were due on at 21.00, the sound check had to be done with the audience present, the wind was howling. Don’t listen to this – advised Mike Holmes, guitar.
Frequency, Sacred Sound, Subterranea, Guiding Light, The Wake, The Darkest Hour, Ten Million Demons.
Seeing one of your favourite bands is one thing. Seeing another fifteen minutes later is something else. Riverside were starting at 22.15 in the Stardust Theatre, the green badge holders getting to see them first. This means there’s no guarantee of seeing them twice.
It was tres cool knowing exactly where we were sitting. Bon soir – to the French couple to my left. They had recently been to Glasgow to see Fish’s final show. Riverside are only performing twice this year, on this cruise, then that’s it for 2025. Mariusz Duda, bass, lead vocals, composer, genius, was not in a good place for the first half of the set. His usual aura was missing, minimal interaction. OK, getting through the songs is one thing, was it the audience? Playing to a crowd of pensioners must be strange. Riverside have worked their way up the bill on CTTE, they know the score. 
The set was a mix of older material, including two longer songs, the latest album ID Entity, and as usual, nothing from from the pre-Covid – Wasteland. I know not why they stopped playing songs from what is decidedly their best album. 
Second Life Syndrome, Out Of Myself, Hyperactive, Egoist Hedonist, Big Tech Brother, Friend Or Foe?, Escalator Shrine, The Curtain Falls. 
The music carried them through, what an amazing evening. At 23.15, it was declared to be – Bier o’clock. The late night Prog Karaoke was underway in the Atrium. People should be told that they cannot sing, but when you turn up with your own Rickenbacker bass and insist on murdering – Rush – ah well.
There was a quick breakfast before going ashore. Two chaps were standing at the Buffet having a chat, Peter Nickolls (IQ) and Nick Barrett (Pendragon). The Hector captured the moment.
Before music comes lunch, more Curry! Congratulations to all for getting this far. 
The Hector has written oft of his disdain for those who order Prawn Curry. A waste of good Prawns, a waste of money. When they are presented in a near limitless scenario, and I include a further sample photo from another section, what is the fuss? Why charge extra? Anyway, I did not abuse the sacred Prawn.
Daal Palak
Marg spotted that her all time Prog hero: Clive Nolan, keyboard player for Pendragon, also composer for Arena, was at the adjacent table on the poop deck. Not for the first time, their photo together.
Big Big Train, the green badge show in the Stardust Theatre at 14.15. A British band, but like Trigger’s broom, so many changes in personnel, are they the same band? Gregory Spawton on bass, to the best of my understanding, is the only surviving founding member. The multi-talented vocalist and musician, Alberto Bravin (Italia) first appeared in these pages back in 2018 when Steve and Hector went to 
Marg and Hector saw Big Big Train with this line-up in Edinburgh thereafter. Nick D’Virgilio of Spock’s Beard fame has also found his way into the band. Then add Rikard Sj
Again, great seats. Indigo (Pure) may well be Pendragon’s most accomplished song, part of this was the warm up, then they soon launched the set. With Clive Nolan on keyboards, hidden under his cap, not a great photo opperchancity. 
This Green and Pleasant Land was followed by 360
The highly recognisable Paintbox was followed by the uptempo Stargazing, then Water. How fitting as we sailed away from the Dominican Republic. 
In conversation with a chap later, he expressed his opinion that Pendragon had gotten their opening set wrong, too much noodling. The reality, Nick Barrett performs every song as he wrote it then recorded it in the studio. Extended improvisations are not his style.
Gazpacho were due on the Pool Stage at 19.15. A name I have been aware of for many years but had not taken the plunge. Their latest album – Fireworker – whose title track opened the set, was duly purchased and will be waiting at Hector’s House on our return. Jan-Henrik Ohme’s vocals are clear, distinctive, almost Shatneresque in delivery. When it was his time to deliver, he commanded the stage. 
Lots of space in the music and between the vocal lines. Once again, this is how the Hector likes his prog. Marg too was captivated. Jon-Arne Vilbo on lead guitar was ably accompanied by Mikael Kr
Jan-Henrik described the difficulty in choosing a selection of their songs to fit into an hour. Their albums are all concept in nature, to be listened to in their entirety, alpha to omega. Indeed, that which separates those of us who purchase albums as opposed to listening to radio play. 
Steven Wilson’s backing band featuring: Nick Beggs (bass) once of Kajagoogoo, Craig Blundell (drums) and Adam Holzmann (keyboards) reportedly started jamming together during SW rehearsals. The result was a three way collaboration by t-Internet and the release of CDs under the name – Trifecta. They had never performed their material live until tonight at the Spinnaker. 
Nick announced that tonight there was a fourth member – Brenda – a computer, AI on stage. Sounding somewhat like Marvin from Hitch-hikers Guide To The Galaxy, there was a series of derogatory introductions and comments between songs. 
The Aristocrats, instrumental, actually mental in parts, with the animal noises thrown in. Tonight was about ducks. Fortunately having bought their recent opus – Duck – I was in on the joke. 
With the comfort of the theatre seats, an enjoyable set, but elsewhere on the ship, maybe not. 
Today’s highlights would be a repeat of two days ago, IQ and Riverside, the latter not guaranteed. As we left the Garden Cafe at the end of breakfast, so Michal Lapaj, keyboard player of Riverside, was sitting chatting. I asked if he had a magic stick that would guarantee my access to the Stardust Theatre – orange show. Nope. Marg was not happy with me asking, but Steve Hackett did apologise from the stage that he had commandeered some of the extra places for his chosen few. So, it was possible.
IQ, the Stardust Theatre at high noon. With great seats mid-auditorium, all was set. By now I had worked out that if my indoor SLR photos were all out of focus, it was time to try manual focusing. Modest results but at least something to post. 
Frequency (again), Shallow Bay, Far From Here, Closer, Leap Of Faith, The Road Of Bones, Headlong. Having played nothing from my favourite IQ album – Ever – at 
The Daal was the gentle Curry this afternoon. The Mushroom Masala was the business. Look at the modest portions, I may be eating three times a day, but am certainly not pigging out. I’m still surprised to be eating at all. 
The word on the blurb was that if one went to the restaurant adjacent to the Stardust Theatre one hour before a gig of the opposite colour, wristbands would be issued on a first come, first served basis. Time to join the queue. This was well organised. A lady came past and told us all to remain where we were. Another lady arrived with numbered wristbands, sixty of them, Marg and I were 30 and 31. We were then told to go away and come back just before the start of the gig. Perfect, there was ice-cream to be had.
Trifecta were on at the Pool Stage. At least today we could see them. We didn’t hang about.
The same set as two days ago, this time with a bit more enthusiasm. Yet, Mariusz had to announce before the final song – The Curtain Falls – that after this, they would be taking a break. 
Whenever, wherever, they return, the Hector will be there. So far I have seen them in 
Later, in conversation with someone known to Graham, he reckoned that time could be called on the band. There has been a fall out. Piotr Grudzinski (drums) owns the name Riverside, despite the music being predominantly written by Mariusz. So it goes. There’s always Lunatic Soul. 
I have been enjoying the former’s Charcoal Grace album, the title track being a mere twenty four minutes. This 
Sapien, another track from Fireworker, plus three more more from Tick Tock made up four of the seven songs performed. The more intimate setting may have suited the band, but we were all in agreement, the Spinnaker was the poorest venue. 
Robert Fripp
We had to cut our visit short, Robert Fripp (King Crimson, UK) & David Singleton, were due on stage in the Stardust Theatre at 18.15. I had heard people say – they perform old stuff, i.e. from – Court Of The Crimson King. I was not prepared for what awaited. A screen mid stage was showing a film, out-takes from a South American King Crimson show in which Craig Blundell was one of three drummers. The front of the stage had two chairs set up for a Q&A. Was this it, the headline act on the ship?
Gobi Korma
Karmakanic (Sverige) had been brought to or attention, in essence a solo project by Jonas Reingold, of whom I reminded Marg yet again, that she had seen with The Flower Kings in Langbank many moons ago. Performing at the Atrium at 20.15, it was a case of find a gap by the time we got back down to Deck 7. 
One would think that that would be that for the night, but no, Saga were scheduled for midnight at the Stardust Theatre. Despite not being a colour coded show, we took our usual seats in the balcony then moved two left to where the French couple normally sit. 
For those who worship the sun, or like beaches and swimming, Great Stirrup Cay might be interesting. Otherwise, there is nothing there. We knew we had to be back on board in time for Pendragon at 15.00. Instead, having been ashore for less than one hour, we joined the queue to get back in time for Pure Reason Revolution’s noon show, again at the Pool Stage.
With no seats front of stage, we returned to our Saga vantage point on Deck 8. Another varied and interesting set, this young band have talent. 
Unfortunately, the heat got to the laptop, the keyboards crashed. A block of ice was part of the cure. The hiatus did mean dropping two songs. Should they come to Glasgow, we shall attend, sporting Cruise To The Edge t-shirts, of course.
Carrots, Peas and Sweetcorn, no Spice had been harmed in their creation. The Bhaji concept had been borrowed. 
From the opening chord, I whispered in Marg’s ear – If I were the wind, and you were the rain. It had to be, what else could open this set? 
Glasgow
Being the last day, there was the sense of a bit more time available, a story or two. Nick told of a previous cruise with the ship rolling. Steve Howe’s (Yes) pedal steel guitar entered and exited stage right of its own free will. Nick reckoned that Steve could have played it without moving his hand. 
All those present must have loved this show, the intimacy, the sound was perfect. With the girls on backing vocals, King of the Castle was given its true studio reproduction. There is another Pendragon Weekend later this year, alas Marg and Hector have other commitments. Next year.
Thereafter we took in a bit more of 
The scheduled big ending was nigh, Steve Hackett at the Stardust Theatre, the green show at 18.30. Changing decks, I encountered Randy McStine mid photo-shoot. Well, why not?
Four songs from Steve Hackett’s solo albums kicked things off: People of the Smoke, Circo Inferno, The Devil’s Cathedral then the end section of Shadow of the Hierophant, the Genesis track that never was. Then we were down to business. 
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Fly on a Windshield, Cuckoo Cocoon, Carpet Crawlers, The Chamber of 32 Doors, Lilywhite Lilith, It, then the grand ending: Firth of Fifth, and Los Endos. 
I had never seen Fly on a Windshield performed live before, an emotional moment. Thankfully it segued into Broadway Melody of 1974 else there would have been shouting from row two of the balcony.
It – IMHO is the worst possible ending to any double album. It sounds as though Genesis had simply run out of ideas. Side four of – Lamb – has a lot of noise on it. An album that peters out. The jazzy bit that is now part of Los Endos, I can do without. And just in case nobody had seen enough of Craig Blundell, he was permitted a drum solo. Marg will know him next time. 
Tonight, no Curry, instead we went to the Grand Pacific dining room on Deck 6. Table cloths, a la carte, waiters, a bottle of wine even, but they didn’t have my first choice of red. We both had the Fish. Red wine with Fish, well if one dines in shorts and a Pendragon t-shirt, who cares? 
Moon Safari, the tallest chaps on the ship, entertaining, musical, but I’ll need to give them another listen before deciding to invest. Their set certainly had its moments. Was gig fatigue setting in? At the end of their set, all five stood and sang a cappella. 
We had missed a thunderstorm. Having avoided the gangway after Moon Safari and taken the lift back to Deck 7, we had failed to note that the Pool Stage had been abandoned. Instead of the usual late night karaoke-stye bands setting up, the multinational TEMIC were setting up in the Atrium.
TEMIC a byproduct, partially, of Mike Portnoy’s (Dream Theater, Transatlantic) touring band: Eric Gillette, guitar (Neal Morse Band), Diego Tejeida (Haken) on keyboards. 
It was Bier o’clock and the music had come to us. Bier with Graham was taking priority, and so TEMIC were not given the full attention they surely deserved. There was enough seen and heard to accept that this is another band worthy of investigation.